One Man, Two Guvnors, starting January 22 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, is a uniquely layered comedy that provides plenty of inspiration for designers. Based on the 18th century Italian play The Servant of Two Masters (written in the style of Commedia dell’arte) One Man, Two Guvnors is set in Brighton in the swinging ’60s when the leaders of organized crime reigned supreme. Drawing on this wealth of background, costume designer Nancy Bryant produced these incredible sketches that will come to life on stage.
Our hero, Frances Henshall (Andrew McNee), is based on the classic Commedia character Harlequino. Here we see him outfitted in a dapper 196os style suit with an argyle vest that hints at the classic harlequin diamond pattern.
Looking like she stepped straight off the set of Mad Men set, the bright and forward-thinking Dolly (Cailin Stadnyk) is Frances’s love interest. Their connection is reflected by the diamond pattern of her skirt.
Stanley Stubbers (Martin Happer) may be a criminal, but his tailored wardrobe still reflects his public school upbringing and his need to keep up appearances. His bravado is a reflection of the Il Capitano archetype from the Commedia tradition.
Pauline Clench (Lauren Bowler) is beautiful and loving, but not too bright. Her innocence is captured perfectly in this cotton candy inspired ’60s frock that, while lovely, would be rather impractical around the office.