Inspector Morse Arrives on the Oxford Stage

The popular television crime drama INSPECTOR MORSE, based on Colin Dexter’s best-selling novels, is to make its first-ever transition from screen-to-stage this autumn when it will perform live at theatres across the country. Former Doctor Who actor, Colin Baker, is to lead the cast of 15 as the senior Thames Valley Police CID Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse.

Unlike more recent screen-to-stage productions, this brand-new Morse mystery is not an adaptation of the television series, but a completely original stage play inspired by the novels and written by Alma Cullen with guidance and support from novelist Colin Dexter OBE. This new production will be presented on tour by Calibre Productions, who boast a successful repertoire of acclaimed stage adaptations including Porridge, Dad’s Army and ‘Allo ‘Allo.

Commenting on his latest lead-role as the grouchy, but cultured, Jag-driving Inspector, Baker says, “More Morse! This in itself is exciting enough but for me to have the opportunity to follow in John Thaw’s footsteps and bring this sullen, intuitive intellectual to life onstage, is both daunting and very exciting. Whilst revisiting the character in Dexter’s novels, I am both appalled and greatly encouraged to discover just how many characteristics I share with the great Inspector. It’s a great and fiendishly clever script – I simply can’t wait”.

The producers of the new stage show are still in the throes of casting, including the part of Morse’s loyal, hardworking, honest and earnest ‘sidekick’, Inspector Robert ‘Robbie’ Lewis.

Precisely 35-years after Morse’s first appearance in Colin Dexter’s novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, the stage show entitled HOUSE OF GHOSTS, sees the inscrutable Detective looking to his past, when an old acquaintance becomes the lead suspect in a murder case that involves the on-stage death of a young actress.

This exciting new production promises to reawaken the fond memories held by so many of Inspector Morse when it comes to the New Theatre Oxford from Monday 13th – Wednesday 15th September 2010. Tickets are priced £14 – £22 and can be purchased from the New Theatre box office on George Street, by ringing 0844 847 1585 or by visiting the website at www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk (phone and internet bookings subject to booking/transaction fees). For bookings of 6 or more, or for Equal Access bookings, please call 0844 372 7272.