“YOU got to concentrate ain’t ya with two jobs,” says the hilarious Francis Henshall in Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors — which is to be Penrith Player’s first show of 2017 next February, performed from 15th to 18th
An English take on the Italian classic The Servant of Two Masters, Richard Bean’s version is set in the 1960s and centres around the antics of Francis Henshall — a minder to both Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper class criminal.
The award-winning play opened at the National Theatre in 2011, before transferring to the West End with James Corden in the lead role. “Blissfully funny”, “inspired comedy” were typical reviews. Director Andy Keogh said: “As well as being laugh-out-loud funny, there is also an element of live music involved — so enthusiastic actors and musicians are wanted.”
Roles required:
- FRANCIS (age 30s) — A loveable buffoon who finds himself struggling to please two bosses. A very funny and very physical role with some improvisation.
- STANLEY STUBBERS (late 20s) — One of Francis’ guvnors. A snooty fop who attended boarding school.
- RACHEL CRABBE (mid-20s) — A tough cookie. Disguised as her dead twin brother, she bears an uncanny resemblance to Ringo Starr.
- HARRY DANGLE (50s to 60s)— The crooked, Latin-speaking solicitor to the Clenches.
- CHARLIE “THE DUCK” CLENCH (50s) — Gangster. Tight with money.
- LLOYD BOATENG (40s to 50s) — A Jamaican ex-con and friend to Charlie Clench.
- PAULINE CLENCH (18) — Charlie Clench’s daughter. Pretty and stupid.
- ALAN (20s to 30s) — Harry Dangle’s son and Pauline’s fiancé. An aspiring thespian who is always performing.
- DOLLY (30s to 40s) — Charlie Clench’s bossy, voluptuous, and feminist secretary. Francis’ love interest.
- GARETH (30s to 50s) — A trained head waiter.
- ALFIE (80s, can be played by a younger actor) — A slow and doddering waiter. The role is very physically demanding.