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# REVIEW: One Man,Two Guv’nors @ National Theatre streaming
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/review-one-mantwo-guvnors-national-theatre-streaming/
- Published: 2020-04-05T09:05:42.000Z
- Updated: 2020-04-05T09:05:42.000Z
- Description: Brian Butler finds a bucketload of lockdown laughs from the National Theatre at Home
- Author: Brian Butler

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/one-man-two-guvnors600400.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/review-one-mantwo-guvnors-national-theatre-streaming/attachment/one-man-two-guvnors600400/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

The National Theatre’s initiative in streaming some of its archived productions is proving a golden treasury of drama for those of us locked out of our normal second home – the theatre .

Its first offering – available till **Wednesday 8 April** – is Richard Bean’s modern take on Goldoni’s 18th century farce A Servant of Two Masters – **moved to 1963 Brighton** , actually, and re-named **[One Man Two Guv’nors.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDq1XzCY0NIOYVJvEMQjqw?ref=scenemag.co.uk)** Directed brilliantly by **Nicholas Hytner** it is a roller-coaster of fun and frolics.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/guv1600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/review-one-mantwo-guvnors-national-theatre-streaming/attachment/guv1600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

And it’s much more than the obvious brilliant showcase for the verbal and physical dexterity of **James Corden** as its Harlequin-type ani-hero Francis.

It’s a rollicking tale of love, deceit, the search for happiness and above all, eating .

From the pre-show bootleg Beatles playing of the skiffle/rock group **The Craze,** you know you’re in for a treat.

The plot – unbelievably complicated and at times bewildering, is about a hapless man who through deception, confusion and sheer stupidity , ends up serving two masters of very different characteristics. Can Francis satisfy the similar but contradictory requirements of Roscoe/ Rachel, ( played with immaculate transvestite style by Jemma Rooper ) , and super smooth public school idiot murderer Stanley, played with Ripping Yarns aplomb by Oliver Chris ?

The answers is kind of “ yes “ and even the audience plays a part in keeping the increasingly manic Corden on the straight and narrow , though one apparent audience member is actually part of the cast.

Even Rottingdean and its am dram company gets a mention , and the slightly sleazy nature of the seaside hideaway is a great backdrop.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cast-of-one-man-two-guvnors-nt600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/review-one-mantwo-guvnors-national-theatre-streaming/attachment/cast-of-one-man-two-guvnors-nt600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

Claire Lams is deliciously stupid as Pauline, who misinterprets everything and whose eternal answer is “ I don’t understand “ . Her love interest , aspiring actor Alan , is played with swaggering imbecility by **Daniel Rigby** and the company as a whole plays brilliantly both physically and verbally as the pace gathers speed and the complexities multiply.

Corden is clearly having the time of his life and it’s a fitting curtain up on what promises to be a highly rewarding shining season of plays – Jane Eyre is up next – so go to the [National’s YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDq1XzCY0NIOYVJvEMQjqw?ref=scenemag.co.uk) or Facebook pages for more information.

And don’t forget to **make a donation** to keep live theatre live.