An Inspector Calls An Inspector Calls An Inspector Calls is a play written by English dramatist J. B. Priestley, first performed in September 1945 in the Soviet Union and in 1946 in the UK. It is one of Priestley's best known works for the stage, and is considered to be one of the classics of mid-20th century English theatre. The play's success and reputation has been boosted in recent years by a successful revival by English director Stephen Daldry for the National Theatre in 1992, and a tour of the UK in 2011–2012. The play is a three-act drama, which takes place on
An Inspector Calls referring to the same woman and that there may not be a body. Initially he appears to be correct, and does not think the Birlings have anything to feel ashamed of or worry about. He seems excited at the prospect of discovering the 'fake' Inspector and seems almost desperate for others to believe him. Edna is the maid at the Birling household. The character has limited contribution in the play; however, she is the only person in the play that can provide an insight into the life of Eva Smith, a character to whom Edna has a similar working-class background.