Writer: J.B. Priestley
Director: Stephen Daldry
An evening of pure theatre is always a joy and the production of An Inspector Calls at the Sunderland Empire this evening did not disappoint.
An Inspector Calls, written by J.B. Priestley, was first performed in 1945. Stephen Daldry, for the National Theatre, revived it in 1992. It has been described as one of Priestley’s best works. Priestley plays around with time shifts in many of his plays and An Inspector Calls proves to be no exception.
The play is set in 1912 and introduces the audience to the prosperous Birling family who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila (Leona Allen) to Gerald Croft (Tom Chapman). An uninvited guest arrives, Inspector Goole. This evening Goole is played by understudy Philip Stewart. Goole begins questioning the family about the suicide of a young girl and the part they play in the poor girl’s demise and so the drama begins.
As this play is a set GCSE text across the country it will provoke plenty of discussion. The symbolic confrontation between capitalism and socialism, as we witness the verbal battle between Birling and Goole, is clearly shown. The social complexities of the early 1900s can be compared to today’s society. Students will without doubt benefit from seeing a quality live performance as they begin to analyse the play.
The Birling house is the main setting and stands proudly perched high up on stilts centre stage. The set design is by Ian MacNeil. An atmospheric opening is created through smoke effect, eerie music by Stephen Warbeck and a rainfall sequence. Children are playing in the puddles of a drab dirty street below the Birling house. Thus creating a scene of both wealth and poverty.
Daldry clearly shows the audience immediately the status of the Birlings, who portray themselves as one step above others in society. Their cosy world is soon shattered however by the arrival of Inspector Goole.
This play has many layers which are stripped away one by one as the Birling household finally collapse both figuratively and literally. Credit must be given to the creative team, including lighting designer Rick Fisher, sound designer Sebastian Frost and set designer Ian MacNeil. Together this team have created a moody, atmospheric setting which adds tension effectively throughout the production. The role of the costume department, with design from MacNeil and supervision by Caroline MacCall, also cleverly shows us the family falling apart as they each in turn lose parts of their costume and hair becomes bedraggled.
The whole cast must be commended for their performances this evening. A strong performance was given by Philip Stewart as Goole. He holds the play together when questioning each member of the family in turn. He often cleverly breaks the tension with his witty humour.
Most stand out performance for this reviewer was that of Eric Birling (George Rowlands). His development from a lively, churlish, spoilt brat, who enjoys a tipple or two, to an emotional wreck by the end of the play is impressive. This is a masterclass in character development from this young actor.
Although this play was written over eighty years ago the message is more important than ever today as it clearly shows how your actions can impact on others. Goole’s final speech at the end, directly to the audience, reminds everyone of cause and effect. What we do and say to others always has consequences. An important message for us all. Always be kind.
This was an evening of pure theatre creating lots of thought provoking moments. It will no doubt stay in the memory of this audience tonight for a long time, especially the younger members.
You won’t be disappointed with a visit to the Sunderland Empire this week. This is one not to be missed if, like this reviewer, you are longing to see theatre at its best.
Runs until 12th April 2025, before continuing on tour.
