One Man, Two Guvnors

(Sydney Theatre Company)

The Sydney Theatre Company is staging the National Theatre Company of Great Britain production of   'One Man, Two Guvnors'. The production is based on 'The Servant of Two Masters' by Carlo Goldoni which dates back to 1746.

Goldoni's play has been updated to 1963, re-set in Britain and had songs added to provide a production in the style of British music hall comedy and seasonal pantomime. The play incorporates some carefully controlled improvisation with members of the audience (both real and disguised) brought on stage to add flavour to the comedy sketches. I imagine each performance varies slightly within a tight format.

The production has received rave reviews. Overall I enjoyed the play although I felt some of the humour to be dated and occasionally too obvious. I felt that the best section is the middle portion leading into the interval when the 'improvisations' are performed quite brilliantly.

Owain Arthur is the very energetic 'man'. The cast members and the four man band provide sterling support.

★★★★