Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
A laugh a minute performance bringing a West End show to Derby.
The story focussed around the loveable idiot Francis Henshall (played by David O’Reilly) who is desperate to eat, so willingly accepts 2 jobs, thus having 2 boss’s (Guvnor’s)) in not-so-sunny Brighton. Set in the 1953 the comedy unfolds with Dolly (played by Rosie Strobel) becoming the temptress and the object of Francis’s heart, making him even more confused on his errands, for his 2 boss’. As the show progresses you see Francis easily engaging with the audience (audience participation is required!) and bringing slapstick, traditional comedy to Derby. You could see elements of Frank Spencer (Some mothers do ‘ave ‘em) and Mr Bean influences in the show, specifically in the way in which Francis and Pauline Clench (played by Samantha Hull) interacted with their loved ones and understood what was being talked about. The way in which Francis could engage with the audience just by mannerisms, looks and cheeky eye contact was pure brilliance, it made the whole audience roar with laughter. As the story progressed you became to realise that the cross-dressing Rachel / Roscoe (played amazingly by Alice Frankham) and Stanley Stubbers (the upper-class posh boy (played by George Kemp) was hiding a secret, and one that would unravel itself and bring others in on it! This may not be a crime thriller, and as such there are no hidden or subtle hints of “who did it” but the play is about comedy and humour through a childlike, amateur story. The story itself is simple, so relies upon a strong cast to not only bring the story alive, but to allow the humour to escalate and link seamlessly into each other. The jokes are intensified purely through the way in which they are acted and told through singing, music, works and acting.
The introduction of a Skiffle Band (The Rozzers Skiffle Band) was pure genius, and it really brought the show together, especially with them paying before the first and second half. The timing of the songs, the array of musical instruments and the acting of the band members was again, pure brilliance and really made the changeover of the scenes seam free. You did not notice curtains going down as you were watching a band who were again, interacting with the audience and not just “playing music”. The staging was unified and simple but yet, very effective and made you feel like you were being transported around Brighton.
Words cannot describe the happy feelings that this show gave me and as a 30-odd-year-old I often don’t use these words, but there was not one person in their seats not laughing out loud.
Overall this is a 5 out of 5 and a must for anyone who wants to see a West End worthy performance in their local theatre. I truly do not believe there will be a show quite like this for a long time in Derby.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £10 (booking fees may apply).
One Man, Two Guvnors is at Derby Theatre from 7-28 September 2019, for more information or book tickets visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01332 593939.
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF | 01332 593939
