An Inspector Calls

National Theatre
Tue 11 Jan 2028 - Sat 22 Jan 2028

Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns after a record-breaking, hugely successful tour in 2025.

Winner of 19 major awards and hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, An Inspector Calls has thrilled more than 6 million theatregoers worldwide.

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 very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation.

Reviews

★★★★★ “Spectacular. If you haven’t seen it, you must. If you have, see it again” - Mail on Sunday

★★★★★ “Stephen Daldry’s thrilling award-laden production has returned. A work of great directorial daring, breathtaking visual invention and passionate moral urgency” - Daily Telegraph

★★★★★ "Visually astonishing" - Daily Express

★★★★★ "A riveting examination of conscience and class"  - Sunday Express

★★★★★ "Thrilling. Don't dare miss it!" - Daily Mail

"The production grips and dazzles. Still heart-thumpingly thrilling" - The Times

“A marvellous, emotional and intelligent evening” -  The Guardian 
 
“An epic for our epoch, a thrillingly physical piece of theatre - with the power to stir the heart as much as the mind” - Evening Standard 
 
‘Stunning… dark and gleaming and elegant’ - New York Times
 
‘Theatrical perfection’ - Daily Telegraph 
 
‘Priestley played with atmosphere, purpose, style and wit’ - Financial Times 
 
‘Spell‐binding. Grabs you by the throat and won’t let you go.’ - The Guardian 
 

Additional Information

Running time: 1hr 45 mins (no interval)
Age Guidance: 11+


Accessible Performances

BSL by Emma Jane Mansfield | Thu 20 Jan 2028 at 2.00pm & 7:30pm
Audio Described by Caroline Burn | Thu 20 Jan 2028 at 7:30pm. Touch Tour at 6:30pm

Further Info

Since 1992, Daldry’s production of An Inspector Calls has won a total of 19 major awards, including four Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards, and has played to more than 6 million

theatregoers worldwide. An Inspector Calls is the most internationally-lauded production in the National Theatre’s history.

JB Priestley’s brilliantly constructed masterpiece powerfully dramatises the dangers of casual capitalism’s cruelty, complacency and hypocrisy. Stephen Daldry’s epic production highlights the play’s enduring relevance.

Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the First, An Inspector Calls is a compelling and haunting thriller. The story begins when the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family home. Their peaceful family dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.

Now world-renowned as one of Britain’s leading theatre and film directors, Stephen Daldry has received Academy Award nominations for his films The Reader, The Hours, Billy Elliot and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. His recent West End theatre work includes David Hare’s Skylight at the Wyndham’s Theatre and Peter Morgan’s The Audience at the Apollo Theatre. His multi award-winning production of Billy Elliot The Musical ran for 11 incredible years at the Victoria Palace before embarking on a national tour.

Featuring Ian MacNeil’s ingenious designs, music by Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love) and atmospheric lighting by Rick Fisher, this landmark production is guaranteed to have old fans rushing back and new theatregoers being swept away into the mysterious world of Inspector Goole.

Credits

Creative team:
Director Stephen Daldry 
Designer Ian MacNeil 
Lighting Designer Rick Fisher 
Composer Stephen Warbeck 
Associate Director Charlotte Peters  
Producer PW Productions 

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