This is our review of An Inspector Calls at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre!
Synopsis of An Inspector Calls
The multi-award-winning National Theatre production of An Inspector Calls, directed by Stephen Daldry, returns to the Liverpool Empire. As with JB Priestley’s 1945 play of the same name, the production focuses on the prosperous Birling family, and how their celebrations are interrupted by the beguiling and mysterious Inspector Goole. He comes bearing bad news: a girl has died. And this family has more to do with it than they might think …
Performances
There are plenty of engaging performances in Daldry’s production, of course starting with that of Inspector Goole. The aforementioned inspector is played by Tim Treloar, who brings a captivating level of intensity to the performance he’s sure to have the audience gripped from the moment he sets foot on stage. He brings the direct, no-nonsense character to life with an assertive tone and an ability to provide tension without even having to say a word.
Jeffrey Harmer and Jackie Morrison’s Mr and Mrs Birling are fantastic. Indeed, Mr Birling’s arrogance and Mrs Birling’s desire to separate herself from the situation are portrayed excellently. As they weave their way out of accountability, and place the blame on others, you can’t help but feel frustrated but intrigued by their perspectives.
Whilst Tom Chapman’s Gerald cuts through the tension at times, George Rowlands and Leona Allen’s performances as Eric and Sheila are more emotionally driven, not only providing a different perspective but perfectly portraying a sense of frustration towards others in the play — a frustration surely shared by the audience, too.
And though they have no or limited dialogue in the production, the ensemble cast shone a light on life outside of the privileged and prosperous Birling household. The reappearance of a young boy playing throughout the performances is a display of pure joy (much like the dinner party at the beginning of the play) a joy that is maintained outside of the household but very much dismantled within.
Analysis of An Inspector Calls
Whilst it wasn’t a sell-out performance, the theatre was still full of people eager to see this adaptation of a classic, thought-provoking text. As soon as the lights dimmed, a sense of stillness came over the audience which was (bar a rather random moment people started clapping) maintained throughout the performance.
Though the performances were noteworthy, there’s no denying the set design was something to behold. The fancy Birling household was fantastically depicted. And it was a slight shock to see it crumble, much like the family inside it. The dramatic nature of the house, coupled with the lighting and sound design, was an extremely powerful piece of staging. The uneasy conclusion was depicted fantastically and it’s one thing that will get people talking.
Summary of An Inspector Calls
Whilst the play is decades old, themes like class divide, family, and how we treat people remain relevant nowadays. All of which makes this show a must-see. Whether you’re new to this play or not, take the opportunity to marvel at the incredible staging and engaging performances. Some aspects of this play might not be relevant to modern audiences. But we can all relate to a rather poignant part of Inspector Goole’s speech. This is where he says, “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other”.
This play might have dark, slightly sinister tones to it. But its main message is to be kind and considerate to others. And this serves as not only a reminder to the characters but to the audience watching as well.
