IT was a bit like travelling into the unknown, as I didn't know the play and I was a little concerned to hear there would be no interval.

But I needn't have worried - I, together with the rest of the audience, was held spellbound by the gripping story, wonderful acting and fantastic staging.

The innovative set is visually exciting, very clever, and, according to director Stephen Daldry, a collaboration between himself and designer Ian MacNeil close to what Priestley himself intended.

It begins in atmospheric fashion, with haunting music and falling rain and a mysterious call by Inspector Goole to the wealthy Birling family, who are each made to examine their consciences in respect of the suicide of a young woman whose life has touched them all in some way.

The inspector is played by Nicholas Day to great effect and he manages to retain an air of mystery all the way through.

The role of Mrs Birling is taken on by Sandra Duncan who managed to be imperious and pathetic all at once and her pompous husband was excellently portrayed by David Roper.

Katherine Tozer played Sheila Birling and managed to show her gradual, painful, realisation of what she had done very well.

And there were excellent performances by Dominic Taylor, Jamie De Courcey and Elizabeth Ross.

This production has won more awards than any other play and it's very easy to see why.

Lynda Morrison