I Have Been Here Before

Having seen your last two plays, and having been very impressed at the
standard and quality of your productions, I was very much looking forward to
this one. I didn’t know it, but I have seen “An Inspector Calls” so was a little
familiar with the work of J B Priestly. I enjoyed reading the director’s notes
and yes it certainly was a thought provoking play and as you’d said to your
potential cast “read it and then re-read and then see what you take from it”.
This is a play I would certainly go to see again but would another company
be brave enough like “ACT” to attempt it in the first place. It’s unsettling (but
hopeful?) that our lives may repeat but our choices still matter. It certainly
pushes the audience to think about one’s own self knowledge and would we,
if we had the choice again, make a different decision.
As usual the standard of acting was of a very high level and this production
delivered a gripping and atmospheric interpretation of this time bending
drama drawing the audience into its unsettling world from the very first
moment. Every performer carried a sense of emotional truth that made the
plays philosophical questions feel immediate and human. The tension
between the characters, so essential to the story’s structure, was handled
with real nuance, allowing the slow reveal of past mistakes and possible
futures to land with real weight.
The staging was deceptively simple, yet remarkably effective. The pared back
set created a sense of isolation that suited the plays eerie mood, while also
giving the actors space to command the room. Subtle lighting choices and
careful use of shadow added to the feeling that time itself was folding in on
the characters. The clock chimes were a nice touch. It was a reminder that
atmosphere doesn’t require spectacle just thoughtful design. The costumes
were another good choice and each outfit felt perfectly rooted in the period
without ever drawing attention away from the performances. They certainly
helped to define the character relationships with clarity.
Overall, this was a compelling and beautifully judged production. Intelligent,
atmospheric, and anchored by performances that made Priestly‘s ideas feel
alive. It left the audience with that lingering sense of déjà vu the players built
upon, and a renewed appreciation for how a well crafted ensemble and
thoughtful design can elevate a classic.
 

COSTUMES AND PROPS (Lesley Williams)
This was certainly a good job done. All felt very well chosen and well suited
to the play. All seemed authentic to the period and adding to the plays
atmosphere.
Janet Ormund (Liz)
You gave us a strong and memorable performance. You brought real emotion
to the role, showing both Janet‘s vulnerability and her inner strength in a
natural, believable way. Your diction was clear and confident, making every
line easy to follow and adding impact to the dialogue. You used small
gestures and subtle changes in tone to show what Janet was feeling, which
made your scenes some of the most engaging in the play. You held the
audience’s attention and made the character feel fully committed.
Sam Shipley (Phil)
This was a very warm, natural, believable performance. Sam is a grounded
decent man, and you captured that perfectly. You brought an easy humour
and a calm presence that make the character feel real and familiar. Your
scenes with Sally felt genuine, and you anchored the play whenever the story
became more mysterious or philosophical. This was a quietly strong
performance that showed off what a good actor you are.
Sally Pratt (Sian)
You brought a heartfelt energy to Sally, creating a performance that felt
honest warm and deeply engaging. She can easily be played as simple or
naive, but you gave her some real depth. You showed Sally’s kindness and
vulnerability while also revealing the quiet determination beneath the surface,
making the character far more layered and compelling. Several moments
stand out, especially the way you react to the emotional tension around you.
Your expressions and timing felt extremely natural, and you listen as well as
you speak, which gives your scenes a genuine emotional pulse. Your
connection with Sam was especially strong, capturing a believable father /
daughter bond that adds warmth to the entire production. I enjoyed your
performance. I look forward to what you do next.
Walter Ormund (Chris)
You gave us a powerful and layered performance as Walter, capturing both
the characters outward confidence and the inner turmoil that drives the plays
tension. Your scenes carried much of the plays dramatic weight, and you held
the audiences attention with a calm authority that suited the role perfectly. I
felt this was a very thoughtful portrayal of Walter, bringing intelligence,
emotional truth, and real dramatic presence to the role.

Dr. Gortler (Tony)

You gave us a strong and quietly powerful performance as Dr. Gortler. You
brought a calm, thoughtful presence to the stage, making the characters
mysterious intelligence feel believable. Your delivery of the play’s deeper
ideas was clear and engaging, and you showed just enough emotion to
reveal the humanity beneath Gortler’s serious exterior. Your scenes guided
the rest of the characters without ever feeling forced and you added real
depth to the production. A controlled, intelligent, and memorable
performance.
Oliver Farrant (Jude)
You delivered a very thoughtful and engaging performance, capturing both
the characters gentle nature and the inner struggle that shapes his story. You
gave us a believable mix of warmth, uncertainty, and quiet longing, making
the character feel very human and relatable. You never overplayed the drama,
but you just let the tension build naturally. Your calm presence on stage
balanced the more intense characters giving the production a sense of
emotional grounding. This was a sincere and well judged performance that
brought depth to Oliver and added real heart to the play.
Director (John)
Well I certainly came away from this play confident you had a clear
understanding of Priestley’s play. Shaping a production that feels both
thoughtful and emotionally engaging. The balance between the everyday
realism of the Inn and the plays deeper ideas about fate, choice, and déjà vu
was handled with real care. Every scene felt purposeful, and the pacing

allows the tension to build naturally without ever feeling rushed or heavy-
handed.

You had a very strong cast who worked together with strong sense of unity,
suggesting careful guidance and a clear shared vision. Your steady hand and
thoughtful interpretation made the plays themes shine, and the strong
performances across the cast reflect the quality of the leadership behind the
scenes. Thank you for bringing this play back to an audience.
Thank you for yet another very enjoyable evening in Axbridge.
Hope to see you all at the awards night on the 23rd May.
Best wishes
Mike

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