Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts

When promising actress Rebecca dies on an Oxford stage during a performance of Hamlet, Inspector Morse suspects it is a case of murder. There are no end of suspects who had means, motive and opportunity to kill the young woman, many of them linked to Morse’s own university days in the city of dreaming spires. Morse, along with his young sidekick Lewis, investigates the case but soon realises that the answer may lie in the ghosts of his own past.

This is the intriguing premise that signifies the return of a much loved TV icon, Morse, this time around live on stage and being played by the brilliant Tom Chambers. The play is currently showing at The Rep Birmingham, and begins in brilliantly clever style with a scene from Hamlet with the lead actress dying before your eyes. Morse is in the audience for the performance, invited by an old university friend Ellen (Teresa Banham) and quickly takes control of the situation, moving from the auditorium to the stage, and asking the real audience to remain in their seats. It’s an audacious, clever opening scene, and sets the pace for an exciting play that continues with reveals that do not disappoint until the last shocking revelation.

The cast are wonderful. Tom Chambers makes an excellent Morse, full of pent up frustration about missed opportunities, and his chemistry with his rough and ready sidekick Lewis (a scene stealing Tachia Newell) is just perfect, truly making you wish for another episode of this double act. Robert Mountford is great as the odious director Lawrence, whilst Charlotte Randle is an absolute hoot as drunken failed actress Verity. I loved the verbal sparring between leading man Justin and co star Freddy (Spin Glancy and James Gladdon) and the cast is rounded out by the calm assurance of Teresa Banham as Ellen and the spiky charm of the stylish Harriet, played by Olivia Onyehara.

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts is a brilliant return of a much missed icon. A real crowd pleaser.

Until Sunday 14 September

The Rep Birmingham

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