Audition notice: One Man, Two Guvnors
It may only be the middle of June, but we’re so excited to share audition details for our Christmas show, the incomparable One Man, Two Guvnors.
This fast-paced, farcical comedy is based on Carlo Goldoni’s 1743 commedia dell’arte play The Servant of Two Masters and is perhaps best known for the National Theatre’s hughly-successful run starring James Corden.
Set in 1960s Brighton, it mixes slapstick humour, mistaken identities, and quick-fire dialogue with a huge amount of ‘fourth-wall’ breaking and audience interaction. Definitely one for actors who like their action fast and frenetic with physical comedy and fast line learning!
All welcome to attend auditions, no need to prepare.
The story
There is so much going on in this play, it is almost impossible to summarise but, here’s a taste:
The story follows Francis Henshall, a down-on-his-luck man who finds himself accidentally working for two guvnors at the same time – without either knowing.
The first is Rachel Crabbe, disguised as her dead twin brother Roscoe, arriving in Brighton to collect money owed to him. But Roscoe was supposedly killed by Rachel’s gangster boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers who is hiding out in Brighton and who then turns out to be Francis’ second guvnor.
Meanwhile, Pauline Clench – engaged to wannabe actor Alan Dangle – has previously been engaged to Roscoe. Roscoe’s sudden ‘reappearance’ (really Rachel in disguise) causes chaos around Pauline’s marriage plans.
Francis struggles to keep his two guvnors separate whilst delivering letters to the wrong people / mixing up luggage / trying to eat multiple meals. Romance and misunderstandings peak as Pauline still thinks Roscoe is alive and Stanley believes Rachel is dead.
Eventually, the truth comes out as all disguises are dropped, lovers reunite, and Francis – despite his incompetence – ends up with both money and affection.
The cast
| Francis Henshall (M) any age from mid 20’s to mid 40’s | Central character; unemployed and constantly hungry. Comic driver of the plot; lovable, chaotic, clever but often foolish |
| Rachel Crabbe (F) 20’s / 30’s | Guvnor #1. A determined, clever and emotionally driven young woman disguised as her dead twin brother |
| Stanley Stubbers (M) 20’s – 40’s | Guvnor #2. Well-spoken and articulate. Rachel’s boyfriend; an anxious romantic |
| Charlie ‘the Duck’ Clench (M) 40’s / 50’s | Pauline’s father; local businessman (i.e. retired gangster). Practical and short-tempered. |
| Pauline Clench (F) 20’s / 30’s | Daughter of Charlie Clench. A dramatic, romantic and impulsive young woman (and perhaps a little bit dim) |
| Alan Dangle (M) 20’s / 30’s | Pauline’s fiancé. A wannabe actor for whom every scene is a dramatic and sensitive performance. |
| Harry Dangle (M) 40’s / 50’s | Alan’s father and Charlie’s corrupt solicitor. |
| Lloyd Boateng (M) 40’s / 50’s | Charlie’s friend and pub owner. |
| Dolly (F) 20’s to 30’s | Charlie’s secretary and love interest for Francis. Flirtatious and clever. |
| Ensemble – any age and gender | Up to three multi role ensemble who will be heavily involved in the action. |
Readthrough: Monday 27 July: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Auditions: Thursday 30 July: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Monday 3 August: 7.45pm, Bradbury Centre (Luke Room)
Performances: 9-19 December 2026
Director: Lloyd White
Production Manager: Steve Joy
Please note, any non-members wishing to audition will need to become a member if they are cast, before they are able to take part in the show. You can find out more about membership here.