A classic tale of corruption and mistaken identity has taken to the stage in Rochester.

Nikolai Gogol’s, The Government Inspector, is the Medway Little Theatre’s fifth show for its 50th season.

In his debut production with the group, director Julian Felice introduces a fresh and innovative approach to the comedy.

In a small town in the middle of the Russian nowhere, the local mayor receives word that an inspector is being despatched by central government to scrutinize the town.

Panicked, the incompetent mayor and his bumbling cronies mistake a penniless nobody for the government inspector, and what follows is a classic tale of corruption and mistaken identity in what has been described as the greatest play in the Russian language.

The cast features a mixture of experienced hands and young talent, including many faces regulars to the theatre will recognise.

The whole cast had the audience in stitches but it was Joel Cooper who really stole the show. Cooper gives a hilarious performance as the farcical civil servant Khlestakov, who unintentionally wanders into the town’s inspection preparations.

Cooper puts so much life into the part you wonder how he manages to find the energy to keep going for the two-hour performance. Simon Watson, plays his enterprising servant Osip, a role he first played for a youth company production. Look out for a really funny scene involving Watson and a rather full chamber pot.

Shannon Harris and Megan Pemberton also had the audience giggling as the double act Bobchinsky and Dobchincsky. Throughout the play, make sure you look out for what’s happening in the background - sometimes its just as funny as what’s going on down stage.

The play continues until Saturday, May 24. Curtain up at 7.30pm. To book call the box office on 01634 400322.

Did you see the show? What did you think? Send us your review by email to medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or add your review online using the SpeakOut prompt below.