An Inspector Calls Replaces Shuttered Shawshank Redemption at London's Wyndham's Theatre

One day after it was announced that The Shawshank Redemption will close 10 weeks early at Wyndham's Theatre in London, the theater has a new tenant lined up: director Stephen Daldry's revival of his 1992 hit An Inspector Calls. The production, currently playing a limited West End engagement at the Novello Theatre, will transfer to Wyndham's in early December for a 16-week run, effectively filling the gap between Shawshank's new November 29 closing and its originally scheduled February 14, 2010 closing date. 

J.B. Priestley's drama follows what happens when Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the home of the prosperous Birling family, shattering their peaceful dinner with his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge all to examine their consciences. The cast features Nicholas Woodeson as the titular Inspector, Sandra Duncan as Mrs. Birling, Marianne Oldham as Sheila Birling, David Roper as Mr. Birling, Diana Payne Myers as Edna, Robin Whiting as Eric Birling and Timothy Watson as Gerald Croft.

Daldry’s Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning revival of the 1945 thriller originally premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 before transferring to the West End and Broadway. The 1994 Broadway production earned four Tony Awards, including Best Revival, Best Director, Best Featured Actress (Jane Adams) and Best Lighting Design for Rick Fisher, who has recreated his dark, stormy palettes for this new version. Designer Ian McNeil has also reproduced his original Inspector sets and costumes.

An Inspector Calls ends its run at the Novello on November 14.