The Government Inspector

The Government Inspector was written by Nikolai Gogol in 1836 and has been adapted several times. This particular translation was written about twelve years ago and was performed with great confidence by Southwick Players. The basis of the story is about a town in Russia where there is much greed, stupidity and political corruption. An incognito official is rumoured to be arriving to make a report.   

The main character in this corrupt town council is the Mayor (Graeme Muncer). This was a stirling performance throughout and very ably assisted by his fellows in crime - the judge, the Hospital Superintendant (Steve Emery), the Superintendant of Schools (Jamie Cranfield) and Dr Gibner (H. Reeves). Also doing their part to please the controlling mayor were the Postmaster (Roy Stevens), the Policeman (Frank Horsley) and the Police. Superintendant (Sarah Papouis). The general populus was represented by a comedy duo of landowners (Ron Common & Tim Ingram) and some shopkeepers.

The Clerk (Neil Drew) was just a passing visitor and through the magic of farce assumed to be the incognito inspector. He was immediately happy to assume the gifts and fortunate chances given to him and played the con man very well. He was able to keep up this diguise with the help of his serf Osip (H. Reeves - formerly the doctor). To add to the confusion also involved are the Mayor’s wife (Emma Sayers) and the Mayor’s Daughter (Zarrina Danaeva). The two of them did an excellent job of flirting with the handsome stranger who had appeared.

The mood for the play was set initially by Russian music (Kalinka & other well known Russian songs) playing in the auditorium. The set was impressive with the contrast of the Mayor’s ill-gotten mansion and the lowly inn where we first meet the clerk. I do not pretend to be an expert on Russian dress but the costumes seemed to be in keeping for the time. One of the important parts of performing farce is timing. This is not straight forward in this theatre as the actors have to come in from side doors and through the audience. However, this was no problem to the cast and it enhanced the comedy required to make this a very funny performance. Congratulations to all on stage, back stage and the production team.  

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