Ad disclosure: We were provided with press tickets for the purpose of this post.
James & I hopped on a train to the city centre yesterday evening to attend the press night for An Inspector Calls at The Alexandra.
JB Priestly’s multi-award-winning play, An Inspector Calls, tells the tale of Inspector Goole’s investigation into the death of a young woman. Stephen Daldry’s National Theatre production of this crime thriller has returned for another UK tour, following the record-breaking success of the sold-out 2022 tour.
Set before the outbreak of World War I, the story begins at the prosperous Birling family home. A family dinner party is interrupted by the Inspector, and the ensuing investigations disrupt their peaceful existence and bring a number of hidden secrets into the light.
Although it seemed like a good helping of the English Literature students in Birmingham were attending at the Alex yesterday evening, I never studied An Inspector Calls at school and so was unfamiliar with the story before it began. Perhaps the girls will study it during the next few years as they tackle their GCSEs.
Taking place over one evening, the story unfolds through a series of conversations between Inspector Goole and the Birling family. Secrets come to light about how each member of the family interacted with the dead woman, from the trade magnate (and former Lord Mayor, and magistrate!) father Mr Birling, to his socialite daughter Sheila, her wealthy fiance Gerald, the drunken son Eric, and finally even the rather hoity-toity wife & mother, Mrs Birling.
Each member of this privileged family seemingly played a part in the poor young woman’s tale, and helped play a part in her death… or so the inspector says?
Despite being written decades ago and set over a century ago in pre-World War Britain, the underlying themes of this play remain horrifically relevant. It tackles topics such as capitalism, social responsibility, and inequality between social classes and genders.
The play also raises the issue of how the older generation can be stuck in their ways of thinking and unbending to new ideas. The parents seem to learn nothing from their experience, while their children, the younger generation, are shaken up and considering how their behaviour impacts on the lives of the poorer classes.
Throughout the play, the cast delivers a remarkable performance, conveying the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters. Tim Treloar embodies the abrasive & sarcastic Inspector Goole, determined to force the Birling family to confront their actions and passionately advocating for both the vulnerable young woman and the lower classes as a whole.
Jackie Morrison portrays Mrs. Birling as a self-righteous and uncaring woman, while Jeffrey Harmer as Mr. Birling is a hard-hearted and hypocritical businessman, prioritising his public image over the story of the young woman and his share of the responsibility.
George Rowlands reprises his role as the drunken and immature Eric Birling, following his performance in the 2022 tour. He delivers a great performance, staggering and stumbling across the stage without resorting to caricature.
Tom Chapman excels in his role as Gerald Croft, but among the younger generation characters, Leona Allen’s portrayal of Sheila Birling truly steals the show. She masterfully captures Sheila’s emotional growth and outrage throughout the evening. Initially naive and happy, Sheila is shocked, feels guilty, and undergoes self-reflection before refusing to allow the other characters to brush over their actions.
The staging was masterful and oh so dramatic, featuring one of the most impressive sets I’ve ever seen in a touring show. The picture-perfect upper-class dining room contrasted sharply with the dirty street below, highlighting the stark differences between the Birling family and the street urchins who came and went throughout the story.
The excellent use of lighting, rain, mist, and fog all worked together to create the perfect atmosphere on stage. Various props were used very effectively throughout the story, drawing gasps and titters of laughter from the audience.
Dramatic music and impassioned speeches to the audience heightened the sense of melodrama on stage. Occasionally, funny moments interrupted the seriousness of the topics being addressed, lightening the mood at the perfect times.
Ending with a twist, this production of An Inspector Calls is a thought-provoking tale beautifully portrayed on stage. The audience is completely drawn into the story unfolding before them throughout & I highly recommend going along to experience it for yourself.
An Inspector Calls is on at The Alexandra, Birmingham until Saturday 10th May, with two chances to catch the show on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The running time is 1 hour 50 minutes, with no interval, and tickets start at £15.
Book your tickets and find out more on the ATG website.
