Owain Arthur is to take over from James Corden in National Theatre hit One Man, Two Guvnors as the show transfers from the Adelphi theatre to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in March.
Richard Bean’s play, an updated version of Carlo Goldoni’s 18th century comedy The Servant Of Two Masters, has been such a hit since it premiered at the National Theatre last May that it is transferring to Broadway, with its original cast, after they end the Adelphi run in February.
Arthur, who takes on the role of Francis Henshall when the show opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 2 March, has already been understudying the part for Corden. This is the second time Arthur has worked with director Nicholas Hytner, having appeared in previous hit The History Boys, while his stage work also includes Birdsong in the West End and Romeo And Juliet for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Set in 1960s Brighton, One Man, Two Guvnors tells the tale of food-loving Henshall, who, after being fired from his skiffle band, finds a job as minder to small-time crook Roscoe Crabbe. Thinking of his stomach, he seizes the chance for a second meal ticket by also taking a job with Stanley Stubbers. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep them apart, however Roscoe and Stanley have a reason to seek each other out.
One Man, Two Guvnors is booking at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 15 September 2012. Futher casting is to be announced.
CB