One Man, Two Guvnors

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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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.
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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

Manchester
Food hall
Kargo MKT

Mighty food hall in Salford Quays, with around twenty street food vendors, serving a huge range of cuisines.

Asap Coffee Interior/ Counter
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
ASAP Coffee

If you’re looking for quality coffee and a decadent brunch in a setting that nails the Northern Quarter brief, you’d struggle to do better than ASAP Coffee.

Interior of George St Chapel
Manchester
Event venue
George Street Chapel

This beautifully restored former Independent Methodist Chapel in the heart of Oldham is as much a creative hub as a heritage landmark.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Pho Cue

Family-run Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. Prepare to queue for Pho Cue.

Come to Swithens Farm for a great family day out in Leeds. Our farm has plenty to offer whatever age you are!Swithens Farm is a working farm. For many years now Ian and his wife Angela have built a following that they welcome in all year around. We now have a farm shop, café, playbarn and petting farm. When we first opened we only had the usual farm animals – cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and it was free entry. We now have llamas, alpacas, meerkats, rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys and a pony.On the working farm, we breed our own cows, pigs and sheep and we sell the meat through the farm shop and the café. If you buy a sausage sandwich from the café the sausage will be from the butcher who has made the sausage by hand using our own pork. We also produce our own free-range eggs.
Leeds
Swithens Farm

Swithens Farm is a working farm. For many years now Ian and his wife Angela have built a following that they welcome in all year around.

Peak District
Restaurant
The Chequers Inn

The Chequers Inn is a 16th century, family-run, traditional country inn with an impressive dining space. The Peak District at its best.

Testbed Main Space
Leeds
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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.

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