Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 4 October 2025
Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole
3***
“A nostalgic 1980’s Morse mystery, where theatre, academia, and hidden motives collide.”
Detective Inspector Morse brings a wave of British TV nostalgia, with a brand-new mystery set in 1987 – a time when computers were just starting to enter into the workplace, much to Morse’s quiet dismay.
Director Anthony Banks reunites with Tom Chambers, having previously worked together on ‘Dial M for Murder’, so Chambers is no stranger to the genre. His performance captures some of the quirks and mannerisms of Morse well. Thoughtful, slightly brooding and with just enough edge to keep things interesting and naturally, he still loves a crossword puzzle.
Of course, every Morse requires his Lewis, and Tachia Newall is an ideal sidekick. He’s future-thinking, far less cynical and provides many of the much-needed laughs in the show. He was my favourite character – warm, grounded and a great counterbalance to Morse’s more downbeat energy.
The play is an original story, not an adaptation of a Colin Dexter novel, unlike much of the TV series. It’s a play-within-a-play, with the plot centred around a travelling theatre company performing Hamlet in Oxford and the leading lady dies in the opening scene. The cast are, predictably, a bunch of eccentrics, each hiding secrets, motives, and in some cases, desires. It’s the ideal mix of suspects for Morse and Lewis to comb through.
Oxford is a fitting backdrop for the action, given Morse’s academic history. Among the ensemble are Lawrence (Robert Mountford), the egotistical director; Ellen (Tresea Banham), a local historian and potential love interest; and Verity (Charlotte Randle), an aging actress and old peer of Morse. Their tangled relationships and history add texture, though not all are fully explored. Alongside younger members of the cast, facing their own issues from substance abuse to unrequited love.
As a newly written piece by Alma Cullen, the audience uncovers clues alongside the detectives, which adds a layer of suspense. Whilst the mystery unfolds with a steady drip of revelations, the pacing occasionally falters – especially in the second act, where unfortunately, exposition begins to outweigh intrigue.
Overall, Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts offers a welcome return to one of British television’s most enduring detectives, but the stage adaptation doesn’t always match the quiet intensity of its source material.
The mystery is interesting, the performances decent and the nostalgia well-handled. Sadly, the production struggles at times to generate the kind of dramatic urgency that Morse’s best cases demand.
Fans of the character will find enough to enjoy, especially in Tom Chambers’ thoughtful portrayal, but newcomers may find the pace and emotional stakes a little too subdued. It’s a respectful tribute, but it doesn’t quite match the national treasure that is John Thaw.
Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts is visiting theatres across the UK in 2025 and you can purchase your tickets here