The UN Inspector

Freely adapted from Gogol's The Government Inspector by David Farr. From a literal translation by Charlotte Pyke.

'This is one of the cleverest adaptations of a classic play I have ever seen – true to the spirit of Gogol's original, The Government Inspector, yet updating it with elegance and scabrous wit to the 21st century. Like Gogol before him, Farr, who directs a sparky production, comes up with some wonderful moments of farcical black comedy. Hilariously funny and chilling.' Daily Telegraph

He’s UN all over. On the surface completely ineffective. But watch out! One slip and he’ll tear you apart.

Spotted at the Marriott by government aides in search of a decent cappuccino, a British businessman nonentity is mistaken for the dreaded UN inspector. While he exploits the situation for all it’s worth, presidential panic ensues as ex-Soviet Ministers make farcical attempts to cover up the corruption that lies at the State’s core.

A riotous comedy based on Gogol’s masterpiece, The Government Inspector, David Farr’s new play explores human greed and immorality in the highest places.

Michael Sheen returns to the National, where he was last in Look Back in Anger, following his award-winning performance as Caligula at the Donmar Warehouse; he is joined by Kenneth Cranham, whose NT work includes An Inspector Calls and Cardiff East.

www.stagework.org.uk
Visit this BAFTA-winning website to find out more about the production, the people and the process.

The UN Inspector finished on: 5 October 2005