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LAST week at St John's Church Hall, audiences were treated to the Riverside Drama Company's presentation of JB Priestley's wonderful play: An Inspector Calls, and what a treat that was! Riverside, as you've never seen them before...in the round! The acting was superb throughout.
It's 1912, and the scene opens (on stage) to a family dinner party to celebrate the Birling's daughter's engagement. Arthur Birling, was a proud, self-made man, a hard worker who'd achieved many things, had even been the Mayor! He's also a factory owner. This was a very different role for Martin Holtom, who, as we know excels in comedy, nevertheless, he succeeded brilliantly.
An outstanding performance as always by Donna Chinn, who played the educated daughter Sheila. Her
fiancé, Gerald Croft, a well to do son of a mill owner. A very sincere portrayal by Robert Osmond.
Eric Birling, the wayward son, who drank a little too much, was played with excellence by newcomer, and in his very first role; Sean Elliott.
Mrs. Sybil Birling, was a lady who always liked to keep up appearances, no matter what, was played with dignity by Maggie Millington. Their pretty maid, Edna, was played alternately by Charlotte Lloyd and Philippa Lowe.
All was going well with everyone in high spirits, that was until Inspector Gool calls. This was investigating the events leading to the tragic suicide of Eva Smith. All denied knowing the girl, until her photograph was shown.
Indignant, and blustering Birling, admits sacking her from his company for causing a strike for a pittance more money. She managed to get a nice job in a dress shop. Sheila got her sacked because Eva unwittingly embarrassed her. On hearing of her death she, to her credit, was bitterly ashamed of her part in it.
Even gentle Gerald, who met her working in a theatre bar, saw how utterly miserable she was. He set her up temporarily in a flat, gave her money to live until she could find another job.
She then meets Eric. Still unable to find work, he takes pity on her, steals money from father, which she refuses. Even so he, being drunk, takes advantage of her, and, like Sheila, was very remorseful.
Pregnant and desperate she goes to Mrs. Birling's committee for good causes, is refused help. All
Mrs. Birling said was to find the father, let him pay....
Having said all he had to say, the inspector leaves. Gerald who'd been out returns with great news, he'd been to the police station, there was no Inspector Gool there. It was all a hoax, but to make sure, Birling rings the hospital. No suicide has been brought in! Relief! However, Sheila and Eric do not share in this, they are aware of what they did.
The phone rings...it was the hospital, a girl having committed suicide has just been brought in...
Director Liz Turner should be very proud.
By June Barker
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