A tense thriller that keeps you guessing.
Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts – started it’s run last night (17/03) at Milton Keynes Theatre and it’s an atmospheric and thoughtfully designed production that leans into its “play within a play” concept from the very start.
The set is simple but effective, with an intentionally open design that allows the audience to see actors entering and exiting as well as crew movement. This choice clearly serves the theatrical premise and adds a sense of artifice to the storytelling, although at times it does risk pulling focus slightly from the drama unfolding.
The mystery itself centres on a chilling moment when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, prompting Detective Chief Inspector Morse and DS Lewis to investigate. What begins as a suspicious death soon develops into a more layered case with links to events in Morse’s own past – his own ghosts.
The narrative is intricate and multi-threaded encouraging the audience to stay alert and piece things together as the story progresses.
Visually, the production creates a strong mood. Dark, moody lighting helps build intrigue and tension, while the pacing of the scene changes adds momentum.
A particularly effective touch is the use of music reminiscent of the original Morse television series, which enhances the atmosphere without becoming overbearing. Sound design overall is clear and well balanced.
Tom Chambers’ performance as Morse stands out. He has clearly studied the character’s traits closely – the nuances in expression, tone and language all feel carefully observed but never exaggerated. It’s a measured portrayal that captures the detective’s introspective nature, melancholy and dry wit.
From where we were seated, the intimacy of the performance really came across; being close to the action seems important for a production like this and some of that connection might be harder to maintain from further back in such a large venue.
There are moments where character transitions feel a little too obvious, particularly with the Laurence/Paul changes, which verge on unintentionally comic. The second act also dips briefly into a more overtly comedic style that doesn’t always sit comfortably alongside the darker tone – the subtler, sardonic humour works more effectively.
The eventual reveal feels true to the spirit of Morse offering a resolution that acknowledges the legacy of the television series without simply trying to replicate it.
House of Ghosts is a considered and complex production that balances nostalgia with its own theatrical identity and will likely appeal both to long time fans and those drawn to a well crafted stage mystery. It's a tense thriller that keeps you guessing.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 21st March 2026. Tickets are available from £18.95 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Reviewed by
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
