An Inspector Calls At LyceumTheatre, Sheffield Review

Reviewed by J Wright

An Inspector Calls has become a classic in British Theatre since it was first performed 77 years ago. It is well known for being a thought-provoking play which delivers a powerful message about social responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions. Written by J.B. Priestley, this play has been in theatres since 1945 which could be deemed as informing much of the political nature of the production.

The play is set in 1912 and the basis of the story lingers around the wealthy Birling family and their oft mentioned place in society. Whilst celebrating their daughters’ engagement their evening is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, investigating the suicide of a young woman. As the story unfolds we perceive that the Inspector’s questions reveal that each member of the family played a part in the downfall of Eva Smith. Though it appears to be a straightforward interrogation the line of questioning soon becomes a complex and haunting exploration of morality and social responsibility via the seven deadly sins.

The beginning of the production is beautifully created and a compelling visual statement with a street destroyed by bombing we would assume, which is curious as the war didn’t begin until 1914. However, the contrast is immediately in focus as an opulent celebration takes place in a grand house which remains unscathed. It has a doll house type impact; disproportionate sizing behind the actors and with a great attention to detail. Even this observation might be taken into account as being a visual interpretation of the commentary woven throughout the original script.

The set overall is contrasting and whilst it has pedigree in the history of theatre following Iain McNeill’s design I found it perplexing given the basis and timeline of the story. However, the nature of An Inspector Calls is perception; about our lives, the world we live in and how the event of the night in question come to play out. The whole concept of the story is open to interpretation and the ending even more so. Which also makes the script rich picking for directors to place their own interpretations upon it, as we see here under the directorial influence of Stephen Daldry who began his career here in Sheffield.

GCSE exam boards have chosen this script for analysis for years because of the complexity of the narrative about the time and the ways in which the morals are still reflected in our so-called civilised world. For that reason many seats are taken by year 10 and 11 from schools in preparation for exams.

I enjoyed Liam Brennan’s performance in the role of the mysterious Inspector Goole, he brings the appropriate gravitas needed as the Inspector, a working man, who stands up to the pompous weight of the Birling’s.
It was a difficult first night at The Lyceum for the cast, which created an unexpected break in the performance, the production runs at approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes without an interval. Fingers crossed for them the rest of the run is without hardship.

The themes explored in this production are likely to hold true for many more years and we’ll see versions of An Inspector Calls throughout our lifetimes. If you’d like to see this one it’s touring the UK and playing at The Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield this week until May 6th.

Tickets are available here with evening and matinee performances.