Morse and Me @ Perth Theatre

May 29 2009 by Jeanne Freeman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THERE was a time, long before the Internet, when the word Morse meant the latest thing in communication. Colin Dexter changed all that when he invented the famous detective of that name.

Mr Dexter entertained and fascinated the audience at Perth Theatre on Monday evening. The stage was set – a comfortable chair, table, stand of flowers and a lectern – all that was needed was Colin Dexter with his “Morse and Me” talk.

And in he came, an elderly gentleman with a walking stick who needed to be helped on to the stage. But when he reached the lectern and began to speak he instantly captured his audience’s attention and included them throughout this entertaining and amusing evening.

He entranced with his wonderful stories told in a self-deprecating way. He told how his deafness had stopped him teaching even though being a school master had been the highlight of his life. The satisfaction he had felt of getting boys and girls through exams with far better grades than they expected or deserved!

He spoke with great affection of John Thaw, the actor who played the part of Morse. He described him as the most perfect Morse, so much so that as long as he and his family owned the copyright to Morse no one else would be able to reprise the role. He became close friends with both John Thaw and Kevin Wheatley, the actor who plays Lewis.

One question he was often asked was why he killed off Morse to which he replies: “I didn’t kill him off, he died of natural causes.”

He requested that the audience “formulate” questions during the interval. He pointed out that although he knew all the answers he would need the help of “Ian” because he could neither hear nor see very well.

After the interval Ian took each question from a knowledgeable audience and repeated it to Mr Dexter who answered in a full and witty way.

Although the theatre was not full this made for a more intimate atmosphere and the audience were treated to an insight into the life of an author and a man of considerable charisma and charm who could tell a story in an entertaining and clever way, enthralling all who heard him.

Jeanne Freeman