An Inspector Calls, Mayflower Theatre

AS shocking as it is stunning, this is an epic piece of theatre.

This version of An Inspector Calls is the 20th production of Stephen Daldry's staging of the classic JB Priestley play, written as World War II drew to a close.

But it still has the ability to surprise in 2016, its themes about social responsibility and shared humanity remaining every bit as relevant today.

Well-known as a GCSE English Literature text and with a TV adaptation proving popular, the production mixes it up with a remarkable expressionist set, an undersized mansion from which each character is summoned in turn to face the music.

The mysterious Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the home of the wealthy Birling family where an engagement is being celebrated.

The peace of their jovial dinner party is - literally - shattered by investigations into the death of a young working class factory girl whom each of them has exploited.

I dread to think what the bill is for the breakages on this tour - glass decanters smash, dinner sets go crashing down as the table collapses, an engagement ring goes flying and rain pours onto stage.

Big orchestral music and deep string chords bring all the tension of a thriller to the auditorium from the off.

There are strong performances all round, most notably from Geoff Leesley as loathsome and self-important factory owner and head of the contemptuous family Arthur Birling who is far more concerned about losing his expected Knighthood and reputation than death, destruction and immorality within his own brood and beyond.

The palatial Edwardian residence is a privileged stronghold on stilts which slowly sinks into the chaos amid the demise of each member of the family.

Daldry unites the 1912 setting with the time the play was written in 1945, transferring it to a dramatic cobblestone war-torn wasteland, where children scavenge in the streets and silent accusers look on.

Also a message for our times it seems.

LORELEI REDDIN

An Inspector Calls runs until Saturday.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk