REVIEW – Salisbury Studio Theatre’s The Government Inspector

by Christine Stock: 19th October 2025

Salisbury Studio Theatre has once again proven that amateur theatre can rival the professional stage, with its brilliant production of The Government Inspector or A Little Local Difficulty, adapted by Philip Goulding from Nicolai Gogol’s timeless comedy. Set in a fictional British town in the 1860s, this rollicking satire of bureaucracy, vanity, and mistaken identity was brought to life with wit, energy and a healthy dose of theatrical flair.

Jamie Pullen, as John Petty, and Caroline Butcher, as Phyllis Stein, in Studio Theatre’s hilarious adaptation of The Government Inspector or A Little Local Difficulty. Image: Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography(Image: )

At the heart of the chaos was Jamie Pullen, positively electric as the flamboyant John Petty. Swanning about in a gloriously extravagant outfit, Pullen commanded the stage with a magnetic blend of bravado and comic timing. His portrayal of the mistaken inspector was a masterclass in extroverted charm and physical comedy, eliciting much laughter from the audience as the town’s dignitaries scrambled to impress him.

Aine Tiernan as Piers Prior. Image: Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography(Image: )

The rest of the cast juggled multiple roles with flair and finesse. Kris Hamilton-Brain gave a delightfully pompous turn as Mayor Wyndham-Pitts, perfectly capturing the character’s bluster and befuddlement. Caroline Butcher was a comic treat as both the sharp-tongued Phyllis Stein and the long-suffering Mrs Robson, while Emily Casselton impressed with her dual roles as the stern Policeman and the spirited Maria Wyndham-Pitts. Ness Hawkins brought warmth and wit to Rose Quigley and Tanner, and Dave Simmons delivered solid performances as the hapless Mr Robson and the officious Haden. Aine Tiernan showed great versatility as Piers Prior, Albert Markham, and Joseph, as did Marie Therese Tiernan in her contrasting roles as the formidable Mrs Wyndham-Pitts and the youthful Young Willy Wilson.

Under the deft direction of George Goulding, the cast navigated the play’s rapid-fire pace and multiple character swaps with admirable precision, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained despite a few minor stumbles over lines—moments that were quickly recovered with grace and good humour.

Kris Hamilton-Brain, as Mayor Wyndham-Pitts. Image: Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography(Image: )

A single set, designed by Jemma and Octavia Clark and constructed by Alistair Faulkner evoked the Victorian era with rich detail and clever design. From the mayor’s office to the bustling inn, each scene was framed with care and creativity, enhancing the farcical tone without overshadowing the performances.

Dave Simmons, as Mr Robson. Image: Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography(Image: )

The Government Inspector or A Little Local Difficulty was a triumph of community theatre: bold, hilarious, and brimming with talent. Salisbury is lucky to have such a gem in the Studio Theatre, and audiences would do well to book tickets early to the company’s Christmas pantomime The Ice Queen, which runs from Friday, December 5 to Saturday, 13.