An Inspector Calls - Milton Keynes Theatre February 2016

JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls, directed by Stephen Daldry is definitely a classic.  So much so, that it's a novel that has become part of the G.C.S.E English curriculum.

Set before the First World War, this is a thrilling tale of an upper class family celebrating their successes within their warmly lit decadent capsule of privilege but once the inspector has called they are riddled with guilt and self-pity...



The Birling family home is precariously perched on stilts from which they are slowly forced to descend into the desolate wasteland beneath by the unexpected visitor.  Their house of cards is about to come crashing down around them.

A young girl had been brought to the infirmary after taking her own life by drinking disinfectant - the inspector calling to divulge reasons for each one of the Birling's having a hand in pushing this sad and desperate girl to her death...or did they?

There are good performances all round, but Hamish Riddle as Eric Birling making his theatre debut was outstanding.

There is not an interval in this play to keep the suspense and momentum going - it keeps you enthralled for the whole time.  There are many highly charged moments, however, the steely Inspector Goole brings such tension throughout.  Goole's anger building in a brilliantly controlled performance by Liam Brennan.

The Inspector picks away at each of the characters with his implacable knowledge.  Is Goole an imposter or a supernatural manifestation of a higher ethical court?

"We don't live alone...We are members of one body.  We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come, when if men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish."

Fantastic theatre, five stars all the way.

Lily B x