★★★★★
With Melbourne International Comedy Festival now in full swing, venues all across the greater metro are hosting a vast range of productions. Arriving at the Piano on Swan in Richmond, it was surprising to find that there was no backroom theatre space, similar to somewhere like the Motley Bauhaus in Carlton.
Instead, the performance space for new company J&L Presents’ One Man, Two Guvnors is the bar itself. Not only did the production defy expectations with its choice of space, but this choice was only the first in a series that would produce an incredible night of farcical comedy.
As the title suggests, One Man Two Guvnors is the story of a man attempting to juggle working for two people at the same time. The original script by Richard Bean was inspired by the classic Commedia dell’Arte play A Servant to Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni.
In this reimagining of the tale, Francis Henshall (Daragh Wills) finds himself working for the gangster Roscoe Crabbe (Zoe Rose) and in-hiding upper-class criminal Stanley Stubbers (Johno White).
Meanwhile, Roscoe attempts to wed Pauline Clench (Emilie Toby), under pressure from her father, the mobster Charlie “The Duck” (Andrew Roberts). But Pauline would rather be wed to Alan Dangle (Dylan Mazurek).
Many more convoluted layers to this plot are better seen than read. But trust that they are less confusing than they are delightful to witness unfold.
The most important thing to know when going into One Man, Two Guvnors is that it is indeed hilarious. The whole cast is constantly rattling off witty prose from the script and performing elaborate skits that always go at least one notch more ridiculous than you would expect.
There is also a fantastic improvisational quality to the whole thing. In particular, from leading performer Daragh Wills, who literally shines the whole way through. Wills has beads of sweat running down their face, not even halfway through the first act. They run about the venue, taking advantage of every comedic opportunity possible.
A particularly remarkable moment shone through when the technical operator, Emma Venzke (whose work was otherwise exemplary), fumbled the timing of a particular sound cue. This led to Daragh Wills and Johno White break character for a moment to heckle her before returning to the action of the scene.
Moments like these occur so perfectly spontaneously that it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were actually part of the script.
Director and J&L Presents Founder Johno White has a clear intention towards staging their productions in found spaces rather than theatres. It’s no accident that One Man, Two Guvnors is being performed in the middle of a bar. In fact, it is a stroke of genius.
For the majority of the show, the bar space makes for very immersive viewing as it complements the setting of the play. Actors regularly grab drinks off the bar top and seat themselves around the band in the corner.
The remainder of the time, the space is pushed beyond its perceived limits. It pulls stunts off that, from where the audience is sitting, doesn’t even seem possible.
Before the show began, one may have had doubts about the space working given the unusual sightlines and cramped walkways. But by the end, those doubts were surely totally dashed.
In a Comedy Festival season full of many spectacular offerings, One Man, Two Guvnors is a show not to be missed.
One Man, Two Guvnors runs to 15 April at Piano on Swan as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 215 Swan Street, Richmond Vic 3121.
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/one-man-two-guvnors/
Website: https://www.jandlentertainment.com.au/current-show
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/jandlentertainment.oz/
Photo credits: Darcy K Scales
