First staged in 1836, The Government Inspector is a play set in Russia, written by Ukrainian-born Nikolai Gogol, but its themes are timeless and without geographical boundaries. Over nearly 200 years there have been numerous adaptations and interpretations, and the story even inspired an episode of Fawlty Towers ! Alistair Beaton’s hilarious translation brilliantly captures the dazzling blend of preposterous characters in their all too real situations.

In a small far flung back of nowhere town corruption is rife, with the mayor and his cronies filling their pockets at the expense of the downtrodden citizens but their comfortable situation is thrown into chaos and panic when word comes of an imminent visit by a government inspector ‘travelling incognito’. A classic case of mistaken identity ensues and the hapless officials fall victim to their own stupidity and greed.

For the first show since 2019, BODS presented a selection of Music Hall  solo and company songs and monologues, together with some more contemporary music 

Musical Director and accompanist: Ian Stone
Director: Julie Bickerdike
Lighting: David Ames

Cast: Lynda Barrett-Mercer, Julie Bickerdike, John Bryant, Carolyn Burnley, David Eccles, Vicki Hodges, Jane Khan, Jane Johnson, Diane Mayall, Stephen Tickell, Sarah Weston

FOH: Alison Cooper, Angela Terribile, Jane Flanders, Roger & Kathy Wilman