An Inspector Calls - StageText (Aberystwyth) November 14, 2006

An Inspector Calls

Genre
Drama

Arthur Birling is enjoying one of the happiest nights of his life as he and Sybil, his wife, host a quiet family dinner to announce the engagement of Sheila, their only daughter, to Gerald Croft, son of Sir George and Lady Croft.

But when the celebration is interrupted by an unexpected visit from a mysterious police Inspector the mood quickly changes.

He is investigating the suicide of an attractive young girl who had been employed in Birling's factory. But what connects her death with two prosperous families, high in social standing, successful in business and with every prospect of the impending marriage bringing yet more wealth and esteem.

With disturbing insight the Inspector exposes secrets, truths, deceptions and their consequences in an evening of mounting tension that will change all of their lives.

Insights into class, conscience and the interdependence of society give Priestley's post-war classic and enduring appeal for contemporary audiences.

Barry Kyle is an Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company where he has directed more than 30 productions. He was twice nominated for Olivier Awards as Best Director and received a Drama Desk Award for his staging of Shakespeare's Henry VI off-Broadway.