Reviewed by Chloe
This production of An Inspector Calls directed by Stephen Daldry brings J.B. Priestley’s classic play to life with a strikingly modern and symbolic approach, using powerful staging and effects to show its themes of responsibility and social class.
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| Tim Treloar (Inspector Goole). Photo by Mark Douet |
One of the most memorable aspects is the use of real water for rain, and smoke for fog, creating a haunting, immersive atmosphere right from the beginning. These elements not only establish tone but serve as metaphors for the murky ethics and concealed truths within the Birling household.
The house itself is set on stilts, making it look precarious and unsteady—physically echoing the family’s moral instability. The house starts closed and then when the Inspector enters it swings open revealing the inside with the Birlings and Croft inside. Interestingly, the Inspector never actually enters the house. He enters by walking through the audience and throughout the whole play he stays down on the stage floor and controls everyone to come to him. These powerful choices visually separates him from the Birlings to represent their different views on how society should be.
A notable directorial choice is how the play uses dramatic musicevery time a character has a moment of realization or whensomething important is spoken. This intensifies the emotional impact and marks each revelation as significant. It makes the audience lean in, aware that truth is being uncovered—often with uncomfortable consequences. There is a clever balance of tone, too. Sheila and Eric provide moments of comedy, helping to make the heavier themes more digestible. But as the story progresses, Sheila’s transformation is clear—her lightness gives way to genuine self-reflection and regret, showing how the younger generation can evolve and take responsibility.
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| Leona Allen (Sheila Birling) and Company. Photo by Mark Douet |
The play’s climax is particularly memorable. As tensions rise, everything on stage begins to collapse and shatteres, symbolizing the complete breakdown of the Birlings’ illusions and the moral authority of the Inspector. It’s a stunning visual cue that the Inspector has “won”—forcing the characters (and the audience) to confront uncomfortable truths.
This production is a well directed, with the perfect balance of intense moments but also well placed comedic moments of relief. A well staged version of the play with bold staging, impactful performances, and symbolic choices.
Would 100% recommend, and what an enlightening introduction to theatre for young people who choose to be in the audience as part of their studies for GCSE.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Inspector Calls plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 24th May. Tickets are available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/an-inspector-calls/milton-keynes-theatre/
It plays its final week of the tour at New Wimbledon Theatre from Tuesday 27th - Saturday 31st May. Visit https://aninspectorcalls.com/tour-dates for full details.
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| The Company. Photo by Mark Douet |
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