Martha Howe-Douglas – best known as one of the co-creators, writers and performers of hit BBC Comedy Ghosts and Sky 1’s Yonderland – will join fellow stars Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Dan Skinner in the brand-new adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, premiering at the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May – 15 June 2024,

Martha will join the company as ‘Mrs Swashprattle’ to replace the previously announced Vicki Pepperdine, who is stepping away from the show for personal reasons.

Howe-Douglas co-wrote and performed the role of ‘Lady Button’ in five series of Ghosts, the critically acclaimed and BAFTA nominated hit TV show that recently went out on a high with a Christmas special in December 2023. She played alongside Kiell Smith-Bynoe as ‘Mike’ who’ll be playing ‘Percy Fopdoodle’ opposite her on stage.

Previous work includes playing various roles in all 5 series of the hit children’s TV show, ‘Horrible Histories’ (BBC). She also appeared in series 1 of the BBC drama 'Doctor Foster’.

The Government Inspector will be her first stage work since 2003.

As previously announced, Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Kennedys) will play  ‘Governor Swashprattle’ – once again playing a husband and wife pairing with Howe-Douglas; in all 3 series of the fantasy comedy ‘Yonderland’ (Sky 1) he played ‘Peter Maddox’ opposite Martha as ‘Debbie Maddox’, a show she also co-wrote.

Completing the company are Peter Clements (The Incident Room – New Diorama Theatre, Frau Monde: Farewell to the Theatre – Hackney Showroom) as ‘Ivan Brabble’, Chaya Gupta (Hansel and Gretel – Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, We’ll Have Nun Of It – Edinburgh Fringe & The Other Palace) as ‘Miss Swashprattle’, David Hartley (Macbeth & Henry VI – Shakespeare's Globe, Measure for Measure – Shakespeare's Globe & US Tour) as ‘Reverand Jargogle’, Nigel Hastings (And Then Come The Night Jars – Theatre503, UK Tours and Film Adaptation, Dmitry – Marylebone Theatre) as ‘Dr Mumpsimus’, Christopher Hunter (Mr Selfridge – ITV, Romeo and Juliet – Royal Shakespeare Company) as ‘Postmaster Cumberworld’, Daniel Millar (The Pillowman & The Play That Goes Wrong – West End, King Lear & Frankenstein – National Theatre) as ‘Fudgel’, Anna Savva (The Durrells – ITV, Henry VIII – Shakespeare's Globe) as ‘Judge Woofit’, Dan Starkey (Doctor Who – BBC, Class Dismissed & Wizards vs. Aliens – CBBC) as ‘Ivan Grubble’ and Alison Ward (NewsRevue – Canal Café Theatre, Big Field - BBC3) as ‘Cyril/Marigold’.

This new adaptation 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.

Martha Howe-Douglas said, "I am delighted to be joining the company of The Government Inspector - my first Theatre role since 2003.”

The Government Inspector has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest comedies in world literature and ensured that wherever a corrupt and hypocritical government is in power, this play finds its way to the stage.

The Government Inspector is adapted and directed by Patrick Myles, with set and costume design by Melanie Jane Brookes, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Jamie Lu, and casting consultancy by Matilda James.

Buy tickets here.