#1m2g

[this-is-lena-winter]

Just some photos of me being ridiculous in One Man, Two Governors.

[this-is-lena-winter]

My hair is extra poufy tonight 😍

[mamasp00der]

Just a trans Dad teaching his Trans daughter how to behave in a fancy restaurant

[this-is-lena-winter]

More ridiculous photos from One Man, Two Guvnors. Also this is not a musical, I'm not dancing or singing in any of these, Pauline is just... special.

[this-is-lena-winter]

Preview tonight! Good audience so far.

[blatherskiteblog]

'One Man, Two Guvnors' @ Theatre Royal Haymarket

My rating - *****

It’s rare to find something that can make my mother laugh. It’s not that she’s a miserable mare, more than it takes a lot to tickle her funny bone. I usually see her flash a smile at good TV comedy or an occasional chuckle at a stand up comedian. However, when I took her to see ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ in the West End, I was not prepared to see her literally rolling about it her seat, eyes watering and struggling to breathe. It seems over the top, but it is the honest truth. Even by Mother Doughty’s own admission, she is not a fan of ‘obvious’ or ‘farce’ comedy, and both these things definitely tick the show’s boxes. Despite this, the ‘farce’ of ‘One Man Two Guvnors’ is in a league of its own. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show so slicky put together, so full of surprises and so many moments where the audience actually gasp, point and squawk with laughter.

It is hard to review the show fully as it’s bursting with moments which have to be seen to be believed and I can now understand why everyone I’ve asked about the show previously, has said ‘Just wait and see!’ or ‘It’s so hard to put into words.’ Richard Bean’s hilarious modern day interpretation of ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ by Carlo Goldoni is a touching, oh so English masterpiece. It seems to be what was currently missing from the London theatre scene, hence why it has been transferred to Broadway after such success and acclaim.

We are welcomed into the auditorium by the sharply dressed and beautifully melodious band called ‘The Craze,’ who seamlessly pull the show together with their charmingly catchy skiffle songs (hats off to Grant Olding, the show’s composer), supported by a diverse selection of musical instruments, my favourite being the washboard…

The show is without a doubt an ensemble piece – each performer brings so much to the stage and it is so refreshing to see no one outshining another. The musicians support the actors and vice versa. It is particularly interesting to see Owain Arthur as the lead character of Francis Henshall shine as an individual but even in such an attention-seeking role, he never overshadows any of his fellow performers. I wasn’t lucky enough to see Corden premiering this role, however from other reviews, it seems that he made the part so much his own, that by the end of his run it was maybe more ‘The James Corden Improv Show’ than ‘One Man, Two Guvnors.’ I was delighted to see Arthur bring so much controlled skill and comic timing to such an outrageous and physically demanding part.

Similarly special mention must go to Daniel Ings as the part of self-proclaimed lothario and heart wrenching romantic, Alan Dangle. His deep Shakespearean tones and tight trousers had the audience giggling throughout and the little in jokes for those down with theatre lingo made the whole experience extra enjoyable.

Personally, I found that the plot wasn’t of particular importance. Mistaken identities, lies and deceit and a bit of romance all held together by perfectly rehearsed stage choreography and physical theatre made for a fantastic evening of theatre. It is so difficult to pinpoint what is so wonderful about this show. It’s so fabulously British, so simple, yet very complicated; it really does have to be witnessed to be fully appreciated.

No question - it's not to be missed.

‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ is on at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Box office: 020 7930 8800