Britain’s crime double act

Television has a great history of crimefighting double acts – Starsky and Hutch, Bodie and Doyle, Holmes and Watson, John Steed and Emma Peel, Cagney and Lacey, Dalziel and Pascoe, Jon and Ponch, and Scott and Bailey, to name but a few.

To that esteemed list we can add Shakespeare and Hathaway. This sleuthing duo patrol the leafier parts of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway.

The partners against crime –

Lu Shakespeare (played by Jo

Joyner) and Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) – tackle the bad guys who are causing mayhem in rural Warwickshire.

The private detective team of Shakespeare and Hathaway investigate everything from extramarital affairs, celebrity stalkers, missing police informants, care-home saboteurs, rural rednecks and murderous magicians to embezzling accountants, abducted au pairs, blackmailers, fake compensation claimers, custody cases and professional hits.

Chatting to TV Guide, Benton and Joyner are sheltering from the freezing British winter in the theatre which houses the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford.

The pair display the same sparky chemistry that lights up the screen in Shakespeare And Hathaway.

Benton, 53, who has also had leading roles in Doctor Who, Waterloo Road, Early Doors, Murphy’s Law, Northern Lights and Barbara, explains what drew him to the role of Hathaway.

‘‘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.’’

Joyner chips in with an outline of her character, a former hairdresser.

‘‘Lu is quick witted, inquisitive, warm and friendly – people tend to open up to her and she’s ready for a new adventure. Becoming a private investigator is the perfect place to use her skills for the greater good.’’

Shakespeare And Hathaway has been a hit all over the world. Benton ponders why the show has reached such a global audience.

‘‘There are such a lot of dark detective dramas around at the moment that are full of blood and gore. Of course, they are brilliant dramas, but sometimes people want to enjoy something a bit gentler.

‘‘There is a lightness to Shakespeare And Hathaway that people love. There is a lot going on in each episode – there are laughs and emotional moments. The stories are also really good whodunits.’’

The other major character in Shakespeare And Hathaway is the Warwickshire landscape.

‘‘Part of the international appeal is the very Britishness of this area,’’ says Joyner.

‘‘It’s quintessentially British. If you want to know what Britain looks like, watch Shakespeare And Hathaway. Britain is gentle, like this show. That’s why it’s appreciated so much all over the

world.’’

New episodes of Shakespeare And Hathaway debut on Vibe every Tuesday at 1.05pm and 7.30pm.