Inspector Morse brought to the stage for the first time

ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as ‘The greatest British crime series of all time’, is coming to theatres nationwide in this original story written for the stage. 

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever major stage adaptation of the iconic detective and will star Tom Chambers, best known for playing Inspector Edgar Sullivan in Father Brown and for winning series six of Strictly Come Dancing. His theatrical credits include Murder in the Dark (Touring); Elf (Dominion Theatre); Dial M For Murder (Tour); and Crazy For You (UK Tour). His TV credits include Father Brown, The Great Train Robbery, Midsomer Murders, Casualty, Emmerdale, Holby City and Waterloo Road.

The production opens in Birmingham on Thursday 28th August ahead of a major UK tour.

Joining Chambers in the iconic role of Morse is actor and rapper Tachia Newall (Waterloo Road, Coronation Street, Doctor Who) as loyal Detective Sergeant Lewis, bringing a fresh dynamic to the detective duo.

Also announced is Teresa Banham (Netflix’s The Crown) as Ellen, James Gladdon (The Score, Theatre Royal Haymarket & Theatre Royal Bath; A View From the Bridge) as Freddy and Spin Glancy (Forty Years On, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Justin.

Director, Anthony Banks said: “I’m very excited to start working with this fantastic cast who will bring these much-loved characters to life and make them their own. Alma Cullen’s original Morse story contains a play-within-a-play - an inspired concept for a murder mystery which reveals the similarities between playing a part when acting and covering-up a crime!”

UK Tour dates

What’s the story?

A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on a gripping investigation. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary inspector, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, 25 years earlier.

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is written for the stage by Alma Cullen who penned a number of episodes for the ITV crime drama series.

Based on the novels by Colin Dexter, the hit series Inspector Morse starred John Thaw as the erudite Inspector, famed for his love of opera, crosswords and a fine real ale. Alongside his trusted Sergeant, DS Lewis, played by Kevin Whately, the pair captivated audiences for 13 years and a total of 33 episodes with the programme’s trademark mysteries, intelligent plots and memorable characters.

The series became a classic of British television, earning numerous accolades and a devoted fan base and Dexter’s characters now continue with House of Ghosts marking the latest chapter in the iconic detective’s career.