Written by J B Priestley. Presented by Genesian Theatre Company
A thought provoking and resonant exploration of moral dilemmas
Reviewed by Juliana Payne
St Josephs Church Hall, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle
10 Jan to 22 Feb, 2025
Tickets: https://genesian.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales
Type: Play/Independent/Whodunnit/Thriller
If you liked: Downton Abbey, Agatha Christie
J.B. Priestley‘s An Inspector Calls is a captivating blend of mystery and social commentary that revolves around an upper class British family. Written in 1945, the work is set in 1912 England and follows the Birling family whose celebration of their daughter’s engagement is disrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. Goole investigates each family member regarding the death of a local, lower class woman, highlighting the societal and gender inequalities which contributed to her death. Its exploration of morality, responsibility, and inter-connectedness resonates with modern audiences, tapping into the #MeToo movement which draws our attention to the tragedy at the heart of the drama. exploration of hierarchy, class division creating a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
With all of the action unfolding in a single room, the creative team facilitate a fittingly claustrophobic atmosphere. The Edwardian-era set reflects the Birling family’s wealth while subtly foreshadowing their moral decay with some clever set changes throughout. With each set change, the audience is tantalised to spot and figure out what has changed in case it might unearth any characters’ hidden motivations. Michael Schell‘s lighting cleverly highlights the shifting tensions in the writing, while his sound design intensifies the Inspector’s enigmatic presence, drawing the audience deeper into the mystery and feeling of unease.
The cast delivers solid and plausible performances, with Vincent Adriano portraying the Inspector with quiet menace that bursts out in key moments. The contrast between the arrogant Mr. Birling (David M Bond) and the insightful daughter Sheila (Rebecca Liquorish) adds detailed layers to the narrative, making their development (or lack thereof) extra compelling. Liquorish gives a strong performance, along with Annabel Cotton as her mother, and their familial chemistry is particularly engaging. The ensemble cast are hard working and ensure that no moment feels static, maintaining a taut rhythm throughout.
Exploring class division and hierarchy, this production presents a gripping and thought provoking piece of theatre
An Inspector Calls is a traditional and engaging production that balances the thrill of the plot with a profound message which leaves the audience aghast at the surreal twist in the final scene. While some moments feel overly expository, they ultimately serve the play’s broader purpose. Exploring class division and hierarchy, this production presents a gripping and thought provoking piece of theatre that challenges the audience to reflect on the society we live in. We’re challenged to question why so little has changed since the work was written eighty years ago, and why women and the working class are still treated so poorly.
Theatre Thought: With all the technological advances and social changes since the last century, it leaves you wondering just what needs to change to create a fair and just society for all?
Creative Team
Director – Mark Bull and Ali Bendall
Production Manager – Roger Gimblett
Costume Designer – Susan Carveth
Lighting and Sound Designer – Michael Schell
Crew
Stage Manager – Julia Grace
Technical Assistant – Cian Byrne
Set Design/Build – Mark Bull, Ali Bendall, Tom Fahey, Peter Curtis
Cast
Arthur Birling – David M Bond
Sybil Birling – Annabel Cotton
Sheila Birling – Rebecca Liquorish
Eric Birling – Harry Charlesworth
Gerald Croft – Simon Pearce
Inspector Goole – Vincent Andriano
Edna – Meredith Blee
