An Inspector Calls (2024). Tim Treloar as The Inspector, Jeffrey Harmer as Mr Birling, George Rowlands as Eric Birling, and Tom Chapman as Gerald Croft.
An Inspector Calls, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
J.B. Priestley’s best-known work for the stage premiered 80 years ago and is still as popular as ever.
It is considered one of the classics of modern British theatre and is a staple of GCSE English Literature.
This version directed by Stephen Daldry boosted it’s success since its revival in the 90’s.
Set in 1912 it is a morality tale which takes place on a single night, at the home of the upper class Birling family. Whilst just finishing their evening meal the maid informs them that an inspector has arrived and wishes to speak with them. He informs them that a young working class woman has taken her own life. Unsure as to why he wants to question them he proceeds to tell them that they are all linked to her. The details and truths that are revealed during the questioning makes the family’s “perfect” life unravel as everything (literally) comes crashing down around them.
There is a strong social commentary that runs through the play and it highlights class division and how people treat each other in society. Sadly these things have not changed since it was written so the piece is just as relevant today.
The staging is absolutely stunning. From the moment it starts as a young boy runs on stage to the sound of an air raid siren to the moment the red velvet curtain rises to reveal the house in the rain accompanied by the dramatic music it is absolutely spine-tingling. The opening is actually more like 1944 which is a nod to when it was written which works really well.
The whole cast are astounding actors that lift every character from the page to stage.
There is no interval and it runs at one hour forty five minutes which just flies by as you don’t want to miss a second. Absolutely exceptional.
This is world class theatre.
5 stars. Drama at it’s best. Outstanding.
