An Inspector Calls – New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon

Writer: J.B. Priestley
Director: Stephen Daldry

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Suitably Suspenseful“

4 / 5

An Inspector Calls is a literary classic, widely studied in schools for its social commentary and dramatic structure. The show first opened at the National Theatre in 1992 and has had multiple tours and performances since. This production of An Inspector Calls is the longest running revival of a play in history and it’s easy to see why it still grips audiences to this day.

Set in 1912, the wealthy Birling family are in the middle of a dinner party, celebrating the engagement of daughter Sheila (Leona Allen) to the equally wealthy Gerald Croft (Tom Chapman). Wine and conversation flowing, the party is abruptly disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious police inspector (Tim Treloar), calling to investigate the tragic death of a young woman. Each of the guests have a link to her – is one of them more to blame than the other, or do they all need to take accountability for their impact on her while she was alive?

Ian MacNeil’s set design is immediately and intensely engaging; the rainfall, fog and stark spotlights on the Birling home brilliantly setting the ominous scene before anyone even speaks. It’s an excellent decision from director Stephen Daldry to begin the performance with the Birling family heard but not fully seen in the home, the walls of the house both protecting them from what is waiting for them outside, as well as keeping them inaccessible and segregated as they are used to within their upper-class lifestyle. As the walls of the home open and they are exposed to the audience, slowly, so are their secrets. As the investigation proceeds, the majority of the interactions are performed on stage abandoning an additional set or props, to allow the story to remain the focal point. Although this does help centre the narrative, it does feel like the impressive work on the set is underutilised somewhat again until the latter half of the show.

Daldry’s addition of the children throughout the show either opening the curtains or sitting on the side of the stage is a confusing choice, that doesn’t seem to add much to the show other than showing the less fortunate in comparison to the Birlings. Aside from this, the direction is well-paced, and allows for maximum suspense with each interaction.

The cast do a brilliant job in creating the tension, each getting their own segment of questioning by Inspector Goole using his method of individual interviews. Treloar’s unflinching, serious manner gives him authority and stature alongside the wealthy family, while Chapman’s cocky charisma aides him in being an integral piece to the puzzle in the final act. Jeffrey Harmer (Mr Birling) and Jackie Morrison (Mrs Birling) are fantastically believable as the dismissive, judgemental and self-important parents, their indignation of being accused personifying their characters well. Leona Allen (Sheila) and George Rowlands (Eric) depict the only two characters who show some remorse for their actions, and their unexpected sensitivity is well received by the audience.

This classic narrative is engaging and captivating – New Wimbledon Theatre is the final stop on this current tour, but as the storyline remains as insightful and thought-provoking as it did when first performed, it’s hopefully not the last of this suitably suspenseful production.

Runs until 31 May 2025