The Hilarious Comedy "One Man, Two Guvnors" on Stage in Newcastle

The Newcastle Theatre Company has a long and glorious history of bringing live theatre to people in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.  I was fortunate to see its current production "One Man, Two Guvnors" last weekend. 

It is a hilarious play set in Brighton England in the 1960's. It tells the story of one man, Francis Henshall, played by Luke Aspinall, who ends up getting a job for two different masters. He can not let on that he has these two jobs. 

To add to the complexity of the plot, it involves a murder, impersonation, and several love relationships. 

The comedy, split in two halves by an interval for a refreshment break, has lots of one-liners, slapstick, impossible situations which created many laughs in the audience.

Credit goes to the two directors of the play, Tracey Owens and Jo Cooper, for bringing together all aspects of this production to make it the resounding success it is. They have effectively brought the cast members together in this fast paced comical farce. 

The talented cast of 13 are all great in their portrayal of their very different characters. They deliver their lines with spot on precision timing. They also have mastered the difficult art of when speaking looking at both the person who they are speaking with and the audience. Apart from actors talking on stage, there are also action moments of falling, stumbling and fights to add to the excitement of the play. 

A feature between scene changes is a 3 piece band who come on stage and play a washboard, guitar and base.

Special mention goes to the 1960's styled costumes the actors wear, sourced by Melinda Hicks. They suit each character to a tee. I am sure that people would opt not to wear some of those fashion styles today....

"One Man, Two Guvnors" 

The setting and lighting design of each scene is a credit to Taylah Crouch. Each scene is elaborated by projections on the rear wall of the stage. Troy Jodzio was responsible for both the projections and sound design. 

"One Man, Two Guvnors" is being performed in The Newcastle Theatre Company's delightful theatre tucked away at 90 De Vitre Street Lambton. There are just three performances remaining - Wednesday 30 August, Friday 1 & Saturday 2 September. Get in quick to book your see to see this hilarious play.

Visit the Newcastle Theatre Company website for further information -

newcastletheatrecompany.com.au

(02) 4952 4958
newrep@bigpond.net.au