One Man, Two Guvnors

Synopsis

Based on Goldoni's 18th-century comedy The Servant of Two Masters, One Man, Two Guvonors marks the return to the National Theatre of James Corden since The History Boys. 

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancee’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.

Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart.

In Richard Bean’s adaptation, One Man, Two Two Guvnors of the italian classic, sex, food and money are high on the agenda.

In addition to the History Boys in London and on Broadway, James Corden's TV credits include Gavin and Stacey, Horne and Corden, Hey Hey We’re the Monks, Little Britain and Fat Friends. His fims include
3 Musketeers, Gulliver’s Travels, Lesbian Vampire Killers, Telstar, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Pierrepoint, Heroes and Villains, Starter for Ten and The History Boys. He has also hosted two of our Whatsonstage.com awards concerts.

Follow the ticket links for some great One Man, Two Guvnors, James Corden National Theatre tickets.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 25 May 2011

The first half of Richard Bean’s version of Goldoni’s classic 18th century farce is the funniest 80 minutes I’ve spent in a theatre since the first time I saw Michael Frayn’s Noises Off and the last time I saw Ken Dodd. I can’t say fairer than that.

After the interval, as Kenneth Tynan said of the Broadway premiere Gypsy in 1959, the show tails off into mere brilliance. Bean’s update is set in Brighton in 1963, but it preserves the shape and dynamic of the Goldoni and, for once, the literal translation (by Francesca Manfrin) from the Italian is prominently credited in text and programme alike.

I am astounded by James Corden as the sacked skiffle player, Francis Henshall, who finds himself stretched between two sets of duties while pining for a good meal, even though all Whatsonstage.com Awards performance regulars will know how brilliant he is at bouncing off an audience as both compere and comic.

T...

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Latest User Review

Nancy - 8 April 2012:

This was the most beautiful piece of theatre i have seen in a long time. Even though i am only 17 i have been going to the theatre on a weekly basis since i was very young. this play craftily mixes humor and exciting plot. in m opinion this play is above and beyond The Collaborators (which i an very happy moved from the Olivier theatre!) and frankenstein. this is a must see, even if you are not an avid theatre goer it is a once in a life time experience and you will leave with tears in your eyes and a six pack from laughing so much! :D...

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