One Man, Two Guvnors
by Vexler Theatre

Feb. 06 - Feb. 07 (2016)

Richard Bean's One Man Two Guvnors was inspired by Carlo Goldoni’s 18th century classic comedy, A Servant of Two Masters.  Richard Bean’s play has transferred the characters to 1960’s Brighton, picking up on the outrageous comic style of British films of the period, bawdy and barmy, flamboyant and physical, like the much earlier Commedia dell Arte.
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Everyone has trouble deciding which is more important; sex, food, or money. Voyage across the pond back to 1960’s England and meet easily confused Francis. A hapless fool who gets himself simultaneously employed by two bosses- a local gangster and a high class criminal. What could possibly go wrong?


Directed by Ken Frazier | Performances are May 12 - June 5

 

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THE AUDITION

(from the Vex season brochure)
DATES*:  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: Saturday, Feb. 6 from 1-3pm, OR Sunday, Feb. 7 from 7-9pm. (Callbacks on Monday, Feb. 8.)  *Please let us know if you are interested in auditioning, but unavailable these dates.

Auditions will be concise. Monologues only – no scene work with other auditioners. Actors are asked to contact The Vex and schedule a 5 minute time slot for a given day. 

  • All roles are open and will be cast as volunteer positions.
  • Email The Vex  to request an appointment.
  • Prepare a comedic monologue of your choice. This should be done with a British accent. Neither the piece nor the character has to be British - just perform it that way!
  • Visit the Vex website for more details regarding the auditions and the Director’s vision for the production itself.
  • Option: In lieu of attending the first round of auditions, actors may choose to electronically submit two contrasting monologues (see below). 

VIDEO AUDITION

All electronic submissions should be in .mp4 or .3gp format.  Alternately, you may send a link to You-Tube video.  Actors choosing to send a recording of their audition are required to send the following 3 items:
  1. A slate including your name, the title of your pieces and a sentence or two about yourself. (this should not be “performed” just be yourself.)
  2. A one-minute comedic monologue of your choice. Please perform the piece with a British dialect. (Neither the piece or the character has to be British- just perform it that way!)
  3. A short (30 seconds) contrasting monologue (no dialect required)

THE MUSIC

First and foremost: One Man, Two Guvnors IS NOT A MUSICAL. At its core, it is simply a farcical comedy.

The production also incorporates elements of variety, music hall, pantomime, stand-up comedy, songs, and some improvisation (including bits with the audience), all of which, in varying degrees, owe something to the genre of commedia. There is music involved however - a band plays during pre-show and intermission, as well as during scene changes. If and when appropriate, a character may join the band singing or playing an instrument. All the characters do join in a sing-along at the end of the show.

ACTOR EXPECTATIONS

We are looking for are actors who are very comfortable with comedy. Risk takers with a lot of stage presence and energy. Actors should also be comfortable performing with British dialect. South East England, cockney, etc.

Special Notes:

MUSIC: there are opportunities for cast members who play instruments to walk over and sit in with the band for a scene change song! Fun, crazy music accompaniment such as guitar, violin, harmonica, accordion, banjo, spoons or maybe even kazoo. Actors interested in this prospect should bring their instruments and prepare to play a short section of a song at the auditions.

SINGING: there are a few opportunities for cast members who sing to possibly join in the musical fun. Actors interested in this prospect should have a short section of song prepared to sing (acapella) in their back pocket.

FINAL NOTE: playing an instrument and/or singing are not requirements to be cast in the show.

THE CHARACTERS

GENERAL CHARACTER NOTES: It seems like almost none of the characters in this play would win a Good Citizen Award any time soon. Rachel and Francis are both guilty of fraud. Stanley is guilty of homicide— though he claims it was self-defense. Charlie is a gangster and Dangle is his lawyer who keeps depraved characters out of prison. The women are immersed in the petty crime/thug world and almost all the other characters take it all in stride.  But the crooked characters always seem more interesting! In dramas, this theme would provide for some powerful character development, but in comedies if often sets the scene for silliness right off the bat. 

  • CHARLIE CLENCH:  50s, m.
  • PAULINE:  20s/30s, f.
  • ALAN DANGLE:  20s/30s, m.
  • HARRY DANGLE:  50s/60s, m.
  • STANLEY STUBBERS:  30s, m.
  • RACHEL CRABBE:  20s/30s, f. (Pretending to be a man.)
  • FRANCIS HENSHALL:  30s, m.
  • LLOYD BOATENG:  40s/50s, m.
  • DOLLY:  20s/30s, f.
  • GARETH:  40s, m.
  • ALFIE:  ancient, m.
  • ENSEMBLE:  party guests, extra porters/ waiters, passer-by, a vicar, policemen.

Download a more in-depth character description.
 
Sign Up to Audition!