UK Theatre Network

PW Productions and Kenneth H Wax Ltd present
The National Theatre’s award-winning production of
JB Priestley’s classic thriller

An Inspector Calls

Directed by Stephen Daldry

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 28^th April 2009.

The set for this play is visually striking, featuring a mansion on stilts but this is out of scale. It may be a three storey mansion with a grand facade but it is so small the actors can barely stand upright in it. A theme which is echoed throughout the play with the grandiose schemes and aspirations of the Birling family being identified as the hollow empty things they are. As the play progresses the front of the house is opened to reveal its Edwardian interior which contrasts with the late forties street outside. Finally, the Inspector seems to have control over the house itself causing it to topple over and later to right itself. The house is a complex piece of equipment with hydraulics being used to accomplish these effects. The set is further enhanced by water, smoke, pyrotechnics and lighting. Music is also used to good effect.

There are many themes explored in this play; the ideas of   Marx depicted as; class conflict, the exploitation of workers and social inequalities; the spectre of war, family and isolation, consequences of actions, rights and responsibilities, amongst others. When the play begins you can hear the Birling family having a celebratory meal inside the house, catching glimpses of them through the windows. I found this surprisingly irritating; however, as the play progressed I could see that this was probably intentional.

Inspector Goole is played by Louis Hilyer who is excellent in the role, being assertive and at times aggressive, yet also displaying compassion. Sybil Birling is portrayed very well by Sandra Duncan who is very believable in the role of this snobbish woman. The part of Arthur Birling is played by David Roper who is convincing as this nouveau riche self made businessman. Alisdair Simpson is very plausible in his role of the titled upper class character Gerald Croft. Marianne Oldham is excellent in the part of Sheila Birling who initially comes across as a spoilt little rich girl, but as the play progresses displays an astute perception of events. Robin Whiting is competent in the role of Eric Birling. Edna the servant is played well by Diana Payne-Myers.

The costumes were appropriate for the situation, the men were dressed in suits, and I liked the dresses worn by Sybil Birling and her daughter, which were quite ornate and well made.

This is a visually exceptional play which is thought provoking and provides compelling viewing. The whole production is very professional and well executed. Although numerous themes are explored in this play, it is up to each member of   the audience to identify which aspects they find particularly meaningful. This play is certainly worth watching.

An Inspector Calls plays Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 2^nd May 2009. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee). The tour then continues playing The Lowry Salford Quays from Tuesday 5^th to Saturday 8^th May 2009.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.AninspectorCalls.com

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 28^th April 2009 on behalf of Catherine Brian.