Rating: ★★★★

New Vic Theatre have struck comedy gold with this current in-house production; presenting this outrageous, laugh-out-loud, perfectly written comedy – playing for a month in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Set in 1963, One Man, Two Guvnors (by Richard Bean) is a fast-paced and simply hilarious story of Francis Henshall, who quickly finds himself with not one job, but two! The chaos that ensues provides for 2 hours of exceptional entertainment.

There is also one fine ingredient in all the chaos, an perfect casting of Michael Hugo as Francis Henshall.

Hugo is a fine comedy actor, highly skilled at clowning and with an incredible audience rapport. This part could have been written for him and he is truly brilliant throughout.

The plot quickly thickens with the introduction of key characters as we begin at the engagement party of Pauline and Alan. There’s several gangster families tied up in knots, there’s been a recent murder – but the supposed victim has just walked in to the party! As Francis struggles to keep up with what’s happening, he equally struggles to keep up with his two bosses! He has to do all of the chores, from running errands to serving their food – and as the story continues, Francis can only get more tied up in his own mistruths!

It’s a play that works perfectly in the round and this production really uses the stage and auditorium to maximum effect – and there are so many examples of how the space is used well.

Kudos to Lis Evans (designer) for delivering a quality set design, decorated in 60’s fashionable patterns through the flooring and even many of the gorgeous costumes. Possibly the most impressive aspect of the set is a staircase that drops down in the middle of the stage, not only provides a quirky new entrance/exit but it provides for the most outrageously funny moments for the new waiter, Alfie – played tremendously by Nick Haverson. It’s his first day, and he’s 87!

The two Guvnors are also particularly impressive in their roles. Lucinda Freeburn plays Rachel Crabbe, switching between pretending to be a hardened gangster and head over heels in love with ease and then Gareth Cooper, playing Stanley Stubbers who just exudes his characters public schoolboy energy in the most tremendous way, hilarious from start to finish and a joy to watch.

One Man, Two Guvnors is the modern day, English adaptation of Servant of Two Masters, a 1743 Commedia dell’arte style comedy play (by Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni) and this, along with the art of theatre performance, is referenced throughout the script.  If it was anywhere near this hilarious in 1743, then no wonder it has stood the test of time. But this show is anything but dated.

Conrad Nelson has directed a fresh, modern and exciting play and managed to keep the production in New Vic style, whilst pushing the boundaries which will no doubt delight the New Vic’s loyal audiences and reach out to new audiences too. Naturally the cast play and perform the tracks, which are mostly over a scene change which is further impressive from a stellar cast.

You will laugh out loud, and when you’re not laughing you will smile until your cheeks hurt. It shocks, it surprises and audiences are going to be delighted for the whole run.

Playing until 11th May 2024. Tickets available at newvictheatre.org.uk

 

Photography Credit: Andrew Billington