An Inspector Calls
The seminal staging of this theatrical masterpiece!
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Daldry's 1992 calling-card production hasn't even begun to settle into some dusty, well-worn groove. In fact, not only is it ever-green fresh but it dawns on you that no other revival in this dying decade has come close to matching its breathtaking darin
The Telegraph
The seminal staging of this theatrical masterpiece!
The seminal staging of this theatrical masterpiece!
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. Now starring Tim Treloar as Inspector Goole and Jackie Morrison as Mrs Birling!
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.
Tim Treloar as Inspector Goole
Jackie Morrison as Mrs Birling
Jeffrey Harmer as Mr Birling
Tom Chapman as Gerald Croft
Leona Allen as Sheila Birling
George Rowlands as Eric Birling
Alice Darling as Edna
Katy Dean, Michael Gukas, Pena Iiyambo, Simon Pothecary and Philip Stewart as ensemble.
Written by J.B Priestley
Directed by Stephen Dalry
Dan Lane
Outstanding production
Tom Kingston
Brilliant