Event

One Man, Two Guvnors

Arena Theater presents One Man, Two Guvnors, the first event of the 4 part series "National Theater Live" on Thursday October 20 at 7 PM.
Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni with songs by Grant Olding. In Richard Bean's English version of Goldoni's classic Italian comedy from 1746, sex, food and money are high on the agenda. James Corden returns to the National for the first time since The History Boys to play Francis.
Richard Bean's riotous farce combines the original's structure with a particularly Anglo-Saxon verbal and physical humour. The result, a kind of Carry On Carlo, is one of the funniest productions in the National's history.
The plot almost defies description. Bean has set the action in 1963 in Brighton, and the key point is that Francis Henshall, a failed skiffle player, finds himself working for two guvnors. One, Rachel Crabbe, is disguised as her dead gangland twin, and, in her brutal mop-like wig, bears an uncanny resemblance to Ringo Starr. The other is Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.
'A triumph of visual and verbal comedy. One of the funniest productions in the National's history.' Guardian

'Slapstick, satire and gags galore: a classic comedy hilariously updated.' The Times
Tickets are $18, available online and at the door the night of the event. The Arena bar and snack stand will be open.