An Inspector Calls

[Ric.ror]

I have seen this play at least three times and it has never had an interval
Does anyone know why?

[VHG]

I have never seen it, but a quick look round the interent shows it runs for only 1 hour and 45 minutes, but more importantly has 3 acts.

So I guess with any 3 act play is, where do you have the interval.

Two intervals (between each act) would be overkill, but having only one interval leaves you the decision of having it after the first act or the second act.

So maybe it was decided on no interval (to keep the suspence going).

As we can all sit in the cinema for 2 hours without needing a break maybe sitting in the theatre for less than that is not seen as a problem.

[VHG]

>>>suspence

suspense

[Nebch]

An Inspector Calls is a morality play based on the hidden nature of middle-upper-class citizens. It is supposed to represent real life as close as it possibly can, whilst only taking place in one room. The nature of the writing by J.B. Priestly is tight and without waste.

An interval placed in the middle of the play would completely destroy the ambiance and realism of the performance.

[jno]

films of that length don't have intervals, so it's not really needed, for either the audience or the cast. Maybe the author has forbidden it for dramatic reasons, which would be a blow to the theatre bar's takings.

[Ric.ror]

Thanks for your answers
As I said I have seen at least three different productions and none of them have had an interval

[Maydup]

As VHG states, the original play was written by JB Priestley in 1945 set in 1912 and in three acts. An interval would have taken place between each one.

In 1992 iti was revived by Stephen Daldry, (who also directed the more recent Billy Elliot and who will co-direct the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games) He decided to take it out of the drawing room set and build a beautiful house where the action takes place. He also decided to speed it up by not having an interval.

The play moves along more quickly than it would have done in the past and is much more engaging without a break. Stephen's version is still touring now and is as poignant today as ever before.

[heathfield]

Reviewers generally agree that any interval during this play would be detrimental to the audience's concentration on the action taking place on stage.

[Zeuhl]

I was in a production of Inspector Calls back in the 80s and there were no intervals

It is quite short and needs to maintain its pace