The highly anticipated theatrical world premiere of Death Comes to Pemberley is set to debut at The Mill at Sonning on May 1, 2025, before embarking on a UK tour. Adapted from P.D. James’s best-selling novel, this adaptation promises a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and mystery.
Death Comes to Pemberley will run at The Mill at Sonning until June 28, 2025, followed by performances at various renowned venues across the UK, including Windsor Theatre Royal, Cardiff New Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal, Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Wycombe Swan, Brighton Theatre Royal, and Richmond Theatre.
The cast showcases an ensemble of talent led by James Bye as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Jamie-Rose Duke as Elizabeth Darcy. Joining them are Todd Boyce as Selwyn Hardcastle, Lin Blakley as Lady Catherine/Mrs. Bidwell, Sean Rigby as Colonel Fitzwilliam, Sam Woodhams as George Wickham/Will Bidwell, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan as Georgina Darcy, and David Osmond as Henry Alveston, among others. These accomplished actors bring a wealth of experience from various acclaimed television series and theatrical productions.
Directed by Joe Harmston—who has an impressive resume including over 100 productions worldwide—the adaptation team consists of Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, who have meticulously crafted this narrative to unfold six years after the events of Jane Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. The director’s previous works include the noted productions The Lover and The Collection at the Donmar Warehouse.
The story takes a thrilling turn as Darcy and Elizabeth's life at Pemberley is disrupted by a shocking murder. The tension elevates when Elizabeth’s sister Lydia arrives in distress with news of a death in the woods, casting suspicion on her husband, George Wickham. As the investigation ensues, hidden secrets begin to unravel, posing a significant threat to the stability of Pemberley.
The full casting details reveal a rich array of characters, including Todd Boyce (notable for his role in Coronation Street) joining the cast as Selwyn Hardcastle. Additional notable characters include Lin Blakley as Lady Catherine/Mrs. Bidwell and Louise Faulkner playing Joan, Mrs. Younge and Mrs. Pigott. The overall production benefits from a robust creative team, with Sean Cavanagh handling set design, Natalie Titchener responsible for costume and hair design, and Mike Robertson overseeing lighting design.
The tour commences post the run at The Mill at Sonning, with scheduled performances kicking off at Theatre Royal Windsor from July 22 to July 26, 2025. This will be followed by stops at Cardiff New Theatre from July 29 to August 2, Bath Theatre Royal from August 5 to August 9, Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from August 12 to August 16, and subsequent performances leading into Richmond Theatre from September 9 to 13, 2025.
Notably, this production marks The Mill at Sonning’s first national tour and stands as a significant collaboration with co-producers Studio RA. The venue, which operates as a dinner theatre, has earned multiple accolades, including the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production for Gypsy in 2023. It remains a cherished family-run theatre, co-managed by Sally Hughes and film producer Adam Rolston.
With the richness of the story and the depth of its characters, Death Comes to Pemberley offers audiences a remarkable opportunity to engage with classic literature revitalized through the lens of live performance. As the production prepares for its premiere, it promises not only to pay homage to P.D. James’s literary craft but also to captivate theatre-goers across the United Kingdom.
