The Halcyon’s Mark Benton and Mount Pleasant star Jo Joyner are to take centre stage in new detective drama Shakespeare & Hathaway – Private Investigators.
BBC 1’s latest daytime offering will see the pair form an unlikely partnership as they unearth the secrets behind the seemingly quiet lives of rural Warwickshire’s residents.
Benton plays hardened private investigator Frank Hathaway, while Joyner steps in as novice sidekick Lu Shakespeare.
Creators Paul Matthew Thompson and Jude Tindall have promised a “hotbed of mystery and intrigue,” when the 10-part series next year.
Benton said of his character: “As soon as I read the script I knew I wanted to play Frank Hathaway, he’s a chaotic and old-fashioned but lovable detective.
“Frank and Lu are a real odd couple but they quickly become the perfect duo in an action-packed, fun-filled drama. I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this role.”
Joyner described her contrasting character as “quick-witted, inquisitive, warm and friendly”.
“Becoming a private investigator looks to be the perfect place to use her skills for the greater good,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the fantastic Mark Benton and I think viewers are going to really enjoy watching the two characters rub along together.”
Shakespeare & Hathaway – Private Investigators: New daytime drama @BBCOne stars @dollyjoyner and @markbenton100: https://t.co/O919LVInx7 pic.twitter.com/VwqxyejI4l
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) September 8, 2017
BBC Studios’ head of BBC daytime drama Will Trotter said: “Shakespeare & Hathaway is a modern private eye crime drama set in iconic Stratford-upon-Avon and leafy Warwickshire playing upon Shakespearean themes with warm witty characters and compelling plot lines.
“Paul and Jude have done a fantastic job creating the show and I’m really looking forward to seeing the cast bringing it to life.”
Distributed by BBC Worldwide, directors include Piotr Szkopiak, Carolina Giammetta and Ian Barber.
