Today, AMC Networks’ Acorn TV and Channel 5 have announced the commission of brand-new murder mystery drama series, Murder Before Evensong (6×60′), based on the first novel in the Sunday Times best-selling series by British author the Reverend Richard Coles.
British actor Matthew Lewis, best known as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, will star as Canon Daniel Clement, who shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother – opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey – and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.
When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village. And then Anthony Bowness – cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton – is found dead at the back of the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs.
As the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together… and catch a killer.
The series will be adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach (Lewis, DCI Banks, Midsomer Murders) and directed by David Moore (Fool Me Once, Outlander, Shetland, Marple).
Executive Producers will be the Reverend Richard Coles and Radford Neville for The Lighthouse, Catherine Mackin and Don Klees for Acorn TV/Acorn Media Enterprises, and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5.
Further casting announcements will be made at a later date.
The Reverend Richard Coles, Author of Murder Before Evensong and Executive Producer shared: “I am beyond excited that Canon Clement and his flock are to be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse and I’m already planning my cameo appearance. Look out for a sinister archdeacon on a sit up and beg bicycle!”
Matthew Lewis added: “I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and diving into the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles. I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written. It’s an honour to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike.”
From Radford Neville, Executive Producer and Director of The Lighthouse: “We can’t wait to bring Richard’s fabulous world of vicars, miniature dachshunds and bloody murder to audiences around the globe in this complex and gripping mystery.”
Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV) said: “Richard’s brilliantly layered storytelling offering surprise and delight around every corner is the exact crime-focused fare Acorn TV’s intellectually curious audience craves. Matthew’s embodiment of Canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation that we can’t wait to see. We’re delighted to work alongside Richard, Nick, David, Matthew, as well as our partners at The Lighthouse and Channel 5, to bring this highly praised bestseller to the small screen.”
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 commented: “We cannot wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, blending intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character. Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life.”
The series will begin filming in 2025 in the West Midlands with support from the West Midlands Production Fund and is due to air later in the year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 in the UK. Acorn TV maintains worldwide rights to Murder Before Evensong outside of the UK with AMC Networks handling global content sales.
