Review: One Man, Two Guvnors (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

One Man, Two Guvnors (UK Tour)
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 11th August 2014
★★★★★

The West End hasn't felt the same since One Man, Two Guvnors closed in March; however, the show has now embarked on another UK tour with a brand new touring cast who do not disappoint!

After being fired, a poor and hungry Francis Henshall can’t resist taking on two jobs, but keeping two Guvnors happy and preventing them from finding out about the other is no easy task. Despite having seen Richard Bean's triumphant play several times during its West End run, I sat in my seat at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre howling and crying with laughter!

As I had coincidentally previously seen Gavin Spokes star as Francis Henshall when he understudied the part in London, I was thrilled to discover Spokes has been promoted to lead (following the footsteps of James Corden and Rufus Hound) for the play's latest UK Tour.

He gives a comical masterclass. His energy and excitement never burns out whilst his clever and fast wit is hugely impressive. Spokes’ all-important relationship with the audience is spot on, I can think of few stronger comedy actors working in British theatre.

It is wonderful to see Emma Barton back on stage as Dolly alongside Jasmyn Banks who shows a whole new side to her talents as poor Pauline Clench. Stand out performances also come from Patrick Warner as Stanley Stubbers, Alicia Davies as Rachel Crabbe and Edward Hancock as Alan Dangle. 

The entire company have fantastic chemistry and bounce off each other superbly. They all bring something new to their roles and aren't simply carbon copies of their predecessors which is one of the secrets to the show's long success – it always feels fresh.

What I love about One Man, Two Guvnors is its huge universal appeal, there really is something for everyone and I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend it to. For a fun and silly evening of comical bliss you can't go wrong with One Man, Two Guvnors.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

One Man, Two Guvnors runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 16th August 2014 and tours the UK until Saturday 21st March 2015.
Please visit www.onemantwoguvnors.com for further information, full tour dates and tickets.

Photo Credit: Hugo Glendinning

Follow @West_End_Frame