An Inspector Calls (Tour – Salford)

Since its first performance in Moscow in 1945, J.B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls has been a popular production for many theatre companies to produce. Traditionally set in the drawing room of a well to do family it seemed a brave choice for director Steven Daldry to take on, but since his visionary production hit the West End it has rarely been off the road or housed in London,  and you can see why.
 
Telling the story of a prosperous family and what happens during a dinner party – when an inspector arrives to investigate the death of a young woman – the play is a piece that challenges the charterers to examine their own lives and their conscience.
 
Taking the action frequently out of the drawing room helps turn Priestleys “time” piece into an evergreen classic that never lags for a single second or leaves you waiting for the non existent interval.
 
From the Olivier award winning set design by Tony award winning Ian MacNeil to the atmospheric sound and light design, the show is visually stunning. From the moment the curtain goes up, you are transported to another time and place. The set itself blends seamlessly to become another character amongst a great cast with no weak members.
 
The show is perfectly cast with standout performances from Kelly Hotten as Sheila and Tom Mannion as Inspector Goole, but all of the actors deserve praise for bringing this ensemble piece to life with great flair and attention to detail.
 
For a piece that has been around for so long, An Inspector Calls still feels fresh and just as entertaining as the day it was first performed, which is an achievement in itself.

This award winning production deserves all the accolades as it remains a must see for everyone.

– Craig Hepworth