

A matchmaker's chaos, a bachelor who'd rather flee — Gogol's satirical gem gets gloriously unhinged.
Councillor Podkolyossin has called on the services of Madame Fyokla, the matchmaker - decision he is already beginning to regret. Against his better judgment he finds himself competing for the hand of Miss Agafya.
Acting
John Wood's masterclass in comic paralysis — every flinch lands.
Writing
Gogol's 1842 dialogue sharpened to a satirical blade.
Director
Michael Simpson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1981 BBC adaptation captures the National Theatre production's timing; Simpson directed both.
Gogol wrote this as a satire of the emerging Russian merchant class's marriage market — the panic remains timeless.
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