Sunday, May 6, 2012

One Man, Two Guvnors in Burlington

One Man, Two Guvnors was the show that disappointed so many visitors to London of late because you could not get a ticket for love nor money.  Last September, while walking along the Strand to meet up with Claire (Paperback Reader), I passed The Adelphi and sighed knowing that the inside of that theatre and the play would remain a mystery. 

Thursday night, my husband and I were passing the time with some reading material when he shouted out "Hang on....!".  There was an advertisement from one of our local movie theatres declaring that One Man, Two Guvnors would be playing on Saturday afternoon as part of a series to bring Broadway and West-End theatre to people around the globe.  This was great news!

Twenty-four people congregated around the centre seats of the vast theatre and we laughed our way through the next three hours.  There was a fifteen minute intermission and everyone chatted to their neighours about how we liked the play thus far so it did feel just like being at the theatre...minus the massive curtains, balconies and glasses of wine.  James Corden was perfect, ditto for Oliver Chris, Jemima Rooper was not only wonderful but adorable too.  We spilled out of the theatre and into the lobby mixing with the throngs of kids holding buckets of popcorn waiting to see The Avengers.  Not exactly the Strand but we had a fabulous time.

Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch, is scheduled for next month!

9 comments:

  1. I saw him on the Graham Norton show recently and he was adorable. He's so talented! Glad you got to experience it and I hope it crosses the pond because that's the only way I'd ever get to see it.

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    1. If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Gavin and Stacey then I suggest you beg, borrow, anything but steal, the boxed set! It's hilarious! All is not lost, Karen, check your local movie listings for Broadway shows appearing at your local theatre. The concept is long overdue.

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  2. I sighed that same sigh while in London in September, Darlene. It was particularly cruel since the advertising posters for the play were everywhere. So happy for you that you got the chance to see it this way and that you enjoyed it so much!

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    1. Even my dentist was moaning that he couldn't get tickets during his trip over last year. Every cloud though, Claire, because we got to see Betty Blue Eyes which fit the bill (pun not intended) perfectly! It might be worth a call to your local Cineplex to see if they're running these plays, it would be such a shame to miss it.

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  3. I just saw this last week! Not with James Corden - there is a new cast on the West End - but it was MAGNIFICENT! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much! Out of interest for anyone reading who is in the vicinity of London, now the play has transferred from the National to the West End, tickets are very easy to get and you can sit in the balcony for £10!!

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    1. Hahaha, it was comic bliss wasn't it? There was a young man sitting behind us with the best laugh and his exuberance just added to the fun of it all! That is such great news about the availability opening up, Rachel, everyone who needs a laugh should march straight out and buy a ticket! And pack a sandwich for poor Francis...;)

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  4. I didn't realise that Jemima Rooper was in it - I love her! She was George in the Famous Five when I was about 10, and then in Lost in Austen a few years ago, which I adored. I also saw her in an incredible ensemble cast for All My Sons in London - best play/performance I have ever seen!

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    1. It's all about James Corden when the play is talked about isn't it? I did think of you when Jemima appeared remembering how much you like her. Something tells me she is as lovely off the stage as on, she just sparkles, even when she's playing a man! Bet you could find a clip on youtube, Simon! Now I have to look into All My Sons...

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  5. This sounds wonderful, and I am very jealous about the opportunity to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Frankenstein!

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