Fans of the iconic BBC mystery series ‘Jonathan Creek’ have waited almost a decade for another slice of twisty, magical mayhem. Now, thanks to the fine folk at Idiot Box Books, that wait might finally be over. The publisher has launched a brand new Kickstarter for ‘Jonathan Creek: The Fantom of the Acropolis’, a script book written by the man behind the macabre mischief himself, David Renwick.
This is not a reboot, not a retread and not a dusty leftover relic from the archives. It is a brand new Jonathan Creek adventure set ten years after the events of ‘Daemons’ Roost’, picking up with our favourite puzzle obsessed consultant and reuniting him with the legendary Maddy Magellan.
And yes, it is official. And yes, Renwick wrote it. And yes, Creek is finally back.
A Final Howdunnit From David Renwick
For anyone who grew up inhaling the show’s impossible locked rooms, theatrical trickery and sly humour, ‘Jonathan Creek’ was a one-of-a-kind creation. Created and written by BAFTA winner David Renwick, it made a star of Alan Davies and introduced an unforgettable partnership with Caroline Quentin, along with later co-stars Julia Sawalha, Sheridan Smith and Sarah Alexander. Thirty-two episodes later, the series closed its doors in 2016, and Renwick retired from television.
But the itch never quite went away.
A couple of years ago, Renwick began tinkering with the idea of a stage incarnation of ‘Jonathan Creek’. The result is The Fantom of the Acropolis, a full theatrical script complete with magic, misdirection and the sort of baffling, brain-twisting puzzle boxes only Renwick can build.
The new story brings Creek back to the world of showbiz illusions as he consults once again for Adam Klaus, while crossing paths with Czech performer Jana Kablitsky and an unsettling presence haunting London’s Acropolis Theatre. Snow drifts, impossible assassinations and strange figures prowling backstage are only the warm up.
Most importantly, Maddy Magellan is back from America and teaming with Jonathan once more, promising the delicious clash of intellects and banter fans have missed.
Straight From The Creator
The Kickstarter page includes a heartfelt note from Renwick himself, reflecting on his long-standing desire to revisit Jonathan and Maddy, and the logistical hurdles that come with live stage illusions. With a West End run still a possibility for the future, this script book delivers Creek’s final chapter for fans right now.
“I hope you enjoy this final chapter (at least for now…) of Jonathan Creek”, Renwick writes. And honestly, who is saying no to that?
Why Kickstarter?
The manuscript is finished and ready. Idiot Box Books simply needs support to push it to print. Their previous campaign for Goodnight Sweetheart: Many Happy Returns smashed its goals and is already deep into development. The Fantom of the Acropolis follows the same model. Backers will help bring the book to life, receive exclusive editions and be part of an unusual slice of British TV history.
The aim is to have books in readers’ hands by Spring 2026, with updates throughout the production process.
Support Creek’s Return
If you have ever yelled “How did he do it?” at your television, if you fondly remember the windmill house, if you still grin at the phrase “lateral thinking”, or if you simply want to help bring a brand new Jonathan Creek mystery into the world, this is your moment.
Back the Kickstarter. Support independent publishing. And get a brand new case for Britain’s most reluctant sleuth.
Back the project here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idiotboxbooks/jonathan-creek-the-fantom-of-the-acropolis
This is a truly rare chance to hold the next Jonathan Creek mystery in your hands. Once it is gone, it is gone, so get pledging and help Idiot Box Books make this theatrical adventure a reality.
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