The Government Inspector

Image: Courtesy of Lace Market Theatre

An adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s classic comedy by Philip Goulding.

“My purpose in calling you together this morning, is, I’m afraid, distinctly unpleasant. I have received word that we are to expect… an inspector.”

By Ukrainian born Nikolai Gogol, adapted by Philip Goulding. In this version, specially written for the Lace Market Theatre, of Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, the Mayor of a mid Victorian East Midlands town is thrown into a panic at the news that an imminent inspection by a high-ranking government official, the Government Inspector!

The Mayor’s fears are well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his duties and the town’s officials waste no time covering up their corruption. Surely the only possible solution is bribery; it seems to have worked so well for the Mayor and his team in the past! Alas a simple case of mistaken identity leads matters to spiral hysterically out of control. Could it be that they have met their match in the complicated business of deception? A hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed.