The stage of the New Vic becomes 1960’s Brighton in the latest play to hit the theatre. One Man, Two Guvnors is an adaption of an Italian work from 1743 (Servant Of Two Masters) by playwright Richard Bean and tells the story of skiffle player Francis Henshall who finds himself separately employed by two men with very different backgrounds. Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster and Stanley Stubbers an upper class twit. Cue high farce and certain hilarity as Francis desperately tries to keep the two from meeting one another.
Quite simply, the whole cast shone from start to finish. To execute chaos and farce requires some of the most immaculate planning and execution in theatre and boy they got it down to a tee. The funny improvisations, mixed with precise comedic timing from them all was a sheer joy to watch. I defy anyone not to come out at the interval and at full time not having wiped tears of laughter away.
And that was just the acting! The whole multi-talented cast joined in with singing, dancing as well as playing a multitude of instruments a-piece to both compliment the performance, but also provide wonderfully entertaining scene changes. Its one of the most pleasant entrances to take your seat with the cast singing and dancing greeting you. You’re immersed and invested in the action even before sitting down.
Michael Hugo takes on the role of Francis which has been played in the West-End by actors such as James Cordon and Rufus Hound. Michael brings his own personal stamp to the role, playing it with brilliant comedic timing and the physical humour and wonderful facial expressions that we have seen and loved in multiple roles (Alice In Wonderland, Astley’s Astounding Adventures to name but a few). He is just brilliantly funny to watch.
Lucinda Freeburn and Gareth Cooper play Rachel Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers respectively, who are intricate to a number of key scenes with precise timing of entry/exit and intertwined lines leaving poor Francis at sixes and sevens. They carried their roles off with aplomb.
Alyce Liburd returns to the theatre, having completed ‘A Leap In Time’ at New Vic recently back in February, this time as the ditzy, but ultimately loveable Pauline who comes out with some of the funniest of one-liners when her character was stumped by even the most simple of concepts. Her solo singing performance as the audience were taking their seats was excellent too. Thomas Cotran played her love interest Alan, with his characters’ OTT thespianism bringing much amusement.
Nick Haverson’s Alfie was one of the comedy-defining performances of the show, with a truly hilarious depiction of the doddery waiter with a pacemaker. Supporting him was Daniel Miles as wine-waiter Gareth adding to Alfie’s confusion during the restaurant scene.
Howard Chadwick (Charlie Crabbe), Jessica Dyas (Dolly), Declan Wilson (Lloyds Boateng) and Jonathan Markwood (Harry Dangle) complete the cast and again all gave fantastic performances on the night.
The stage floor was beautifully patterned, the set cleverly used and the finishing touches (like the seagulls up above) shows how much thought and care goes in to everything about the performance.
The weather may be interchangeable outside, but this show was red hot. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is easily one of the finest and funniest shows we’ve seen. Richard Bean’s script is full of decent gags and comedic moments and director Conrad Nelson has brought it to life in a marvellous way with a wonderful cast and its stellar execution.
It then comes as no surprise when we say that this is a strong recommendation to go and give this a watch.
The play is on until 11th May with several matinees available. Tickets are available from the box office or online here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/one-man-two-guvnors/
Images courtesy of Andrew Billington
