Stage: One Man, Two Guvnors comes to Eastbourne Theatres
It was the West End hit that shot James Corden to international fame. One Man, Two Guvnors is based on the classic Italian comedy The Servant Of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, and adapted by prize-winning playwright Richard Bean, with original songs and music by Grant Olding.
Now there is a new production being staged by Eastbourne Theatres in association with Talking Scarlet. The play will be performed by a cast of actor-musicians, a format that is increasingly being seen on British stages – and to great effect. But in One Man, Two Guvnors the challenge is massively increased by the sheer physicality required to deliver this hilarious comedy.
The eleven strong cast are now ready for Eastbourne’s summer’s musical comedy. Directed and cast by Chris Jordan he says of his assembled troupe: “I am really pleased that we have managed to secure such a talented cast for this musical comedy. It’s packed with big characters and there are some fabulous parts for these actors.”
Matt Devitt plays the gloriously named Harry Dangle: Matt has an impressive biography which includes being nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance of Cookie, the role he created in the original Olivier Award winning West End production of Return to the Forbidden Planet.
Aidan O’Neill takes the part of the eponymous Francis, this is a dream part for the talented actor who is sure to make his mark on the role that pushed James Corden’s star into the stratosphere.
Sheer physicality required to deliver this hilarious comedy
The first of the two Guvnors Rachel Crabbe, the twin sister of gangster Roscoe Crabbe who disguises herself as her mobster brother and employs Francis, is played by Ruth Westerley. Ruth has recently starred in the acclaimed multi-award winning musical Once performing in both the Dublin and Seoul productions.
The second Guvnor Stanley Stubbers, the boyfriend of Rachel who has actually murdered Roscoe so must at all costs be kept apart from Rachel, will be played by
Dylan Turner. Dylan’s West End theatre credits include Beautiful (Aldwych Theatre), Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury and Garrick Theatre), Chariots of Fire (Gielgud Theatre), High School Musical (Hammersmith Odeon), Grease (Victoria Palace), Mamma Mia (Prince Edward).
Hugely talented Trevor Michael Georges, who celebrates 41 years in the industry takes the part of Lloyd Boateng. Trevor has worked on some of the most prestigious stages in the world including Glyndebourne, Apollo Victoria Theatre, Victoria Palace, Stand, Royal Court, Royal Opera House and the Old Vic to name but a handful. His career encompasses acting, opera, music, musicals and in addition to stage work he has many TV and film appearances.
Jessica Warbeck makes her Eastbourne debut, Jessica performed at Shakespeare’s Globe in Othello and recently this year toured in Oliver in the part of Nancy. In One Man she takes the part of bookkeeper who steals Francis’s heart.
Have you taken all that in? Probably not and that twisting plot is what makes this modern classic such a great night out.
One Man, Two Guvnors, Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne, Thursday 29 June until Saturday 22 July with nightly performances from Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets priced from £19, to book call the box office now on 01323 412000 or online eastbournetheatres.co.uk
