"An Inspector Calls"

Hutt News, Volume XXI, Issue 50, 9 June 1948, Page 12

"An Inspector Calls"

TENSE SOCIAL DRAMA The visit of the Thespians last week was an important event n the theatrical history of Lower Hiltt. The Thespians are a band of clever and enthusiastic Wellington players, whose productions are always 'interesting, and if they decide to extend their operations to Lower Hutt local playgoers will have the opportunity of seeing plays which otherwise they would never have a chance of seeing. “An Inspector Calls,” like most of J. B. Priestley's writings, is a play with a message, combining tense drama with a plea for better social conditions. In the year 194 8 the situation of a girl losing her job at 22/6 a week and being driven to the streets may not seem very convincing, but “An Inspector Calls” is set in the 1900’s, when such a thing was likely to happen. In this play Priestley once again voices his theory that the more or less leisured classes —now mostly disappeared! : —are largely responsible for the troubles of the workers. Whether one agrees with that theory or not there is no doubt that “An Inspector Calls” is a tense, dramatic play, developing along obvious lines to a surprise finish. George F. Vincent was outstanding as Gerald Croft, the young man whose past catches up with him, causing an uncomfortable present and a worrying future, and good work also came from Rosalind Burtop-Chadwick, Enid Bleiikarne, Jack Giles, Denis Bastings, Denliam Dawson (whose inspector, though forceful, could have been a bit more “atmospheric”), and Ning Halse, Percy W. Cousins was producer. It was rather a pity that the players spent so much time — standing and sitting—in practically a straight line across the front of the stage. More movement and greater use of the stag? would have added considerably to the effect. Setting and costumes created the period well. Lower Hutt playgoers would like to see the Thespians again.