STEPHEN Daldry's extraordinary production of J B Priestley's play has become one of those 'must-see' productions since it opened in 1992.

Friends who have seen it will insist that it is the best thing since... etc. And it's true. This is theatrical innovation at its finest. The Inspector had become, contrary, perhaps, to its author's intentions, a conventional single-room drama. Daldry has turned into a sort of theatrical movie, playing tricks with time and space.

The use of a giant doll's house at the centre of the stage, the rainy outdoor setting and the extensive use of music embellish, and never detract from, a play which works as both a moral fable of decadent early 20th century Britain and a gripping thriller.

When the inspector calls on the wealthy Birling family he shatters their middle-class complacency with his story of the poor factory girl and her painful suicide.

And a shattering stage effect (I won't spoil it by revealing the details) is one of many jump-out-of-the-seat moments .

The acting is universally excellent. Nicholas Day is a menacing and edgy inspector and Sandra Duncan's perfect timing of her explosive exclamations as the matriarch Mrs Birling extracts some great comic moments.

As Sheila Birling, Katherine Tozer makes a sympathetic and moving transformation from airhead to social reformer.

The play runs until Saturday (box office 01684 892277).

REVIEW BY STEVE EVANS