BWW Reviews: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS - A Riotous Night Out

Richard Bean's One Man Two Guvnors has to be one of the funniest plays written to date. It is nonstop hilarity from beginning to end. The show opened in 2011 on the West end, transferred to Broadway and has been on an International tour in 2013. With a multitude of musicals opening in Melbourne over the next 4 weeks, it feels like The National Theatre of London's production in conjunction with MTC could slip in and out of Melbourne without much mention, especially with King Kong dominating every available publicity space in the city. If every performance of this show is not sold out it will be a travesty. It deserves it ten fold along with an extended season.

The play is based on The Servant of Two Masters, the 1743 Commedia Dell'arte, comedy written by Goldoni. Incidentally, his initial drafts were reserved for large sections of improvisation and it is in this spirit that One Man Two Guvnors is performed. Improvisational comedy is on display at its finest in Act 1 with Owain Arthur, as Francis Henshell, its master. He completely and overwhelmingly controls this play. Arthur tackles this genre head on and dominates it bringing his audience along for the comedic ride of their lives. Supporting Arthur is Mark Jackson as Octogenerian Alfie. These two fine actors give a masterclass in physical theatre and comic timing and when both are onstage the sound of laughter reverberates around the theatre. Special mention to Cal McCrystal the shows physical comedy director, it is truly outstanding work.

Nicholas Hytner has directed this play to precision, perfectly executing the genres traits. It is a cross between British farce and Pantomime. The fourth wall is broken and it's a delight to feel part of the play, involved and on the side of each character on their quest for true love and happiness. Its what the British do best and what Australian audiences rarely experience but which, judging from opening night, completely love.

With music by Grant Olding, Skiffle Band "The Craze" entertain us before and during the show, effectively breaking up the dialogue and each scene change. Different leading characters join them during these moments, highlighting their music skills, which are also a delight to watch.

In every way, One Man Two Guvnors just works. Its on a completely different plain to Warhorse, the other of The National Theatre's shows to be currently on in Australia, however, both are displaying the finest crafts of theatre in their own way and in their own style. If you want a laugh out loud night at the theatre then this is the ticket and you had better grab one fast as they will be gone before you know it.

One Man Two Guvnors

The Arts Centre Melbourne

17-22 June, 2013

Tickets $55-139

www.mtc.com.au