The Government Inspector
The Government Inspector. (L-R) Dylan Marshall, Anna Butcher, Cheryl Laverick, Giles Allen-Bowden, Harrison Horsley. Photo (c) Richard Smith.
The Government Inspector, by Nikolai Gogoi, in a new adaptation by Nick Le Mesurier at The Loft Theatre, Victoria Colonnade, Leamington Spa. Running from Wednesday 5 June – Saturday 15 June. Directed by Matthew Salisbury.
Preview
The Government Inspector is a satirical play, originally published in 1836 by the Russian and Ukrainian dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol, here in a newly realised adaptation by playwright Nick Le Mesurier.
It’s Russia 1840, A company of travelling actors descend into a small town courtyard, and prepare to put on a performance of the evening show - The Government Inspector.
The cast: Top left clockwise: Dylan Marshall, Harrison Horsley, Anna Butcher, Giles Allen-Bowden, Cheryl Laverick. Photo (c) Richard Smith.
It's all about the corrupt officials of a small Russian town, headed by the equally suspect Mayor, who react with despair to the news that an incognito Government Inspector will soon be arriving in their town to investigate them. They panic, and there is a flurry of activity to cover up their considerable misdeeds, interrupted by the news that a suspicious person has arrived two weeks previously from Saint Petersburg and is staying at the local inn. Is this the dreaded Inspector?
Based upon an anecdote allegedly recounted to Gogol by Pushkin, the play is a comedy of errors, satirising human greed, stupidity, and the extensive political corruption of Imperial Russia. Imaginative, and with beautifully realised characters and sparkling dialogue, this is a new version not to be missed.
The Government Inspector at The Loft. L-R: Anna Butcher, Giles Allen-Bowden, Cheryl Laverick. Photo (c) Richard Smith.
Director: Matthew Salisbury said: “It's the mark of a real classic that The Government Inspector is still relevant today, but it's even more impressive that it's still very funny. Nick's script peppers the timeless comedy of the original with a good sprinkling of modern touches.
"We're masquerading as a Russian touring theatre group to stage this, so expect a lively, open production packed with daft characters and great lines. Naslazhdaysya predstavleniyem as we like to say. It means enjoy the show!"
Tickets can be booked online at any time via the Loft Theatre Company website. Please note The free ticket offer for 16-25 year olds applies for this show.
www.lofttheatrecompany.com or email boxoffice@lofttheatrecompany.com, or call 01926 830 680 (answer phone service).
