Erdman writes in the tradition of Gogol (think Government Inspector), and it certainly shows in this madcap but sinister farce. Its premiere in 1925 was the most successful production by the most famous of Soviet directors, Meyerhold. Now it is given a rare revival at the National Theatre in London in a version written and directed by Declan Donnellan, who has staged many productions in Russia in the last 10 years.

I used to work in PR, if you're going to kill yourself let's make it an event . . . You can own this, Sam. For the first time in your life you. Could be. In charge.

Things are getting tough for Sam. No job, benefits stopped and stuck in a tiny flat with his girlfriend Maya and her mum. The pressure is building. It feels like there might be only one way out.

But every ending is a beginning and there are plenty of people keen to capitalise on Sam's momentous decision. From corrupt local politicians to kids trying to raise the number of views of their online videos,...