Twenty-five years ago, television audiences were gripped by the impressive detective skills of Inspector Morse.
And today his name lives on as theatre goers are enthralled by his antics in Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts, currently playing at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
John Thaw who played Morse sadly died in 2002 and so did the popular television series which also starred Kevin Whately as his sidekick Lewis.
Originally created by Colin Dexter, the theatre show has been written by Alma Cullen and rings true to the television programme.
Colin Richmond’s set sees the show open with a scene of Hamlet as the main character states the immortal line: “To sleep, perchance to dream, for in that sleep of death, what dreams may come.”
As she utters the words, she collapses on stage in a pool of blood, shocking the audience, until the main theatre lights are snapped back on and reality sets in.
The “actress” named Rebecca (Eliza Teale) is part of a theatre company produced by the insufferable Lawrence (Jason Done) and the play is turned upside down.
Luckily for them, Inspector Morse (Tom Chambers) is in the audience, and he steps onto stage to take command.
Set in 1987, several of the “actors” were students at Oxford, with Morse in the 1960s, which adds to the mystery of it all.
The set is switched between the theatre, the police station and the pub as Morse and his sidekick Lewis (Tachia Newall) try to solve the crime. As in the television series, there is real respect between the inspector and his detective.
Morse was a man of intellect who loved his opera and music but was renowned for being grumpy.
Chambers plays the role true to character and is equalled by Done who plays domineering and womanising director Lawrence with passion, energy and humour.
During the investigation, Morse comes across old flame Ellen (Teresa Banham), exposing the real “ghosts” in his personal life.
The cast is made up of Freddy (James Gladdon), Justin (Spin Glancy), Harriet (Olivia Onyehara), Verity (Charlotte Randle) and ensemble (Josh Katembela). Music in the background is from Barrington Pheloung who composed the music for the TV series.
The play has lots of twists and turns, just like Morse would have wanted, plus a human insight into how the detective went about his business.
It’s a puzzler with a good ending and one for admirers of the great detective.
Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts runs at the Theatre Royal Glasgow until 4th April, before moving to The Lowry in Manchester from 7th to 11th April and finishing off at Salisbury Playhouse from 14th to 18th April 2026. For more information and ticket availability, please visit: www.inspectormorseonstage.com and www.atgtickets.com.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs by Johan Perrson
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