To the left of the dinning table is a door where Edna the parlormaid stands timidly, with head slightly bowed awaiting instructions. This is also the door inwhich the inspector makes his dramatic entrance.
I would cast Mr Birling as a well built man, about 6ft tall with a beer belly and a bald patch. His voice is loud and his tone strong. He makes large hand gestures inline with his outburst of emotion. A soft beam of light would frame him as he stands centre stage with his arms spread wide as he proclaims that this is the “happiest night of his life” His wife would be of slim build with sharp features and thin lips. Her hair is tied back in a bun with not a hair out if place. Her voice is quiet and controlled her movement definite and methodical.
At the time that the play was written the class system played an important part in society. People were not considered to be of an equal status and did not have automatic rights. Most of the population were lower class. Middle class people like the Birings were very wealthy and upper-class people were the equivalent to today’s British royalty. Men were given all the powers in society and owned everything. Women had no powers and were not taken seriously.
Mr Birling is a proud man that likes to show off his social standing. Public opinion and his reputation are very important to him. “As an alderman and lord mayor two years ago” his presence would dominate the stage. He would sit at the head of the table complaining about the greed of the lower classes and “giving the younger men a little good advice”. Mr birling would be the central character in the opening scene. He is a man that likes the sound of his own voice. He would make slurping noises as he sips his port. He has energy and enthusiasm in his voice as he talks constantly about the impossibility of war, and German officers who drink too much. He would boast of so called friends that have sailed on the “absolutely unsinkable” Titanic. The dialogue of Mr Birling has a dramatic impact on the opening scene. He should be portrayed as a man of authority an upstanding member of the community.
Mr Birling has a big personality; this would be portrayed to the audience through his expressive hand movements and confident tone. A soft light would highlight his smiling face as he beams with pride encouraging his family to drink port and welcome Gerald into the family. During the opening scene Gerald and Shelia would exchange loving glances and secret smiles to show the audience their excitement at becoming engaged.
The costumes of the Birlings would be set in the expected time period-1912. Luxuary, elegance plus richness of colour and texture would be used to equate the Birlings to their social standing. Mr Birling, his son Arthur and Gerald croft would portray the definitive gentlemen in well made traditional evening suits. Arthur Birling, although in traditional dress is not as pristine as his father. His tie is loose, his jacket sleeves are rolled up and it is obvious that he is a bit “squiffy”.
Mother and daughter although richly dressed would be contrast in colour. Sheila Birling would be dressed in virginal white and smiling brightly as she admires her engagement ring. Her hand movements would be very animated as she exclaims that “she’ll never let it go out of her sight for an instant.” Mrs Birlings costume would be of a more mature style and of deep red velvet. Her dress would have no lace or frills and her persona would show a refined lady with a touch of superiority.
The Birlings are very pleased with themselves. They are celebrating their daughter’s engagement and drinking port. Even Mrs Birling has taken a drink after Shelia had stated that she “must drink” to there health. Everyone is in a jolly mood as Gerald eagerly proclaimed that the dinner was “absolutely first class”.
The conversation around the dinning table should be light hearted, houmouruos and playful, this engages the audience and show that the Birlings are happy and content.
The play would open with Soft, romantic classical music in the background. This would change to a faster, stronger tone with the arrival of the inspector. Violins and symbols would add a shaper tone to the music and help create an atmosphere of suspense. The contrast in the music would etherise the contrasts that are soon to be revealed.
