Tom Chapman Archives - North West End UK

As curtain raisers go, there can’t be many more dramatic than that which I witnessed on Tuesday evening, when a National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls, exploded on to the stage. Hull New Theatre seemed to be packed to the gills, especially after the arrival of hordes of school leavers and their teachers. All soon settled and then the fun began a few minutes after 7.30pm. The explosive start of a very stormy night, with real water falling as rain that little street urchins splashed in, took part outside the impressive home of the wealthy Birling family. This stage setting - a telephone box, street lamp, a distant urban backdrop and the house - changed very little throughout. But when it did, my goodness it was ear splitting. All the ac...

With the size and grandeur of the Empire stage, any play has a feat to reach the farthest eyes and ears in the audience. Especially a play that has such a wide and respecting reputation, not to mention a sell-out run to precede it. I didn't watch that initial tour of this production, so I have no comparison. That said, I was keen to see the calibre of the National Theatre re-produced, albeit with a hint of apprehension as to whether it would feel big enough for a space so different to the intimate Littleton. However, sat way back in the stalls I was pleased to feel so much life from the distant stage. The characters were bold and worked very hard to keep us in that world of tailcoats and silk gloves. Sheila Birling (Leona Allan) had humility, and a subtlety needed to counteract Mr an...

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An Inspector Calls – Hull New Theatre

An Inspector Calls – Liverpool Empire