An Inspector Calls (2025)

Stephen Daldry’s landmark production of An Inspector Calls has returned once again to Milton Keynes Theatre, and it’s as gripping and visually arresting as ever. With GCSE season in full swing, school groups packed the auditorium — a testament to the enduring power of this modern theatrical classic.

Daldry’s direction transforms Priestley’s drawing-room drama into a spectacle of symbolism and mood. Ian MacNeil’s remarkable set — a tilted cobblestone wasteland with a miniature doll’s house that creaks open to reveal the Birling family — sets the tone for a dark parable of responsibility and consequence. Real rainfall and eerie lighting add a haunting atmosphere, and the clever use of space sees some lines delivered from within the audience itself, creating a chilling sense of intrusion.

Tim Treloar delivers a commanding performance as Inspector Goole, balancing stoicism with simmering intensity and an unconvincing Welsh accent. Jackie Morrison as the haughty Mrs Birling and Jeffrey Harmer’s bullish Mr Birling are standouts, perfectly capturing the self-assurance and denial that Priestley so ruthlessly interrogates. Leona Allen brings emotional nuance to Sheila, whose character’s transformation remains one of the play’s most compelling arcs.

Unfortunately, the experience was marred by disruptive behaviour from some of the younger audience members. Despite a pre-show announcement urging respect and asking for phones to be switched off, the theatre was filled with fidgeting, popcorn crunching, and constant chatter. A bizarre round of applause erupted from the children after Goole’s line “I don’t play golf” — apparently a TikTok trend that’s been interrupting performances nationwide. For those who’d paid to watch and the cast giving their all, it was immensely frustrating.

That said, the power of this production still cuts through. The house physically opens and collapses around the characters as their pretences are stripped away, reinforcing Priestley’s timeless message. This is not just another revival. It’s theatre with purpose, urgency, and atmosphere in abundance — even if it deserved a more respectful audience.