One Man, Two Guvnors

This was a hilarious show that was very well performed. The script calls for a mix of drama, farce, music, slapstick and comedy. As such, it is a difficult balance to keep in place.  However, the Merriman Theatre Group held it together really well, despite a last minute problem with a musician. The setting in 1960s Brighton was well portrayed by the hairstyles, costumes and furniture. The references to Brighton were clear from the opening song and the dialogue. The dialogue was very well handled throughout the play. 

The Direction of the play included much to surprise and amuse the audience, especially when the audience member (planted) was dragged into the havoc. The use of steps upstage for Alfred, the ‘old man’, to fall down was very effective. The scene changes were well handled by the cast, with the pub ‘The Cricketers Arms’ and the inside of the pub being neatly done by changing the labels on the doors and adding trunks, bins, pub sign and a serving table. This was all very well planned and efficiently done.

Costumes were very good and evocative of the 1960s, and I loved Alfred’s odd shoes.  Rachel Crabbe should have had a suit that fitted her better, more like the loud, checked suit for Francis, which looked very good. Other costumes were very effective, with the green dress for the party goer looking particularly appropriate.

The music, which was supplied by three musicians who played and sang during the scene changes, helped by the cast, was very effective. It also helped the plot along through the lyrics and song choices. However, using acoustic guitars might have been better, as more in keeping with the period in suggesting skiffle, and enabling the audience to hear the lyrics more clearly.

The lighting was effective and simple, not distracting at all while helping to focus attention on the necessary areas of the stage. I liked the spotlight on the band during the set changes, as it enabled these changes to take place discretely, although the onstage light levels at this time could have been even lower.

The vocal clarity that most characters showed was excellent, with good expression, characterisation and variety of tone. This was an evening of increasing mayhem that was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

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