| programme_notes_inspector_morse_goh_oct_25.docx |
PROGRAMME NOTES FOR INSPECTOR MORSE
Grand Opera House Belfast October 2025
Set in Oxford in 1987, 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 major stage adaptation of the iconic detective. 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.
Presented by Birmingham Rep & Melting Pot. Based on characters by Colin Dexter. Written by Alma Cullen.
Scenery and Props
When we enter the theatre the stage is in darkness. Elizabethan music is played live by the orchestra.
There is not a lot of complicated scenery used in the play, and throughout the production props may be simply moved to the back or side of the stage while our attention is focused by spotlights illuminating the action taking place.
The opening scene for Hamlet: The first scene begins in a forest at night. A moonlit castle can be seen in the background, between two stone effect pillars. The pillar on the right has a set of crumbling steps winding to its left, whilst atop the left pillar a large mock stone winged angel holds a cross. Later the pillars will be pushed via wheels into the background and turned around so we can see their wooden construction. In Act Two as Hamlet continues, pall bearers will carry in a large ornately carved medieval coffin with a pitched lid.
The Hamlet scenery looks quite authentic with the stone pillars and the castle in the foreground on a painted backdrop. The lighting is moody and atmospheric in the theatre scenes, especially those in the graveyard scene at the end of Hamlet.
The police crime scene: The scene on stage is transformed into a police crime scene with tapes stretched across the stage. A white canvas tent screens the bodies in scenes one and two. A small table with crime scene gloves and instruments sits beside the tent. A metal gurney is carried by the cast when the bodies are removed. Sirens can be heard and flashes seen behind the crime scene tent as a forensic photographer records the scene.
The theatre dressing room is always on the left of the stage. A large mirror with light bulbs around its frame sits on top of a table with a drawer. It is laden with cosmetics and brushes etc. A bent wood chair sits in front of it. To the left of the dressing table is a metal clothing rail with various costumes and clothing on hangers. A plush velvet couch with curved ends and a pink cushion stands on the left.
The stage door is on the right of the stage. The words “STAGE DOOR” are illuminated above a peeling poster for the play “Hamlet” bearing Justin’s face. Beneath the peeling poster we can see wording for a previous production.
The church: Centrally at the rear of the church a large stained-glass window that reaches from floor to ceiling, lets light into a gloomy interior. Five wooden chairs, church style, sit on each side of an aisle where the mourners are gathered. We do not see the altar, only hear the eulogy and hear bells toll as everyone departs.
Police Station: Morse’s office at the HQ consists of a plain wooden desk, with two tubular chairs with blue backs and seats. There is a double metal filing cabinet on top of which is an old-fashioned dial phone and a fan. Later the office will become the interview room using the same wooden chairs and table. Later Lewis sits in a small space to the right of Morse’s office using one of the older style computers that preceded laptops.
A drinks vending machine will be used to indicate the public areas of the police station.
The Crown Public Bar: The Crown Pub looks like a cosy well established bar. The bar is represented by a semi-circular, highly polished mahogany counter that is wheeled on and off as required. It has a sop mat and beer mats and two beer pumps. Morse and Lewis face us as they drink their pints so we can see behind the counter which has various items stacked tightly on its shelves. There are some high bar stools around the counter.
The park scene consists of a wooden slatted bench behind which is a painted backdrop of a blue sky and leafy trees beside a river.
Ellen’s College Rooms: On the right is a Scandinavian style wooden sideboard with curved sides and a set of drawers centrally. A tall lamp with a shade sits on top of it as well as some ornaments and a CD player. A large painted screen stands to the left of the sideboard in front of which is a modern 2-seater sofa with colourful throws, and a matching armchair. In front of the sofa is a wooden coffee table and a smaller matching table with a plant sits on the left.
As previously stated, there are not a lot of complicated props used in the play and largely the same props are used repeatedly, as in the police headquarters where Morse’s office easily transforms into the interview room with the movement of a few chairs and a table. Often the stage scenery is not moved but simply blacked out as spotlights focus our attention to the action taking place.
The mood is set with live music played by the orchestra throughout. Morse is introduced by the playing of the Barrington Pheloung Morse theme tune, and tensions are heightened by the sudden swoops and halts of the music. Sound effects lend an air of reality to the plot as we hear everything from police sirens to birdsong in the park and outside the church.
Characters and Costumes
Inspector Morse is played by Tom Chambers. Morse is in his late forties, with thick grey hair and a chiseled nose and cheekbones. He wears a crumpled light gray suit, consisting of a matching jacket and trousers. Underneath the jacket, he wears a white dress shirt with a light yellow tie. At the memorial service he wears a blue raincoat.
Lewis is played by Tachia Newall. He’s a black man in his early thirties, and wears a full beard and moustache. His thick dark hair is neatly styled with a rounded shape. Lewis is dressed in a sharp dark-colored suit jacket layered over a light blue shirt with a maroon tie, creating a professional appearance.
Justin is played by Spin Glancy. Justin is in his twenties, with an angular face and tousled, mousey-brown hair. As Hamlet he wears a tight, black leather jerkin. In casual clothes he wears a dark blue sports top bearing the number 55, bright blue track suit bottoms tucked into long white socks and white trainers.
The director Lawrence Baxter is played by Robert Mountford. He’s in his late forties, the same age as Morse. He has thick brown hair and tanned skin with a straight nose. Lawrence dresses casually, with baggy blue jeans, a check shirt and a brown leather jacket.
Robert Mountford also plays the priest, Paul. In this role he wears glasses, and has his hair slicked back. He wears a dark jacket and trousers.
Ellen is played by Teresa Banham. She also attended university with Morse and is in her forties. She has blonde hair in a shoulder length bob. Ellen wears a white blouse with long sleeves paired with black trousers and has a neat and classic appearance. In the second act she wears her college robes and later she wears a blue twin set.
Freddy is played by James Gladdon. He’s a well-built man in his thirties, with thick dark hair. In Hamlet he wears a maroon velvet jacket, dark pants and long leather boots. Off-stage he wears a loose-fitting sports jacket, in bright colours with blue track suit bottoms. He changes into a casual light brown shirt and dark slacks and later he puts on a light-coloured jacket with a blue stipe across the chest and sleeves.
Harriet, played by Olivia Onyehara is the American wife of Justin and producer of Hamlet. She is in her thirties and has tanned skin, thick curly hair pinned back of her face, broad lips and brown eyes. She wears a dark coloured suit dress with short sleeves and pointy black heels, and a matching jacket at the memorial. Later she changes into a blue knee-length pinafore dress over a bright patterned blouse, with white stiletto ankle boots.
Verity is played by Charlotte Randle. She was also at university with Morse and is in her forties. She has long blonde hair and a sharp, angular face. As Gertrude in Hamlet she wears a long brown dress with lots of layers, and a head dress with a train, that covers her hair and wraps around her chin. Later when she’s off-stage she pulls a short denim jacket on. At the memorial service she wears a cream cardigan over a long white dress with a brown belt. Later in the bar, she wears a yellow cardigan over a yellow top and a long yellow skirt. And then a long, dark skirt with a mustard cardigan.
Rebecca, who plays Ophelia in Hamlet, is played by Eliza Teale. She is young and blonde with bright blue eyes. She wears a dark coloured cloak over a long white dress.
This audio description is brought to you by Amy and Florence Stewart, for NI Sightlines. We hope you enjoy the show.
Grand Opera House Belfast October 2025
Set in Oxford in 1987, 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 major stage adaptation of the iconic detective. 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.
Presented by Birmingham Rep & Melting Pot. Based on characters by Colin Dexter. Written by Alma Cullen.
Scenery and Props
When we enter the theatre the stage is in darkness. Elizabethan music is played live by the orchestra.
There is not a lot of complicated scenery used in the play, and throughout the production props may be simply moved to the back or side of the stage while our attention is focused by spotlights illuminating the action taking place.
The opening scene for Hamlet: The first scene begins in a forest at night. A moonlit castle can be seen in the background, between two stone effect pillars. The pillar on the right has a set of crumbling steps winding to its left, whilst atop the left pillar a large mock stone winged angel holds a cross. Later the pillars will be pushed via wheels into the background and turned around so we can see their wooden construction. In Act Two as Hamlet continues, pall bearers will carry in a large ornately carved medieval coffin with a pitched lid.
The Hamlet scenery looks quite authentic with the stone pillars and the castle in the foreground on a painted backdrop. The lighting is moody and atmospheric in the theatre scenes, especially those in the graveyard scene at the end of Hamlet.
The police crime scene: The scene on stage is transformed into a police crime scene with tapes stretched across the stage. A white canvas tent screens the bodies in scenes one and two. A small table with crime scene gloves and instruments sits beside the tent. A metal gurney is carried by the cast when the bodies are removed. Sirens can be heard and flashes seen behind the crime scene tent as a forensic photographer records the scene.
The theatre dressing room is always on the left of the stage. A large mirror with light bulbs around its frame sits on top of a table with a drawer. It is laden with cosmetics and brushes etc. A bent wood chair sits in front of it. To the left of the dressing table is a metal clothing rail with various costumes and clothing on hangers. A plush velvet couch with curved ends and a pink cushion stands on the left.
The stage door is on the right of the stage. The words “STAGE DOOR” are illuminated above a peeling poster for the play “Hamlet” bearing Justin’s face. Beneath the peeling poster we can see wording for a previous production.
The church: Centrally at the rear of the church a large stained-glass window that reaches from floor to ceiling, lets light into a gloomy interior. Five wooden chairs, church style, sit on each side of an aisle where the mourners are gathered. We do not see the altar, only hear the eulogy and hear bells toll as everyone departs.
Police Station: Morse’s office at the HQ consists of a plain wooden desk, with two tubular chairs with blue backs and seats. There is a double metal filing cabinet on top of which is an old-fashioned dial phone and a fan. Later the office will become the interview room using the same wooden chairs and table. Later Lewis sits in a small space to the right of Morse’s office using one of the older style computers that preceded laptops.
A drinks vending machine will be used to indicate the public areas of the police station.
The Crown Public Bar: The Crown Pub looks like a cosy well established bar. The bar is represented by a semi-circular, highly polished mahogany counter that is wheeled on and off as required. It has a sop mat and beer mats and two beer pumps. Morse and Lewis face us as they drink their pints so we can see behind the counter which has various items stacked tightly on its shelves. There are some high bar stools around the counter.
The park scene consists of a wooden slatted bench behind which is a painted backdrop of a blue sky and leafy trees beside a river.
Ellen’s College Rooms: On the right is a Scandinavian style wooden sideboard with curved sides and a set of drawers centrally. A tall lamp with a shade sits on top of it as well as some ornaments and a CD player. A large painted screen stands to the left of the sideboard in front of which is a modern 2-seater sofa with colourful throws, and a matching armchair. In front of the sofa is a wooden coffee table and a smaller matching table with a plant sits on the left.
As previously stated, there are not a lot of complicated props used in the play and largely the same props are used repeatedly, as in the police headquarters where Morse’s office easily transforms into the interview room with the movement of a few chairs and a table. Often the stage scenery is not moved but simply blacked out as spotlights focus our attention to the action taking place.
The mood is set with live music played by the orchestra throughout. Morse is introduced by the playing of the Barrington Pheloung Morse theme tune, and tensions are heightened by the sudden swoops and halts of the music. Sound effects lend an air of reality to the plot as we hear everything from police sirens to birdsong in the park and outside the church.
Characters and Costumes
Inspector Morse is played by Tom Chambers. Morse is in his late forties, with thick grey hair and a chiseled nose and cheekbones. He wears a crumpled light gray suit, consisting of a matching jacket and trousers. Underneath the jacket, he wears a white dress shirt with a light yellow tie. At the memorial service he wears a blue raincoat.
Lewis is played by Tachia Newall. He’s a black man in his early thirties, and wears a full beard and moustache. His thick dark hair is neatly styled with a rounded shape. Lewis is dressed in a sharp dark-colored suit jacket layered over a light blue shirt with a maroon tie, creating a professional appearance.
Justin is played by Spin Glancy. Justin is in his twenties, with an angular face and tousled, mousey-brown hair. As Hamlet he wears a tight, black leather jerkin. In casual clothes he wears a dark blue sports top bearing the number 55, bright blue track suit bottoms tucked into long white socks and white trainers.
The director Lawrence Baxter is played by Robert Mountford. He’s in his late forties, the same age as Morse. He has thick brown hair and tanned skin with a straight nose. Lawrence dresses casually, with baggy blue jeans, a check shirt and a brown leather jacket.
Robert Mountford also plays the priest, Paul. In this role he wears glasses, and has his hair slicked back. He wears a dark jacket and trousers.
Ellen is played by Teresa Banham. She also attended university with Morse and is in her forties. She has blonde hair in a shoulder length bob. Ellen wears a white blouse with long sleeves paired with black trousers and has a neat and classic appearance. In the second act she wears her college robes and later she wears a blue twin set.
Freddy is played by James Gladdon. He’s a well-built man in his thirties, with thick dark hair. In Hamlet he wears a maroon velvet jacket, dark pants and long leather boots. Off-stage he wears a loose-fitting sports jacket, in bright colours with blue track suit bottoms. He changes into a casual light brown shirt and dark slacks and later he puts on a light-coloured jacket with a blue stipe across the chest and sleeves.
Harriet, played by Olivia Onyehara is the American wife of Justin and producer of Hamlet. She is in her thirties and has tanned skin, thick curly hair pinned back of her face, broad lips and brown eyes. She wears a dark coloured suit dress with short sleeves and pointy black heels, and a matching jacket at the memorial. Later she changes into a blue knee-length pinafore dress over a bright patterned blouse, with white stiletto ankle boots.
Verity is played by Charlotte Randle. She was also at university with Morse and is in her forties. She has long blonde hair and a sharp, angular face. As Gertrude in Hamlet she wears a long brown dress with lots of layers, and a head dress with a train, that covers her hair and wraps around her chin. Later when she’s off-stage she pulls a short denim jacket on. At the memorial service she wears a cream cardigan over a long white dress with a brown belt. Later in the bar, she wears a yellow cardigan over a yellow top and a long yellow skirt. And then a long, dark skirt with a mustard cardigan.
Rebecca, who plays Ophelia in Hamlet, is played by Eliza Teale. She is young and blonde with bright blue eyes. She wears a dark coloured cloak over a long white dress.
This audio description is brought to you by Amy and Florence Stewart, for NI Sightlines. We hope you enjoy the show.
