One Man, Two Guvnors

Key Theatre, November 20-23

Following sell-out productions earlier this year, the latest offering from hugely popular local theatre company Peterborough Mask promises to banish winter blues and leave the whole family roaring with laughter.

Mask will bring their unique blend of live music, wacky costume and slapstick comedy to the Key Theatre main stage in their production of Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors.

Set in 1960s Brighton, One Man tells the story of Francis Henshall, a downon-his-luck loveable bloke desperately trying to hold down two jobs so he can make enough money to buy himself a slap-up meal. As the stakes rise, Francis is forced to go to more and more ridiculous lengths to keep his guvnors apart, encountering a host of weird and wonderful characters along the way. Will Francis manage to keep up his charade long enough to get fed and find romance? Or will the entire plan, quite literally, go up in flames? Whatever happens, you’ll be lucky to leave with your sides intact! Director Phil Lewis says:

“The style of humour will be familiar to anyone who enjoys shows like Only Fools and Horses or Fawlty Towers. There is only one way to get it right, but that’s because it’s so tried and tested. We know, even from the reactions of the cast in the rehearsal room, what’s going to work and what isn’t for the audience. Anything that doesn’t make us laugh won’t be making it to the final performance, and this show will be at least a laugh a minute, if not two or three!”

Fans who caught The National Theatre’s production screened at the Key Theatre earlier this month now have the chance to see the play live at the same venue. Production manager Hannah Drury says: “We’re in this unique position where, by sheer coincidence, the city is able to offer two very different experiences of the same play. It’s great to see such renewed enthusiasm for what is, right from the off, an incredibly heart-warming and funny show. I mean, real belly laughs. I’ve taken to bringing spare underwear to rehearsals.” Meanwhile, Mask are offering any ex-employees of Thomas Cook and their families the chance to enjoy a free performance of One Man, Two Guvnors on November 20. To claim your tickets, contact the Key Theatre box office on 01733 297239, send an email to Peterborough Mask Theatre at info@ masktheatre.co.uk or send Peterborough Mask Theatre a Facebook message.The offer is limited to four tickets per person.

Phil Lewis added: “Being based in Peterborough ourselves, we know how many city residents were affected by the awful news earlier this year. As Thomas Cook is mentioned in the play, rather than remove the reference, we wanted to take the opportunity to show our support for those impacted by its closure. We hope a night of laughter will provide some respite at this difficult time.”

For more information, go to www.masktheatre. co.uk