Why See An Inspector Calls?
There Is Someone At The Door
Often referred to as the definitive staging of JB Priestley's drawing-room drama, this production from London's National Theatre is on tour this year - bringing the masterpiece to you. Debuting in 1992, this iteration has been seen all over the world, scooping awards with each revival. Original director Stephen Daldry (The Hours, Billy Elliot) returns for this jaunt, showcasing his innate understanding of the literary classic.
The story of an inspector calls
One night in April 1912, the comfortably upper-middle-class Birling family gather to celebrate the engagement of their daughter, Shelia. In attendance are her fiance Gerald, her younger brother Eric, and her parents, Sybil and the boorish, dominating Arthur. The party is soon interrupted by the appearance of the mysterious Inspector Goole, who has come to enquire upon the recent suicide of Miss Eva Smith, a young working-class woman known to the family.
In his possession, Goole has a photograph of the young woman and her diary - implying that she has named her tormentors within. Over the course of the evening, each member of the Birling family comes to realize they have all played a part in her downfall, in turn exploiting her, abandoning her, leading her to social and financial ruin before she finally took her own life. Faced with the maddening guilt and unable to accept the responsibility, we see one devastating night in the life of this entitled family, as they all seek to escape blame, believing their wealth and status will protect them from the consequences.
Timely as ever, Priestly's blazing critique of social responsibility rings just as true as it did back in 1945, strengthened by our continued fascination with capitalism and our refusal to accept the realities of others.
Additional Information
Dates
Opening night: 19 November 2024
Audience
Recommended for ages 12 and above
Run time
One hour 50 minutes
MASKS
You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.
Cast and Creative
Cast
Liam Brennan as Inspector Goole
Christine Kavanagh as Mrs Birling
Jeffrey Harmer as Mr Birling
Simon Cotton as Gerald Croft
Evlyne Oyedokun as Sheila Birling
George Rowlands as Eric Birling
Frances Campbell as Edna
Phillip Stewart, Beth Tuckey, Maceo Cortezz and Rue Blekinsop as ensemble
Creative
Written by J.B Priestley
Directed by Stephen Dalry
What you thought
5 reviews, average rating: (3.0 Stars)
A fantastic performance by a polished cast. The attention to detail and... more
Dan Lane: “Outstanding production”
The pace, rhythm and melodrama is played to perfection and intensified... more
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