An Inspector Calls

Directed by David Parry 

A family celebration, a mysterious inspector, a young women's untimely death; there's more to this mystery than just "whodunit"...

It is Spring 1912 in an industrial town in England. The first hints of the upcoming war with Germany are in the air but are far from the thoughts of self-made industrial magnate, Arthur Birling and his wife Sybil as they and their son Eric sit at dinner to celebrate the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft, the son of another prominent local businessman. The celebratory mood, however, is shattered when a police inspector calls with news that a young woman has apparently committed suicide. There appears to be no immediate connection between this young woman and anyone around the dining table but as the Inspector continues his questioning, it is revealed how each of them may have been potentially complicit in her death…..BUT, were they really? And just who is this mysterious Inspector Goole?

Director’s Notes:

This is a play that has intrigued me from the first time I saw it on the West End stage many years ago. It is not only a fascinating mystery story (a genuine whodunit), but makes each of us question things that we may have done in our past and their possible consequences. Priestley also cleverly interweaves much of his own socialist philosophy into this play.  Indeed, it has been suggested that “the Inspector” is in effect, Priestley’s alter ego. “An Inspector Calls” is certainly Priestley’s best known play and its recent revival ran in the West End of London for several years.

Director’s Bio:

Since moving to Perth 6 years ago, David has appeared on the Studio Theatre stage in Bedroom Farce and The Title with Barn Door Theatre, On Golden Pond with New Theatre Perth and Talking Heads, Would You Like a Cup of Tea? and You Say Tomatoes with Studio Theatre Productions. He has also directed The Importance of Being Earnest, The Mousetrap and I’ll Be Back Before Midnight for Studio Theatre Productions. David is the current Artistic Director of Studio Theatre Productions.