nspector Morse: House of Ghosts

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Mar 2026

There’s always something intriguing about seeing a much-loved television character brought to the stage, particularly one as iconic as Inspector Morse. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the famous detective, and it arrived at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre with plenty of expectation from fans of the long-running series.

The story begins with a dramatic premise. When a young actress suddenly collapses and dies during a performance, right in front of a packed theatre audience, Detective Chief Inspector Morse is called in to investigate. What initially appears to be a suspicious death soon leads Morse and DS Lewis into a much deeper mystery, one that appears to connect with events from Morse’s own past twenty-five years earlier.

One aspect of the production that worked particularly well was the staging. The clever use of the set and props allowed the audience to move fluidly between moments in the story, almost like dipping in and out of different scenes as the investigation unfolded. It was a creative approach that helped keep the narrative moving and added some visual interest throughout the performance.

While the production certainly had moments of intrigue, the pacing felt somewhat uneven, and the overall atmosphere never quite built the level of tension I had hoped for. A good Morse story usually draws you in slowly before tightening the mystery around you, but here the drama occasionally felt a little flat.

Tom Chambers takes on the challenging role of Morse — and they are undeniably big shoes to fill after John Thaw’s unforgettable television portrayal. Chambers offers a more worn-down and vulnerable interpretation of the character. However, for me, it didn’t quite capture the quiet intensity and sharp presence that defined Morse for so many viewers.

One real standout of the production was Tachia Newall as DS Lewis. His performance brought a steady confidence to the stage and provided some welcome balance within the investigation. Whenever he appeared, the dynamic between the characters felt stronger and more engaging.

For devoted fans of the original series, Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts will still hold some appeal simply for the opportunity to see the famous detective brought to life on stage. The production may particularly resonate with audiences who grew up with the television series and have a strong affection for the character and his world.

However, for me, the production didn’t quite capture the atmosphere or tension that made the original stories so compelling. That said, it’s always interesting to see how beloved characters are reimagined for the theatre — even if this particular interpretation didn’t quite feel like classic Morse.

Thank you to Capital Theatres for my gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.