Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Tues 22 Jan
words: GARETH LUDKIN
★★★★★
As The National Theatre’s touring production of the critically acclaimed One Man, Two Guvnors proves, theatre doesn’t necessarily have to be stiff, regimented, serious or pertinent, it can also be silly, fun, full of rude jokes, and riddled with cheap gags.
Physical slapstick theatre has largely fallen out of favour with modern audiences, but since James Corden’s Tony Award-winning performance, One Man, Two Guvnors has sought to put this right with a farcical comic production jammed with sharp one-liners and ridiculous set-pieces.
The evening’s plot follows the muddling life of Francis Henshall, the bumbling lackey of a renowned (and reportedly dead) London criminal who now finds himself in Brighton looking to claim unpaid debts with a local rogue and his soon to be married daughter. Mistaken identities abound, and before long, Francis finds himself accidentally working for another guvnor whose story and identity is just as confused as his current guvnor. In typical farcical nature which constantly refers back to classic moments in British comedy history – from the likes of Monty Python and Carry On to Julie Walters and John Cleese – the humour is delivered in spades from a talented cast of in-tune performers who deliver the clever wit and comic awareness of writer Richard Bean and Director Nicolas Hytner. The Guvnors are much closer in relation than you might think, and as their paths increasingly cross, Francis’s fortitude is tested.
Physical slapstick theatre is no easy feat, but with sharp timing and a gregarious part perfectly suited to his obvious comic talent, Owain Arthur shines through as the star of the production with an intensely physical, engaging and expressive performance. Owain breaks down the barrier between actor and audience with his playful frisson with the audience and audience participation.
The show is all about laughter and having fun, and with the actors clearly throwing everything into their parts – from Alfie the doddery old deaf waiter and Alan, the theatrical husband to be – it’s hard not to find yourself swept up in the infectious on-stage fun. Thrilled from start to finish, the evening’s performance sees its audience cry with laughter, stifle giggles, gasp with surprise, and warmly applaud every joke, one-liner and set-piece.
A joyous production wrapped warmly in the comfort of classic British comedy traditions, it’s hard not to fall in love with One Man, Two Guvnors.
One Man, Two Guvnors, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, until Sat 26 Jan. Tickets: £18-£32. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk