‘One Man, Two Guvnors’

Making his return to the stage since starring in The History Boys, the much-loved TV funnyman James Corden certainly shows that he is a man for all mediums in One Man, Two Guvnors.

Reveling in the show’s title role as Francis Henshall, the laky of Rachel Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers, Corden uses his compering skills to good merit, bouncing off his co-stars and the audience alike in this action-packed comedy. He certainly isn’t the only star of this hilarious production either.

Based on Carlo Goldoni’s Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters, Richard Bean’s English version is a hilarious romp of sex (excuse the pun), food and farce. With a bit of audience participation thrown in for good measure too.

Set in 1960s Brighton, Corden finds himself juggling two new jobs while trying to satisfy his ravenous appetite for food and love with the help of the sarcastic Dolly (excellently played by the sassy Suzie Toase).

Easily confused, the chaotic plot doesn’t bode well for Francis who is simultaneously carrying out the orders of public school murderer Stubbers and Stubbers’ girlfriend and victim’s twin sister, Rachel Crabbe. Confused? He certainly is – especially when he can only think about chips.

With his stomach getting the better of him in the hilarious dining scene in the Cricketers Arms, the mess is hectically played out in a whirlwind of banter and physical comedy – with Tom Edden perfecting the latter as the doddering waiter Alfie, who is constantly on the receiving end of a closing door or unexpected staircase.

While Corden is in his element as the leading man, Alfie isn’t the only star of the supporting cast either. Oliver Chris is hilarious as the silver-spooned idiot Stubbers and Daniel Rigby is suitably melodramatic as wannabe actor Alan.

Their talents aren’t only limited to the main action either, with the musical intervals seeing an array of cast members show off their musical and dancing skills – from musical chests to a xylophone solo.

With its excellent cast, fast-paced banter and physical farce, One Man, Two Guvnors is the surprise of the summer. And with the sold-out National production inspiring a national tour and West End debut, there is certainly no reason to miss out.

One Man, Two Guvnors runs until September 19 at:

National Theatre
South Bank
Waterloo
SE1 9PX

Tel: 020 7452 3000

Photo by Johan Persson