The Government Inspector

The Government Inspector

22nd - 25th November  2023

Photos by Adam Clutterbuck

'The Government Inspector', revolves around one of the all-time great stage comedy characters. Named Khlestakov, he is a lazy, entitled, minor civil servant. Mistaken by the corrupt officials of a small town for a high-ranking Government Inspector, he is soon enjoying their misguided attempts to flatter and bribe him. He shamelessly flirts with both the Mayor's wife and daughter - but what will happen when his true identity is revealed?

Originally written in 19th century Russian by the Ukrainian author Nikolai Gogol,  the play has been given a dynamic make over by the modern satirist Alistair Beaton. His adaptation seamlessly translates the anarchic humour of the original into accessible English. Somewhat disturbingly, the issues raised seem just as relevant in the 21st Century. As one of the characters puts it -  "don't blame the mirror, it's your face that's the problem"