REVIEW: Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at the Everyman Theatre

Cheltenham

Tonight, I was treated to another trip to the Everyman Theatre – I almost feel like I should move in! I have been there a number of times, and every production has been magnificent. Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts – from Simon Friend Entertainment was no different in this respect.

I was especially excited about seeing this stage play, having watched the ITV series on a regular basis over the 13 years that John Thaw and Kevin Whately acted alongside each other. Indeed, I was particularly keen to see this production because it is the first stage adaptation of the crime drama – a stage play that was crafted by Alma Cullen.

The storyline takes place in Oxford and revolves around the mid performance death of a young actress, as Morse watches on. A seemingly straightforward investigation, which unfolds revealing a deep connection to Morse’s past. The write up of this production promised to be compelling and it certainly didn’t disappoint. As soon as the curtains swished back the action was afoot moving quickly to the scene of the crime and the entrance of Tom Chambers and Robert Mountford. The play moved along swiftly and felt as gripping and clever as the TV series.

 

Cast and Creatives

The cast brought together a lot of individuals that have TV dramas in common, notably Casualty and Holby City. I believe this helped them to gel. Tom Chambers led the cast in the role of Morse, delivering a convincing portrayal of the legendary inspector, capturing the inspector’s introspection and intellectual prowess for crime solving. Tachia Newall balanced his character out in the form of the energetic Detective Sergeant Lewis, who added a pinch of humour and gave the duo depth.

 

The supporting cast of Robert Mountford, James Gladdon, Spin Glancy, Teresa Banham, Charlotte Randle, Olivia Onyehara, Josh Katembela and Eliza Teale were equally compelling. Indeed, they didn’t feel like supporting acts because they were all pivotal to the storyline and how it progressed.

All members of the cast had palpable chemistry, as result of direction provided by Anthony Banks. Their movement around the stage and around each other was expertly done, with more than one scene taking place at once.

 

Staging, lighting and sound

The staging of the play is really where The Everyman Theatre came into its own, with the use of the many layers that the stage has to offer being used. The play cleverly starts with the audience members witnessing the death of ‘Rebecca’, with the space being quickly and smoothly reinvented throughout the course of the plot. I found this to be compelling to watch given that the props had been carefully curated and exquisitely designed to suit the scene. I was impressed by how the cast helped with the seamless transitions.

Equally impressive was the use of lighting, with muted dressing room scenes, starkly lit crime scenes and the use of ‘police lights’ adding the atmosphere and drama. Revelations were given sharp spotlights to highlight a breakthrough in the investigation, while a shift in lighting helped draw the eye from one part of the stage and one part of the story to another.

Sound also played an important role in the development of the story, with the Inspector Morse theme music making an appearance. The atmosphere created was in keeping with the lighting and stage transitions – expertly so – making the experience of watching the production compelling and dramatic.

 

Insights from Tom Chambers

“It's a delicious treat for anyone who is a fan of the Inspector Morse stories and TV show, like I was and indeed have been throughout the decades.”

“The thrill for me is in the dialogue and the writing, the camaraderie between Morse and Lewis and their relationship.”

“I always take along a soundbar… I also take along a diffuser with lemongrass…then I just need a toothbrush and the script, and I'm good to go.”

 

Rehearsal photograph courtesy of Johan Persson

 

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is showing until Saturday 8th November 2025 with limited tickets remaining so be quick!

Review by Julia

 

For More Information & Tickets Click HERE

 

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