Old Town Murders: BBC’s Witty, Twisty Welsh Crime Thriller Brings an Unlikely Detective Duo to Tenby’s Picturesque Shores
Crime drama enthusiasts have a fresh reason to get excited as the BBC prepares to deliver another standout addition to the genre. Old Town Murders, a six-part series commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer, promises a compelling blend of intricate mysteries, sharp humor, and heartfelt character drama set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Tenby in West Wales. With a cast led by two seasoned Welsh actors reuniting on screen and a Shetland star adding forensic expertise, the show is already generating buzz as the next addictive binge for fans of atmospheric, character-driven whodunits.
At its core, Old Town Murders is more than a standard police procedural. Created, written, and executive produced by Welsh-born talent Matthew Barry—known for his work on Men Up and The Guest—the series explores themes of friendship, reinvention, and finding purpose later in life. It centers on an unlikely yet deeply relatable detective partnership thrust together by circumstance, navigating personal hardships while untangling baffling crimes in a seemingly idyllic seaside community. Barry crafted the roles specifically with his leads in mind, drawing from their previous collaboration to infuse the story with authenticity and warmth.
The story kicks off when Detective Inspector Glyn Walsh, played by Mark Lewis Jones (Baby Reindeer, The Crown, Gangs of London), returns unexpectedly early from bereavement leave. Still grappling with loss, Walsh is paired with his old friend and colleague, Detective Sergeant Sion Dearden, portrayed by Steffan Rhodri (Steeltown Murders, Gavin & Stacey, Men Up). The two men, who have known each other for years, should perhaps be winding down their careers after enduring their share of personal struggles. Instead, they discover renewed energy and hope through their work together in the quiet coastal town.
Their first major case involves the perplexing murder of an esteemed university professor. The investigation plunges the duo into the hidden underbelly of the local academic world, revealing secrets, rivalries, and motives that stretch far beyond the surface of small-town life. Once that killer is brought to justice, the pace doesn’t let up. Subsequent episodes introduce a string of equally intriguing mysteries: the poisoning of a local head teacher who mysteriously drowns during a wild swimming session, and a bizarre case of mistaken identity unfolding amid the chaos of a triathlon event. Throughout it all, Walsh and Dearden must adapt to working—and even living—under the same roof, their longstanding friendship tested and strengthened by the demands of the job and their own emotional journeys.
This focus on character and second chances sets Old Town Murders apart from grittier, more procedural-heavy crime dramas. While the murders are inventive and twist-filled, the series balances suspense with humor and humanity. Barry describes it as a story about “friendship, reinvention, and the courage to begin again later in life.” The detectives’ personal hardships—bereavement, professional fatigue, and the quiet regrets that accumulate over decades—add layers of emotional depth, making their partnership feel genuine and earned. Viewers will likely root for these flawed, lovable characters as much as they’ll try to solve the puzzles alongside them.
The supporting cast brings additional talent and texture to the ensemble. Julie Graham, recognizable to many from her role in the long-running Scottish crime series Shetland as well as recent appearances in This City Is Ours and Time, joins as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas. Her expertise will prove crucial in unraveling the complex evidence left at each crime scene, adding a layer of scientific intrigue to the investigations. Other key roles include Catherine Ayers (The Guest, Missing You) as Chief Superintendent Melanie Morris, James Bamford (The Red King, Masters of the Air) as DC Neil Miller, Bethan Mary-James (The Guest, Death Valley) as DC Remy Jones, and further contributions from actors like those filling out the local community and university circles.
Production details underscore the series’ commitment to authenticity and Welsh representation. Filming has taken place in Tenby itself, along the south Wales coastline, and in Cardiff, capturing the region’s natural beauty—from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to the charming streets of the old town. Tenby, with its colorful harbor, medieval walls, and vibrant tourist appeal, provides the perfect contrast for dark secrets lurking beneath a picture-postcard facade. This visual richness enhances the atmospheric tension, much like the isolated islands of Shetland or the rolling hills of other British crime favorites.
Executive producers from Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios), Davina Earl and Nicola Shindler, have praised Barry’s writing for its relatable characters, trademark wit, and inventive crime stories. BBC executives echo this enthusiasm. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, highlighted the lovable central duo, while Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, called it a thrilling tale where “picture-perfect Wales meets murder mystery.” The project also enjoys support from Creative Wales, reflecting a broader push to showcase Welsh talent, landscapes, and stories on a national and international stage. Hannah Daniel contributes writing for one episode, with directors Andy Newbery and Rhys Carter helming the series.
Old Town Murders arrives at a time when British crime dramas continue to dominate viewing habits. Audiences craving the cozy-yet-clever vibes of Midsomer Murders, the character focus of Grantchester, or the regional flavor of Welsh predecessors like Hinterland will find much to enjoy here. Yet it carves its own niche by emphasizing later-life reinvention and male friendship in a genre often dominated by younger or more tormented protagonists. The “witty, twisty” label suggests plenty of red herrings, surprising revelations, and satisfying payoffs across the six 60-minute episodes.
Beyond the crimes, the series promises to delve into the fabric of a close-knit coastal community. Tenby’s residents—locals, academics, athletes, and visitors—become suspects, witnesses, and allies in ways that expose long-buried tensions. Themes of secrecy, loyalty, and the illusions of small-town tranquility add psychological depth. As Walsh and Dearden probe deeper, they confront not only external killers but also their own vulnerabilities, making the personal stakes as compelling as the professional ones.
For Welsh audiences, the series represents a significant milestone in homegrown drama. It builds on successful recent productions while spotlighting authentic voices and locations. International viewers will be drawn to the scenic beauty and universal appeal of its characters—flawed individuals seeking meaning through connection and purpose. The involvement of ITV Studios ensures potential global distribution, expanding the reach of these distinctly Welsh stories.
As filming continues and anticipation builds, Old Town Murders stands poised to become a standout in the BBC’s drama slate. No release date has been confirmed yet, but the combination of a talented creative team, a stellar cast, and an engaging premise suggests it will deliver exactly what fans crave: clever mysteries, emotional resonance, and that irresistible urge to watch “just one more episode.” In a television landscape crowded with crime thrillers, this charming Welsh offering differentiates itself through heart, humor, and humanity.
Whether you’re drawn to the stunning coastal visuals, the evolving detective partnership, or the promise of genuinely surprising twists, Old Town Murders looks set to captivate. It reminds us that even in later chapters, life—and justice—can offer fresh starts. For crime drama lovers everywhere, the quiet streets of Tenby are about to get a lot more interesting.
