Boundary Players

The Boundary Players web site is at www.boundaryplayers.co.uk.

Last production

Murder at the Manor, 10th November 2007
Boundary Players will be performing at a Murder Mystery event organised by Save the Children at Wokefield Park, Mortimer on Saturday 10th November. Why not come along, enjoy the evening and help raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

Where

The William Penney Theatre, inside AWE at Aldermaston. Click here for a map. The entrance to the theatre can be found on the A340 Basingstoke to Newbury road, just before the Heath End Roundabout at Tadley. There is ample free car parking next to the theatre.

Box office

07947 295 826.

Review of An Inspector Calls

16th to 20th October 2007.

This was the NWN review.

Passed inspection

Boundary Players: An Inspector Calls, at William Penney Theatre, Tadley from October 16 to 20

It's 1912, and the prosperous Birling family have enjoyed a celebratory dinner to mark the engagement of their daughter Sheila to local industrialist Gerald Croft. As they sit around the table congratulating themselves on their success in life, a mysterious police inspector calls, following up inquiries into the suicide of a young woman. He begins to ask each of them about their knowledge of the deceased and, despite their initial denial, the family members implicate themselves one by one in the victim's demise.

J B Priestley's celebrated analysis of personal responsibility and hypocrisy is as relevant today as when it was first performed. With a strong production team, led by producers Andy and Julie Abbott and stage manager Colin Webb, Boundary Players' performance certainly captured the Edwardian atmosphere, from sepia cast photos in the entrance hall to the impressively-appointed dining-room set and formal costumes (though Sheila's outfit didn't seem quite in keeping with the period).

The cast were well drilled by directors Steve Schollar and Michele Middleditch, and the play moved along at a good pace, particularly in the second half.

Chris Nunn, as Inspector Goole, gave a commanding and very confident performance, capturing the mysterious character of the detective with skill (though his hand gestures were a little off-putting at times). Martin John was very strong and convincing as the bullish Mr Birling and Sue Barham played the part of his wife with impressive haughtiness. Gavin Crow was suave and amiable as Gerald Croft, and Jen Southern, as daughter Sheila, was well cast, but a little too hysterical at times. Richard Mier gave a good, understated performance as the disaffected and hard-drinking son Eric, while Davina Harris rounded off the cast as the maid Edna.

A good performance all round and a timely reminder from Priestley that society has to take more care of those most in need of kindness and support.

MARK LILLYCROP

Previous productions

An Inspector Calls, 16th to 20th October 2007
Noises Off, 15th to 19th May 2007. See the review in the archive.
Deadly Nightcap, 23rd to 27th January 2007
Alarms and Excursions, 17th to 21st October 2006. See the review in the archive.
Outside Edge, 9th to 13th May 2006. See the review in the archive.
Jekyll and Hyde, 7th to 11th February 2006. See the review in the archive.
The Weekend, 9th to 12th November 2005. See the review in the archive.
The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol, 26th to 30th April 2005. See the review in the archive.
A Touch of Danger, 25th to 29th January 2005.
Lettice and Lovage, 19th to 23rd October 2004. See the review in the archive.
Out of Sight, Out of Murder, 27th April to 1st May 2004. See the review in the archive.
Bedroom Farce, 27th to 31st January 2004. See the review in the archive.
Deckchairs, 21st to 25th October 2003. See the review in the archive.
The Happiest Days of Your Life, 29th April to 3rd May 2003. See the review in the archive.
How the Other Half Loves, 4th to 8th February 2003. See the review in the archive.
Bonaventure, 22nd to 26th October 2002. See the review in the archive.
Look Who's Talking, 14th to 18th May 2002. See the review in the archive.
The Joyride, by Georgina Reid. 5th to 9th February 2002. See the review in the archive.
84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff. 6th to 10th November 2001. See the review in the archive.
They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen's Guild's Coffee Morning, by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr. 15th to 19th May 2001. See the review in the archive.
House Guest, by Francis Durbridge. 6th to 10th February 2001. See the review in the Archive.
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, by Oscar Wilde. 7th to 11th November 2000. Here's the review.
Look No Hans, by John Chapman and Michael Pertwee. 9th to 13th May 2000. Here's the review.