The Government Inspector
Festival Theatre, Chichester
until Saturday 24th May
Artistic director, Justin Audibert has chosen to revive Ukrainian Nikolai Gogol‘s comic masterpiece as the 2025 season opener. This new adaption by Phil Porter however, is a world premiere and directed by the renowned Gregory Doran.
The tale is set in the 1830s in a provincial town in Russia. Rampant corruption in the town is appalling and the dysfunctional bureaucracy see the residents panicking when it is discovered that a Government Inspector is imminently expected in town. When a well-dressed man is found living in the top room of a local in and refusing to pay his bill, it is assumed he is the inspector incognito
Designer Francis O’Connor‘s clever and imaginative staging is stunning. Vintage filing cabinets with faded, cascading, paperwork, and turreted rooftops form a townscape together with decorative carved arched doors and window, plus an elaborate attic room and skylight.
In this vibrant production of a foolish case of mistaken identity is we are treated to a comedic farce that highlights the absurdity of bribery and corruption. A cartoonist romp of hapless officials is brilliantly realised by a talented ensemble that brings each of the over-the-top characters to life. At the heart of the chaos is Tom Rosenthal (Khlestakov) a clerk in the civil service playing the Inspector. His portrayal of the false official combines charm and cunning as he navigates the fine line between freeloading and a shrewd opportunist. He revels in the panic and confusion all the while plotting his escape before his true identity is revealed.
The supporting cast embrace their roles with the exuberance in particular Lloyd Hutchinson (The Mayor), Miltos Yerolemou and Paul Rider (Bobchinsky / Dobchinsky) the double act and energetic Scott Bowden (Constable Svistunov) along with the trio of serenading musicians who pepper the production with period music.
Overall this satire is an entertaining exploration of human folly where absurdity reigns supreme.
⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jill Lawrie
Image: Ellie Kurttz