I’ll never forget September 2, 2012. I was in New York with a ticket to the final Broadway performance of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Music Box Theatre. Simply put, I’ve never laughed so hard at any play before. Rather than tell you why, I’ll simply point you to National Theatre Live’s YouTube page where starting today you’ll be able to stream the show and find out for yourself.
One Man, Two Guvnors is the first of four scheduled streaming productions from National Theatre Live. Each production will go live on Thursday at 7 PM local time in London (2 PM EDT/11 AM PDT). The subsequent shows are productions of Jane Eyre, Treasure Island and Twelfth Night.
James Corden stars in One Man, Two Guvnors. Set in 1963 Brighton, the play tells the story of Francis Henshall (Corden), a man who isn’t terribly bright. He begins the play unemployed, but quickly finds himself working for two very different men, a gangster and a well-to-do snob. It takes everything in Henshall’s power to make sure the two men don’t find out they’ve both employed him. Throw in a character in disguise, a mannered actor, another mobster, a very old waiter, and Dolly, the woman of Henshall’s dreams (when he isn’t seeking out food and booze.)
Richard Bean adapted Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s 1743 comedy, l servitore di due padroni (Servant of Two Masters). One Man, Two Guvnors is directed by Nicholas Hytner.
The play is filled with impeccably-timed physical comedy. There’s also a skiffle band that bridges scene changes and also becomes part of Corden’s performance. He won the Tony Award for his work in One Man, Two Guvnors.
Usually National Theatre Live offers these productions in worldwide screenings. This marks their contribution to helping us through the pandemic. If laughter is the best medicine, you’ll get the strongest possible dose with One Man, Two Guvnors.
The production has a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes which includes an intermission.
Photo of James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors by Johan Persson/Courtesy of National Theatre Live