Rating: ★★★★
Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, London
Cast: Tim Treloar, Jeffrey Harmer, Jackie Morrison, Leona Allen, George Rowlands, Tom Chapman, Alice Darling, Philip Stewart, Katy Dean, Simon Pothecary and Michael Gukas

An Inspector Calls is set in the early 20th century and follows the J.B. Priestley’s story of the Birling family during a dinner celebrating their daughter’s engagement. However, things take a dark and sinister turn when an inspector comes knocking at their door.

The play opens with a small child on the stage playing with the curtain; it is interesting how the curtain is used as a prop here, and creates striking imagery, and starts the blurring of the lines between what is real and what is not. Dramatic music rings throughout the theatre, intensifying the mood to reveal magnificent scenery and staging. The staging is quite astonishing in this play – a grand house luring over the stage, with characters inside. This dollhouse-like feature sharply contrasts the bleak and darker colours of the backdrop, demonstrating early difference between what is inside this house and the outside world. This reflects the themes of social divide and moral questioning that is experienced and only intensify in this play.

Music is extremely well used within the play. It is dramatic and startling; adding tension, excitement, and aids scene transitions with intensity. Another interesting feature is the use of smoke, which is accompanied by a burning smell that engulfs the audience at times, engaging all of the audience’s senses in the drama that is happening.

This play goes beyond just its material at hand and really makes the audience think and question reality, their perceptions, and what they are witnessing. It is edge of your seat drama! The class system is an interesting theme used throughout. As Priestley was a socialist he used this play as a platform to criticise the Edwardian capitalist system at the time; a relevant theme still today. This class division is illustrated through the disparity of the classes, and how those in the upper classes abused their power. This division is further demonstrated in the fabulous and lavish outfits that create a strong contrast between characters of different classes.

Demographic disparity is also an interesting theme. Women’s few rights at this time is poignantly illustrated, demonstrating the imbalance, as the men abuse their power. Age is also interesting and creates a generation contrast. The older generations do not want to change and want to stick to the older values, mocking the younger generations who are so traumatised by what has happened. The cast are great at showing this, with the older generation of the rich family remaining a snooty attitude, and the younger cast, particularly Leona Allen, who plays Sheila Birling, who provides a striking performance, and shows a strong sense of morality and change in behaviour once she has learned what harmful actions and power can do.

The set is truly remarkable, particularly for a touring production. Its literal deconstruction on stage is fascinating to see, accompanying the character’s own destruction. Witnessing the characters’ attempt to put the set back together reflects their desire to go back to their older ways. The set here is cleverly used to mimic the family’s deconstruction and how they view themselves.

The inspector is commanding, and has a looming presence over the stage; however, I do yearn for him to possibly be more suave in his characterisation. Nevertheless, this is such a thrilling play, filled with constant revelations, twists and turns, leaving the audience to question what they have witnessed. This is powerful theatre and art. Left on a large cliff hanger, audiences leave feeling rather on edge, confused and unsettled, but also marvelling in the spectacle and amazing theatre they have experienced.

A truly amazing piece of theatre, that is very skillful and a thrilling watch. An Inspector Calls is currently playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre until the 31st May of a successful touring run.

You can book tickets to the UK tour of An Inspector Calls, here.

Review by Alex