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

Testbed Main Space
Leeds
Event venue
TESTBED

TESTBED is a newly renovated 10,000 sq foot event venue in Leeds that offers endless possibilities for creating unique and inspiring experiences.

Manchester
Restaurant
Salt & Pepper

Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

What's on: Theatre

A large mechanical puppet controlled by multiple people. Encounter Festival in Preston
FestivalsLancashire
Encounter Festival in Preston

Expect a jam-packed day of outdoor performance, live music, family fun – plus Preston’s iconic Torchlight Procession and fireworks finale.

Free entry
FLIGHT at Aviva Studios
Until
TheatreCity Centre
FLIGHT at Aviva Studios

Happening in absolute darkness inside a 40ft shipping container, FLIGHT invites you to board a commercial airliner – and take two possible journeys.

From £10.00
How a Spiral Works at Lowry
TheatreSalford
How A Spiral Works at Lowry

With its blend of Baltic folk music, contemporary dance and extraordinary circus, this show promises a one-of-a-kind performance experience.

From £14.00
ARCADE at Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
ARCADE at Lowry

A choose-your-own-adventure experience set inside a retro-style gaming cabinet, created by DARKFIELD.

From £16.00

Culture Guides

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.