INSPECTOR MORSE HOUSE OF GHOSTS Embarks On UK Tour

One of Britain’s most beloved television detectives trades the small screen for the theatrical spotlight. Tom Chambers is confirmed to be slipping into the shoes of the inimitable Inspector Morse. The brand-new play, INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS, is set to open on 28 August at Birmingham Repertory Theatre before embarking on a substantial tour across the UK. Audiences can look forward to a spine-tingling mystery, a fresh take on a much-admired detective, and plenty of that trademark Morse intrigue.

The timing couldn’t be better for fans of a good whodunnit. Detective stories continue to captivate audiences—on television, in novels, and increasingly on stage. With decades of loyal Inspector Morse enthusiasts, a successful spin-off legacy (LEWIS, ENDEAVOUR), and the timeless appeal of a well-crafted mystery, the stage adaptation arrives primed to offer something both familiar and delightfully new. So, whether you’re a life-long Morse devotee or simply enjoy clever detective drama, this production promises to deliver theatre excitement by the bucketload.

A New Chapter For Inspector Morse

The Inspector Morse franchise has always been synonymous with gripping storylines, impeccable character development, and quintessentially British settings—think Oxford’s dreaming spires, academic gowns fluttering in the breeze, and pints enjoyed in cosy pubs. This time, the action takes place in the world of theatre itself, with the suspicious on-stage death of a young actress kicking off the plot in INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS.

At the heart of it all is Tom Chambers, taking on the iconic role of Morse. Known for his own brand of suave stage and screen presence (and, of course, a glittering win on a certain Saturday-night dance programme), Tom Chambers is more than ready for the detective baton. Stepping into a role made famous by John Thaw is never easy, but Chambers is embracing the challenge wholeheartedly. He’s expressed his excitement at unpicking Morse’s personality, promising fans a glimpse into aspects of the character’s personal life that are usually kept close to his chest.

The fact that INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS is “the first-ever original stage adaptation” makes this production all the more intriguing. We’ve seen stage versions of popular whodunnits before—Agatha Christie’s works being prime examples—but never this particular detective, who has enthralled viewers since his television debut in the late 1980s. It seems that 2025 might just be the year of Morse on the boards, giving fans a chance to see their favourite detective treading the real-life boards for a change.

A Fitting Tribute To A TV Classic

When the Inspector Morse television series first aired, no one could have foreseen how it would become a staple of British crime drama. Over 13 years, it grew from a modest detective show to an institution, known for its high production values, complex cases, and the unforgettable chemistry between Morse (originally played by John Thaw) and DS Lewis (Kevin Whately). That legacy has since given rise to spin-offs LEWIS and ENDEAVOUR, each attracting its own following.

In the spirit of honouring that rich history, INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS enlists Alma Cullen—a writer who penned several episodes of the original series—to craft a brand-new script. Having an insider who understands Morse’s quirks, passions, and backstory suggests that the stage play will remain faithful to the essence of the character. The production is co-produced by Simon Friend Entertainment and Birmingham Repertory Theatre, a partnership that combines fresh energy with a well-respected theatrical powerhouse.

According to Tom Chambers himself, what makes Morse so beloved is his complexity. He’s not just a clever detective; he’s a man of hidden depths, love of opera, and an occasionally prickly demeanour. Fans will no doubt be keen to see how this intricate personality translates live on stage. The show’s director, Anthony Banks, is no stranger to tense drama, having helmed numerous psychological thrillers and adaptations. Between Banks’s expertise and Cullen’s insider knowledge, the production is poised to pay the perfect tribute to John Thaw’s legacy, while also carving out a unique space for Chambers’s interpretation.

Who’s Who Behind The Mystery

A successful theatre production requires more than just a talented lead. It’s a collaborative effort among directors, writers, actors, set designers, lighting technicians, and countless other specialists. INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS boasts a strong lineup:

• Alma Cullen (Writer): With several Inspector Morse TV scripts under her belt, Cullen brings an authentic Morseian sensibility.
• Anthony Banks (Director): Known for directing tense dramas and page-to-stage adaptations, Banks is set to create an atmospheric and suspenseful on-stage environment.
• Simon Friend (Co-Producer): Renowned for staging big hits (and emphasising that bringing “the nation’s favourite detective to the stage is a very rare proposition”), Friend is sure to infuse a sense of spectacle and polish into the production.
• Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Co-Producer): One of the most respected theatres in the UK, the Rep has nurtured and premiered numerous works that have gone on to national acclaim.

The synergy between these key players should make for a compelling evening of theatre. As often happens with detective stories, the devil is in the detail—everything from the set’s gloom to the moody lighting and well-timed sound effects can amplify the tension that’s so crucial to the whodunnit genre.

The Allure Of On-Stage Detective Drama

Detective stories have always held a special place in British culture. From the cosy mysteries of Agatha Christie to the gritty modern narratives of Broadchurch, we love trying to crack the case before the detective does. Putting these stories on stage adds a thrilling layer of immediacy: audiences can’t pause or rewind; they have to stay sharp and keep up with every nuance.

Critics often say that watching a detective play unfold live is akin to being part of the investigation. There’s an immersive element that television can’t always replicate, as viewers witness each clue and line of dialogue in real-time. For INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS, that sense of involvement could be heightened by the theatrical setting, which itself is the scene of the suspicious death. The audience effectively becomes voyeurs of the crime. We might even witness the tension behind the curtains, the hush of the backstage corridor, and the final moments before lights go up on the stage—where something sinister has clearly taken place.

Recent data from various theatre box offices also confirms the robust popularity of mysteries. Touring productions of THE MOUSETRAP continue to sell out in multiple cities, proving that the appetite for a classic whodunnit is as strong as ever. Now, the arrival of Morse in theatres offers a fresh alternative, bridging the gap between well-known television mysteries and new live experiences.

A Deeper Look Into Morse’s Personal Life

The original Inspector Morse series is remembered not just for its puzzles, but also for the complexity of Morse’s character. He was a lover of classical music, particularly opera, with a penchant for real ale and cryptic crosswords. His private life, however, often remained an enigma—viewers saw fleeting glances of regret, lost loves, and a certain loneliness that seemed to accompany his brilliance.

INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS promises to peel back a few more layers. Tom Chambers has hinted that this stage adaptation will delve into some of Morse’s “closely guarded personal life.” That alone might be enough to pique the curiosity of die-hard fans who’ve always longed for a deeper understanding of what makes Morse tick.

For audiences who only know Morse in passing—or have perhaps discovered him through the spin-off ENDEAVOUR—this play may be an ideal gateway to appreciate the character’s longevity and cultural significance. After all, Morse’s thoughtful demeanour and singular approach to detective work set the template for many of the TV sleuths who followed in his footsteps.

Where To Catch The Show

Starting at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 28 August 2025, the production will then take a sweeping tour of the UK. Fans from all corners of the country will have the chance to see the show—an important point, given the broad appeal of Inspector Morse. The itinerary includes:

• Richmond Theatre
• Grand Opera House York
• Theatre Royal Nottingham
• Churchill Theatre Bromley
• Grand Opera House Belfast
• Theatre Royal Brighton
• Lyceum Theatre Sheffield
• Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
• New Victoria Theatre Woking
• Theatre Royal Norwich
• Waterside Theatre Aylesbury
• Playhouse Theatre Liverpool
• Leeds Playhouse
• Theatre Royal Newcastle
• Festival Theatre Malvern
• Festival Theatre Edinburgh
• Milton Keynes Theatre
• His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen
• Theatre Royal Glasgow
• The Lowry Salford

In total, that’s a considerable journey, reflecting the producers’ ambition to make this adaptation accessible to as many theatre-goers and Morse fans as possible.

Case Closed

INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS seems poised to do more than just satisfy a longing for a classic detective story. It’s a love letter to a well-established British icon, one who has influenced countless other detectives and crime series over the years. By moving Morse into a theatrical realm, the play invites audiences to connect with the character—and his mysteries—in a new way.

For Tom Chambers, it’s a chance to take on an iconic role and make it his own. For the creative team, it’s an opportunity to honour the character’s television heritage while venturing into fresh territory. For fans, it’s an invitation to step behind the velvet curtain and experience the tension, wit, and revelations that come from seeing a detective drama unfold in real time.

Whether you’ve been following Morse’s journey since the late 1980s or have only recently discovered the labyrinthine mysteries of Oxford, this production looks set to entertain, surprise, and maybe even jolt you with a shock or two. And in an era where detective stories continue to dominate prime-time television and bookstore shelves, INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS offers an intimate, electrifying chance to see one of Britain’s greatest fictional detectives in action—live, in the flesh, and ready to solve one more case.

Because when the lights dim in the theatre and the house falls silent, anything can happen. And if there’s one detective who can navigate the shadows and unearth the truth, it’s Inspector Morse.