theatrical review

David Simper reviews Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller after a record-breaking, sell-out tour in 2022. With its striking set and stunning performances, An Inspector Calls had a Grand Theatre audience of all ages rapt on opening night. The Blackpool Grand's stage is covered by a particularly heavy drape. The lights dim and a small boy wearing old-fashioned, possibly school clothing, enters the stage, followed by other children. This boy tinkers with a radio set and the theatre fills with the sound of a siren – are we in World War II? Finally the curtain…