Review: INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS, UK Tour

Johan Persson

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts arrives on stage with all the intrigue, intelligence and irresistible theatrical flair you would hope for from a story rooted in Oxford’s most enigmatic detective. This production is a confident, compelling and wonderfully atmospheric piece of theatre that never forgets to have fun along the way 

The premise is deliciously enticing. A young actress collapses and dies mid performance of Hamlet and, by chance, Chief Inspector Morse is in the audience. What begins as a suspected suicide quickly spirals into a layered murder mystery that pulls ghosts from twenty five years in the past and from Morse’s own heart. The result is a story that stands proudly on its own as a classic who dunnit while offering plenty of treats for long time fans 

Tom Chambers as Inspector Morse and Tachia Newall as Detective Sergeant Lewis are a genuinely magnetic pairing. Their energy ricochets between them in a way that feels lived in and effortless. Chambers captures Morse’s stubborn brilliance and sharp tongue but brings a softer, more open edge that is refreshing to watch. There is an emotional honesty here, especially when Morse is nudged by the shadows of old Oxford acquaintances. Newall is a delight. Grounded, ambitious, sharply intelligent and entirely relatable. Together they create a partnership that is both entertaining and deeply believable 

The supporting cast bring rich texture to the world of the play. Each performer delivers enough history and nuance to make you suspect them at some point, which is exactly what you want in a mystery like this.

But the unsung heroes of the evening are the creative team. Lizzie Powell’s lighting design and Beth Duke’s sound design are the invisible puppeteers guiding the audience’s heartbeat. There were genuine moments when this reviewer glanced over their shoulder because the ticking, tapping or whisper of sound felt so real. The integration of light and sound is skilfully woven, creating a layered sensory experience that shapes mood, tension and narrative. Director Anthony Banks makes clever, restrained and striking choices throughout, proving that simplicity can be incredibly immersive.

The final reveal may not be watertight but it is certainly gripping and absolutely satisfying. The journey is what matters and this production offers a thrilling one.

Morse aficionados will find plenty to enjoy, yet this play reaches far beyond the television legacy. For newcomers, it stands as an engaging, intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable evening at the theatre. A gripping mystery, a charismatic cast and a beautifully crafted world make Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts an unmissable night out.

***** Five Stars

Reviewed by Alanna Boden

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