An Inspector Calls (Tour – Oxford)

Stephen Daldry’s celebrated production of J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls has transformed what was once an unfashionable rep standby into something urgent, innovative and exciting. It tells the tale of the complacent Birling household on one evening in 1912 when their family gathering is interrupted by the appearance of the enigmatic Inspector Goole and his investigation into the suicide of a young woman. As he begins his enquiries, a series of revelations reveal that they all are in some way implicated in her death, shattering their respectable façade and forcing us all to examine our own consciences.

The extraordinary set design and staging provide a nightmarish metaphorical landscape in which Priestley’s examination of society and responsibility can be played out. The expressionistic, out-of-proportion Birling residence stands on stilts amongst the debris and victims of an England ravaged by World War Two as the two times intersect. Daldry imagines the Inspector as a kind of time traveller, going back to the past to warn us of the consequences the kind of narrow-minded self-interest exhibited by the Birlings will lead to. The most visually stunning moment of the play comes as the house collapses just as the family’s appearance of outward irreproachability is shattered. Combined with the chilling musical score and the deft twists of the plot this creates an intensely atmospheric production that drives forward to the climax. The whole thing runs without an interval so the tension is unrelenting and it is a testament to the production that the audience remained gripped from beginning to end.

Of course, any production of An Inspector Calls relies heavily on its eponymous inspector who must have the necessary gravitas to carry the show. I must admit that Louis Hilyer’s portrayal of the mysterious Inspector Goole was completely different to how I had envisioned him from my reading of the play but so enigmatic a part will no doubt give rise to vastly different interpretations. His Goole was an emotional and very human one, shifting from vitriol and anger to earnest supplication. To his credit, Goole’s departing didactic speech which could have been gratingly preaching was delivered as a sombre, direct and involving address to the audience. My only real quibble is that at times he did not project sufficiently, making it difficult to hear some of his lines.

The rest of the cast were also excellent with convincing and intelligent performances all round. Special mentions must go to Sandra Duncan who was grotesquely funny as the bigoted, patronising Mrs Birling and to Marianne Oldham as the daughter, Sheila, whose character undergoes the biggest transformation during the course of the play from petty, self-centred girl to aware and remorseful young woman.

In all, An Inspector Calls is an ambitious and very impressive production that delivers at all levels. From the opening cacophony of sinister notes and squealing air raid sirens and the very first glimpse of the bizarre Birling house through the rain and dry ice, you realise are witnessing something special which perhaps explains why this production still has a powerful hold over audiences even after more than fifteen years.

– Alice Fletcher