In this fun reimagining of Gogol’s comedy of errors The Government Inspector, human greed, corrupt politicians and smalltown foolishness come under the spotlight.
With the action moved to 70s America, there’s some delightful period attire and references dotted throughout; everyone’s playing 8-tracks, sporting vast collars and flares and chatting about Sonny and Cher. Even if you’re not familiar with the original play you won’t be too lost in this small town – a letter arrives announcing an undercover government official from DC, sending the wild-haired mayor and insular townsfolk into disarray as they try to butter up the next arrival by whatever means necessary.
The twelve-strong cast make good use of the Bedlam stage and you could easily think you’re in a bigger theatre. Choreography is tight and snappy, harmonies are great and the sheer physicality of the acting is a joy. There’s lots of capering around the stage, mugging to the audience and plenty of pratfalls. It’s like a grown-up Scooby Doo episode, with a cracking soundtrack. From Eastern European-style polkas to Latin cha-cha, the songs got everyone around me chair-dancing.
As the promise of big city rewards are dangled and morals loosen, the previously straitlaced townsfolk unravel into love triangles and financial ruin. Each character is a wonderful mini-stereotype, from the tattling healthcare boss to the postmaster opening important mail for a peek. At one point it even turns into a hotel room farce as the scammer seduces mother and daughter, and it’s suitably hectic. It’s a timely story to tell, given current political events in the US.
Theatre Movement Bazaar specialise in reimagining classic literature such as Three Sisters and The Godfather, and with Tiny Little Town they’ve just got a new fan.
****
Tiny Little Town is at Bedlam from 2-25th Aug (not 12th, 19th)