The 6 x 60 series will shoot in West Midlands locations

Channel 5 and AMC Networks’ Acorn TV are gearing up for production on their upcoming crime drama, Murder Before Evensong, based on Reverend Richard Coles’ best-selling novel.

Produced by The Lighthouse Film and Television, production will kick off next week (w/c 20 January), with filming taking place over 13 weeks in the West Midlands.

Director David Moore is at the helm, calling the shots from a script penned by Nick Hicks-Beach. The project is supported by the West Midlands Production Fund.

Paul Ashton, head of film & TV, Creative UK, stated: “The West Midlands Production Fund is delighted to be supporting the show at such an important moment for the region’s profile as a home for high-end TV – with what we hope will be an instant hit with audiences.”

At the time of the commissioning announcement, Radford Neville, executive producer and director of The Lighthouse, said of the series: “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.”

Coles, who also is an executive producer, enthused: “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!”

On 14 January, Coles took to his X account (left) to share an exciting development that the table read was officially underway.

Matthew Lewis, known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, plays Canon Daniel Clement, who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation within his parish. 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.”

Channel 5 and Acorn TV have previously collaborated on projects, including the detective drama Dalgliesh.  

Since November, Production Intelligence subscribers have had access to further details about the series, including the prep and shoot dates and contact points. To request free walkaround of the site, click here.