Who is Michael Falconer? Musical maestro Michael Falconer is using the local Thassingham Festival to debut his Ninth Symphony – a particularly dangerous moment for composers, as many have died at this point in their careers (leading to the so-called "Curse of the Ninth"). Michael has ruffled many feathers, turning the community musical festival into something a lot more elite. He is self-centred and a bit of a bully to members of his orchestra, including his violin-playing son Dan.

Where do I recognise James Fleet from? The actor is best-known for his role as the bumbling Tom in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and as the kindly but dim-witted Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. Recently he has appeared as Sir Victor Eisen in Benedict Cumberbatch series Patrick Melrose, and in Outlander as Reverend Wakefield.

Simon Callow plays Vernon De Harthog

Who is Vernon De Harthog? Professional viola player Vernon De Harthog is a malcontent in Michael Falconer's orchestra who clashes with his maestro and has a tendency to mouth off. He is the lover of Thassingham Arms landlady Audrey Glenhill.

Where do I recognise Simon Callow from? Like his Midsomer Murders co-star James Fleet, Simon Callow has appeared in Outlander - playing the Duke of Sandringham. A long and accomplished screen career includes recent credits including The Rebel, Victoria & Abdul (as Puccini) and Doctor Who (as Charles Dickens). He is also an established theatre actor.

Joseph Prowen plays Dan Falconer

Who is Dan Falconer? As the son of revered musical genius Michael Falconer, Dan has a lot to live up to – but no matter how hard he tries, he can never earn his father's admiration. He would love to be First Violin in the orchestra.

Where do I recognise Joseph Prowen from? The actor has made brief appearances in Decline and Fall, And Then There Were None, and Casualty. In real life he is a talented musician who can play banjo and violin.

Flora Spenser-Longhurt plays Natalie Wheeler

Who is Natalie Wheeler? The sister of the victim, Jacob Wheeler – and a fellow violinist in the orchestra.

Where do I recognise Flora Spenser-Longhurt from? The actress starred in TV series The Bastard Executioner, and also appeared as Emily Belcombe in Unforgiven. She played the role of Lisa/Tomaso in the CBBC series Leonardo.

Caroline Langrishe plays Janey Rafferty

Who is Janey Rafferty? Michael Falconer's sister Janey founded the Rafferty Distillery with her husband, Hamish. She is involved with the festival and her daughter Candice is one of the violinists in Michael's orchestra.

Where do I recognise Caroline Langrishe from? If you are a dedicated Midsomer Murders viewer, you may remember Caroline Langrishe as Susan Fincher from the 2010 episode Blood on the Saddle. Her other credits include Death in Paradise, Hollyoaks, The Case, Doctors, Casualty, and Judge John Deed.

Robert Daws plays Hamish Rafferty

Who is Hamish Rafferty? Janey's husband. Together they co-founded the Rafferty Distillery.

Where do I recognise Robert Daws from? The actor played Shank in the TV series Sick Note, and Dr Choake in the first series of Poldark. He was also Tuppy Glossop in Jeeves and Wooster.