One Man, Two Guvnors

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

One Man, Two Guvnors

26 May-3 September 2022

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

One Man, Two Guvnors
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.
Book now

One Man, Two Guvnors was a triumph with audiences and critics, across the globe, when it was first performed back in 2011. Now, the hilarious smash hit comedy will explode into the North West this summer in this brand-new production.

Written by Richard Bean, One Man, Two Guvnors was first performed at the National Theatre in 2011. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring James Cordon, the show was a riotous success. Garnering five-star reviews, a wad of awards and hailed as ‘one of the funniest productions in the National’s history’ by The Guardian, we’re thrilled that a new production of the much-loved farce will play to audiences across the North this summer.

This co-production by Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse will be directed by Octagon Theatre Bolton’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham and will play to Northern audiences for an extended run at each of the venues. Launching in Bolton (from 26 May – 25 June) before travelling to Liverpool Playhouse (29 June – 16 July) and then, into the stunning setting of Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake (20 July – 3 Sept).

One Man, Two Guvnors.
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.

Hailed as ‘one of the funniest productions in the National’s history’.

With live music and side-splitting slapstick, One Man, Two Guvnors is a modern adaptation of the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s classic comedy, The Servant of Two Masters, written in 1746.

Set in 1963 in Brighton, the play follows the ups-and-downs of Francis Henshall, a failed skiffle player who finds himself working two new jobs. Juggling work duties for two different guvnors – trying to keep them both apart to avoid revealing his double life – yields hysterical results.

To further complicate the matter, Francis is unaware that his first guvnor, a small time gangster Roscoe Crabbe, is actually Roscoe’s twin sister Rachel. Rachel is in disguise as her dead brother, who was killed by her boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers. And to further entangle the plot, Francis’ second guvnor is Stanley Stubbers, on the run and desperate to be reunited with Rachel.

A talented cast of 11 star in this hysterical production, including a troupe of actor-musicians who make up a skiffle band, punctuate the upbeat stage antics with live music throughout. Making his professional theatre debut is TV actor Jordan Pearson (Ladhood, Coronation Street) as Francis Henshall. Siobhan Athwal (Bend It Like Beckham, West End) and Laurie Jamieson (71 Coleman Street, Hull Truck) as the two guvnors, Rachel Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers respectively. The cast also includes Alexander Bean, Matthew Ganley, Polly Lister, Rodney Matthew, Javier Marzan, Karl Seth and Lauren Sturgess.

One Man, Two Guvnors.
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.

A dynamic show packed with the highest order of comedy chaos.

With super costume design by Katie Scott, clever set design by Colin Falconer and a soundtrack inspired by the late ‘50s skiffle scene and early ‘60s rock and roll, audiences can expect a dynamic show packed with the highest order of comedy chaos.

Of the co-production, Director Lotte Wakeham told us, “It is a modern classic and promises to be a great night out, with hysterical physical comedy and brilliant music which will transport the audience back to the 1960s. I’m certain it will be a real crowd-pleaser. We are delighted to be co-producing the show with our friends at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Theatre by the Lake, so this smash-hit comedy can be enjoyed by audiences across the North West this summer.”

Feel-good, fast-paced and recommended for anyone over the age of 12, One Man, Two Guvnors offers a stellar cast, top-notch knockabout fun and an unmissable night at the theatre.

Where to go near One Man, Two Guvnors

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
Theatre
Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
Manchester
Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

What's on: Theatre

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.