First seen in 1992 and since then around the world by more than five million theatregoers, Stephen Daldry's multi-award-winning production of JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls is back at Salford's Lowry in the New Year (January 7-18).
The tour also visits New Theatre in Hull (February 11-15), Blackpool Grand (February 25-March 1), Sunderland Empire (April 8-12), Sheffield Lyceum (April 15-19), Bradford Alhambra (April 29-May 3) and Venue Cymru in Llandudno (May 13-17).
The production's longevity is largely down to it being both an intriguing play with something to say and an extraordinary example of the designer's art, with top-class lighting, altered perspectives and a world definitely askew. And it doesn't hurt that it is also a GCSE set text, which guarantees impressive UK box office receipts. For the Lowry, a full month before opening night, 11,000 school tickets had already been sold (as well as 720 free tickets for accompanying teachers).
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the foundations of their lives and challenge everyone to examine their consciences.
This time round Tim Treloar leads the cast as Goole (Richard II, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Royal Shakespeare Company).
Director Stephen Daldry is an award-winning (and not only for this) theatre, film and TV director and producer. He has directed for the West End and Broadway, including Billy Elliot, The Inheritance and An Inspector Calls. His production of the Priestley drama has won 19 major awards, including four Broadway Tonys and three West End Oliviers. And few remember that at a very early stage in his illustrious career he directed at the Manchester Library and Forum theatres...
More info and tickets here