Profiles

What happens when an enigmatic police inspector arrives at the luxury home of Mr Birling and his family in 1910 in the middle of a family celebration of Miss Sheila Birling's engagement to Mr Gerald Croft, the son of another eminent family? What could the suicide of a young woman called Eva Smith have to do with them? The answer, learnt through a police inspector's merciless interrogation, is currently being unfolded at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre.

Theresa on stage in Cheltenham

Delighted to participate in Stephen Daldry's multi-award winning production of J B Priestley's gripping thriller, I donned a pill box hat and arrived at the theatre earlier to see before me an array of 1940s' clad people at the rehearsal. In the dressing room one of the other extras, aged 72, recalled how she could remember women painting black lines up the back of their legs to replicate seams because stockings were in scarce supply.

"Theresa Calls" (Photo: Philip Sherwood)

Watching this riveting cast from the wings, I was especially impressed by Sandra Duncan's portrayal of Mrs Birling and also by Marianne Oldham's characterisation of the young Miss Birling while Diana Payne-Myers, as Edna, is simply one of those truly great actresses who steal a show! David Roper was delightfully self-satisfied and bigoted as Mr Birling and both Robin Whiting and Alisdair Simpson gave compelling performances in their roles.

Theresa with Simon Carly and Angela Bellshaw-Langé

As their culpability emerged, smoke filled the stage and then we extras, threadbare folk from World War 2, entered and stood staring accusingly at the Birlings. We were also used to show the moment when the house is dramatically collapsed on stage by the use of hydraulics and pyrotechnics, with crockery flying everywhere and the sound of windows smashing.

It was an enormous privilege to be part of such a slick production which is a real testimony to the skill of director Julian Webber.