Written by JB Priestley at the end of the Second World War and set in 1912, just two years before the start of the First World War, An Inspector Calls deals with problems of social injustice and class distinction - issues which sadly remain familiar to this very day. 

Initially a great success, the play fell out of favour in the 1960s but is now considered to be a classic of mid-20th century theatre. Its modern-day status is due in no small part to this currently touring Stephen Daldry production. Premiering 30 years ago, it has won a total of 19 major awards (including four Tonys and three Oliviers), been seen by more than four million theatregoer’s worldwide, and is the most internationally lauded production in the National Theatre’s history.  

The ‘inspector’ of the title is Inspector Goole, a man who, in investigating the suicide of a local working-class woman, arrives unexpectedly at the home of the prosperous upper-middle-class Birling family. At first, all family members deny knowing the dead girl, but gradually it emerges that each of them has had an impact on her life; an impact which has contributed to her exclusion from society, her despair, and, ultimately, her agonising death. 

Inspector Goole’s revelations shake the foundations of the Birling family’s lives, and their relationships with one another, to the very core. They also challenge each member of the audience to examine their own conscience. 

The entire cast were brilliant and the set design bold and imaginative, while special effects, lighting and sound combined to create a memorable atmosphere. This is a powerful and haunting drama which turns the spotlight not only on the issue of social inequality, but also the dangers of capitalism, extreme wealth disparity, and the lack of care or compassion for the under-privileged by the entitled few. With the current cost-of-living crisis biting hard, the themes of the play remain profoundly relevant.

The theatre was almost full on the opening night, with the audience including plenty of school parties. An Inspector Calls has, for many years, been one of the prescribed texts on the English Literature GCSE syllabus, a fact which ensures that its power and significance remains undiminished. It is to be hoped that it retains its place on the syllabus for many a year to come - Priestley’s play has plenty to say to every generation, and will no doubt continue to strike chords long into the future. 

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on Tuesday 29 November. An Inspector Calls continues to show at the venue until Saturday 5 December.