An Inspector Calls

Directed by Stephen Daldry, the genius behind the respected films Billy Elliot and The Hours, this stage show is an incredible piece of theatre that tells the story of the prosperous Birling household.

One evening, whilst celebrating an engagement in the family, the mysterious Inspector Goole arrives at their house.

He is investigating the shocking death of a destitute girl, and believes that the Birling family might be involved.

What started as an evening of celebration turns into a night of despair following a series of startling revelations.

Could it really be possible that one member of the seemingly respectable Birling family might in some way be responsible for the death of the girl?

The stunning set and sweeping score of this production, combined with the thrilling story, have justified the reasoning behind some who have described it as a modern masterpiece.

The fact that it has won more awards than any other play in history only helps to reaffirm this apt description.

READING Nicholas Day's CV is a bit like thumbing your way through a TV listings magazine, writes Noel Davies.

Full of star roles on both the stage and screen it's not surprising he was asked to reprise his role as Inspector Goole in An Inspector Calls - JB Priestley's brilliant play of murder, intrigue and morality.

Yet if Nicholas had had his way things could have been so very different.

"My ambition was to always be a leading actor at the Royal Shakespeare Company," he says with a hazy smile.

"It never worked out that way, but I still cherish the ambition.

"It's a mistake to chase only one thing in this business though," he adds with a knowing nod of his head.

"You have to go where the wind blows you."

And that wind has blown Nicholas to contentment in his career and what he describes as one of the most challenging roles in theatre.

"The very fact I decided to play Inspector Goole again is an indication of it being the most challenging thing I have done for a long time," he explains.

"I still come off stage feeling I have not cracked it. It's very demanding because of the powerful script, characters and set. The inspector has to drive the plot through and in that you have one of the most challenging parts of the role.

"I don't think I'll ever crack it and really that's a good thing. If I did then what would be the motive to continue? I never want to crack it, I just want to try it in different ways. For instance, in Swansea where we last performed An Inspector Calls, the acoustics were very different to anything we had experienced before. That brought with it a different way of judging ourselves in our performance."

As well as starring in An Inspector Calls, Nicholas' other career highlights include playing DS Morley in the TV smash hit Minder, starring alongside Kevin Spacey in The Iceman Cometh at the Almeida Theatre and being the founder member of the Original Shakespeare Company.

His passion for Shakespeare continues to sparkle today, though audiences at The Mayflower shouldn't think he doesn't have the same passion for his latest play.

"An Inspector Calls always excites me, even today. I hope Southampton feels that excitement too," he smiles.

An Inspector Calls runs at The Mayflower from Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets from £14.50. Box office: 023 8071 1811.