ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

BBC Crime Drama 'Old Town Murders' Stars Welsh Actors Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri

publication · 2026-04-03

A new six-part BBC crime drama titled 'Old Town Murders' has begun production, featuring Welsh actors Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri in lead roles. The series follows detectives DI Glyn Walsh, portrayed by Jones, and DS Sion Dearden, played by Rhodri, as they investigate murders in the coastal town of Tenby. Created and written by Matthew Barry, known for 'Men Up' and 'The Guest', the show explores themes of friendship, purpose, and new beginnings later in life. The narrative begins with the detectives reuniting unexpectedly to solve the killing of a university professor, leading them into the hidden aspects of local academia. Subsequent episodes involve additional mysterious deaths, including a head teacher's poisoning during wild swimming and a triathlon case of mistaken identity. The cast also includes Julie Graham, Catherine Ayers, James Bamford, and Bethan Mary-James. Filming is currently underway in Tenby, Cardiff, and along the south Wales coastline. Barry described the series as focusing on reinvention and the bravery to start anew. This production is part of the BBC's initiative to present authentic Welsh stories and enhance regional representation across the UK. The drama will be available on BBC One and iPlayer upon completion.

Key facts

  • Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri star as detectives in the BBC crime series 'Old Town Murders'
  • The six-part fictional drama is set in the seaside town of Tenby
  • Matthew Barry created and wrote the series, which also features Julie Graham, Catherine Ayers, James Bamford, and Bethan Mary-James
  • Production has started in Tenby, Cardiff, and the south Wales coast
  • The show explores themes of friendship and finding new purpose later in life
  • The first case involves the murder of a university professor, with subsequent episodes covering other mysterious deaths
  • The series is part of the BBC's effort to increase authentic Welsh storytelling
  • It will air on BBC One and iPlayer

Entities

Artists

  • Mark Lewis Jones
  • Steffan Rhodri
  • Matthew Barry
  • Julie Graham
  • Catherine Ayers
  • James Bamford
  • Bethan Mary-James

Institutions

  • BBC
  • BBC One
  • iPlayer

Locations

  • Tenby
  • Cardiff
  • Wales
  • UK

Sources