One Man, Two Guvnors, Coming To Wimbledon

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Richard Bean's award-winning comedy in SW19

The National Theatre's award-winning comedy Richard Bean's One Man, Two Guvnors, directed by Nicholas Hytner is at the New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday (March 7).

Gavin Spokes takes the central role of loveable chancer, Francis Henshall. Shaun Williamson plays Charlie Clench, Emma Barton plays Dolly, Jasmyn Banks is Pauline Clench, Alicia Davies is Rachel Crabbe, Michael Dylan is Alfie, Derek Elroy plays Lloyd Boateng, Edward Hancock is Alan Dangle and Patrick Warner plays Stanley Stubbers. 

Gavin Spokes' previous NT work includes Francis in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors and Jamie Lloyd's production of She Stoops to Conquer. He played Hardy in Laurel and Hardy for the Watermill Theatre.

Shaun Williamson is probably best known for his role as Barry in EastEnders.  His other many roles on TV include: Extras and Life's Too Short for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, New Tricks, The Secret Policeman's Ball, and Bremner, Bird and Fortune.  His stage work includes The Ladykillers for Fiery Angel. 

Emma Barton is well known to TV viewers for her role as Honey Mitchell in EastEnders, a role she played for three years. Other Television credits include You, Me and Them and Spooks.  Her theatre work includes Doctor in the House (UK tour), Lily in Annie at West Yorkshire Playhouse and Roxie Hart in Chicago (West End and UK tour). She also played Peggy in The Secret Garden for the RSC.

Jasmyn Banks played Alice Branning in EastEnders. Other TV credits include: Little Crackers, Sadie Jones and Life of Riley.  Her stage work includes Hecuba for Lazarus Theatre Company and Wind in the Willows for the RSC.   

Alicia Davies has appeared in One Man, Two Guvnors on its 2012/13 world tour. Other theatre work includes The Bachae and Blood Wedding in Northampton, The Comedy of Errors and The Importance of Being Ernest for Oxford Shakespeare Company and La Cage aux Folles for the Menier and West End.

Michael Dylan's recent stage work includes Ulysses for Tron Theatre, Mikey in Mikey and Addie at Macrobert, Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream for Headlong and Comedians at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. 

Derek Elroy previously played Lloyd Boateng in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors. Other theatre credits include Kingston 14 at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Barbican Centre, and Vox Pop - The Magnets. 

Edward Hancock recently played Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the Watermill Theatre, Jack in The Adventure for the Pleasance Courtyard and Manchester Royal Exchange and Guy in Posh for The Royal Court and West End.  His recent TV credits include Breathless.

Patrick Warner was in the West End production of One Man,Two Guvnors.  His other theatre work includes The Comedy of Errors for The Merely Players, Junket at the Arcola and Posh at the Royal Court Theatre.

Nicholas Hytner's five star production tells the hilarious story of Francis Henshall who, fired from his skiffle band, becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother - who's been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers - but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. It has been described as a glorious celebration of British comedy - a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners.

Now seen by over one million people worldwide, this internationally-acclaimed smash-hit, has been hailed as 'the funniest show on the planet' by The Mail and a 'comic classic' by The Guardian. The acclaimed production, which runs until March 7 is based on Richard Bean's version of Carlo Goldoni's classic Italian comedy, The Servant of Two Masters and has songs by Grant Olding, performed by The Craze.  The physical comedy director is Cal McCrystal, with designs by Mark Thompson, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound design by Paul Arditti, fight direction by Kate Waters and choreography and associate direction by Adam Penford.

And the theatre has teamed with Cousins Fish Shop so theatre-goers can enjoy a fish supper before seeing the production.

They enjoy fish and chips on the 'seafront' in the bespoke pop-up restaurant in the theatre's studio space.

Calum Kemp, General Manager for New Wimbledon Theatre said: "We are thrilled to be working with Cousins to deliver a new and exciting experience for our patrons. We hope this pays the way for future collaborations with neighbouring businesses; delivering more innovative ideas within our thriving theatre."

The Cricketers' Pop Up Restaurant, named after the public house set in the production, is catered by Cousins Fish Shop and opens 75 minutes prior to the performance time. In addition to the Fish Supper (which comprises of cod and chips), extras, including mushy peas, bread & butter and homemade tartare sauce are also available. 

Renee Rogers, Marketing Manager for Cousins Fish Shop, said: "Cousins Fish Shop are delighted to be providing the much loved fish and chips dish for this exciting interactive experience and we hope to work with New Wimbledon Theatre in the very near future on other projects".

February 4, 2015