A stunningly presented timeless, thought provoking classic.
An Inspector Calls – written in 1945 by J.B. Priestley – novelist and playwright and social commentator – tells a dark tale about a rich family whose celebratory dinner is interrupted by the mysterious Inspector Goole. He is investigating the terrible death of a young woman named Eva Smith. As the inspector speaks to each family member, we learn that they all played a part in her tragic story.
Visually striking and emotionally intense, this stage adaptation brought J.B. Priestley’s message of social responsibility to life with chilling clarity. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that this was not a traditional period drama, but a stylised, symbolic production designed to unsettle and unnerve.
The set was one of the most powerful aspects of the production. The Birling family’s home appeared as a miniature house, raised above the stage on stilts like a fragile doll’s house. It created an immediate visual metaphor for the Birlings’ detachment from the world outside—precarious, isolated, and ultimately doomed to collapse. The stage was dimly lit and littered with debris, evoking a post-war, industrial wasteland that starkly contrasted with the family’s wealth and class.
Stephen Daldry’s direction was bold and deliberate, using every moment to underline the play’s political messages. The Inspector’s arrival through the audience notably, shifted the tone dramatically; that commanding presence and deliberate movements controlled the stage from there on in.
Characters were often positioned to highlight their growing isolation or moral vulnerability, particularly as their secrets were exposed. Notably, when the walls of the house were pulled open, it felt like the audience was watching the very fabric of their delusions unravel.
Lighting played a crucial role in shaping the mood. The warm, golden glow that bathed the Birlings at the start was replaced by cold, harsh lighting as the Inspector interrogated each character and a sharp spotlight followed the action, lending the scenes the intensity of a courtroom cross-examination. Sudden blackouts, explosions and flashes marked moments of revelation or dramatic tension, completely reinforcing the play’s atmosphere.
This production has transformed An Inspector Calls from a drawing-room mystery into a haunting morality tale. The visual symbolism, inventive staging, and atmospheric lighting made Priestley’s themes of guilt, responsibility, and class injustice feel immediate and relevant. It was a bold and unforgettable theatrical experience.
The play has a strong message about taking responsibility for your own actions and treating people with kindness. It shows the difference between those who are willing to change and those who refuse to accept blame. Overall it’s easy to follow and makes you think deeply.
The characters are well written, and the almost supernatural twist at the end is very effective. It was indeed, astunningly presented timeless, thought provoking classic.
This performance is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 24th May 2025. Tickets are available from £15.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Reviewed by:
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
