The Marylebone Theatre has issued a casting update for its forthcoming revival of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical comedy The Government Inspector.
The Government Inspector runs at the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May to 15 June 2024.
Martha Howe-Douglas will join her Ghosts co-star Kiell Smith-Bynoe in the show, alongside her Yonderland co-star, actor and comedian Dan Skinner.
Martha Howe-Douglas (Sky 1’s Yonderland, BBC’s Horrible Histories), who co-wrote and performed the role of ‘Lady Button’ in all five series of hit BBC comedy Ghosts, will play the role of ‘Mrs Swashprattle’ in the comedy, replacing the previously announced Vicki Pepperdine, who is stepping away from the show for personal reasons.
Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts) plays ‘Percy Fopdoodle’, and Dan Skinner (Yonderland, Shooting Stars, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Kennedys) plays ‘Governor Swashprattle’.
Also in the cast are Peter Clements (The Incident Room) as ‘Ivan Brabble’, Chaya Gupta (Hansel and Gretel) as ‘Miss Swashprattle’, David Hartley (Macbeth, Henry VI) as ‘Reverand Jargogle’, Nigel Hastings (And Then Come The Night Jars) as ‘Dr Mumpsimus’, Christopher Hunter (Mr Selfridge) as ‘Postmaster Cumberworld’, Daniel Millar (The Pillowman) as ‘Fudgel’, Anna Savva (The Durrells) as ‘Judge Woofit’, Dan Starkey (Doctor Who) as ‘Ivan Grubble’ and Alison Ward (NewsRevue) as ‘Cyril/Marigold’.
This new adaptation of The Government Inspector is directed and adapted by Patrick Myles, and 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.
Joining Patrick Myles in the creative team are set and costume designer Melanie Jane Brookes, lighting designer Ric Mountjoy, sound designer Jamie Lu, and casting consultant Matilda James.
Martha Howe-Douglas said in a statement: “I am delighted to be joining the company of The Government Inspector – my first Theatre role since 2003.”
The Government Inspector plays the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May to 15 June 2024.
Book tickets to The Government Inspector at the Marylebone Theatre in London
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