The Government Inspector

... The Courtyard, Hoxton

A play by Nikolai Gogol, adapted and updated by Philip Goulding.

After 20 minutes stuck in first gear, the performance from a spirited cast of nine young actors in this pub theatre rapidly got into top gear and stayed there.

'When the mayor of the town receives a letter informing him an inspector is to arrive he gathers his advisors to help cover up his "mismanagement" and to find out who this inspector is. The whole town is excited and all want a piece of the visitor...

This great and ridiculous play consists of mistaken identity, love and how power is a farce. First published in 1836 but could easily have been written today, there is a little of Yes Minster and The Thick Of It in this joyous play.' Courtyard website