A new detective drama series from the BBC and BritBox will see three of Britain’s most acclaimed crime writers unite as part of a mysterious society. Set in 1930s London, The Detective Club follows legendary crime writers, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton “as they hone their craft within the hallowed walls of a secret London location” explains a press release from the BBC Media Centre.
“After receiving an invitation that leads them to their first real murder case, our famous trio work together to solve a series of exciting mysteries.
“Their amateur sleuthing brings them into the path of D.I. Greenway, an out-of-his-depth young police detective whose determination to prove himself is both helped and hindered by our writers’ extraordinary instincts.”
Miles Jupe (Belgravia: The Next Chapter, Napoleon) will start as G.K. Chesterton, Bryony Hannah (Call the Midwife, Rivals) as Agatha Christie, Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey, The Syndicate) as Dorothy L. Sayers, with Viraj Juneja (Little English, Get Duked!) as D.I. Greenway in this new 10-part drama series created for television by Kit Lambert (Father Brown, Whistable Pearl), based on the original idea by author Simon Brett.
Miles Jupp says: “G.K. Chesterton was one of the great intellects and storytellers of his age. He’s an endlessly intriguing character – as well as a pleasingly eccentric one – and so I’m delighted to be joining The Detection Club. It really ought to be lots of fun.”
(L – R) Bryony Hannah as Agatha Christie, Miles Jupp as G.K. Chesterton and Cara Theobold as Dorothy L. Sayers. (Image: Jonathan Ford/BBC Studios)
Bryony Hannah says: “Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time; and yet I knew very little about the woman behind the pen. The Detection Club gives us a chance to meet Agatha in a whole new light. I’m so looking forward to exploring her wit, intellect and flaws with such a fab team.”
Cara Theobold says: “Dorothy L. Sayers was razor sharp, wonderfully funny and gloriously uncompromising, so the opportunity to bring her to life and inhabit her world is a real thrill. Playing such a pioneering writer, especially alongside Miles and Bryony, is pretty much a dream job.”
The Detection Club will be produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions and filming will take place across the West Midlands, as part of the network’s commitment to reinvest in new programming from the West Midlands. Further casting and transmission details will be announced in due course.
Kit Lambert, Writer and Executive Producer, explains: “The Detection Club asks, ‘What if the creators of our greatest fictional detectives had the chance to solve murders themselves?’ It is a celebration of three wonderful writers of crime fiction, inspired by their work, their lives, and their friendship. I’m thrilled that we have been able to bring together such an exceptional cast.”
Deborah Sathe, Executive Producer, says: “It was like the avengers had assembled when Miles Jupp, Bryony Hannah and Cara Theobold brought Kit’s brilliant script to life into our casting room. Neil Irvine (Executive Producer) and I were over the moon to find such brilliant stars to bring a world that has long since fascinated us and fans of crime writing to life. We cannot wait to broadcast this fabulous show to the audience.”
Jon Farrar, Chief Content Officer, Direct to Consumer, BBC Studios adds: “The Detection Club is the perfect gift for fans of this iconic crime writing trio whose stories are beloved by BritBox audiences. We know this will add an exciting new dimension to the mystery genre they helped establish, as they band together to solve thrilling new cases, led by the incredible Kit Lambert and this standout cast.”
