I have seen various interpretations of J.B. Priestley's classic drama but one still stands out in my memory.

This version is now on a sell out UK tour.

Directed by Stephen Daldry it is by far the best.

All companies put their own emphasis and traditional stamp on this much performed play, but Mr Dalrdry (of The Hours and Billy Elliot fame) revived this drama written in 1945 without losing any of its powerful social commentary.

When this National Theatre production first opened in 1992 there were audible gasps when tne stunning, atmospheric set design was revealed.

Many theatregoers expected an Edwardian dining room complete with its detailed finery.

Instead the room just one part of a house on stilts surrounded by an urban wasteland.

Visually it draws you in from the outset.

The six main characters in period costume from a talented team of eleven) emerge from what looks ike a huge dolls' house or a metaphorical snow globe.

We are not distracted by any props detail allowing our focus to concentrate on tne dialogue.

And oh ... what dialogue.

It is a 'whodunnit' of sorts but it is cleverly multi-layered and beautifully paced over one hour 40 minutes without an interval.

The story is set in one day in April, 1912.

A dinner party group is celebrating how good life can be for the commercially successful Birling family living in the Midlands.

But all that self-satisfied frivolity and patting on backs comes to an abrupt halt when an inspector calls ... Literally.

He is a no nonsense Scottish policeman called Goole.

The hard but fair Goole certainly spoils the party with some sobering news about a suicide of a girl known to the Birling family.

Suffice to say I shall say no more as Liam Brennan's inspector with notebook in hand interrogates all.

Jeffrey Harmer's Arthur Birling (head of the family) is clearly irked by this intrusion.

As is his condescending wife Sybil (Christine Kavanagh) About-to-be-married Sheila is played beautifully by Chloe Orrock.

The actress received a round of applause during one memorable scene.

There were times (in between the rustle of sweet wrappers from school classes in the audience) when you could not hear the veritable pin drop.

This drama is captivating and compelling. A sparkling revival.

Verdict: Outstanding classy thriller.

Five stars

The production is on until Saturday.

Tickets here