A comedy musical written by James Cary (Miranda, Bluestone 42) and James Sherwood (The News Quiz, The Now Show) about Thomas Becket – twelfth-century England’s biggest name, and top celebrity murder victim. With story and jokes by Cary, and songs and more jokes by Sherwood. With musical styles from choral to hip-hop. With characters from kings to peasants. You’ll laugh like it’s a sitcom, be transported like it’s a musical (cos it is), and be gripped by one of the Middle Ages’ best historical tales. Think Blackadder with songs, or Horrible Histories but for grown-ups.

The first public performance of Death in Canterbury’s full and extensive songbook will take place in the City of London on 13th and 14th January at 7.30pm. Tickets for these two performances will go on sale to the public on Monday 8^th December.

BUT! You can secure your ticket now by backing the show. As well as tickets for a cracking night out (on the date of your choice), backers will gain bonuses and goodies, and the warm glow that comes with being a patron of the arts. And you'll have proof you were there at the start when the show wins a Tony for 'Best Bishop Murder' (beating off firm competition from Rev Richard Coles' 'Slaughter at the Lambeth Conference').

As well as funding these two initial concert performances, your backing will also fund the show’s future development. Our next step after the January concerts will be to mount a public rehearsed reading of the whole script, including the songs. This will require a full schedule of rehearsals and workshops, involving a director, musical director, and full cast – all of which requires a significant financial outlay. Your support will make this possible.

Please consider backing the campaign!

Our ultimate aim is for a full theatrical production. The January concerts will be opened up to people from the musical theatre industry, in the hope of attracting interest and investment towards the show’s future. The concerts will also be audio captured for our backers to enjoy – and to help us attract partners for the show’s development.

If you’re not able to come in person in London, that’s okay! You can still support the show, and gain for yourself a medieval rank in the process! Become a Sexton or an Acolyte and receive the audio recording of the show afterwards. Or you could back the show as a Canon or Knight give the tickets to someone who lives in London who could attend. (It's certainly an original Christmas present!)

The bonuses and benefits in addition to tickets and priority seating include:

• A programme for the night - both digital and physical.
• Short ‘Behind the Scenes’ video of rehearsals
• Exclusive access to a documentary, 'The life and times of Thomas Becket' produced and presented by James Cary.
• Exclusive access to a video about the history of Death in Canterbury with James Cary and James Sherwood.
• Celebrate St Thomas Day on 29th December with a Zoom chat/thank you with creators, James and James.
• Limited edition print of show artwork

You can buy office from lowly Sexton to premier Pope. The practice of selling church offices, known as simony, has been formally frowned upon since the 13th century. But this story only goes up to 1170, so I think we're fine.

(Those who wish to buy a real peerage should discreetly contact their local MP).

James Cary

James Cary (book) is a BBC comedy writer with 25 years of experience. Having been nominated for Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe for Infinite Number of Monkeys, his first sitcom, Think the Unthinkable, for BBC Radio 4 won a Silver Sony Award. Since then, he has worked on Miranda, Thanks A Lot Milton Jones, My Hero, Death in Paradise and co-created Bluestone 42 for BBC Three. He first collaborated with James Sherwood on a touring stage show, A Monks Tale, in 2017 as well as developing another show with James and Richard Hurst called Great Scott! Rather implausibly, James is also a member of The General Synod of the Church of England, representing the funniest diocese (Bath and Wells) and has been a member of the Archbishops’ Council from 2019-2025.

James Sherwood

James Sherwood (music and lyrics) is a stand-up comedian and choral singer. He performed a new one-hour one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe six years running 2006-2011. He won a BBC New Comedy Award in 2005. He created, wrote for, and wrote and sang the theme tune for the BBC Radio 4 topical panel show I guess that's why they call it the news. He also contributed jokes to many series of the News Quiz, and to a Sony Award-winning series of The Now Show. In recent years, in addition to his responsibilities on the UK comedy club scene, and the London choral racket, he has started writing musicals. He is a member of the BOOK Music & Lyrics (BML) Advanced Group, and of Mercury Musical Developments.