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.

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.  

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. 

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.

Rufus Hound joins One Man, Two Guvnors tour

Comedian Rufus Hound will play Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors during the play's new national tour later this year. This marks Rufus Hound's second professional theatre role following his current run in Utopia at Soho Theatre.

The role of Francis Henshall was created in the National Theatre production by James Corden. Owain Arthur, who originally understudied James Cordon, took over the role when the production transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This makes Rufus Hound the third actor to play the role.

The new national tour commences at the Curve in Leicester from 25 October-3 November 2012, and visits Newcastle Theatre Royal (6-10 November), Glasgow Theatre Royal (13-17 November), Belfast Grand Opera House (20-24 November), Blackpool Grand (27 November-1 December), Theatre Royal Norwich (4-8 December), Leeds Grand Theatre (11-15 December), Llandudno, Venue Cymru (2-5 January), Salford Lowry (8-19 January), Cardiff Millenium Centre (22-26 January) and Nottingham Theatre Royal (29 January-2 February).

Further casting for the tour is still to be announced, though it has been rumored that current cast member Jodie Prenger will join Rufus Hound for shows at the Lowry in Salford and her home town of Blackpool.