House of Ghosts

Calibre Productions return to Oxford with another of their successful TV to stage adaptations, after Dad's Army, 'Allo 'Allo and Porridge. This time, a move from comedy into murder mystery, with Inspector Morse.

In this specifically created piece, penned by Alma Cullen (who wrote four of the TV episodes of Morse), we are transported from a theatre, to a theatre. Possibly even this very theatre; the play is set in Oxford, after all.

The premise is simple; a young actress playing Ophelia (Rachel Logan) in a touring production of Hamlet dies on stage, the next 2hrs 30mins is taken up with the traditional twists and turns of any good murder mystery, led by the able Colin Baker as Morse.

Notable performances come in from David Acton, who gives us the traditionally camp Theatre Director; Paul Clarkson as Paul Kincaid and Caroline Harding as Harriet Baxter.

Andrew Bone and Glynn Sweet also deserve credit for being able to capture the essences of Lewis and Strange, familiar to all who have watched any of the original episodes.

Whether you know the TV series or not, I'd strongly recommend this production. It is well thought out, thoroughly convincing and will keep you guessing until the last moment.

- Daniel Whitley