One Man, Two Guvnors (J&L Presents), at Piano on Swan

If you want a riotous night out, head to Piano on Swan at 215 Swan Street in Richmond to see One Man, Two Guvnors, where slapstick humour abounds.

This play with live music is undoubtedly one of the silliest, funniest things going around as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

It really is a highly amusing hoot.

Photos by Darcy K. Scales

An adaptation by English writer Richard Bean of a 1743 Italian comedy by Carlo Goldoni, it is off the wall absurdity involving a man with a voracious appetite.

The original Italian period setting has been replaced with the seaside town of Brighton, south of London.

One Man, Two Guvnors, starring James Cordon, opened at the National Theatre in London in 2011, before transferring to the West End and Broadway.

The setting is 1963. We are witness to the engagement party of aspiring actor Alan Dangle to Pauline Clench. 

She is the dim-witted daughter of local mobster Charlie “The Duck” Clench.

Pauline was to be married to small time hood Roscoe Crabbe in a deal struck by The Duck involving 6,000 pounds and a house.

Only Roscoe, who Pauline never cared for – because it was to be a marriage of convenience, as he was gay – is no longer on the scene, as he was killed.

Now, Francis Henshall, who has been fired from his skiffle band and is minder to Roscoe turns up to collect the 6,000 pounds. 

But everything turns pear-shaped when Roscoe miraculously appears to claim Pauline and the money.

Truth is, it is not Roscoe, but his twin sister Rachel, disguised as Roscoe, who is in love with upper class twit Stanley Stubbers. Stanley is on the run for knocking off Roscoe.

Despite The Duck acknowledging that Roscoe has first rights to his daughter, Alan Dangle vows to fight for Pauline.

Alan’s father is The Duck’s crooked solicitor Harry Dangle, who is extremely put out by this most unfortunate turn of events.

The key character in the play is Francis Henshall, who seizes the opportunity to work for two bosses (or guvnors), Roscoe (in the guise of Rachel) and Stanley Stubbers.

Collecting two pay packets, without one knowing about the other, what could possibly go wrong? Plenty! And, I assure you, it does.

Add to that the fact that Francis develops a soft spot for The Duck’s bookkeeper, Dolly and hijinks ensue.

Events unravel at The Cricketers’ Arms pub, owned by Lloyd Boateng, an ex-con friend of Charlie’s. 

There, the frazzled head waiter is Gareth and it is the first day on the job for fragile octogenarian Alfie.

Let’s just call this for what is it, a comedy of errors with no shortage of hilarious (and unexpected) audience participation, which goes down a treat.

The whole shebang kicks off with a lyrical and melodic musical number performed by a skiffle band (a blend of folk, blues and jazz), including a washboard player.

Several other equally evocative, high-energy songs are interspersed with the action. 

The tone of One Man, Two Govnors is reminiscent of the Carry On movies, popularised in the late ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

I offer the highest of praise for new theatre company, J&L Presents, the front man of which is director Johno White (also an actor here), who has done a mighty job.

His mantra is to shatter the conventions of traditional theatre-making.

He is out to curate immersive performances in non-traditional venues and spaces that intimately reflect the narrative and themes of each show. 

With One Man, Two Govnors he has done just that and how!

Piano on Swan is a delightful, 50-seat cocktail and piano bar that the cast and crew have taken over to stage this mayhem so joyously until 15^th April.

Daragh Wills is a comic force as Francis Henshall.

They literally throw themselves into the role with reckless abandon.

I loved what they were able to achieve with their character, getting the vocal crowd on side from the get go.

They are an excellent ad-libber.

It is a truly great, hyper energetic performance – physical comedy at its best – that sees them sweat up a storm.

In fact, a big thumbs up to all 12 cast members, but I would also like to single out Andrews Roberts, who steps so effortlessly into the part of the local hoodlum.

Whenever he appeared, his depth of vocalisation, along with the way he carried himself, brought with it authority and authenticity.

He provided the play with highly appropriate and necessary muscle, so huge plaudits to him.

Exaggeration and exhortation are the keys to what makes One Man, Two Govnors work and work so well. The players display that in spades.

What also works so well are the sound effects, seen to by stage manager Emma Venske.

In fact, even when a cue is missed, it leads to a side-splitting, off the cuff interchange.

This is what I adore about live theatre. Some of the best moments are not scripted.

Another strength in One Man, Two Govnors is the colourful and redolent costuming, including jaunty caps and waistcoats for the interchangeable band members.

Two and a half hours, including interval, this is a beauty and augers well for the future of J&L Presents.