Review: – Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts – Theatre Royal Brighton 

The stage lights rise on a performance of Hamlet, and a young actress takes her final bow — literally. With this striking opening, Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts immediately asserts itself as a first-rate stage thriller, brimming with atmosphere, intelligence, and the same melancholy charm that made Colin Dexter’s beloved detective such an enduring figure in British culture. 

Adapted by Morse television writer Alma Cullen and superbly directed by Anthony Banks, the dramatic plot begins when the leading lady suddenly collapses on stage mid-performance. What seems at first like a tragic accident becomes the catalyst for a case full of buried secrets, betrayal, and long-suppressed guilt. As Morse and his loyal sergeant, Lewis, delve deeper, they uncover a web of connections that reaches back twenty-five years. 

Tom Chambers steps into the detective’s shoes with both authority and charm. His Morse is a man of contradictions — cynical yet romantic, weary but hungry for truth. Chambers pays homage to the original John Thaw character but also crafts a portrayal that feels very much of his own creation.  

Tachia Newall’s DS Lewis serves as a solid and empathetic counterpart. Their rapport is instantly believable — the easy banter, the mutual exasperation, and the underlying affection that long-time fans will instantly recognise.  

The supporting cast deliver uniformly strong performances. Charlotte Randle as Verity, a fading actress clinging to her memories, and Teresa Banham as Ellen, whose poise conceals deep emotional scars, both stand out. Having said that, all the characters are totally believable, their lives tinged by the play’s central motif of ghosts — not supernatural ones, but those conjured by regret and lost opportunity. 

Visually, House of Ghosts is a feast. The set shifts fluidly between the world of the theatre-within-a-theatre, a dingy Oxford police station, and Morse’s favoured pub. Clever lighting and subtle scenery help to create an eerie atmosphere.  The result is a production that feels both cinematic and deeply theatrical. 

There are loving nods for longtime devotees of the TV series, including the iconic theme music, and yet newcomers to the world of Morse will still find the drama engrossing, thanks to its crisp pacing, clear dialogue, and satisfyingly intricate plotting. By the final act, the threads of guilt, jealousy, and deception converge in a revelation that is as emotionally moving as it is dramatically satisfying.  

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts is an enjoyable evening of theatre. It’s a mystery that engages the intellect as much as the heart. Thoughtful, stylish, and beautifully performed, it’s a production worthy of the great detective’s name. A must-see for anyone who enjoys their drama with both brains and heart. 

****   Four Stars