One of the most famous comedies in world theatre, Gogol's masterpiece has lost none of its bite.

Don't blame the mirror if your face is askew.

One of the most famous comedies in world theatre, Gogol's masterpiece has lost none of its bite.

In a small town corruption is rife, and the Mayor and his cronies have got it made. So when they learn they are going to be subject to an undercover government inspection they panic. Mistaking a penniless nobody for the inspector they swiftly fall victim to their own stupidity and greed.

This adaptation by Phil Porter was published to coincide with the premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre in April 2025