An Inspector Calls Tickets

First seen in the West End in the 1940s, J B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls is once again providing a thrilling mystery to London theatregoers this Autumn.

Penned between 1944 and 1945, An Inspector Calls made its UK debut at London’s New Theatre in 1946 after being seen first in two theatres in Moscow. In that production it starred none other than Alec Guinness and became a smash hit. So popular is this play that there have been two film adaptations, one of which appeared in 1954 and the other in 1982.

It tells the story of the Birling family, who are all having fun, enjoying a largely peaceful dinner party at home. However the events of the night take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Inspector Goole, who informs them of the shocking news that a girl they all knew has committed suicide. This is a girl that has been exploited by all of them and Goole wants to get to the bottom of this mystery as quickly as possible.

But the family has another problem and that is in regards to Inspector Goole himself. Since the show premiered in the 1940s audiences have been struggling to get their heads around the unusual fellow. What is the reality of his existence? Does he exist at all?

Priestley has written various well known plays including the famous ‘time play’ Time And The Conways, which told the story of the same family during different time periods – showing how their fortunes change during different eras. As well as being interested with the concept of time, he also provided work which was critical of capitalist society.

With An Inspector Calls he produced a play that considered social responsibility head on and its deep layers have meant that it has appeared in the West End on many occasions over the years, as well as opening on Broadway. Tom Baker appeared as Inspector Goole in a 1980s production at Theatre Clwyd and the Westminster Theatre, whilst a 1992 revival forms the basis of this very production.

An Inspector Calls is at the Novello Theatre from Tuesday 22nd September 2009 to Saturday 14th November 2009.