One Man, Two Guvnors

Once again Theatre Royal Brighton nail it with a stunning piece of Christmas programming. Ditching panto was the best thing they could do, it boosted panto sales for other theatres whilst giving them the opportunity to bring in a blockbuster, and this is certainly a blockbuster from start to finish. Set in Brighton, how appropriate, this is full-on side splitting slapstick farce of the very highest pedigree, and performed by a cast that are clearly having a ball doing it. I laughed so much the tears rolled down my legs! Gavin Spokes is simply magical as Francis Henshall, hurling himself around the stage with full abandon, energy matched by Michael Dylan as the decrepit Alfie. The Craze add a delicious period soundscape and the traditional set is beautifully executed. Basing it on the Goldini original and updating it to 1963 was a brilliant idea and setting it against the backdrop of Brighton’s seedy underworld, with allusions to trunk murders and all, simply makes this the ideal seasonal offering for Brighton, and Hove! Full marks for a cast that give more than 100% in a show that delivers all night long. I could watch it again and again.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 16 December 2014
Rating:
Andrew Kay