THE TOWNSPEOPLE are more than a little worried in The Government Inspector at Leamington’s Loft Theatre.
The corrupt officials of a small Russian town, headed by the equally suspect Mayor, 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?
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 Nick Le Mesurier.
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.
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.”
The Government Inspector runs from June 5 to 15.
Visit www.lofttheatrecompany.com for full details.
