STEPHEN Daldry's An Inspector Calls which opens at Malvern Theatres on Bank Holiday Monday evening has been hailed as a modern masterpiece.

Epic staging, raw emotion and a sweeping score are just some of the ingredients that have made the Royal National Theatre's production a smash hit all over the world, and winner of more awards than any other play.

It is now 10 years since Stephen Daldry first directed An Inspector Calls for the Royal National Theatre, and in that time 30 separate casts have played in more than 400 theatres.

This fourth tour of the production coincides with the release of Daldry's second feature film The Hours. His first feature film, Billy Elliott, won over 40 awards with Stephen receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Director.

Written at the end of the Second World War and set just before the First, An Inspector Calls is a brilliantly compelling and haunting thriller.

On a dark and mysterious night Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the wealthy Birling family. His revelations startle each member of the family and rock the very foundations of their lives.

The suicide of a young woman known to the family causes the Birlings to examine their consciences and challenges those of the audience.

Inspector Goole is played by Nicholas Day, whose recent theatre credits include The Iceman Cometh (Almeida) and The Tempest (RSC). Mr Birling is played by David Roper, whose extensive television credits include Geoff in EastEnders, Mersey Beat and The Royal. His recent stage appearances include Albert in Wind in the Willows (RNT).

Dominic Taylor stars as Gerald Croft. He has recently appeared in BBC's Doctors playing Raphael Finney and Ivan in Coupling.

The cast also includes Sandra Duncan as Mrs Birling, Katherine Tozer as Sheila Birling and Jamie de Courcey as Eric Birling.

An Inspector Calls plays Malvern Festival Theatre, from May 26-31 Tickets range from £10-£18, Students £8 and can be obtained from the box office on 01684 892277.