The set was cleverly designed and was dramatic in all the right ways. The cast were mesmerizing and the atmosphere was so sharp and intense at times the audience really were on the edge of their seat. Thankfully I was not on the edge of mine as it was a long way down from the upper circle! The upper circle did mean we got a great view of the whole stage and this did lend itself to the way the show flowed. Clearly local colleges, schools and groups had shown their enthusiasm for this show as it’s been almost a sell out across the 8 performances over 7000 seats have sold. I took my son who is studying it at GCSE and he had already expressed an interest to see it so we had a lovely evening together.
J.B Priestley the writer of An Inspector calls was a committed socialist and was greatly concerned about the consequences of social inequality in Britain and the disparity caused by wealth and class divides.
The show tells the story of Inspector Goole investigating the death of a woman and an upper class family who he deems collectively responsible. Played with passion and emotion Tim Treloar gives a gritty perfomance as the incredulous inspector. Jackie Morrison plays the matriarch Mrs Birling who doesn’t mince her words. She commands the stage in her scenes. Jeffrey Harmer plays Mr Birling who seems far more concerned with his own reputation than the life of the woman. Leona Allen plays the part of Sheila Birling extremely well and believably. Tom Chapman as Gerald Croft gave a great performance. George Rowlands as Eric and Alice Darling as Edna also gave excellent performances.
Special mention to the wonderful supporting cast who added tension to the story line and really set the scene.
Certain seats are available for this fantastic, emotive play but they are few and far between due to its popularity.
Intense from start to finish, this play leaves the audience reeling and questioning everything. A play that is highly emotive and thought-provoking it leaves so much to discuss about social inequality and the issues this throws up for debate. An excellent performance with a confident and captivating cast who tell the story in a way that you can’t fail to get swept away in.
I’m Cassie, a mum of 3, (most of the time I haven’t had chance to straighten my hair or drink a hot cup of tea) trying to juggle life as we all are and failing some of the time, but try and see my glass as half full!