Wednesday 17 October 2012

One Man Two Guvnors

I've already bored you with our New York exploits over the summer here, here,  and here so I'm sorry that I'm about to add to the list.

It was the night of our 22nd wedding anniversary. So how to celebrate? Some discussion ensued. It lasted all of 2 minutes. The perfect solution presented itself.  The Shah and the son managed to get tickets to see the Yankees play the Red Sox.  They kindly invited us along. Once the daughter and I had finished wiping torrential tears of laughter away, we politely declined (are you having a larf?) and headed for the TKTS booth in Times Square.  It came down to a choice between Mama Mia 

and One Man Two Guvnors.  

Some discussion ensued.  It lasted all of 2 minutes.  Given that we had already tried (and failed) to get tickets in London we suddenly discovered that the London cast of One Man Two Guvnors had transferred to Broadway, lock stock and barrel.

Fantastic! we thought and headed back to the hotel for a shower.  The performance began at 8pm.  The theatre was 17 blocks north of our hotel, so we left at 7.30 to give ourselves plenty of time.

And this was where it all began to fall apart.

We stood outside, trying to hail a cab.  Cabs were there plenty but available cabs were there none.  Is this the witching hour in NYC?  Not one of the buggers had their light on - it looked as though they had all decided to head home for the night.  In despair, we began to walk north. We hadn't yet used the subway and didn't think we would have enough time to negotiate it and get out at the right exit.  We kept walking.  We walked faster and faster.  Going uptown means going uphill and it was already a steamy evening.  Small rivulets of sweat began to trickle down my back as we stomped past strolling tourists.  We glanced at watches, the time was ticking by.  We broke into a jog.  The streets were rammed with people and we weren't exactly sure where we were going either. We crossed over several avenues and eventually reached the right street intersection but couldn't see the theatre anywhere.  By now scarlet and dripping attractively, we stopped a passer by who luckily turned out to be a native New Yorker and gave succinct directions.  We tore into the theatre with minutes to spare and then had to climb a million flights of stairs.  Our reward was seats on the front row of the Grand Circle but I didn't stop fanning myself with the programme until the interval!

But about the play....I can't say I've ever been a massive fan of either James Corden or physical comedy but that night changed both of those opinions.  The play is quite farcical but the skill that is apparent in the physical comedy is just outstanding and we literally wept with laughter throughout.  James Corden was absolutely brilliant in the lead role. There is interaction with the audience that is really skilfully executed - to say more would be a spoiler...

We realised later that we had caught one of their last performances as the play closed at the beginning of September and although it is still running in London, James Corden is no longer in it.  That made it even more special and we reeled out of the theatre at the end and after several ovations for the cast.  They had given us a wonderful evening's entertainment and one I thoroughly recommend.  And one of the best things about it was that the cast all looked as though they were having a brilliant time too...



14 comments:

  1. Lucky you....getting a chance to see the play in New York too, and with James Cordon....what a memory for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, Libby - it is a wonderful memory.

      Delete
  2. I can't understand why you passed up the opportunity to see the Red Sox get thrashed (did they?) to go to a funny theatre production...

    How weird of the taxis to be suddenly unavailable, as though you're in some horror film all of a sudden and couldn't get out...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the taxi thing was bizarre and I forgot to ask my NY-based cousin if there was a reason why. And I sooooo wish I had gone to the game instead....ahem

      Delete
  3. We saw the play in London in the summer and it was just brilliant. I don't think I blogged about it much because I didn't want to spoil it for others either. One of our favourite nights at the theatre. We had a different cast, of course, and I know Rory loves James Corden so would probably have preferred to see him, but Owain Arthur was fabulous too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so glad you enjoyed it too - it was one of those things that I had few if any expectations of so to have such a great time made it all the more special!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't know this guy at all! have I been living in a drain? We are off to NY next month and I'm going to try and get tix now - totally trust your judgement (as opposed to my American friends who recommended Promises Promises, I love camp stuff but I just couldn't get a grip on this one.)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think one of the first things he was in was The History Boys which is v English and may not have travelled across the pond too well. He is well known as a comedy actor over here. Not sure if it's still on in NY but good luck anyway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would try and get Book of Mormons but they are currently $500 per ticket here!

      Delete
    2. $500!? *faints and falls to the floor*

      Delete
  7. Your post prompted me to mention my theatre trip on my blog. I've linked to you on it as my inspiration!

    http://mumsgoneto.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/mums-gone-to-park-plaza-westminster.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. Aw thanks Trish *blushes like a girrrrl!*

    ReplyDelete
  9. wow what luck.....like you i'm no particular fan of farce or Cordon ......he was quite funny in Gavin and Stacy..... but everyone does say this really is a brilliant show!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It was very lucky and even luckier that we managed to squeak through the doors in time! I thoroughly recommend it.

    ReplyDelete

Oh go on - say something for God's sake...