An Inspector Calls at the Regent Theatre Stoke Review
An Inspector Calls
Regent Theatre, Stoke
12-17 October 2015
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Reviewed by Dotty Winters
One play has won more awards than any other in history – J.B. Priestly’s satirical chiller-thriller, An Inspector Calls. The National Theatre production has wowed the West End, Broadway and international audiences and is now touring the UK. I’ve been a fan of the play since I studied it way back in high school and have seen a number of different productions, and definitely didn’t want to miss this one.
I saw the play in Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre, a beautiful, grand theatre in the traditional style. Everything about the Regent Theatre makes a trip there feel like a real occasion, and the friendly, efficient staff ensure that you always feel you’ve had a really special night out. The Regent is right in the centre of town, well sign posted and surrounded by lots of free and cheap parking, so it’s easy to get there without arriving too flustered.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, An Inspector Calls centres on the lives on one rich family whose evening is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who is investigating the death of a woman. His approach and questions challenge everything about the family’s perceptions of themselves and each other, and cause all of us to think about our own relationship and responsibilities to the people we meet. In this production the wealthy, capitalist family are played almost as caricatures, highlighting their disconnection from the world around them. This contrasts brilliantly with the down-to-earth, moral and twinkly-eyed charm of Inspector Goole.
Whilst the play sits in a clear historical context, the messages about individual privilege and the connectedness of everyone in a community remain relevant to any audience. In fact, post-Corbyn’s election and in the midst of wide discussion of austerity and societal responsibility the play has a renewed relevance. The message of the play is really hammered home, which could make the play feel a little dated in the age of slightly more subtle thematic message, but this production makes great use of segments delivered directly to the audience and lighting variations to make the allegory relevant, and personal. The incredible staging, on-stage weather, soundtrack and brilliantly nuanced performances of this production elevate it to something new; allowing even people who’ve seen the play many times to take something new from it and reconnect with its powerful message.
If you’ve never seen this play before it’s a real must-see, so try and catch this production as it tours the country. It will enthral and chill you then stay with you for a long time.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £14.40 to £35.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
An Inspector Calls is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke until 17 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
