I Have Been Here Before
by J.B. Priestley
Directed by CJ Langdon and Robert Ashton
Albion Theatre
October 17, 2025
Dustin Petrillo, Bryn McLaughlin, Jeff Kargus
Photo by John Lamb
Albion Theatre
British playwright J.B. Priestley’s 1937 work I Have Been Here Before, as staged by Albion Theatre under the direction of CJ Langdon and Robert Ashton, is a time trip in more ways than one. In one sense, it takes its subject seriously and stages it with credibility and emotion, featuring an excellent local cast. In another sense, it’s a fully realized “world”, bringing the audience into the mindset and atmosphere of 1930s Europe with clarity and thoughtful attention to detail.
The show is one of Priestley’s “Time Plays”, in which the playwright explored various theories of the concept of time. In this one, influenced by the theories of Russian philosopher P. D. Oupensky, the concept of time as recurrent is expounded through the character of exiled German professor Dr. Görtler (Garrett Bergfeld), who has come to a small Yorkshire inn and pub on an “experimental” outing, soon meeting the staff and guests and serving as a subject of interest for some, and disturbance for others. Everyone has their concerns and interests apart from the Doctor’s philosophies, as well. Sam (Robert Ashton) and his widowed daughter Sally (Anna Langdon) are interested in being hospitable hosts, and Sally is particularly concerned for her unseen son Charlie, who is away at school. The two are initially hosting Oliver Farrant (Dustin Petrillo), the young headmaster of Charlie’s school who has been advised to take some time off to rest. Soon, they are joined, apparently by chance, by the wealthy Walter Ormund–who serves on the school’s Board of Governers–and his much younger wife, Janet (Bryn McLaughlin), after being predicted to do so by the mysterious but friendly Dr. Görtler. Soon, a web of intrigue develops, as the characters’ lives become intertwined and the uncertain mood of the era is reflected in their backstories and choices. Suspicion, fear, regret, longing, and hope are mingled in the stories of this small group of characters who may or may not be bound to an ominous and bleak future fate.
This is one of those stories that strikes me as fairly easy to do “wrong”–that is, to make it dull and plodding and lost in conjecture and stiff staging. Fortunately, this production is about as “right” as I can imagine, with a perfectly chosen cast and thoughtful, well-paced staging that brings out the emotion of the story and emphasizes the emotions and longings of the characters without melodrama or stereotyping. The well-crafted performance of all are to be commended, anchored by Bergfeld in an intelligent and compassionate turn as Görtler, and by Kargus at his best as the upper-class Walter, who gradually reveals much more to his seemingly stiff, distracted, hard-drinking character upon interacting with the gently insistent Görtler. These two form the emotional center of the story, which also features memorable performances from Langdon as the conflicted Sally, Ashton as the easy-going Sam, and McLaughlin and Petrillo as Oliver and Janet, who are both trying to avoid what seems to be an inevitable fate while professing contrasting reactions to Görtler’s professions.
This excellent cast is given a lot to work with by the excellent sense of theming and atmosphere achieved through the work of a meticulous design team. The set by Brad Slavik and scenic design by Rachel St. Pierre provide a realistic and well-appointed backdrop for the action, appropriately lit by lighting designer Eric Wennlund. Tracey Newcomb’s costumes are well-chosen for the characters and era, and Leonard Marshall’s sound also adds much in the way of period atmosphere.
I Have Been Here Before is an almost 90-year-old play, given much immediacy and relatability by Albion’s excellently staged production. The sense of uncertainty of the times lends much drama to the “time” aspects, as well, and there’s a lot here to think about that’s not always directly spelled out, but is still conveyed with clarity. Albion has quickly become one of St. Louis’s more consistent theatre companies in terms of quality, and this show is another memorable example of that reputation.
Anna Langdon, Jeff Kargus, Robert Ashton, Garrett Bergfeld
Photo by John Lamb
Albion Theatre
Albion Theatre is presenting I Have Been Here Before at the Kranzberg Arts Center until November 2, 2025
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