"The Government Inspector" - Marylebone Theatre

Peter Anderson • May 01, 2024

"There’s no money in honesty!”
A comedy about hypocrites, hysterics and hustlers.


A brand-new adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, premiering at the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May – 15 June 2024. This hilarious new adaptation sets the action in a small parochial town in late 19th century Britain, where the corrupt local officials mistake an over-privileged, vainglorious liar, who just happens to be passing through the town, for a high-ranking government inspector.


Desperate to cover up their crimes and escape censure, the town’s Governor and his cronies pull out all the stops to try and bribe this dishonest buffoon with money, wine and women. The production will star TV comedy royalty Vicki Pepperdine (Poor Things, Getting On, Dear Joan and Jericha) as Mrs Swashprattle alongside Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, Taskmaster, Man Like Mobeen) as Percy Fopdoodle and Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Kennedys) as Governor Swashprattle.


Vicki Pepperdine said, “I’m looking forward to getting to grips with Patrick’s great new adaptation of this classic tale, full of subterfuge, flirtation and plenty of jokes about government corruption!" Kiell Smith Bynoe said, "Very excited to be back on the stage in this hilarious adaptation. Can't wait to get in front of an audience and misbehave.” Dan Skinner said, "The Government Inspector is an absolute classic and there has never been a better time than now to retell this story of corrupt councillors, vanity and opportunism. As well as being a story for our times, it's also very funny and I can't wait to get stuck in!"


They will be joined onstage by Peter Clements (The Incident Room – New Diorama Theatre, Frau Monde: Farewell to the Theatre – Hackney Showroom) as ‘Ivan Brabble’, Chaya Gupta (Hansel and Gretel – Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, We’ll Have Nun Of It – Edinburgh Fringe & The Other Palace) as ‘Miss Swashprattle’, David Hartley (Macbeth & Henry VI – Shakespeare's Globe, Measure for Measure – Shakespeare's Globe & US Tour) as ‘Reverand Jargogle’, Nigel Hastings (And Then Come The Night Jars – Theatre503, UK Tours and Film Adaptation, Dmitry – Marylebone Theatre) as ‘Dr Mumpsimus’.


Christopher Hunter (Mr Selfridge – ITV, Romeo and Juliet – Royal Shakespeare Company) as ‘Postmaster Cumberworld’, Daniel Millar (The Pillowman & The Play That Goes Wrong – West End, King Lear & Frankenstein – National Theatre) as ‘Fudgel’, Anna Savva (The Durrells – ITV, Henry VIII – Shakespeare's Globe) as ‘Judge Woofit’, Dan Starkey (Doctor Who – BBC, Class Dismissed & Wizards vs. Aliens – CBBC) as ‘Ivan Grubble’ and Alison Ward (NewsRevue – Canal Café Theatre, Big Field - BBC3) as ‘Cyril/Marigold’.


The Government Inspector has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest comedies in world literature and ensured that wherever a corrupt and hypocritical government is in power, this play finds its way to the stage. The play is adapted and directed by Patrick Myles, with set and costume design by Melanie Jane Brookes, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Jamie Lu, and casting consultancy by Matilda James.


TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

Peterborough Presents - Celebrating 10 years of creativity

By Peter Anderson • 16 May, 2024
In 2024 Peterborough Presents is celebrating 10 years of working with communities across the city to create great ‘art’. Mention the arts and people naturally think of galleries and theatres. For the last 10 years, arts organisation Peterborough Presents has been working with people from across the city to show that it is this and so much more. It can mean circuses, folk tales, street murals, poetry on the walls at the Lido, Zombie Walks at Diwali, being serenaded by violins whilst in a hot tub at Thorpe Meadows, going on magical history tours and creating lantern parades. It can mean carnivals at Millfield Festival, weekly craft groups or even doing up your local street with colourful planters. For their birthday, the Peterborough Presents team want to celebrate all the ways in which you can be creative and encourage you to get creative too. Their 10th birthday is as ambitious as ever! It kicks-off at Peterborough Celebrates Festival on 18th & 19th May at Ferry Meadows. Peterborough Presents will be taking over the ‘creative dome’. In there you can watch amazing carnival performances by Mandinga Arts or get involved in drawing and making sessions. Of course, there will be some party games too! Artist Rose Croft is currently working with groups from across the city to create colourful garlands and artworks from recycled materials that will decorate the Creative Dome. With funding from Arts Council England, Peterborough Presents has been working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Programme Director Sarah Haythornthwaite says “ There’s a lot of creativity in Peterborough and also energy to try something different. 10 years is a proper milestone too. Over those years we have had the pleasure, and honour, of working with specific neighbourhoods in the city to create projects alongside local residents. We don’t tell people what ‘arts’ they need." "We start by getting to know people, find out what inspires them, what's missing and then we create something together. It makes every project and every neighbourhood unique. We have seen people make new friends, learn new skills, even seen communities come together for the first time. They have looked at their neighbourhood in a different way and found creative ways to shout about something important to them. We’ve worked with some amazing established artists but have also helped to support some fabulous new ones too. Above all, we’ve had fun!” The birthday celebrations will continue throughout the year with community-led creative programmes in Millfield, Westwood, Eye, and beyond. Highlights include the Millfield Makers event in August, Eye Lantern Parade in November and film projects with young people in Westwood. You can expect some short films, podcasts and digital artwork released online too. Sarah continues “ The Peterborough Presents programme has provided thousands of people the opportunity to be part of creative activities over the last 10 years. We enjoy working closely with communities to co-produce our programme so that residents can experience art on their doorstep – projects that are relevant and fun!! A party isn’t a party unless others join us on the dance floor. So, we’re inviting you all to come and join us at Peterborough Celebrates and have a go at being a bit creative. ” Peterborough Presents is hosted by Nene Park Trust and supported by Metal, Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services, Eastern Angles and Creative Lives. The programme is funded by Arts Council England.You can find out more about by visiting www.peterboroughpresents.org . To find out more about Peterborough Celebrates visit www.peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk

Fältsånger perform at The Pyramid

By Peter Anderson • 16 May, 2024
Placing as much importance on the visual aspect as the music, Fältsånger strives to make each concert an experience, with unique opening films that draw the audience into their world before emerging from the shadows to blend into the psychedelic projections that flood the stage as the music blossoms. Fältsånger are perhaps best described as psychedelic electronica. Or maybe ambient space rock. Or even experimental muzak. Whatever the label, their music is uniquely their own. Coming from Warrington, the band appeared in 2023 with a few releases across streaming platforms and a small number of highly visual concerts at select venues. Believing in a "live is best" approach, the band rarely writes traditional songs, usually relying on fate to deliver songs through extended jams. Often these jams require an element of editing to bring them down to digestible lengths, although sometimes, as was the case with The Moon Shimmers With Secrets, a full album can appear entirely through live, and unedited, improvisation. Described recently as "the most innovative band around", their fans find them reminiscent of Tangerine Dream, The Orb, Herbie Hancock, Gong, Spaceheads, Ryksöpp, and even Manuel Göttsching, the band cites few of these as influences. No doubt if you are fans of these groups, Fältsånger could be well worth considering as an addition to your Spotify playlists. Alternatively, you could join the audience at Warrington's Pyramid Arts Centre, this Saturday. Sit back close your eyes and be whisked from the angst of the modern world. Fältsånger are looking to start making appearances further afield, but for now, to experience them you will have to travel to Warrington. Here is your link for tickets and further info' https://linktr.ee/faltsanger
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