THE moral thread running through JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls is as relevant today as when it was written decades ago.

The cast of its latest production, certainly did justice to the classic play. The Birling family are testament to the fickle nature of human remorse and the dark humour generated by this particular cast is proof positive that laughter can be found in the midst of tragedy.

The stars of the show are the two female leads. Katie McGuinness as Sheila Birling, the 20-something daughter of a town dignitary regrets most strongly her part in the downfall and death of a young woman who unwittingly touched the lives of those closest to her.

In contrast Sandra Duncan, as the family matriarch, was poles apart from her daughter's feelings of guilt. Her remorse came only when she realised her own life and that of her sons was directly affected by her actions.

A brilliant cast delivering a message perhaps even more prominent for modern society.

An Inspector Calls is at The Everyman in Cheltenham until Saturday. Box office: 01242 572573.

Review by CLAIRE CHARLES