A packed-out run of An Inspector Calls is set to break sales records at Darlington Hippodrome this week. The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller has sold over 7,000 tickets, cementing its status as a major cultural event in the North East. Among the attendees are 2,000 secondary school students from across the region and beyond, underscoring the play’s enduring appeal and relevance to younger audiences.
Supporting students and schools through A Place For Everyone
Thanks to Darlington Hippodrome’s charitable initiative, A Place For Everyone, more than 650 tickets have been provided to students across seventeen schools. The fund helps break down barriers to theatre attendance, ensuring that social, physical, or economic factors do not prevent anyone from experiencing live performances.
Heather Tarran-Jones, the theatre’s Programming and Development Director, highlighted the impact of the initiative:
“The demand for tickets for An Inspector Calls has been unprecedented, particularly from schools. We are thrilled to be welcoming schools from as far afield as Cumbria to our beautiful theatre this week. For some students, this will be their first experience of live theatre, and we are delighted that these formative experiences are taking place at the Hippodrome and that we can support this via our Place for Everyone charitable fund.”
Economic boost for the town
Councillor Libby McCollum praised the success of the production and its wider benefits for Darlington’s economy:
“It is always so good to hear of sell-out performances at Darlington Hippodrome, the beating heart of Darlington’s cultural offering. When our theatre is full, it’s not just a triumph for the arts, it’s a celebration of our community. The economic ripple effect of these events invigorates local businesses, from restaurants to retail shops, as visitors flock to enjoy the full experience our town has to offer.”
Limited tickets still available
For those yet to secure a seat, a limited number of tickets are still available for the remaining performances of An Inspector Calls, which runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday, 1 October to Saturday, 5 October. Tickets can be booked through the theatre’s website or by contacting the box office directly.
To contribute to the A Place For Everyone fund, which continues to support access to the arts, donations can be made online or in person at the theatre’s box office.

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