Review: An Inspector Calls at Sunderland Empire
Stephen Daldry's multi-award winning National Theatre production of J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls is thrilling audiences at Sunderland Empire
An Inspector Calls is a haunting thriller which I’ve been fascinated by since studying at school, so it’s great to see school children among the audience for this show.
Yorkshire-born playwright J. B. Priestley created the mysterious character of Inspector Goole and has had audiences questioning their consciences ever since. When he unexpectedly arrives at the Birling family home, their dinner party is turned on its head by an investigation into the death of a young woman – and how they are all seemingly linked to it. I’m surprised that my partner has never seen or read this play, but it’s exciting that he’ll experience the twist for the first time. The story is arguably more relevant than ever, with its themes of gender, class and social responsibility, and Stephen Daldry's production is made for a new generation of theatre-goers.
When the curtain rises the air is filled with suspense. Characters emerge slowly and we’re intrigued by the cleverly-designed set direct from the creative mind of designer Ian MacNeil. The Birling’s family home stands on stilts above the ‘cobbled street’ as mist and ‘rain’ set a haunting tone for the arrival of Inspector Goole. The inspector, who for this performance is played by Phil Stewart, immediately commands the stage.
When the house cleverly opens up to reveal the dining room, the inspector remains firmly on the ground (for most of the show) while the rest of the cast join him, below the house, as they realise their wrongdoings. I’m sure I would have plenty to say about that in a GCSE analysis…
The play is performed in three acts with no interval. Subtle music and dramatic lighting changes add to the suspense, which means you could almost hear a pin drop throughout. We almost jump out of our seats when an ‘explosion’ causes the house to collapse (which I’m sure my student self would mark down as a metaphor for the downfall of the family) – and the twist in the final scene is perfectly performed on a stage covered in broken pots and broken characters.
