Having previously watched J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls at the Regent Theatre, I was eager to delve into the story once more, especially since I had difficulties in hearing the cast during my last visit a year ago. Unlike my husband, I do not recall studying “An Inspector Calls” at GCSE level and instead my understanding came from the discussions heard during my time spent with the English department at work.
This time, armed with a better appreciation for the narrative, I attended the matinee performance during a school trip and returned for the evening show with a friend. I was privileged to see the play twice in a single day, and I can confidently say that neither performance left me disappointed.
The atmosphere was set with the haunting sounds of air raid sirens, instantly grabbing the audience's attention. This technique made me ponder its potential effectiveness in capturing the focus of students in my classes, as it was undeniably impactful. The charming antics of the children, and the young boy who playfully kicked the radio to initiate the events, elicited giggles from pupils within the audience, adding a touch of levity amidst the serious atmosphere.
As the curtain lifted, the audience was presented with a doll like house set on a raised platform and children playing on cobbled streets, drenched in rain. The mood-setting mist illuminated by the soft glow of an orange streetlamp, created a captivatingly eerie backdrop for the arrival of Inspector Goole. I was pleased to see that the set had not changed as it not only perfectly sets the mood but enables the actors to use the levels to physically demonstrate the power play that takes place as the evening progresses.
Set in the fictional town of Brumley in 1912, the play revolves around the affluent Birling family, who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Sheila, to Gerald Croft. When they are visited by Inspector Goole, who is investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. Through a series of revelations, each family member is shown to have played a part in the events leading to her death.
Sheila Birling (Leona Allen) carried the story authentically and I was delighted by how she developed her character from a naive, entitled “pretty girl” into an empowered and confident woman. The feminist within me celebrated the moment Sheila found the confidence to be assertive and defend herself against gender oppression.
Tom Chapman played Gerald Croft so well, at points his words and actions made my skin crawl as he displayed his oppressive nature. I found myself torn between liking and hating this character. I believed his compassion towards the character Eva and yet could not understand how somebody who displays such compassion, can be so selfish and display such oppressive behaviours.
Arthur Birling (Jeffrey Harmer), the patriarch of the family, effectively embodied the power and influence of the older generation. He was countered by Sybil Birling (Jackie Morrison), who portrayed a character marked by coldness and elitism with remarkable eloquence. Together, they displayed a preoccupation with their public image, which sharply contrasted with their children's struggles with guilt and accountability.
I appreciated Tim Treloar's portrayal of Inspector Goole, who strips away the family's comforting illusions and exposes their shared complicity in the tragic fate of Eva. His performance combined a sense of sarcasm with the seriousness necessary to keep the audience engaged with the moral implications of the events. I know that from over hearing conversations following the production, it was clear that I was not alone in feeling that Inspector Goole effectively broke the fourth wall, compelling the audience to reflect on their own responsibilities during a powerful discourse on societal interconnectedness and moral obligation.
Both performances put forward a talented cast who brought Priestley's themes of social responsibility and morality in life with gripping intensity. The atmospheric staging, combined with strong performances, made An Inspector Calls not just a play, but a profound commentary on the human condition. It left me reflecting on the importance of empathy and our collective responsibility towards one another. A lesson that resonates deeply, especially in today's society.
Overall, witnessing this play twice gave me an opportunity to reflect and view the stage from two different angles and I left the theatre with a renewed sense of appreciation for Priestley’s timeless work.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Inspector Calls is playing at the Regent Theatre NOW, up until and including Saturday 28th September. Tickets are on sale and are available by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 0844 871 7649.
You can also visit www.atgtickets.com/stoke for tickets and info.