Taking the pulse of South West London – news, features and sport 24/7
About usContactPrivacy Policy
South West LondonerSouth West Londoner
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Entertainment
  • Food and Drink
  • Election 2019
Theatre review: One Man, Two Guvnors @ New Wimbledon Theatre – a comedic joy to behold

Theatre review: One Man, Two Guvnors @ New Wimbledon Theatre – a comedic joy to behold

By Helen Le Caplain

March 04 2015, 07.40

Follow @hlecaplain
You know you’ve had a crackin’ night when you leave the theatre with your face aching from laughing manically for the past two and a half hours.

So if you’re a fan of chuckling until your cheeks hurts then One Man, Two Guvnors will be right up your street.

Add to that the opportunity to tuck into a great chippy tea in an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience before settling down for the show, and you’re in for a great night.

Nicholas Hytner’s five-star production tells the madcap story of Francis Henshall who, fired from his skiffle band, becomes minder to the much-feared Roscoe Crabbe.

One Man Two Guvnors press call New Wimbledon Theatre beach ballSHEER DELIGHT: Some of the One Man Two Guvnors cast

But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.

Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers, but to prevent discovery he must keep his two guvnors apart.

Confused yet?

It doesn’t really matter if you’re not always on top of who what or where is going on – it’s a sheer joy to watch the mayhem unfold on stage.

The show celebrated everything great about British comedy and paid homage to the likes of Fawlty Towers, Acorn Antiques and Father Ted with revolving doors, food flying everywhere and hilarious, and at times bawdy, one-liners.

FEATURED Emma Barton Dolly Shaun Williamson Charlie Derek Elroy Lloyd Boateng OneMan2Guvs SWINGING SIXTIES: Dolly, Charlie and Lloyd share the stage

As a northern lass who’s migrated to the big city it was a joy to hear Emma Barton, who spent many years as an Eastend gal, get her tongue around the accent perfectly and play her role with a huge dollop of sass.

Huge credit should also go to the disgustingly hairy (it’s only a suit!) Patrick Warner as Stanley Stubbers who delivered some crackin’ one-liners, Michael Dylan’s portrayal of the heart-stopping Alfie and the fabulously melodramatic Edward Hancock as thespian Alan.

But the tireless scene stealer was Gavin Spokes as Francis Henshall who was absolutely superb firing out one-liners and indulging in a fair amount of audience participation.

EDIT Gavin Spokes (Francis Henshall) 2014 NT OneMan2Guvs
COMEDY MAYHAM! Francis Henshall attempted to lift a trunk

Skiffle band The Crave who performed before and during the show as well as a cheeky track or two during the interval, were both easy on the ear and the eyes too.

What I particularly loved about the show was the familiarity yet freshness of it.

It was great to recognise bits of comedy history incorporated into a show that the cast have performed countless times, but who made seem like it was their first time and appeared to be having as much fun as the audience.

My advice? If you’re looking for a comedy tonic to pep up your week – this is the show for you.

One Man, Two Guvnors is at New Wimbledon Theatre until March 7.

Related Posts

  • Chips ahoy, guvnor! Wimbledon fish shop celebrates National Chip Week ahead of theatre debut
    10000
    The humble spud is being thrust into the spotlight this week during National Chip Week. One of the great British traditions is being celebrated with chippy Cousins of Wimbledon fully enjoying the festivities. Cousins are the new kid on the block, having only opened last November, but head chef Stefano…
  • Former Eastenders star Emma Barton chats One Man Two Guvnors ahead of Wimbledon run
    10000
    Former Eastenders star Emma Barton is looking forward to treading the boards during the UK tour of  One Man Two Guvnors in Wimbledon next week. She is set to play the role of Dolly, alongside former Albert Square legend Shaun Williamson, in the madcap comedy. The critically-acclaimed show is currently…
  • ‘Who killed Lucy Beale? It could be me!’ Former Eastenders star excited for 30th anniversary special
    10000
    Former EastEnders star Emma Barton admitted that the identity of Lucy Beale’s murderer remains one of the soap’s closest ever guarded secrets. The unknown assailant will be announced tonight as part of the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations, which has been marked with a succession of live recordings of the show.…
  • Eastenders stars to reunite for high jinx during One Man, Two Guvnors at New Wimbledon Theatre
    10000
    It’s set to be an Eastenders reunion at New Wimbledon Theatre this March as three of the show’s former stars are set to perform in award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors. Shaun Williamson, best known for his role as Barry in the soap, Emma Barton, who played Honey Mitchell and…
  • Review: Boy Blue Entertainment The Five & the Prophecy of Prana @ Barbican
    44
    The Barbican was a hot bed of hip-hop, old skool R ‘n’ B and deep house last night, following the performance of award-winning hip hop dance company, Boy Blue Entertainment in The Five & the Prophecy of Prana. The BSI Jam, Boy Blue’s monthly jam event, was open to all…
    Tags: music, entertainment, cast, night, review, michael, well, theatre

Related Posts

Review: Good spirits and a fantastic night at Winter Wonderland’s Comedy Club

Entertainment /

Review: Good spirits and a fantastic night at Winter Wonderland’s Comedy Club

Preview: The Snow Queen at the Rose will bring festive magic to Kingston this Christmas

Entertainment /

Preview: The Snow Queen at the Rose will bring festive magic to Kingston this Christmas

Review: The Arrival at Bush Theatre is a poignant piece with solid writing and an excellent cast

Entertainment /

Review: The Arrival at Bush Theatre is a poignant piece with solid writing and an excellent cast

Featured

  • Julia StephensonGeneral Election 2019: Brex-‘It’ girl well aware she won’t be PM
  • After 30 years of Hoey it’s time for real change in Vauxhall, says EshalomiAfter 30 years of Hoey it’s time for real change in Vauxhall, says Eshalomi
  • It’s not easy being a Green, says co-leader BartleyIt’s not easy being a Green, says co-leader Bartley
  • General Election preview edition – we cover the issues that matter most in your constituencyGeneral Election preview edition – we cover the issues that matter most in your constituency

Search the site

Editor’s Picks

  • SWL March e-edition: Andy Murray’s return to Wimbledon, the schoolgirl taking on Heathrow representatives and a scaly visitor in MertonSWL March e-edition: Andy Murray’s return to Wimbledon, the schoolgirl taking on Heathrow representatives and a scaly visitor in Merton
  • PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Andy Murray seen for the first time since hip operation in Wimbledon Thai restaurantPICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Andy Murray seen for the first time since hip operation in Wimbledon Thai restaurant
  • February’s sports e-zine: read all the biggest stories in our latest editionFebruary’s sports e-zine: read all the biggest stories in our latest edition
  • New campaign spotlights ‘rough sex’ murder defenceNew campaign spotlights ‘rough sex’ murder defence

Most Popular

  • ‘Israel is racist and apartheid state’: Twickenham Green candidate faces backlash after ‘ignorant’ claims‘Israel is racist and apartheid state’: Twickenham Green candidate faces backlash after ‘ignorant’ claims
  • Young Muslims raise thousands for Poppy Appeal at Wembley Stadium to ‘honour country and peace as Islam teaches them’Young Muslims raise thousands for Poppy Appeal at Wembley Stadium to ‘honour country and peace as Islam teaches them’
  • PETA backs AFC Wimbledon’s bid to build football stadium – to end ‘cruel’ greyhound racingPETA backs AFC Wimbledon’s bid to build football stadium – to end ‘cruel’ greyhound racing
  • General Election 2015: Conservative Victoria Borwick secures Kensington seatGeneral Election 2015: Conservative Victoria Borwick secures Kensington seat
  • Richmond MP and London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith backs ivory trade ban during anti-poaching rallyRichmond MP and London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith backs ivory trade ban during anti-poaching rally

Back to Top

Features

  • How young south west Londoners are taking up old pastimesHow young south west Londoners are taking up old pastimes
  • Calexico with Iron and Wine's Sam BeamReview: Calexico and Iron and Wine’s EFG Jazz Festival show is absorbing and sprinkled with genius
  • London 5G network officially launchedLondon 5G network officially launched

News

  • caroline shahCaroline Shah says proposed Canbury flats will devastate Richmond Park
  • sue wixleyNobel Prize campaign claim was typo says Putney Lib Dem
  • Fergal mcEnteeSnow problem stopping climate change says Putney Green candidate

Entertainment

  • Review: Good spirits and a fantastic night at Winter Wonderland’s Comedy ClubReview: Good spirits and a fantastic night at Winter Wonderland’s Comedy Club
  • Preview: The Snow Queen at the Rose will bring festive magic to Kingston this ChristmasPreview: The Snow Queen at the Rose will bring festive magic to Kingston this Christmas
  • Review: The Arrival at Bush Theatre is a poignant piece with solid writing and an excellent castReview: The Arrival at Bush Theatre is a poignant piece with solid writing and an excellent cast

Sport

  • Wheelchair rugby: Up close and personalWheelchair rugby: Up close and personal
  • Sir Garfield SobersSir Garfield Sobers urges England to enjoy ‘wonderful’ Jofra Archer
  • George MullinsBeckenham golfer George Mullins restless after torturous recovery from elbow injury
South West Londoner, Ampersand House, 49-53 York Street, London, TW1 3LP
Newsdesk: 0203 026 3781
Copyright © South West Londoner 1997-2019
Powered by WordPress • cascade WordPress Themes
MENU
  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contacts
  • Facebook
  • Twitter