From beginning to end, the suspense is palpable as it spreads through the auditorium of New Wimbledon Theatre. And having been on the GCSE curriculum for decades meant the audience was modern and varied in age.
The curtains open to the well-to-do Birling family, Mr Arthur Birling (Jeffrey Harmer), Mrs Sybil Birling (Jackie Morrison), their son Eric (George Rowlands), who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila (Leona Allen) to the equally wealthy Gerald Croft (Tom Chapman).
We're introduced to conversations about money and wealth as the partygoers sip champagne and enjoy being rich. But their fun is cut short when Inspector Goole (Time Treloar) arrives investigating the suicide of a young woman Eva Smith. The Birlings' maid Edna (Alice Darling) might have a minor speaking role - as she introduces Inspector Goole to the family - but her presence is significant throughout as her role is a reminder of the family's wealth juxtaposed with the lower classes.
One by one, the Inspector questions each person about their connections to Eva, who also has an alias of Daisie Renton, cleverly unfolding their secrets and planting the seed that their collective actions impact others, and how one by one they may have all contributed to Eva's death.
They all think they're off the hook towards the end when it transpires no one died that day of suicide, so who was this Inspector Goole? But minutes later there's a phone call from the infirmary - a young woman is being driven there after taking her life, and reality of their responsibilities is laid bare.
This gritty performance tests the moral conscience of the characters. This is about social responsibility and accountability, and while Arthur, Sybil and Gerald don't appear to have learnt much and are happy to remain in their wealth bubble, it's Sheila and Eric who really transform on stage, understanding the value of compassion and kindness.
Each of the five main characters give a strong stellar performance in their own right. And it's not just the performers who make this so spectacular - there's the set, lighting and sound. The dramatic set is designed by Ian MacNeil, and it's perfect. The Birlings' home takes centre stage, looking all shiny and fancy schmancy with its lavish furnishings, yet it looks to sit on stilts, as if, perhaps, like the characters, their home also has no real foundation. The performance takes place inside the home, of which we, the audience, are kept out of, like outsiders. Other scenes are filmed on the dimly lit street. The clouds are dark and dreary, there's a dramatic downpour of rain and then at the end a theatrical climax as the house collapses with epic surprise, leaving the audience gasping. And then there are the luxurious and opulent costumes, each one looking to be tailored to each character perfectly, as if they've somehow matched everything to each character's personality.
There's truly nothing not to love about this performance. It's thought-provoking, and it captures the true essence of J.B. Priestley and will leave you captivated from beginning to end.
The only point to note is that the show is 1 hour and 50 minutes and there's no interval, which felt surprising at first. However, while this seemed to fly by for some, for others, the interval was a noticeable absence with lots of people shuffling in their chairs towards the end.
An Inspector Calls is on until 31 May at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Review: Sunita Jaswal Photo: Mark Douet