‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ – presented by Sydney Theatre Company

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS – BY RICHARD BEAN
DIRECTED BY NICHOLAS HYTNER
NATIONAL THEATRE OF GREAT BRITAIN
PRESENTED BY SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY AND USB AUSTRALIA – SYDNEY THEATRE
30 MARCH – 11 MAY 2013

Sybil: When we were deciding on our tickets for the STC season, I was very keen to add this show to the mix, having heard great things about it from the UK. Of course, then I was terrified that it would be awful. I needn’t have been. It was terrific. Energetic, with more than a nod to commedia dell’arte, the whole show hit every beat with a resounding laugh. Owain Arthur in the title role provided a masterclass in physical comedy and kept the show moving at an incredible pace. Bravo!

Lea: My goodness. Divinity through comedy. To start with… the band!!! The Craze won us over immediately, bopping in our seats before the lights dimmed. It was the warmest community vibe I’ve felt in the Sydney Theatre and that was true of the entire show. The cast were like old friends who we trusted with our funny bones implicitly. To each other, they were like comfortable socks that seemed more and more comfortable with each exit and entrance. The planned gags felt effortless. The ‘spontaneous’ audience participation, which I think was repeated every night, felt genuine, and you know what, it was so good, I didn’t care when I found out later that every single audience saw the same thing. They were that good! Fabulously crafted entertainment. Broadly drawn, but executed with exceptional talent. More please.

IN SUMMARY

PRE SHOW EATS: The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. The house curry is excellent.
POST SHOW DRINKS: Sydney Theatre Foyer. Time was of the essence, plus The Bar at the End of the Wharf was closed for a private function. 😦
HANGOVER STATUS: High on the laughs, not on the wine.