One Man, Two Guvnors at the Regent Theatre, Stoke Review

One Man, Two Guvnors
Regent Theatre, Stoke

25-30 August 2014

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

Reviewed by Debbie Tasker

Last night we went along to see this British slapstick comedy by Richard Bean, based on The Servant with Two Masters by Carlo Goldini. The Regent Theatre was almost full and there was a great atmosphere as the fantastic sixties Skiffle band, The Craze opened the show with some catchy tunes to set the mood. We had brilliant seats in the stalls which were very roomy and comfortable.

Set in Brighton 1963 with a farcical plot, you can’t help but get carried along with the silly story about its central character Francis Henshall who was played last night by understudy Owen Guerin who ends up being minder to two guvnors with hilarious consequences.

The spirited cast is strong with lots of energy and perfect comic timing. The larger than life characters reminded me of the carry on films which can only be a good thing! The old waiter Alfie (Michael Dylan) has a stand out performance he had me in stitches on many occasions throughout the meal scene which was not unlike a Faulty Towers sketch. Dolly (Emma Barton. Honey in EastEnders) plays the busty book keeper in a Barbara Windsor kind of manner. Charlie ‘the Duck’ Clench character is Shaun Williamson (who is best known as Barry also from EastEnders) gives a good performance also.

The stage sets are excellent and changed quickly with ease. The actors all have turns at entertaining the audience with singing/dancing and instrument playing while these are going on. I particularly liked this idea. The band also makes a few more appearances at these times too. Lighting is good and costumes spot on. I found the sound a little muffled at times especially when people were singing. As it is such a fast paced show it is essential you can hear clearly what is being said so as not to lose the storyline.

One Man, Two Guvnors will not be to everybody’s taste. In my opinion you have to be a fan of typical British, sometimes below the belt, humour. Having said that it generated uproarious laughter rippling through the auditorium throughout the show last night. Myself and guest enjoyed it and came away with smiles on our faces. The cast work hard especially Owen Guerin who must be exhausted by the end of the evening. A great show which could be described loosely as an adult panto I feel.

Rating: 4/5

The Regent Theatre is clean bright and well-kept there are lots of helpful friendly staff on hand to help if needed. On our way out last night the usher (a young man) on the main door said good night and thank you for coming – how lovely!

Tickets cost from £11.90 to £36.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

On Man, Two Guvnors is at the Regent Theatre, Skoke until Saturday 30 August 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649