Anna & Gogol interview  by George Savvides   

Croydon-born Anna Savva became a household name thanks to her remarkable performance in the much-loved, long running television series THE DURRELLS, in which she played Lugaretzia, the long-suffering housekeeper in the Durrells’ household.

“It was a gift of a part and filming in Corfu was a real joy,” she told me recently when we had lunch along with her sister Eleni, while on holiday at the delicious Syrian restaurant in Nicosia.

“It certainly opened doors for me – I recently did an exciting film called THE EYE directed by Daphne Schmon, which is currently showing at International Festivals, and I am about to start rehearsals for a new adaptation of Gogol’s classic comedy THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR at the Marylebone Theatre.

“I am thrilled to be working with another Cypriot, Patrick Myles – born to a Greek Cypriot mother and an Irish father. Patrick adapted Gogol’s masterpiece and is also the director. I can’t wait to start playing Judge Woofit.”

Anna has a strong screen presence but her first love is still the theatre, and one of her favourite roles is that of Frida Kahlo in the stage production of FRIDA & DIEGO for which she was nominated for a Time Out Best Actress Award.

“I recently worked at the Shakespeare Globe doing HENRY VIII and I, JOAN in repertoire in the open air for many months – it was a challenging but rewarding experience.”

I have had the pleasure of working with Anna and Patrick on many occasions, both on stage and screen, and can’t wait to see this new adaptation of Gogol’s satirical comedy which is one of my favourite plays – I remember vividly the hysterically funny 1985 National Theatre production starring Rik Mayall. This new production of Gogol’s Russian masterpiece is now set in a small town in late 19th century Britain, where corrupt local officials mistake a flamboyant traveller for the Inspector who is apparently travelling incognito.”

 

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR is playing at the Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT from 3rd May until 15th June.

Monday – Saturday @ 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday @ 2.30pm

Tickets from £20

BOX OFFICE: 02077237984 (Monday–Friday: 11am–4pm)
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