With its world wide reputation as the “city of dreaming spires”, it could be said that the beautiful city of Oxford needs no help in selling itself as a tourist attraction. Having said that, tourism chiefs would surely have been a little disappointed when the “Morse” stories finished on television, as the detective series starring John Thaw which was set in the city, had introduced another generation of visitors to the delights of this mecca of academia.
But a bit like the 37 bus, if you wait long enough, another one comes along, and the tourism industry in the city has just welcomed the arrival of “Endeavour”, a new series described as a prequel, which is set to tell the story of the early years of the popular detective. It is set in 1965, and timeless Oxford should have no trouble in gently slipping back into that more tranquil period. The leading star, Shaun Evans, is hoping the show will prove a hit with viewers having returned last Sunday after last year’s successful pilot.
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| Endeavour is the Inspector Morse "prequel" |
Liverpudlian actor Mr Evans spoke of his love for Oxford and said: “I am excited, I think they are good stories. I love Oxford. I think it’s a good place, it was a joy to be there. People are always so accommodating so I am really grateful we could find time there. It is unusual to get access to the colleges. I’ve been before as a visitor and tourist. I think it’s a great city.” Mr Evans added: “We did a lot in all of the different colleges, it is hard to pick one highlight. But there are a few scenes on the roof of the Trinity College and that was beautiful.”
He quickly moved on before describing what exactly he was doing on the roof of Trinity College. On whether another series will be commissioned, Mr Evans said: “I’m really pleased with the story that we’ve got and I’m really pleased with the evolution so far, so who knows.”
There were about 80 crew and 20 cast and extras who arrived in Oxford when they shot the second episode at the end of October. Crews were also filming along Catte Street and there was a scene involving a black Jaguar in Merton Street. Eagle-eyed passers-by spotted a dramatic stunt scene being filmed on the roof of Trinity College. Of the first episode, Mr Evans added: “The main story is about this girl whose child has been taken from a very wealthy family in Oxford. I tell you, Oxford is a dangerous place!” Tourism chiefs would want to reassure tourists that is not true in real life!
Jo Butler, Visit Oxfordshire’s head of tourism and marketing, said: “In terms of Morse and Lewis, particularly Morse, we have seen such an interest in them. We have brought in new product ranges in our retail office for Inspector Morse and we run tours for Inspector Morse. So we can see Endeavour will have an impact and will hopefully see a resurgence of Morse fans coming to Oxford as well.”
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