Shifting Sands Theatre present a modern version of Gogol’s The Government Inspector at The Courtyard on Friday, April 12.

The Mayor of a small town is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent investigation by a high-ranking government official who is travelling incognito – The Government Inspector. The town’s officials are thrown into a panicked frenzy. They waste no time to cover up the misdirected contracts, misuse of public money, the bribes, fiddled expenses, and abuses of office … corruption that has been going on for years! Matters spiral hysterically out of control when they believe that a stranger in the town is the real Government Inspector.

Written in 1835 by Gogol, The Government Inspector is a hilarious satire about corruption in a world where, increasingly desperate to hide their wrongdoings and keep the supposed Government Inspector happy, everyone loses their moral compass.

Shifting Sands Theatre have developed a reputation for creating a clown’s eye view of epic tales, classic texts as well as devising contemporary material. They perform all over Britain from outdoor festivals to large-scale theatres. All of their work is based upon playfulness. This is the guiding principle of their work, theatre made playful, physical and visual for greater involvement, enjoyment and accessibility.

Courtyard Card members aged 14-25 can get £5 tickets (limited availability).

The Government Inspector will be at The Courtyard on Friday, April 12 at 7.30pm. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.