The Government Inspector

The play is set in a small Russian Town, full of corrupt officials who panic when they hear news that an incognito Government Inspector is due to arrive.  When they realise that a stranger has been staying at the Inn for two weeks they immediately think it is him and so the fun begins.

The set, was well designed and constructed, using two locations, the Mayor’s House, in which most of the action takes place, and a poor room in the town’s Inn.  The Mayor’s House, on one side of a revolve had impressive doors with steps leading to stage level, so that with changes of furniture it changed rooms.  The room at the Inn on the other side, comprised a landing and staircase leading down to the small, bare under-stairs room.  The stage had been well lit throughout, giving the right atmosphere to each scene, and showing the costumes and hairstyles to full affect.  There were some lovely well-cued sound effects, and well-chosen music.

Every character in this play is important and each so well defined, it gives the opportunity to many members to have wonderful roles.  Each of the corrupt officials was appropriately costumed to help identify them, and their ‘crimes’ were described as the play progressed.  Every actor understood his character and had given them unique mannerisms and stature.  All of the officials decide their salvation lay in bribing the Inspector by making him ‘loans’, which gradually become larger.  Khlestakov, the supposed Government Inspector, is puzzled but delighted by his change of fortune.  The role was played with a total lack of realization of what was actually happening but great enjoyment at the change of circumstances.  There was a lovely rapport between him and his long-suffering servant Osip.  The two rich widows Masha Bobchinskia and Sasha Dobchinskia were every inch the ‘grande dames’ of the village.  Anna and Marya the Mayor’s wife and daughter, such silly creatures, always arguing and both flattered by Khlestakov’s advances.  The merchants, who come to petition Khlestakov to dismiss the Mayor, were totally subservient shuffling in and out.  I must praise the silent housemaid, Advodka, for all her wonderful facial expressions and attitude, and her ‘running of errands’ it was so entertaining. 

Director, Heidi Price had used the Arthur A. Sykes translation, which she then adapted it to suit the company, putting put her own stamp on it.  Some highlights for me were the scene at the Inn where the characters were going up and down stairs,which had the audience roaring with laughter, brilliant timing; and the opening tableau, which the performers held brilliantly before going into a beautiful stylised dance.  It was an energetic, well-paced play, with themes still very relevant today.  An hilarious riot of lies and greed and the subsequent consequences with everyone receiving their comeuppance, had the audience in stitches.  Well done everyone on an hilariously entertaining evening.

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