An Inspector Calls (Classic Radio Theatre)

By: J. B. Priestley

Narrated by: Toby Jones, David Calder, Morven Christie

Length: 1 hr and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A BBC Radio 4 production of Priestley’s classic thriller, starring Toby Jones and Frances Barber. The Birling family are spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft - a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses.

Yet, just when everything seems to be going so well, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl.

As the Inspector reveals more about the circumstances that led to the death of Eva Smith, each member of the family comes under the spotlight, and questions of guilt and responsibility are raised...Toby Jones, David Calder, Frances Barber and Morven Christie are amongst the cast in this BBC Radio 4 production from 2010.

The Classic Radio Theatre range presents notable radio productions of much-loved plays by some of the most renowned playwrights, and starring some of our finest actors.

©2010 J.B. Priestley (P)2011 AudioGO Ltd

A smug Inspector Galls

All but the Inspector in this recording, are wonderful to listen to. The recording is at times, let down by the incessantly smug monotone voice of the actor playing the Inspector. The Inspector should be a mystery man who with his charm and magnetism, manages to coerce information out of the otherwise reticent family. Not a judgemental one-dimensional bore. That being said, the other characters are played beautifully and it is all in all, an enjoyable romp.

Not So Much Mystery

This dramatization of Priestley's play is not so much mystery as examination of society. There is a denouement, perhaps anticipated, but still analytical.

Chilling

Fantastic performances from all involved. I’d seen this play performed on stage but hearing it a second time was just as good and even more impactful for some reason. Well worth a listen (or re-listen).

Brilliant!

📚Honest Review📚

This has been one of the most exquisite plays I have heard in years! The actors, superb performance! I aplaude them all! Especially, the inspector and Sheila.

The story is marvelous and it keeps the reader hanging by a thread all along.

I have read and listened to one of my favorite plays ever! Superb! Brilliant!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Such an amazing performance by all the actors

I found this to be so unbelievably riveting, entertaining, well-done, thought-provoking. I was sad when it was over. Don't delay - listen to it! Brilliant performance by the actors. Makes you feel like you're at the theatre watching it live.

Intriguing

Great story, great acting! My family enjoyed it so much and was captivated the whole time.

Very disappointing.

If you want a ripping good detective story, this is not it. If, on the other hand, you enjoy an author beating you over the head with a moralistic two-by-four at the expense of an actual plot, you'll really enjoy this one.

I listened to half of it then gave up in disgust. The story seems to be merely a vehicle for the author's pontificating on the Evils Of Class in British society. Even a very good cast of performers was not enough to save it.

Needless to say, I will not be picking up anything by this author again.

Exploring the nature of Time

Priestly was interested in the nature of time and wrote on this topic as well as social justice.

It was good to hear this Classic Radio Theatre production. Well done.

I suppose like Huxley, the writing expresses ideas and asks readers to think.