REVIEW - INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS | THE LOWRY | 07/04/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS AT THE LOWRY – A COMPELLING MYSTERY WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS
Bringing a much-loved television detective to the stage is no easy task, and Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts arrives at The Lowry as the first-ever stage adaptation of Inspector Morse.
Based on characters created by Colin Dexter and written by Alma Cullen—who also penned episodes of the original TV series—this new story aims to capture the intrigue and intellect that made Morse such an iconic figure.
With Tom Chambers stepping into the role made famous by John Thaw, there’s naturally a lot of expectation around this production, particularly for fans of the original series.
Set in 1987, the play opens with a really intriguing concept—a production of Hamlet is underway when a young actress suddenly collapses and dies on stage. From that moment, the mystery is set in motion, with Morse already in the audience and stepping forward to take control.
As Morse and DS Lewis begin to piece together what happened, the case becomes increasingly personal, linking back to Morse’s own past and a web of relationships, rivalries and long-held secrets.
The mystery itself is strong and definitely keeps you guessing, with plenty of twists along the way. However, I did find that much of the story is delivered through quite dialogue-heavy scenes. At times it feels like we’re being told key details rather than seeing them play out, which slightly affects the pacing and makes it a little harder to fully connect with some of the characters.
Colin Richmond’s set design works well in establishing the “play within a play” concept, placing us firmly inside a theatre setting. I really liked how this was used in the opening—it’s a clever way to draw the audience straight into the story.
The set allows for relatively smooth transitions between locations like dressing rooms, pubs and police stations, using minimal pieces to keep things moving.
That said, the overall look of the production is very dark. Lizzie Powell’s lighting design creates a strong atmosphere, but the constant gloom can feel a little heavy at times, and I did find myself wanting a bit more visual contrast across the scenes.
Costumes help to clearly ground the piece in its late-1980s setting, with Morse’s signature look instantly recognisable, while the theatrical costumes within the Hamlet scenes add an extra layer to the staging.
The sound design supports the mood nicely throughout, although it remains quite subtle rather than particularly standout.
Taking on such an iconic role is always going to be a challenge, and Tom Chambers gives a thoughtful and measured performance as Morse. Rather than trying to replicate what audiences may already know, he brings his own interpretation to the character, which feels slightly more vulnerable and on edge at times.
Tachia Newall brings warmth and energy to Lewis, providing a really nice contrast to Morse’s more introspective nature. Their dynamic works well and gives the production some of its most natural and believable moments.
Teresa Banham stands out as Ellen, delivering a grounded performance that adds emotional depth, while Jason Done does a great job in his dual roles, clearly distinguishing between his characters.
The wider ensemble support the production well, helping to bring the different characters and moments of the story to life across the performance..
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is an interesting and ambitious attempt to bring a classic detective story to the stage. There’s a strong mystery at its core, and it certainly keeps you guessing throughout.
For me, the biggest challenge comes from how much of the story relies on dialogue rather than action, which means it doesn’t always feel as dynamic as it could. Combined with the consistently dark staging, it never quite reaches its full theatrical potential.
That said, there’s still plenty here to enjoy—particularly for fans of Inspector Morse who will appreciate seeing the character brought to life in a new way.
A compelling mystery that keeps you guessing, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential on stage.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts will be at The Lowry until Saturday, 11th April 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.
Photo Credit - Johan Perrson
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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