Northern Broadsides bring their unique brand of humour Liverpool with A Government Inspector when it arrives at the Playhouse next month. Nikolai Gogol’s classic comedy of errors about corruption in a small town has been updated by the popular theatre company.
The play features a troupe of actor-musicians to incorporate music as an integral part of the show. This new adaptation relocates to a small Pennine town, starting when a mysterious stranger is mistaken for a government inspector. Fearing discovery of their corrupt goings-on, the town’s unscrupulous councillors attempt to ingratiate themselves. Bribes, backhanders and brown envelopes abound and the young chap, who has an eye for a quick buck, takes full advantage.
Director Conrad Nelson said “This adaptation is created to incorporate a live brass band score, evoking traditional values of honest labour and community. The warm-hearted music is a moral counterpoint to the shady racketeering of the town’s inhabitants – in particular the Leader of the Council, Tony Belcher.
The cast features Andy Cresswell, Andy Cryer, Anthony Hunt and Andrew Price. They will be joined by Jon Trenchard, Harry Myers and Richard Colvin.
The Government Inspector is at the Liverpool Playhouse from 13 – 17 November.