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“An Inspector Calls” Review by Margaret Prouse
By Margaret Prouse
In the opening scene of An Inspector Calls, we watch the Birling family from a distance; they are in the dining room of their home, and a wisp of sheer drapery separates them from the audience. They appear to be having a jolly time, celebrating the engagement of daughter Sheila (Jemima Sutherland) to Mr. Gerald Croft (Jim Watson), whom Sheila’s parents (Bruce Davies and Alexis Koetting) obviously consider to be a good catch. The only fly in the ointment is the moody behaviour of Sheila’s brother, Eric, played by Michael Iliadis. In spite of the dark, stormy evening, things, as far as we can see, are going quite well for the family.
It doesn’t take long for the mood to change. When a mysterious man who identifies himself as Inspector Goole walks through the door and comes into their lives, the family moves out from behind the curtain. Rob Roy’s aloof, astute Inspector draws part of a tragic story from each of the characters at the engagement party, and they reveal things about themselves that they would prefer to keep hidden.
Tension builds steadily as the play progresses. The crew at The Montgomery Theatre creates an ambience that feels ominous. We experience a dark, stormy night, thanks to the effective use of sets, sound and lights, during the play and between acts, and the musical score that punctuates the action builds suspense.
There are many good performances in An Inspector Calls. Laurie Campbell does a good job in a challenging role, appearing as a memory while the Inspector’s probing questions and accusations lead the Birlings and their guest to tell their part of her story. All of the family members —Bruce Davies as the ambitious partriarch, Arthur Davies; Alexis Koetting as his smug, judgmental wife, Sybil; Jemima Sutherland as their idealistic and naïve daughter; Jim Watson as Gerald, her obsequious fiancé; and Michael Iliadis as Sheila’s brooding brother Eric— bring their characters to life. For me, the standout performance is by Rob Roy, as Inspector Goole. He looks and sounds a bit unearthly, a character apart from the society that the Birlings inhabit.
An Inspector Calls is a story with a moral and a surprise. I enjoyed it. It plays several nights a week at The Montgomery Theatre in North Rustico for the month of August.
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