Ep 20. One Man, Two Guvnors

In Great Performances season 47 episode 20, viewers are treated to a hilarious and zany production of the hit play One Man, Two Guvnors. Originally written by Richard Bean and inspired by the classic Italian comedy Servant of Two Masters, the play follows the misadventures of Francis Henshall as he attempts to serve two different bosses while also courting the love of a beautiful woman.

Featuring a talented cast led by Tony Award-winning actor James Corden, One Man, Two Guvnors is a laugh-out-loud comedy full of slapstick humor, clever wordplay, and witty one-liners. Set in 1960s England, the play captures the spirit of the Swinging Sixties with its vibrant music, colorful costumes, and energetic dance numbers.

As the play begins, we meet Francis Henshall (James Corden), a lovable and bumbling man who finds himself out of work and hungry. Desperate for a meal, he stumbles upon a job as a minder for small-time gangster Roscoe Crabbe. However, he soon discovers that Roscoe is actually his twin sister Rachel in disguise, who has come to England to collect a debt.

To make matters even more complicated, Francis also agrees to work for Stanley Stubbers, a wealthy and spoiled public schoolboy who is hiding out from the police after killing Roscoe. Juggling two jobs, Francis struggles to keep his bosses from discovering his double life and the fact that he is serving not one, but two guvnors.

Along the way, Francis falls in love with Dolly, a sassy and beautiful waitress who works at the pub where he spends most of his time. However, Dolly is already engaged to another man, and Francis must navigate a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mistaken identities in order to win her heart.

With a lively score by composer Grant Olding and clever direction by Nicholas Hytner, One Man, Two Guvnors is a rollicking farce that has audiences rolling in the aisles. From the slapstick comedy of Francis getting hit in the face with a door to the witty banter between the characters, the play is a non-stop parade of laughs that will leave viewers grinning from ear to ear.

Overall, Great Performances season 47 episode 20 offers a delightful and entertaining production of one of the funniest plays of the past decade. With a talented cast, witty script, and high-energy performances, One Man, Two Guvnors is a must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh. Whether you're a fan of classic British comedies or contemporary farces, this play has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh your pants off with Great Performances.