Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington
An Inspector Called at the Sunderland Empire this week. Yes if you haven’t guessed Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning production of J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls and captivated us with a thought provoking production.
Hailed as one of the most powerful and relevant theatrical events of our time, this gripping thriller blends a haunting mystery with a passionate call for social responsibility.
Set in 1912 and first performed in 1945, An Inspector Calls remains a timeless masterpiece that challenges audiences with its sharp critique of class, guilt, and justice. With its dramatic staging, atmospheric score, coupled with wonderful performances, this iconic production continues to stay relevant for a modern day audience even in 2025, where it is used for educational study.
When the mysterious Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the Birling family’s home, their celebratory dinner is shattered by his investigations into the tragic death of a young woman. As the Inspector’s questions unravel their secrets, each member of the family is forced to confront their own part in the death and their own conscience.
The staging is striking. The Burling household stood on stilts, with an out of scale appearance akin to a dolls house. As the show progresses it opens up and exposes the characters, a little like the investigation does, uncovering to all the secrets the characters come to tell. The lighting is dark and atmospheric throughout.
Phil Stewart undertook the role of the mysterious Inspector who arrives out of nowhere. Phil stood in for Tim Trealor on our press night performance and I’d have not known. His Liverpudlian accent accentuating the working class this show looks to give a voice too. His passionate questioning, the voice to those who aren’t able to speak reflected his passionate portrayal in this role.
The accompanying cast all do their part in portraying a higher class of society, firstly ignoring their parts in the events discussed, to admittance, to sheer ignorance, with hardly a semblance of remorse or responsibility. All play their part in this production equally and deserving.
Throughout you will see the appearance of ‘common people’ onstage, never saying a word or being seen by the Birlings. This was a way of showing how they were invisible to higher society. The protagonist of the production Eva Smith (aka Daisy Renton) is never seen or heard from, only ever through the voice of our inspector, as if he bears the responsibility to speak on behalf of the common person.
This production makes you think about the part we play in events. While maybe not directly but how the treatment of one can lead to tragic events later on. In this instance coincidentally the whole family contribute to the death of this one girl. Each playing a part to one’s suicide.
A who dunnit that doesn’t have a central character to blame but instead explores the contributions of many, a tale with a twist. exploiting the deeper meanings of responsibility, society and class.
I’d urge you to call in and see this show while here. An enjoyable and thoughtful play!
AN INSPECTOR CALLS will thrill Sunderland Empire audiences from Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 April 2025. Tickets available online now atATGTickets.com/ Sunderland *
* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.