Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 28th February 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Morse is one of those iconic figures of the UK small screen, immortalized (of course) by John Thaw – a hard act to follow! So, how do Tom Chambers and co. do…?
The story begins with a victim collapsing on stage during a performance of Hamlet. Morse immediately takes charge and secures the crime scene. It then transpires that many of the touring company have a shared history with Morse, or each other, which holds intrigue and throws many suspects into the frame as well as red herrings…
Although I’m not an aficionado of Morse, I understand that this was a faithful adaptation (in as much as any actor following another of such stature and fame can muster). Very much playing to the tropes from the original series – the sullen character, lots of time in the pub, the crosswords, the love of classical music (though I think this could have been made more of in this stage adaptation).
Being that Tom Chambers is (arguably) a fair bit fitter, dare I say more attractive, than Thaw this was more of a younger adaptation than we are used to – at least re the original series, rather than Endeavor. Chambers did an admirable job in portraying the titular character and while not making me forget the original entirely (how could he?) he certainly carried me along very willingly. Tachia Newall, playing Lewis, was also fantastic. I loved his rapport with Morse, which was very convincing and they made a sympathetic duo. Plus, his trying to engineer a romantic evening with his wife provided some genuine laugh out load moments.
Rounding out the cast was Spin Glancy (as Justin) whose Shakespeare was good but his angst throughout was extra-special; Teresa Banham (Ellen) Morse’s love interest; James Gladdon (Freddy) as Geordie beefcake with perceptive depth; Olivia Onyehara (Harriet) the producer’s long suffering wife and Elize Teale (Rebecca) whose appearance was short but critical. A sensational cast who propelled the story along with gusto.
But, for me, the show stealers were Charlotte Randle playing Verity – who was truly wonderful throughout but whose drunk scene was one of the highlights of the evening. And Jason Done playing dual (and very different) roles showing impressive enormous range! Lawrence (the director) was rather odious and yet refreshingly endearing and Paul (the priest) who was a rather sad character – I loved both.
The set (from Set Designer Colin Richmond) was both inventive (in its use of economy and space to convey multiple settings) and grand enough to provide a cinematic spectacle (especially in the theatre scenes).
There was plenty to enjoy for history buffs (or those of us who were unlucky enough to be there), as the historical setting (1987) provided rich pickings to giggle at – such as some lush references to computer work, mobile phones etc. So, thought provoking social commentary as well as an entertaining play.
And it was – very entertaining! A worthy whodunnit to join the long cannon with a twist that this experienced viewer of the genre did not see coming. An extremely satisfying night’s entertainment all around and one that I cannot recommend highly enough. A well deserved top marks.