Watlington Players excelled themselves with yet another first class set, beautifully constructed and well dressed. It set the scene perfectly as a dining room of a wealthy industrialist of a high standing in the local community.
   Fine costumes enhanced the scene further, and thus the play set forth in a post repast jovial mood. Allan Lord was commanding as the pompous head of the family, expecting to receive the Royal tap on the shoulder.
   Much to his indignation, he receives a tap on the door from a police inspector. But – just who is Inspector Goole, subtly underplayed by David Wagg? It is the younger members of the family who begin to understand, in particular Megan Abbott (Sheila).
   Her reactions and good timing sent cold shivers down my spine.

Regrettably the need for numerous prompts and excessive movement of the characters did, at times, detract from the action. Sixty years on from when first produced, and almost a century on from its setting, the plot has lost none of its powerful political comment.
   I guess it was the author’s intention, as civilisation faced a brave new world, to place the ‘understanding’ in the hands of the younger characters. Watlington Players succeeded in leaving their audience with more questions than answers, in the hope that the young would see the light.
Jim Farr
 NODA