CREDITON Arts Centre’s upcoming production of Nikolai Gogol’s "The Government Inspector" is entering its final rehearsal stage.

Director Jack Robson has been working on the play with the company since the end of February, and he says that all elements of the production are now coming together.

Set designer Tim Salter is busy painting his Mondrian-inspired abstract expressionist designs on the mobile screens and doors.

Costume supremo Lindy Yellowlees and her dedicated team of seamstresses are working virtually full-time on the colourful dresses, jackets and trousers taking their colours and lines from Russian artist Marc Chagall.

Meanwhile the actors are polishing the scenes (and scene changes!) in an intensive programme of rehearsals in the Arts Centre’s main studio.

Jack added: "It has been a tough few months, with disruption from snow and illness, but it has been very rewarding and, even after all this time, the company is still laughing at the jokes in Gogol’s satirical and hugely funny script.

"It is very gratifying that the actors still find it funny.

"We hope that is a good omen for audience reaction in June.”

"The Government Inspector" is in performance at Crediton Arts Centre in East Street from June 6 to 9.

Tickets at £9 / £7 are available from Crediton Community Bookshop, Sandford Stores, Crediton Arts Centre and online at: www.creditonartscentre.ticketsource.co.uk .

Also on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, is the 10th Crediton Food Festival, with the familiar mix of stalls, demonstrations, events, music and fun, as well as the ever-popular Big Sunday Lunch. For further details visit: www.creditonartscentre.org .