One Man, Two Guvnors

For those who don't know, this show is a brilliant and hilarious adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's 18th century comedia dell'arte play. Bean sets this new version in 1960's Brighton with an eclectic mix of characters and a plot based around two fugitives from the law and the hapless and rather hopless Francis Henshall, who, in desperate need of employment, volunteers his services to them both, entirely overlooking how difficult this may prove.

Part farce, part pantomime (lots of interaction with the audience), this is an excellent show - but also a very challenging one, doubly so, I think, for an amateur group.

Broadly speaking, the St Nicola's Players met the challenge, providing the first night audience with a lot of fun, which they clearly enjoyed greatly.

The play is very much a vehicle for the actor who plays Francis and Rob Nicholls made the most of a role he has wanted to play for a long time. He had a good rapport with the audience, a nice sense of comic timing and was fearless in his approach to the many physical aspects of the part. Hardly off stage, Rob had a great deal to learn and in this regard was faultless. I was very impressed by Amber Sinclair - playing Henshall's love interest, Dolly, to perfection.

The fugitives (and lovers) were Stanley Stubbins, a posh boy gone bad, played by Dan Zampoli with the required public school ebulience and Rachel Crabbe, a spirited performance by Joanna Hobbs. Emily Deans and Joe Dickinson as the other lovers, Pauline Clench and AlanDangle, complemented each other perfectly; Emily as the nice but dim daughter of dodgy geezer Charlie Clench who has somehow become romantically involved with angry young man and would-be- actor, Alan Dangle.

Norman Parish was very believable as 'likeable villain' Charlie Clench, as was Nick Fletcher as a rather shady family lawyer Harry Dangle. I enjoyed seeing Hugh Walcott's dreadlocked Lloyd Boateng - I'm told that Hugh was talent spotted in the local supermarket with the words, 'Would you like to be in my play?' - something to bear in mind for directors looking to fill a role.

Sam Phillips almost stole the show with his portrayal of the much-put-upon Alfie.

Able support was given by Jed Laxton as Gareth and Janet Staples as Old Lady/WPC.

A sturdy set (it needs to be as it gets knocked about almost as much as Alfie), props and costume all showed respect for period and the many set changes were done with great efficiency. And it was great to have live music - as in the original show - provided by JET.

As a whole I thought the production needed more pace but now first night has passed I expect this will come.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.