National Theatre Live: One Man, Two Guvnors
Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.
Insights
Plot Summary
In Brighton, petty crook Francis Henshall is overjoyed to be employed by two bosses at once. One is the former gangster Roscoe Crabbe, the other is the upper-class twit Alan Dangle. Francis's life becomes complicated as he tries to keep his two guvnors from meeting each other. This farce is a modern adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's 1743 play 'The Servant of Two Masters'.
Critical Reception
The National Theatre Live broadcast of 'One Man, Two Guvnors' was met with widespread critical acclaim, mirroring the success of its stage production. It was praised for its brilliant comedic performances, particularly James Corden's tour-de-force role, and its clever adaptation of a classic play. Audiences were delighted by the show's energy, wit, and interactive elements.
What Reviewers Say
- James Corden delivers a tour-de-force performance that is both hilarious and physically demanding.
- The play is a masterclass in physical comedy and quick-witted dialogue, keeping audiences roaring with laughter.
- A brilliantly adapted and executed modern take on a classic commedia dell'arte structure.
Google audience: N/A
Awards & Accolades
None notable for the broadcast itself; the stage production received multiple Olivier Award nominations and wins, with James Corden winning Best Actor.
Fun Fact
The role of Francis Henshall was originated by James Corden, whose performance in this production earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play when the show transferred to Broadway.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources