One Man, Two Guvnors

Definition

One Man, Two Guvnors is a modern British farce written by Richard Bean, based on the 18th-century Italian play 'Servant of Two Masters' by Carlo Goldoni. The play revolves around the character Francis Henshall, who finds himself in the chaotic situation of serving two masters simultaneously, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and absurd situations. This concept is central to the genre of farce, which emphasizes exaggerated characters and improbable events, often resulting in slapstick humor and misunderstandings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character Francis Henshall becomes entangled in a web of deception as he tries to keep his two guvnors (masters) from discovering each other's existence.
2. The play features a mix of physical comedy and witty dialogue, making it a quintessential example of modern farce.
3. One Man, Two Guvnors premiered in 2011 at the National Theatre in London and quickly became a hit due to its energetic performances and clever writing.
4. The original Italian source material, 'Servant of Two Masters,' served as a foundation for the comedic elements that Bean expanded upon in his adaptation.
5. The play incorporates live music and audience interaction, enhancing the overall theatrical experience and engaging viewers in the farcical plot.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of One Man, Two Guvnors exemplify the characteristics of farce?
  • The structure of One Man, Two Guvnors exemplifies farce through its use of mistaken identities and overlapping plotlines. Francis Henshall's attempts to juggle his two guvnors lead to increasingly absurd situations that heighten the comedy. The relentless pace, exaggerated characters, and rapid-fire misunderstandings create a chaotic atmosphere typical of farcical theater, ensuring that audiences remain entertained by the ridiculousness of the unfolding events.
• Discuss how slapstick elements contribute to the humor in One Man, Two Guvnors.
  • Slapstick elements play a crucial role in amplifying the humor in One Man, Two Guvnors by relying on physical comedy to create visual gags that enhance the story. For example, scenes involving pratfalls or mistaken confrontations showcase the characters' physicality and elevate moments of tension into laughter. These humorous interactions not only entertain but also serve to highlight the characters' emotional states, further drawing audiences into the chaotic world created by Bean's writing.
• Evaluate the impact of One Man, Two Guvnors on contemporary theater and its connection to traditional comedic forms.
  • One Man, Two Guvnors has had a significant impact on contemporary theater by successfully blending modern comedic styles with traditional forms like Commedia dell'arte. By reinterpreting Goldoni's classic story for modern audiences while retaining its essence, Bean's adaptation reintroduced audiences to farce and highlighted its relevance today. The play's success has encouraged a resurgence of interest in farcical techniques within contemporary performances, bridging generational gaps in comedic storytelling and demonstrating that classic themes can still resonate powerfully with today's viewers.

Related terms

Farce: A comedic genre that relies on exaggerated characters, improbable situations, and absurdity to provoke laughter.

Slapstick: A style of humor characterized by physical comedy, involving pratfalls, collisions, and other visual gags.

Commedia dell'arte: An early form of professional theater that originated in Italy, featuring stock characters and improvised performances.