REVIEW: Inspector Morse Knocks On The Door Of His Past In 'House of Ghosts' At The Playhouse Theatre

LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE, WILLIAMSON SQUARE, LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE, CITY OF LIVERPOOL, LIVERPOOL CITY REGION.

REVIEW: 'Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts' On The Door Of The Playhouse Theatre, Earning 4 Liver Birds From The Liverpudlian

Pictured Left to Right: Tachia Newall as Detective Sergeant Robert Lewis and Tom Chambers as Inspector Endeavour Morse (Credit: Supplied/Image was provided to The Liverpudlian with permission to share, courtesy of the Publicist on behalf of their client. We make no claim to this content).

Tom Chambers as famed British Detective, Inspector Morse, is a welcome addition to the City Region's theatrical roster this week.

With a great cast and immersive setpiece, there was something for everyone in this atmospheric original story penned for the stage by Prescot's very own Alma Cullen, one of the original writers for the television series adaption of the books by Colin Dexter.

Taking place in the abundantly cosy Playhouse on Williamson Square, the immersive theatre experience starts with Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse emerging from the audience to investigate a possible murder in the midst of a production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, which is taking place on stage.

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This play is perfect for newcomers and fans of Morse alike, delving into his personal life, past, and prospective future, in a show that even keeps the brilliant detective himself guessing at every turn.

"With House of Ghosts being an original story, specifically written for the stage, I can't help but want to see Morse on stage again soon. With a plethora of source material to work from, it would be wonderful to see one of Colin Dexter's novels potentially enjoying an adaptation for the stage. Giving audiences, as well as Chambers and Newall, the opportunity to explore the world of Morse & Lewis further."

The creative concept of watching a play within a play was fabulous fun and worked throughout the show, with excellent use of several dual scenes taking place simultaneously on both upstage and downstage.

Chambers' sincere and witty performance of Morse was a joy to watch, and was complemented by Newall's portrayal of DS Lewis. Their onstage chemistry enhanced what was already, in a vacuum, an excellent production.

With House of Ghosts being an original story, specifically written for the stage, I can't help but want to see Morse on stage again soon. With a plethora of source material to work from, it would be wonderful to see one of Colin Dexter's novels potentially enjoying an adaptation for the stage. Giving audiences, as well as Chambers and Newall, the opportunity to explore the world of Morse & Lewis further.

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The stageplay stars Tom Chambers as Inspector Endeavour Morse, Tachia Newall as Detective Sergeant Robert Lewis, Teresa Banham as Ellen, James Gladdon as Freddy, Spin Glancy as Justin, Josh Katembela as Lawrence Baxter, Robert Mountford, Olivia Onyehara, Charlotte Randle, and Eliza Teale.

Based on the characters from the Morse novels by Colin Dexter, Written by Alma Cullen, Directed by Anthony Banks, and the Assistant Director Josh Parr, with Set & Costumes designed by Colin Richmond, Lighting by Lizzie Powell, Sound by Beth Duke, and Casting by Ginny Schiller.

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'Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts' stars Tom Chambers as Inspector Morse. We have also previously reviewed a production he starred in, the tense, gritty and frighteningly good 'Murder In The Dark', which we reviewed at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.

(Credit: Supplied/Image was provided to The Liverpudlian with permission to share, courtesy of the Publicist on behalf of their client. We make no claim to this content).

What Is The Playhouse Liverpool Address?

Williamson Square,

The Cultural Quarter,

Liverpool City Centre,

City of Liverpool, L1 1EL,

Liverpool City Region, UK.

'Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts' at The Liverpool Playhouse earns itself 4 Liver Birds for its well-rounded portrayal of Morse, superb casting, and for its creative approach to set and sound design.

(Credit: The Liverpudlian).

'Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts' is an original story written for the stage and is a must‑see for fans of compelling detective drama and thrilling mysteries. Ticket prices range from £12 to £47, and are available at the Playhouse website. This production comes to the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday the 13th to Saturday the 17th of January 2026.