An Inspector Calls

Synopsis

When Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family investigating the suicide of a poor young local woman his startling revelations shatter the very foundation of their lives. As the Inspector asks insinuating questions it becomes clear that they all bear guilt for the destruction of the woman they have variously exploited for cheap labour, cheap sex and worse - And then the plot thickens. Written at the end of the second World War and set before the first, An Inspector Calls is a brilliantly compelling and haunting thriller.

Our Review:

Barbara Maxwell - 5 October 2011

An Inspector Calls? Oh I know that play – we did it at school – it’s alright but a bit static and wordy isn’t it?”

Is that your view of An Inspector Calls? If that’s the case I advise you to get down to the Theatre Royal and take a look at Stephen Daldry’s production of the play.

John Boynton Priestley is considered one of the venerable writers of the theatre and his work is known by most people. An Inspector Calls is definitely a showcase for his political and social views – he was a fervent socialist, always very aware of social inequalities of our world, which he blamed for both world wars.

The play was first performed in 1945 although it is set pre-first world war. It tells the story of the Birling family – a privileged group of people who expect everything to be theirs. Whilst celebrating the engagement of their only daughter one evening Inspector Goole (brilliantly played by Tom Mannion calls at the door. He is a...

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