Matthew Lewis, the British actor best known for portraying Neville Longbottom in the hit Harry Potter film series, is set to take center stage once again as he stars in the upcoming murder mystery series, Murder Before Evensong. The show, based on the debut novel by Reverend Richard Coles, is being produced by Acorn TV and Channel 5.
Lewis will play the role of Canon Daniel Clement, who resides at the Champton rectory alongside his opinionated mother Audrey and their two dachshunds. The storyline kicks off when Canon Daniel proposes installing lavatory facilities within the church—a seemingly innocuous plan—only to inadvertently wedge himself and his parishioners deep within community division and treachery.
With the tranquility of village life shattered, the narrative takes a dark turn when Anthony Bowness, cousin to the local patron, is discovered dead at the back of the church, stabbed with secateurs. This shocking event sets the stage for intrigue as the police investigate, and Daniel must rally his community to not only find the killer but also to heal the rifts exposed by the tragedy.
The show will consist of six episodes, likely allowing for rich character development and complex storytelling. Paul Testar, the commissioning editor for Channel 5, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "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."
If the series follows the layers of mystery hinted at within the novel, viewers can expect twists and hidden secrets to emerge as the investigation deepens.
The adaptation is penned by Nick Hicks-Beach, famed for his work on Midsomer Murders and directed by David Moore, known for his contributions to Outlander and Shetland. With such experienced hands orchestrated behind the scenes, there is substantial anticipation surrounding the show’s production quality and narrative depth.
Reverend Richard Coles, the mind behind the novel, carries with him experience from both the literary and music worlds—as part of the pop duo, The Communards—in crafting mystery stories intertwined with reflections on community and secrets. Testar’s own insights about the adaptation highlight Coles’ skill: "Richard’s brilliant layered storytelling offers surprise and delight around every corner... Matthew’s embodiment of Canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation."
Filming for Murder Before Evensong will take place across the West Midlands, expected to commence in 2025. The series is set to air later next year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 within the UK, generating excitement for both audiences familiar with Lewis’s rise as a versatile actor and fans of cozy mysteries alike.
Matthew Lewis's transition from wizarding battles to crime-solving secular challenges marks yet another exciting chapter in his career. After shining as the courageous Neville Longbottom, who played pivotal roles against dark forces, fans are eager to witness his skills being stretched anew as he leads what promises to be both gritty and humorous storytelling.
Coles’ novel, which showcases his adeptness at weaving complex narratives potentially riddled with village scandals and murder, is anticipated to resonate with Acorn TV's viewership, which enjoys thoughtful plotting missing from typical crime dramas. The combination of Lewis’s charm and Canon Daniel’s predicament should make for riveting viewing.
If you're eager to immerse yourself back within Lewis's world, familiarizing with the tale of Murder Before Evensong might be the best place to start. It is one more superlative leap for the versatile actor, whose career continues to expand beyond Hogwarts.
