One Man, Two Guvnors Reviewed

Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors is an adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic 18th-century Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters and being named as the funniest show around I was excited to finally see what the hype was about after months of trying to get a ticket.

Bringing an energetic mix of farce, slapstick and a plethora of talent One Man, Two Guvnors is going from strength to strength and shows no sign of stopping.

Owain Arthur who originally understudied James Corden in the role steps into the spotlight as the little bit forgetful and ever hungry Frances Henshall.  Already minder to Roscoe Crabbe Frances sees a chance to earn an extra meal ticket and takes on another job with Stanley Stubbers and with the ever growing pressure from both Guvnors events nearly lead to Disastrous consequences.

Owain is pure comedy gold and certainly entertaining to watch especially in the dinner scene where Frances is trying to serve dinner to both Guvnors at the same time and with the added comic intervention of Martin Barass as frail garcon Alfie it was truly one of the most side-splittingly hilarious moments in the show.

The supporting cast were equally entertaining to watch. Gemma Whelan who plays cross-dressing Rachel Crabbe who is actually impersonating her dead brother Roscoe adds real flint to the character and was truly blissful to watch and Ben Mansfield best known for playing Captain Becker in sci-fi Primeval is totally transformed into a public speaking schoolboy as Stanley Stubbers.

 

Hannah Spearitt of S Club 7 fame plays Pauline Clinch was joyful and Jodie Prenger was absolutely fantastic as Dolly.

 

One Man, Two Guvnors is the pinnacle of British theatre and is thoroughly enjoyable. A must see and if you haven’t got a funny bone in your body you will leave crying for more or just simply crying of laughter.

One Man, Two Guvnors is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until September 1st 2012 before it embarks on a tour in the Autumn.