'The engine of any piece is the writing'

THE premiere stage adaptation of PD James's bestselling novel Death Comes to Pemberley, a tale of love, betrayal, and intrigue in Regency England, takes to the stage in the West Country next week It stars James Bye, Sean Rigby, Jamie-Rose Duke and Paul Jericho.

- JEFFREY DAVIES

Audiences are invited to step into the world of Pride and Prejudice like never before with a riveting new stage adaptation that combines Jane Austen's timeless romance with a gripping murder mystery imagined by master storyteller, the Queen of Crime, PD James.

Six years after Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's happy union, their idyllic life at Pemberley is shattered when Elizabeth's sister Lydia bursts in with shocking news that a man has been murdered in the woods. And that suspicion falls on her husband, the notorious George Wickham.

As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets emerge, tensions rise, and loyalties are tested, casting doubt on everyone's innocence.

From the acclaimed writing team behind the hit stage adaptations The Girl on the Train and The Da Vinci Code, Duncan Abell and Rachel Wagstaff, this production delivers all the romance, intrigue and drama you love, wrapped up in a suspenseful whodunnit.

Death Comes to Pemberley is set in Regency England. There can't be a more perfect setting for this Regency drama, which is based on the inspired sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, than Bath I suggested to Sean Rigby who plays Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Yes, absolutely gorgeous. There's something about performing in these beautiful cities which really helps you to get into the feeling of it; into the spirit of things. We're all really looking forward to being there and at Bath's beautiful Theatre Royal," Sean, who is best-known for his role as Detective Sergeant Jim Strange in top TV detective drama Endeavour, told me.

"I have never been to Bath myself but several members of the cast have multiple times, and everyone raves about the theatre and loves performing there, so I'm extremely excited to be acting there myself," the most friendly Preston-born actor, 35, added.

'A must-see theatrical event that will leave you breathless.' So what can West Country audiences expect of this world premiere production.