The Government Inspector

I remember reading ‘The Government Inspector’ many, many years ago. It was one of the books on the ‘O’ level syllabus. The author was Nikolai Gogol and was written back in 1834 during the reign of Tsar Nicholas 1st. This production was a revised modern adaptation by David Harrower which from some of the language used was not in the version I read at school. Rather than being set in Tsarist Russia this was set to take place in the 1960’s. It was rumoured a government inspector from St. Petersburg was to visit this small provincial village. A visitor to the village was mistakenly identified as the inspector and mayhem ensued. The hierarchy of the civil service from the Mayor and his wife down to the Postmistress all became involved highlighting all the bribery and corruption that took place within.

With the limitations of the small stage and the large cast I felt the framed scenery worked quite well, however occasionally it was a little over crowded. There were some very good characterisations and I don’t feel that I should single out any one in particular as everyone contributed well to the overall production. I did enjoy the evening, however I did feel this production was a little ambitious. That being said I must congratulate Alan Perks the Director for taking on this production as I fully appreciate the work and commitment that is involved.

Thanks again Broughton for the kind invitation and I shall look forward to the next production.

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