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!

One Man, Two Guvnors UK Tour: Meet The Cast

Casting has been announced for the upcoming UK Tour of One Man, Two Guvnors.

The show opens at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre on 14th May 2014 and tours the UK until 14th March 2015 (including The Waterside, Aylesbury: 11th August – 16th August 2014, The Churchill Theatre, Bromley: 2nd February – 7th February 2015 & New Wimbledon Theatre: 2nd March – 7th March 2015).

Gavin Spokes, Shaun Williamson, Jasmyn Banks & Emma Barton to star in One Man, Two Guvnors UK Tour

Casting has been announced for the upcoming UK Tour of One Man, Two Guvnors.

Gavin Spokes takes the central role of loveable chancer, Francis Henshall. Shaun Williamson (best known for playing Barry from Eastenders) will play Charlie Clench. 

The cast also includes EastEnders actresses Emma Barton as Dolly and Jasmyn Banks (pictured right) as Pauline Clench, as well as: Alicia Davies as Rachel Crabbe, Michael Dylan as Alfie, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng, Edward Hancock as Alan Dangle and Patrick Warner as Stanley Stubbers. Further casting is to be announced.

The show opens at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre on 14th May 2014 and tours the UK until 14th March 2015 (including The Waterside, Aylesbury: 11th August – 16th August 2014, The Churchill Theatre, Bromley: 2nd February – 7th February 2015 & New Wimbledon Theatre: 2nd March – 7th March 2015).

One Man, Two Guvnors confirms tour dates and venues

The National Theatre's award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors has announced dates and venues for its upcoming extensive tour of the UK & Ireland.

The touring production will open at The Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield on 12th May before visiting: Aberdeen, Aylesbury, Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Bromley, Canterbury, Cardiff, Cornwall, Crawley, Dartford, Dublin, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northampton, Nottingham, Norwich, Oxford, Plymouth, Salford, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Woking and Wolverhampton.

Photo Feature: The cast of One Man, Two Guvnors get christmassy!

Photos have been released of the West End cast of One Man, Two Guvnors getting into the festive spirit as the prepare to spend Christmas at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (see Christmas performance schedule below).

Tale a look at the images below (click on picture to enlarge). The National Theatre's production stars: Owain Arthur as Francis Henshall, Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Peter Caulfield as Alfie, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng Angela Griffin as Dolly, Hugh Sachs as Harry, Kellie Shirley as Pauline and Dominic Thorburn as Alan.

Interview: Peter Caulfield, currently playing Alfie in One Man, Two Guvnors

Peter Caulfield is currently playing Alfie in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors which recently became the longest running show at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in its almost two hundred-year history.

The actor recently toured with One Man, Two Guvnors on its second UK tour. His previous theatre credits include: Me and My Girl at the Kilworth House Theatre, The Merchant of Venice and The Wind in the Willows at Derby Theatre, Enron for the Chichester Festival Theatre and Royal Court, Present: Tense for Southwark Playhouse, Man of Mode at the National Theatre, The Wild Duck at the Donmar Warehouse, Into the Woods at the Royal Opera House and Elegies: A Song Cycle at the Arts Theatre.

Peter chats to West End Frame about the huge success of One Man, Two Guvnors, how he plays such a physically demanding role without injuring himself and his favourite shows in London at the moment…

You’ve been in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors for a couple of months now. How’s it going so far? 

Is that all? It seems like longer! But not in a negative way [laughs]. I feel so at home in the show that it feels like I’ve been doing it a lot longer. I’m genuinely having the most fun on stage I’ve ever had, in a fantastic role, with the best cast, in a hit show - it’s a dream job. Plus the London audiences have been so responsive and warm. After touring with the production up north I thought it would be hard to top. 

Photo Feature: The cast of One Man, Two Guvnors celebrate gala performance with VIP Guests at after-party

After a special gala performance of One Man, Two Guvnors last night (17th October), the cast and VIP Guests enjoyed a post show party at Mint Leaf. Take a look at pictures taken at the party below (click on an image to enlarge).

Attendees were treated to The Gunvors’ cocktails and array of canapés including Potato and Chick Pea Chaat on Wheat Crisp served with Yogurt and Tamarind, Chili and Garlic Marinated Tandoori Paneer, Kadhai Spiced Tempura Asparagus served with Tomato and Mustard Relish and Garlic and Thyme Marinated Chicken Tikka followed by Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.

VIP Guests included: Amanda Holden, Nigel Harman, Myleene Klass, Gok Wan, Sarah Parish, Jill Halfpenny, Kayvan Novak , Daisy Lewis, Lisa Faulkner, Charlie Condou, John Torode, Cherie Blair, Jenny Eclair, Joe Lycett, Jeremy Edwards, Bernard Cribbins , Nicholas Parsons, Lucy Porter, Gaby Roslin, Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, John Taylor & Gela Nash Taylor, Joe Wilkinson, Steve Pemberton and Emma Barton. Take a look at pictures of the guests arriving for the performance here.

Photo Feature: VIP Guests arrive for One Man, Two Guvnors gala performance

Last night (17th October) a special gala evening was held at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to celebrate One Man, Two Guvnors becoming the longest running show in the iconic theatre's almost two hundred-year history. 

VIP Guests from the worlds of comedy, film, TV and theatre attended the gala performance, including: Amanda Holden, Nigel Harman, Myleene Klass, Gok Wan, Sarah Parish, Jill Halfpenny, Kayvan Novak , Daisy Lewis, Lisa Faulkner, Charlie Condou, John Torode, Cherie Blair, Jenny Eclair, Joe Lycett, Jeremy Edwards, Bernard Cribbins , Nicholas Parsons, Lucy Porter, Gaby Roslin, Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, John Taylor and Gela Nash Taylor, Joe Wilkinson, Steve Pemberton and Emma Barton. Take a look at pictures of the guests arriving below (click on an image to enlarge).

During the performance Gok Wan was invited on stage during a hilarious scene which is said to have "bought the house down". Find out more here.

Gok Wan invited on stage during One Man, Two Guvnors gala performance

Gok Wan & Owain Arthur

Last night (17th October) the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors held a special gala performance to celebrate the National Theatre's production becoming the longest running show at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in its almost two hundred-year history.

During the gala performance Gok Wan was invited up on stage by Owain Arthur (who plays Francis Henshall) during a hilarious scene which is said to have "bought the house down". Gok Wan and audience member Bill Byrd, who was on holiday from Texas, were invited to assist Francis move his ‘very heavy’ Guvnor’s suitcase.

After the event, Owain Tweeted Gok a message reading "You're brilliant!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!! Sorry!!!!!!"

Gok also Tweeted, telling his followers how much he enjoyed the performance. He wrote: "Ok, so One Man, Two Guvnors is incredible! Comic and script genius! A must see for everyone. Laugh out loud funny and simply perfect casting! Go!"

Editor's Blog: One Man, Two Guvnors fresher and funnier than ever

New cast members recently joined the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (arguably one of the most comfortable theatres in London). 

Owain Arthur re-joined the production, following time away starring in the international tour. He's been joined by Kellie Shirley and Peter Caulfield as Pauline and Alfie who are reprising their roles from the international tour. 

Angela Griffin and Dominic Thorburn have also joined the cast as Dolly and Alan, while the production continues to feature Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle.

Last week I went to see the show (for the third time) and must admit that I think the play, which will conclude its West End run next March, is feeling fresher and funnier than ever. The new cast members bring something completely different to the National Theatre's production. Often in long-running shows producers look for carbon copies when it comes to cast changes, but Kellie Shirley plays Pauline completely differently to her predecessor, yet is equally funny.  

Interview: Kellie Shirley, currently in One Man, Two Guvnors

Later this month Kellie Shirley is joining the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to play Pauline Clench, a role she previously played in the play’s UK and international tours. 

Kellie is best known for playing Carly Wicks in BBC1’s Eastenders between 2006 and 2012. Kellie’s television credits include: Lewis, The Office, Murder City, Parents of the Band, 20,000 Streets Under the Sky and The Bill while her film credits include: Frank, Girl on a Bicycle, Venus, The Grind, Heidi and Wimbledon.

Kellie also has an impressive list of theatre credits to her name. As well as touring Australia and Hong Kong during her time in the One Man, Two Guvnors international and UK tours, her theatre credits include: Rhoda at the Menier Chocolate Factory, State Fair at the Finborough Theatre, The Miracle at the National Theatre, Slam at Soho Theatre, Best of the Rest at the Royal Court and Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre. 

Last week I spoke to Kellie about why she decided to return to one of the West End’s funniest plays, her time in Eastenders and her theatre addiction…

After playing Pauline in the international and UK tours of One Man, Two Guvnors, what drew you back to reprising the role in the West End?

Well, I’ve never actually worked in the West End before. I’ve worked at the National Theatre and at the Royal Court and I was keen to ‘pop my West End cherry’ as it were! One Man, Two Guvnors is a really brilliant show and I love it. Plus it’s a great part and I play it slightly differently to the other girls who have played her before. Pauline’s quite a feisty dumb blonde and I really enjoy playing her. Obviously Owain (Arthur) who I love working with is returning to the West End production – he’s such a great actor. One of my really good friends, Amy Cudden, is also in the cast. She plays Rachel and I’ve got a big scene with her which I love because I’ve always wanted to work with her. So I love the show, love the cast, I’m working with some great friends and I can get the bus home every night – it’s perfect!

One Man, Two Guvnors to close in March

Owain Arthur

It has been announced that the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors will close on 1st March 2014, prior to a UK and Ireland tour beginning in May 2014. 

One Man, Two Guvnors, which has been seen by over one million people worldwide and will be the longest running show at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in almost 200 years, will have played almost 900 London performances when it completes its West End run.

Owain Arthur returns to the production as Francis Henshall on 23rd September 2013. He will be joined by Angela Griffin as Dolly, Kellie Shirley as Pauline Clench, Peter Caulfield as Alfie and Dominic Thorburn as Alan Dangle.

Current cast members Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle will continue in their roles. Mensah Bediako, Sophie Cosson, Stephen Leask, Nadim Naaman, Gemma Salter and Patrick Warner make up the ensemble.

Sneak peek at... the new cast of One Man, Two Guvnors

Having travelled over 25,500 miles worldwide, on 23rd September Owain Arthur will return to the Theatre Royal Haymarket to lead the cast of One Man, Two Guvnors as Francis Henshall. He will be joined by Angela Griffin as Dolly as well as Kellie Shirley and Peter Caulfield who are reprising their roles of Pauline Clench and Alfie. 

Dominic Thorburn also joins the cast to play Alan Dangle. Current cast members Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle will continue in their roles. Mensah Bediako, Sophie Cosson, Stephen Leask, Nadim Naaman, Gemma Salter and Patrick Warner make up the ensemble. 

Take a look at pictures of Angela Griffin, Kellie Shirley and Owain Arthur below (click on an image to enlarge).

CONFIRMED: Owain Arthur returns to One Man, Two Guvnors, Angela Griffin & Kellie Shirley join the cast

It has been confirmed that on 23rd September 2013, having travelled over 25,500 miles worldwide and performed almost 500 times as loveable chancer Francis Henshall, Owain Arthur will return to the Theatre Royal Haymarket to lead the cast of One Man, Two Guvnors, the National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed smash hit comedy.

Arthur will be joined by Angela Griffin as Dolly with Kellie Shirley and Peter Caulfield reprising their roles of Pauline Clench and Alfie, previous played in the One Man, Two Guvnors touring productions. Dominic Thorburn joins the cast to play Alan Dangle. 

Current cast members Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle will continue in their roles.

Theatre Gossip: Owain Arthur returning to One Man, Two Guvnors, Angela Griffin, Kellie Shirley and Dominic Thorburn to join the cast

According to the Daily Mail, Owain Arthur will return to the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 23rd September 2013. Owain was originally James Corden's understudy in the play before taking over when the Gavin and Stacey actor transferred to the Broadway production. Owain has recently been starring in the UK and international tours of the National Theatre's hit show.

The newspaper also claims that Waterloo Road star Angela Griffin, Eastenders actress Kellie Shirley and West End favourite Dominic Thorburn will join the cast from September.

This gossip has now been confirmed! Click here for the full story.

Speaking to West End Frame during an interview last year, Owain said "It’s hard work but I'm definitely still enjoying it. Getting to please audiences night after night is such a treat for an actor as you rarely get to do that every day." Click here to read to full interview.

Multi award-winning One Man, Two Guvnors opened at the National Theatre in May 2011. In November 2011, after its first UK tour, the show transferred to the Adelphi Theatre where it completed a sell out run. Since 2nd March 2012 the London production has been playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. The Broadway production of One Man, Two Guvnors completed its successful run at the Music Box Theater in 2012. 

Review: One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (5 Stars)

One Man, Two Guvnors

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Reviewed on Friday 4th January 2013

"Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers – but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple."

I have seen quite a few comedies in the West End over the past couple of years, but none as exceptional as One Man, Two Guvnors. The whole show is ridiculous yet intelligent and at moments spontaneous. I guarantee that no matter how miserable or grumpy you feel when arriving at the theatre, you will leave laughing into the night. Richard Bean's play is incredibly unique. One Man, Two Guvnors is the best of the best.

Funniest Performance in a West End Show: 1st - 5th Place

1st Place

Daniel Buckley

Marvin Camden

Loserville

28%

Daniel's theatre credits include Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Lord of the Flies (UK tour), Fresher – The Musical (Edinburgh Fringe) and Spring Awakening (UK tour). Next year he will join the original London cast of The Book Of Mormon as Stand-By Elder Cunningham. Daniel is outstanding as Marvin Camden in Loserville at the Garrick Theatre. He is one of those performers who demands an audience's attention. Daniel thoroughly deserves the 2012 West End Frame Award for Funniest Performance in a West End Show. Click here to read our recent four star review of Loserville.

Rufus Hound to join West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors

Actor, stand-up comic and presenter Rufus Hound will join the cast of the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors to play lovable chancer Francis Henshall in Richard Bean’s version of Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters. Rufus will join the West End cast from 4th February 2013 having played the role in the current UK touring production. 

The West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors has recently announced a further new booking period releasing over 200, 000 new tickets for sale taking bookings at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to 31st August 2013. 

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancee’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Holed up at the Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

Interview: Owain Arthur, currently playing Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors

Owain Arthur is currently playing Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Next year Owain will play Francis Henshall in the UK and international tour of One Man, Two Guvnors. Owain has also been seen in Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre production of The History Boys, as well as Romeo and Juliet for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Comedy of Errors for the Royal Exchange Theatre and Birdsong at the Comedy Theatre. On television his credits include Holby City, Ddeg, Cei Bach, New Tricks and The Palace. His film credits include Abroad, Mr Nice and Eldra. Owain chats to West End Frame about his co-stars, performing 8 shows a week and what he would be doing now if he hadn't become an actor...

You have been in One Man, Two Guvnors for some time now. Are you still enjoying it? 
Yes, I’m still enjoying it. It’s hard work but I’m definitely still enjoying it. Getting to please audiences night after night is such a treat for an actor as you rarely get to do that every day so the enjoyment is definitely still there

Why do you think One Man, Two Guvnors is so popular with audiences? 
Because the show is so good. I don’t think people expect to see a farce from the National or even in the West End so audiences who come to see it, not knowing what to expect, get a lot of enjoyment out of it because of the nature of the show itself. It’s a very good adaptation from Richard Bean. People get to come and see the show and let their hair down. I had one person come up to me and say "This show should be on the NHS" because laughter is such good therapy. This was such a huge compliment.

One Man, Two Guvnors extends to August 2013

Nicholas Hytner’s five star National Theatre production of One Man, Two Guvnors announces a further new booking period releasing over 200,000 new tickets for sale in The West End, taking bookings at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to 31 August 2013. 

From 19 November, Tom Edden will return to the London production to play Alfie the Waiter. He joins Owain Arthur who plays lovable chancer Francis Henshall, Jodie Prenger who plays Dolly, Phil Cornwell as Charlie, Rhona Croker as Pauline, David Benson as Gareth, Nigel Betts as Harry, Derek Elroy as Lloyd, Daniel Ings as Alan, Ben Mansfieldas Stanley Stubbers and Gemma Whelan asRachel Crabbe. Ensemble members are Robin Berry, Gillian Budd, Andrew Dennis, Laura Matthews, Richard Shanks and Gavin Spokes.