3 weeks into my social distancing journey. Bored out of my wits. Finishing my last project at college. Feeling sad, angry and confused all at the same time. Missing the theatre like crazy.
I told my parents that we were going to sit down at 7 PM on Thursday night and watch this Professionally recorded show called one man, two guvnors directed by Nicholas Hytner from the National Theatre at home series.
One of the best decisions of my life!
I have always loved The National Theatre ever since I watched their 2015 production of Peter Pan. They are brilliant at introducing new audiences to plays that they may not have watched otherwise. This is a perfect description of why I watched this fantastic play. That, and the fact that James Corden is awesome!
I felt extremely privileged to be able to watch this fantastic play for free.
Corden’s outstanding performance skills shone from the very start to the very end. With some brilliant comedic elements making scenes such as the trunk scene and the food scene some of the best bits of theatre I have ever seen.
Of course, you cannot make such a brilliant show without an equally brilliant ensemble. This can be said for every single member of that cast but my favourites are Jemima Rooper and Oliver Chris playing the 2 guvnors, Rachel Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers. Again, from the start of these characters journeys on stage to the end when they are going to get married. They talently tell an interesting, seemingly new and hilarious story which any audience member will enjoy.
But the most amazing performer on that stage has to go to the wonderful Tom Edden who played the scene-stealing role of Alfie: A slightly deranged waiter who wears a pacemaker, lip-reads to hear, half of his body is not working and he has an issue with stairs and plates. Oh, and also, it’s his first day on the job! All of this makes for a very funny scene which gives an actor an amazing view of physical comedy at its best. In fact, this whole show is an acting guide as a whole.
It was very interesting to understand the style of commedia dell’arte which refers to the art of improvisation in comedy. The playwright, Richard Bean based this story on an old Italian production called The Servant of Two Masters written by Carlo Goldini.
Looking into this form of theatre in more detail it was interesting to know how they used music and songs, physical gags and stock characters to tell their stories. It was like an education in the form just by watching this fantastic play. (If you know me, educating myself about the theatre is one of my favourite things to do!)
Another part of Commedia Dell’arte is the audience interaction and participation. This show had outstanding examples of this in the form of two men carrying the trunk which was very, very light but minutes before Corden was amusingly failing at picking it up because of its heaviness. And the brilliant character of Christine Patterson. Although I cannot find the name of the actor, Christine Patterson is another highlight of this production. An actor planted as a ‘scared-to-participate’ and ‘please-don't-ruin-my-dress’ audience member who made for some hysterical laughter. By the end of her scene, she was covered in foam from a fire extinguisher and water and rushed off stage by a member of stage crew. This was a brilliant element of this production and was met with a feeling of shock, surprise and strong smiles from us that makes you forget all your worries!
Along with all the brilliant acting, there is a wonderful band on stage. Giving us entertainment during the scene breaks and interval to get us all into a jolly mood. These band members included Benjamin Brooker (Drums), Richard Coughlan (Bass), Philip James (guitar) and Grant Olding (Guitar & Composer).
As well as some brilliant scenery which makes the show even more superb by designer Mark Thompson. I have enjoyed looking out for the many jagged edges in doors and buildings giving a feel of an old action comic or a world with such stereotypes that it can be seen as a pretended place.
Overall this is a brilliant piece and I urge everyone to go and watch it while it’s still on. I think it is ending next week, the national theatre can’t just give us their productions!
I cannot wait for the next instalment of National Theatre at Home when they’ve set the bar so high.
During this period of social distancing and staying at home, we cannot forget what our wonderful theatre companies all around the UK are doing for us. We must grasp this opportunity and share, like and donate to these companies for supporting our time when we are having to go without this spring.