Inspector Morse heads to the stage with Tom Chambers

From novels and a Central Television drama series to now the boards of the stage…

Tom Chambers play the beloved detective Inspector Morse in a thrilling new stage production, Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts. The production opens in Birmingham on Thursday 28 August 2025 ahead of a major UK tour.

Tom Chambers says of taking on the role of the legendary detective:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing to the stage the nationally loved character of Inspector Morse. Played by John Thaw in the TV series, it is an iconic role which audiences clearly loved alongside the Morse murder mysteries. This brand-new production is a tantalising tale, rich in story and character and even unpicks some of Morse’s closely guarded personal life. It’s going to be a fabulous evening of entertainment.” 

A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on a gripping investigation. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary inspector, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, twenty-five years earlier.

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as ‘The greatest British crime series of all time’, has inspired equally beloved spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, this original story written for the stage is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries.

Following the Birmingham run the tour then goes on to visit: Richmond Theatre, London; 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; Playhouse Theatre, Leeds; Theatre Royal, Newcastle; Festival Theatre, Malvern; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh; Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; Theatre Royal, Glasgow; The Lowry, Salford.

Simon Friend, co-producer of the production:

“Bringing the nation’s favourite detective to the stage is a very rare proposition. The genre has never been more popular, and we look forward to sharing this terrifically exciting production with audiences across the country from later this year, and continuing our ongoing collaboration with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.”

The Central Television / Zenith Productions version of Morse for ITV

Alma Cullen penned episodes for the ITV crime drama series including, The Secret of Bay 5B (1989), The Infernal Serpent (1990), Fat Chance (1991) and The Death of The Self (1992), derived from the characters created by Colin Dexter.

Based on the novels by Colin Dexter the hit ITV series, Inspector Morse starred John Thaw as the erudite Inspector, famed for his love of opera, crosswords and a fine real ale. Alongside his trusted Sergeant, DS Lewis, played by Kevin Whately, the pair captivated audiences for 13 years and a total of 33 episodes with the programme’s trademark gripping mysteries, intelligent plots and memorable characters. The series became a classic of British television, earning numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase. Dexter’s characters continue to enthral audiences, with House of Ghosts marking the latest chapter in the iconic detective’s career.

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is written for the stage by Alma Cullen. The tour also reunites Tom Chambers with Director Anthony Banks (The Girl on the Train, West End / UK Tour; Steel Magnolias, UK Tour) following their collaboration on the 2020/21 tour of Dial M For Murder.

Simon Friend Entertainment Limited and Birmingham Rep present, Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts. 

Tickets are available from www.inspectormorseonstage.com