Frome Drama Club’s autumn production of One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean is running full pelt towards the Merlin this November.
Director, Calum Grant, reports that One Man Two Guvnors is probably best known for being that play James Corden was in. However, it has outlived its original leading male to become a very well-loved play and wonderfully funny farce.
“Our cast are so good that I leave every rehearsal having laughed a lot,” adds Calum. “Anyone who’s used to the repetition of rehearsals will know how rare it is for a comedy show to still be funny to cast and director after hearing a joke many, many times. But this talented company and fantastic script keep this play from going stale. The biggest issue for the cast will be keeping a straight face during performance.”
As for the plot, Calum doesn’t want to spoil too much other than to say that Francis Henshall has recently been fired from his skiffle band and, needing employment, he takes on the role of minder to Roscoe Crabbe. Even so, when he gets the opportunity to take up a second job he doesn’t hesitate (he needs to eat, and a second wage will help him with that). The rest of the play follows Francis’s adventures as he tries to keep both guvnors separate and in blissful ignorance of the other’s existence.
Rehearsals are in full swing (a little reference to the 1963 setting) with a great cast – a mix of regulars and newer members. The company is led magnificently by Andrew Morrison’s Francis Henshall. Andrew is a regular face for the Bradfordians and recently directed the award-winning Elephant Man. He is probably best known at the Merlin for the title role in Frome Drama Club’s 2012 production of Macbeth.
Other club regulars include Laurie Parnell playing Charlie ‘The Duck’ Clench, a former criminal. How he got his nickname will be revealed on the night. Other familiar faces include Tracey Ashford playing Roscoe Crabbe; Ellen Kirkman as Harriet Dangle; and Neil Godwin who takes on Charlie’s ex-employee and old Parkhurst guest, Lloyd.
Luke Stuart returns to the Merlin stage after several years away to take on the role of ‘actor’ Alan Dangle, whose love for Charlie’s daughter Pauline, (played by Anna Vowles) is not discreet, it shouts from the rooftops ‘Look at me, look at me, I am in love!’”
Francis’ second Guvnor is newcomer to FDC Giles de Rivaz (also from the Bradforians). Ange Davis takes on the role of feminist and love interest Dolly. The cast is finished off with some wonderful supporting characters featuring Simon Joyce as Gareth and Aaron Hooper as Alfie – a performance which needs to be seen to be believed!
One Man Two Guvnors is going to be a side-splittingly funny farce and tickets are already going well so hurry to make sure you don’t miss this hit.
One Man Two Guvnors is at the Merlin Theatre Frome 23rd – 25th November
Tickers £10/8 from the box office on 01373 465949.
