Old Stagers cast an eye over satire

Russian novelist Nikolai Gogol’s satire The Government Inspector is brought to the stage in Canterbury by the world’s oldest dramatic society.

The city’s Old Stagers formed in 1842 and have performed in the city every year since, except those during the two world wars.

This year they have chosen Gogol’s play, which examines the pettiness of officialdom in 19th-century Russia.

The story focuses on the foolishness of town officials hoodwinked by crooks into believing they are being investigated for corruption.

Professional actress Eileen Battye joins The Old Stagers, taking the lead role of Anna, the mayor’s wife.

Also returning to the company is fellow professional Oliver Carson as the inspector.

The cast is one of the largest assembled by The Old Stagers for many years, containing both professionals and experienced amateurs.

This year’s epilogue, Wake me up before you Gogol, will be performed after the play on two nights.

It is written by Christopher Stonehill, with music by Richard Ritchie, both of whom also appear in The Government Inspector.

The Epilogue, a short, satirical musical revue, is another unique feature of the Old Stagers’ long history.

Attending the Epilogue this year on Friday, August 5, will be Canterbury’s real Lord Mayor, George Metcalfe.

Cllr Metcalfe is himself a former actor with the Old Stagers, having appeared with the society in 1960 (The Diary of Anne Frank) and again in 1962 (The Three Musketeers).

A history of the Old Stagers has recently been published, drawing from the society’s extensive archives at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Government Inspector will play at Canterbury’s Gulbenkian Theatre from August 1 to August 6.

Visit www.oldstagers.com, call the Gulbenkian on 01227 769075 or email boxoffice@ kent.ac.uk