Review
Published: Thursday 03 December, 2009 by Jackie Chappell, Bath Chronicle
Part mystery, part morality play, An Inspector Calls never fails to entertain and this Next Stage production, directed by Claire Rumball, is no exception.
The cast lives up to what are pretty demanding parts, bringing new life to a play that has been around for more than 60 years.
JB Priestley’s drama, set in 1912, explores what was to become an era of explosive social change through one family of successful industrialists, the Birlings.
Tim Evans, as Inspector Goole, makes a spendidly chilling interrogator and a good foil to the arrogant bluster of businessman Arthur Birling, ably played by Dave Dunn.
Yvonne Paulley becomes more and more believable in the role of Sheila as she embraces her guilt at using her position in getting a shop girl sacked, while Alison Paine is daunting as her self righteous mother Sybil.
Guy Williams as Eric makes an excellent, wimpish young son.
The play is sold out until the end of its run on December 5th.