CLASSIC theatre comes to Portland next week when the Royal Manor Theatre makes a welcome return to the stage.

JB Priestley’s gripping thriller An Inspector Calls starts a six-night run on Monday.

Set in 1912, the action takes place in the dining room of prosperous middle-class manufacturer Arthur Birling. Arthur is spending an evening with his family celebrating his daughter Sheila’s engagement to Gerald Croft. The cosy dinner party is interrupted by a mysterious Inspector, who announces the suicide of a young girl. The inspector proceeds to reveal the entire family’s involvement in her death. Priestley combines a clever ‘whodunit’ with a searing comment on social responsibility in this intriguing and thought-provoking play, which contains one of the twists for which he is famous.

The cast is made up of strong RMT stalwarts who have worked hard and produced a fabulous piece of amateur theatre.

Arthur and Sybil Birling are played by Chris Matthews and pat Wells, while Rebecca Green and Kyle O’Connor play their two children.

Sheila’s fiance gerald Croft is played by mark Sampson-Vincent, Chris Wadley takes the role of Inspector Goole and Ellie Martin is Edna the maid.

Royal Manor Theatre director Lis Green said: “This is the first full-length play I have directed and I have really enjoyed the challenge. The cast have been fantastic to work with, patiently accepting my suggestions and alterations, and have worked really hard at what is an extremely wordy play.”

She added: “I chose An Inspector Calls as I have long been impressed with Priestley’s adaptation of the murder mystery genre to convey a profound social message which still has a resonance today. I hope the audience will be both intrigued and entertained.”

An Inspector Calls is at the Royal Manor Theatre, Fortuneswell, from Monday to Saturday, October 12 to 17, with performances at 7.30pm. For tickets costing £8 plus concessions and full details, call the box office on 01305 860792.