An Inspector Calls – Alexandra Palace

Stephen Daldry’s iconic revival of ‘An Inspector Calls’ has returned to the stage, opening its highly anticipated 2024 UK tour at the extremely grand Alexandra Palace. First performed in 1992, Daldry’s production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller has since become a global phenomenon, earning 19 major awards, including Tony and Olivier accolades. With its distinct fusion of heightened realism and surrealist undertones, this tour aims to captivate both new and returning audiences.

The play is set in 1912 and revolves around the wealthy Birling family. As they celebrate an engagement, their evening is disrupted by the arrival of the mysterious Inspector Goole, investigating the suicide of a young woman. His inquiries expose uncomfortable truths about the family’s involvement in the tragedy, as the story unfolds, delivering a powerful commentary on moral consciousness and social responsibility.

At the heart of this production is Tim Treloar’s Inspector Goole, whose commanding presence drives the narrative. Treloar’s portrayal is riveting, blending moral authority with an enigmatic intensity that keeps the audience on edge. His nuanced delivery of Priestley’s memorable speeches turns each line into a quiet indictment of the complacent upper class. Treloar’s Goole serves not merely as an investigator but as a symbol of conscience, challenging not only the characters but the audience’s own sense of accountability.

Opposite him, Jackie Morrison delivers a chilling performance as the matriarch, Mrs. Birling. Morrison captures the cold detachment of a woman blinded by her social status, making her eventual unravelling all the more impactful. Jeffrey Harmer reprises his role as Mr. Birling, and his embodiment of the self-satisfied businessman is pitch perfect. Harmer’s Birling is every bit the capitalist patriarch, unyielding in his belief that he has done no wrong. The tension between him and Goole is a highlight, culminating in some of the play’s most gripping moments.

Leona Allen’s Sheila Birling provides a refreshing contrast to her parents, portraying the young woman’s transformation from naivety to a deeper understanding of moral responsibility. Allen captures Sheila’s emotional journey with skill, eliciting empathy from the audience as her idealistic, privileged worldview is shattered. George Rowlands, as Eric Birling, delivers a raw and intense performance, portraying a young man grappling with guilt and family expectations. His chemistry with Allen is palpable, creating a compelling dynamic between the siblings.

The play’s design, helmed by Ian MacNeil, remains one of the production’s most striking elements. The towering, dilapidated Edwardian doll house that serves as the backdrop looms ominously, representing the fragility of the Birling family’s social standing. As the facade of respectability crumbles, so too does the literal structure of the set, a brilliant visual metaphor for the moral collapse taking place on stage. Rick Fisher’s lighting design further enhances the atmosphere, casting long shadows that mirror the growing darkness in the characters’ lives.

Daldry’s direction continues to be as relevant and engaging as ever. The play’s themes of class, privilege, and social responsibility resonate strongly in today’s world, and Daldry ensures that the pacing never falters. The production feels both timeless and contemporary, challenging audiences to consider their own roles in the societal fabric.

If there is one minor critique, it is that the production’s overt symbolism may occasionally feel heavy-handed. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise flawless staging of Priestley’s masterpiece, and Stephen Daldry’s revival remains a testament to the enduring power of theatre to entertain, provoke, and inspire reflection. This 2024 tour, beginning at Alexandra Palace, is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences across the UK. Tickets are available at: https://aninspectorcalls.com

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 4^th September 2024

North West End UK Rating: