'One Man, Two Guvnors' makes zany ensemble magic at A Noise Within in Pasadena

Richard Bean’s farce “One Man, Two Guvnors,” based on classic commedia dell’arte, follows a hungry servant secretly working for two bosses in 1960s Brighton.

A Noise Within’s ensemble production succeeds where others failed, proving the play works beyond being a star vehicle for one performer.

The revival creates a party atmosphere through a skiffle band, mod design and a sharp ensemble playing that brings mathematical precision to the comedy.

The festivities begin even before the characters of “One Man, Two Guvnors” enter the stage. A skiffle band (complete with washboard player) performs a pre-show set to rev up the audience for this update of a classic farce relocated to Britain on the eve of the swinging ‘60s.

The inspiration for Richard Bean’s “One Man, Two Guvnors,” now at A Nois