FANS of the Morse television series are in for a treat when Colin Dexter, creator of the much-loved detective, comes to the Fisher Theatre at Bungay later this month.

In An Audience with Colin Dexter on February 23 (7.30pm) the author will talk about what inspired him to create Inspector Morse and how his full-length novels were transformed into a 90-minute television programme.

He will include memories of John Thaw and what he was really like, as well as talking about his own walk-on parts in one of the most successful detective series in recent years. Mr Dexter will also answer questions.

Morse was a CID officer with the Thames Valley Police working in Oxford, drove a classic Jaguar, had a penchant for opera, crosswords and poetry and enjoyed real ale which he rarely paid for, preferring his assistant Lewis to pick up the tab.

The character, played by John Thaw, became an institution with 33 two-hour episodes being screened. Many featured the hallowed halls of Oxford University and it was never clear whether Morse liked or loathed this institution.

Mr Dexter has received several Crime Writers Association awards and in 2000 was appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literature.

Originally from Lincoln-shire, he first arrived in Oxford in 1966 working in the university. Six years later he published his first Morse novel Last Bus to Woodstock.

Les Hoare, who is responsible for booking shows at the Fisher, said of this show: “I was delighted when Mr Dexter agreed to come to the Fisher. The Morse books and the television series that followed were a huge success and I am sure this will be a fascinating evening for both Morse fans and budding writers.

“To be able to bring guests of such stature to Bungay is very rewarding.”

Mr Hoare confirmed there would be anotherAudience with… performance in April.

“Yes, the rumours are true,” he said. “We have the legendary film critic Barry Norman coming in April with stories of…. I’m saying no more at this stage!”

Tickets for An Audience with Colin Dexter are �18 via the box office (01986 897130) or online at www.fishertheatre.org