An Inspector Calls At Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

We attended the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury to see An Inspector Calls on its opening night. We along with what appeared to be most of Aylesbury were in attendance. The theatre was full to capacity, what was lovely about it was there were so many school children there. A rare sight indeed at any theatre and they were all impeccably behaved throughout the whole show.

Staff reminded you on entry that there is no interval in this particular show, so it’s wise to visit the facilities and take snacks and drinks in with you to keep you fuelled.

Of course I had heard of An Inspector Calls, we have four children and I am pretty sure all of them studied this for their exams in year 11. A play written by J B Priestley which premiered back in 1945. The play is set around the what appears affluent family of Arthur Birling.

When the story starts, they as a family are celebrating, although not so much by the end of the play. The story is somewhat timeless, and is fascinating to watch unravel before you on the stage. The setting is dark and real rain appears to be falling at the dramatic beginning. You couldn’t fail to be drawn into the families shallowness right from the start. Whether this tale is from many years ago or not, sadly human behaviour doesn’t change. Those who feel maybe a degree of privilege feel, sadly, that it acceptable to treat those less fortunate then them with contempt.

I don’t think I have seen this type of theatre before and I applaud all of the actors tonight, who superbly and somewhat believably played their characters. They were all very believable in their portrayal of a somewhat shallow family, who had at times had very little regard for how they treated others. Sadly you could relate their behaviour, as characters to people you may have met in modern day. Sadly the play demonstrated the actions of us all, can lead to the demise of others, even if that’s not what you had intended to happen. So many of us are so wrapped up in how we feel, we rarely think either of how others feel or our impact on their wellbeing. If seeing the play made one person go out into the world tomorrow, and treat people differently, then the play has done it’s work.

I won’t spoil a very intricate plot, led fantastically by Inspector Google played by Liam Brennan, but I definitely think he was amazing throughout. Not for the faint hearted there are some bangs and crashed along the way, the set is one of the best I have seen at Aylesbury, well done everyone. Amazing acting, thought provoking, great set. I am not sure what more you could ask for on February evening, but if you are looking for something to see this coming week, I can thoroughly recommend An Inspector Calls, fascinating story, incredible to watch unravel. Get yourself a ticket quick before they sell out!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 plus £3.80 transaction fee
An Inspector Calls is at the Waterside Aylesbury from Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th February, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com
Or call the box office 0330 102 7200

Aylesbury Waterside Exchange Street, Aylesbury HP20 1UG