One Man, Two Guvnors
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
One Man, Two Guvnors was a triumph with audiences and critics, across the globe, when it was first performed back in 2011. Now, the hilarious smash hit comedy will explode into the North West this summer in this brand-new production.
Written by Richard Bean, One Man, Two Guvnors was first performed at the National Theatre in 2011. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring James Cordon, the show was a riotous success. Garnering five-star reviews, a wad of awards and hailed as ‘one of the funniest productions in the National’s history’ by The Guardian, we’re thrilled that a new production of the much-loved farce will play to audiences across the North this summer.
This co-production by Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse will be directed by Octagon Theatre Bolton’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham and will play to Northern audiences for an extended run at each of the venues. Launching in Bolton (from 26 May – 25 June) before travelling to Liverpool Playhouse (29 June – 16 July) and then, into the stunning setting of Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake (20 July – 3 Sept).
Hailed as ‘one of the funniest productions in the National’s history’.
With live music and side-splitting slapstick, One Man, Two Guvnors is a modern adaptation of the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s classic comedy, The Servant of Two Masters, written in 1746.
Set in 1963 in Brighton, the play follows the ups-and-downs of Francis Henshall, a failed skiffle player who finds himself working two new jobs. Juggling work duties for two different guvnors – trying to keep them both apart to avoid revealing his double life – yields hysterical results.
To further complicate the matter, Francis is unaware that his first guvnor, a small time gangster Roscoe Crabbe, is actually Roscoe’s twin sister Rachel. Rachel is in disguise as her dead brother, who was killed by her boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers. And to further entangle the plot, Francis’ second guvnor is Stanley Stubbers, on the run and desperate to be reunited with Rachel.
A talented cast of 11 star in this hysterical production, including a troupe of actor-musicians who make up a skiffle band, punctuate the upbeat stage antics with live music throughout. Making his professional theatre debut is TV actor Jordan Pearson (Ladhood, Coronation Street) as Francis Henshall. Siobhan Athwal (Bend It Like Beckham, West End) and Laurie Jamieson (71 Coleman Street, Hull Truck) as the two guvnors, Rachel Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers respectively. The cast also includes Alexander Bean, Matthew Ganley, Polly Lister, Rodney Matthew, Javier Marzan, Karl Seth and Lauren Sturgess.
A dynamic show packed with the highest order of comedy chaos.
With super costume design by Katie Scott, clever set design by Colin Falconer and a soundtrack inspired by the late ‘50s skiffle scene and early ‘60s rock and roll, audiences can expect a dynamic show packed with the highest order of comedy chaos.
Of the co-production, Director Lotte Wakeham told us, “It is a modern classic and promises to be a great night out, with hysterical physical comedy and brilliant music which will transport the audience back to the 1960s. I’m certain it will be a real crowd-pleaser. We are delighted to be co-producing the show with our friends at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Theatre by the Lake, so this smash-hit comedy can be enjoyed by audiences across the North West this summer.”
Feel-good, fast-paced and recommended for anyone over the age of 12, One Man, Two Guvnors offers a stellar cast, top-notch knockabout fun and an unmissable night at the theatre.
