Inspector Calls Into New Wimbledon Theatre
An Inspector has appeared this week at New Wimbledon Theatre for the final moody stop on the UK tour of An Inspector Calls.
Inspector Goole (Tim Treloar) arrives at the upper-middle-class Birling family's home on the evening of April 5th, 1912, with the grim news that a young woman has died by suicide, and he has questions for them all. His inquiries extend to the hard-headed Mr Birling (Jeffery Harmer), his cold and aloof wife Mrs Birling (Jackie Morrison), their troubled son Eric (George Rowlands), their naive and self-absorbed daughter Sheila (Leona Allen), and Sheila’s fiancé, the suave yet secretive Gerald Croft (Tom Chapman).
The set design by Ian MacNeil in this production is nothing short of jaw-dropping. From the moment the heavy red curtain rises to reveal a misty, gloomy Victorian street, the audience is instantly transported. Though the play is staged with a single set, the dynamic design of the Birlings’ house adds a layer of visual intrigue. It not only captivates visually but also enhances the feeling that the audience is peering into the family's hidden secrets.
J.B. Priestley’s classic play remains a cornerstone of the British school curriculum, frequently studied at GCSE level. While those not familiar with the story may mistake it for a traditional murder mystery, An Inspector Calls functions more effectively as a morality drama. The lack of definitive answers and the deliberately ambiguous conclusion may frustrate fans of conventional whodunnits, but this ambiguity invites deeper reflection on the characters’ actions and the broader societal implications.
Rather than focusing on solving the death of the young woman, the production urges audiences to engage with the play's social commentary. This is not a straightforward piece of theatre. It demands thought, attention, and interpretation to uncover the deeper critique of class, responsibility, and conscience that lies beneath the surface.
Catch the Inspector before he disappears again. Playing at New Wimbledon Theatre until the 31st of May.
★★★★
Book tickets here.
Gifted press tickets
