The iconic TV detective Inspector Morse has been adapted for the stage for the first time with Father Brown star Tom Chambers stepping into John Thaw’s role
He’s one of the most famous fictional detectives around and now Inspector Morse is enjoying his first-ever stage outing, with the UK tour having just arrived in Cardiff.
Based on Colin Dexter’s famous novels, Inspector Morse was triumphantly turned into an ITV series with the legendary John Thaw portraying the cultured but sullen detective. Once named the greatest British crime drama of all time by Radio Times readers, it ran from 1987 to 2000.
But quarter of a century on from the TV finale, does the character translate well on stage – and, perhaps more importantly, can Father Brown actor Tom Chambers step into the big shoes once worn by the late, great John Thaw and truly embody Inspector Morse?
It is indeed a treat for fans seeing our hero brought back to life. Currently at Cardiff’s New Theatre, the chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and DCI Morse embarks on an investigation.
What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary officer, together with DS Lewis (famously played by Kevin Whatley onscreen), uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past 25 years earlier.
With a simple back projection setting the different scenes and a few rotating props the action moves seamlessly from the theatre to police station and local pub as Morse and Lewis try to solve the crime.
The ensemble cast includes Robert Mountford in the dual roles of Morse’s old pals, stage director Lawrence Baxter and man of the cloth Paul Kincaid; Teresa Banham as another old friend Ellen; Charlotte Randle as Verity; Spin Glancy as Justin and James Gladdon as Freddy – each of them has their own dark secrets.
The plot isn’t the greatest whodunit I’ve seen and the ending could have been neatly wrapped up a bit speedier but, if I’m being honest, it’s Morse and Lewis whom we’re really here to see.
There are some lovely nods to the DCI’s love of classical music and crossword puzzles and the dynamic between Chambers as Morse and Tachia Newall as the ever-loyal Lewis is spot-on.
Thaw IS Morse and always will be but Chambers rises to the challenge wonderfully and brings us all the mannerisms and expressions of the protagonist while at the same time making him his own. I certainly came home reaching for the old Morse boxsets.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is at the New Theatre in Cardiff until Saturday, January 31. For tickets click here. You can catch Inspector Morse on ITVX
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