Photo: Judie Tingle Photography
The Congleton Players’ first production of the 2025/26 season opened last night and it’s the hilarious One Man, Two Guvnors, directed by Louise Colohan, delivering a gloriously chaotic and endlessly entertaining evening at the theatre.
Richard Bean’s modern adaptation of Carlo Goldini’s The Servant of Two Masters has been delighting audiences for years, but in the hands of the spirited Congleton Players company, it feels fresher and funnier than ever. Packed with more slapstick, silliness, and audience interaction, this is a show that thrives on its joyful energy and leaves you grinning from start to finish.
At the heart of the production is Francis Henshall, played by Simeon Green, whose performance is nothing short of outstanding. Green delivers the perfect mix of cheekiness and charm, with a quick wit that makes his ad-libs sparkle and feel completely natural. His comic timing, physical humour, and rapport with the audience create some of the funniest moments of the night, cementing him as a truly memorable Francis.
The supporting cast are equally strong, each delivering their roles with gusto. Sam Sherliker-Hewitt impresses in the contrasting parts of Roscoe and Rachel Crabbe, bringing sharp characterisation and plenty of laughs. Sam Hands is larger-than-life as Stanley Stubbers, a role that allows him to showcase both bravado and absurdity. Adrian Grace as Charlie Clench provides a firm comic grounding, while Sophie Williams delights as Pauline Clench, playing her innocence to perfection. Together with the rest of the ensemble, the cast create a vibrant world where the comedy never lets up.
The staging deserves special mention, with a clever walkway extending into the auditorium that really draws the audience into the action. Audience participation sections were handled with warmth and playfulness, especially a hilarious Kitchen scene!
Between scenes, a live band kept the pace throughout, their numbers accompanied by lively Go-Go Dancers helped transport you back to 1960s Brighton. And just when you thought things couldn’t get more surreal, along came dancing nuns and arm-band-wearing swimmers – brilliantly bonkers!
Beyond the performance itself, the warmth of the welcome at Congleton’s Daneside theatre creates a real sense of community and the volunteers who make this place so friendly and welcoming. This latest production is brilliantly bonkers, laugh-out-loud funny, and the perfect example of local theatre at its very best.
One Man, Two Guvnors continues at the Daneside Theatre until 4th October, https://www.danesidetheatre.co.uk/
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 30th September 2025
North West End UK Rating:
The Regent Theatre has received its orders, and Operation Mincemeat has been put on full…
This is a play that feels as relevant now as it did when it was…
It’s a lovely day for a Guinness but the Park Theatre hasn’t got any on…
There are pranks aplenty in the Edinburgh Rep Company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing…
Twelve-year-old Sam Wilson is convinced that he will be named Head Boy, so when he…
Based on a true story, Down to Chance, follows the events in an Alaskan town…