The Studio Theatre, Hertford
Tuesday 7th to Monday 11th May 2026
A satire about corrupt officials in a small Russian town who mistake a penniless nobody for an incognito government inspector, leading to a chaotic and humorous series of events as they try to bribe him to cover up their misdeeds. The imposter, Khlestakov, takes advantage of the deception, living a lavish life at their expense, before fleeing just before the real inspector's arrival is announced. The play, based on a story allegedly told to Nikolai Gogol byAlexander Pushkin, critiques human greed, stupidity, and bureaucratic corruption.