Interview with Edward Bennett┬áone of the stars of the National Theatre’s award winning comedy ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’┬ácoming to Cardiff at the end of January.

In terms of theatre this year is pretty exciting, and the National Theatre have got January off to a great start with the return of┬á’One Man, Two GuvnorsÔÇÖ. The award winning play directed by Richard Bean is a celebration of British comedy – with a combination of music, satire and slapstick you are guaranteed a laugh. Quench Culture got a chance to catch up with ex-Cardiff University student, Edward Bennett before he takes to the stage in┬áCardiff from 22nd to 26th January.

You were a student at Cardiff University, what did you enjoy most about studying in Cardiff?

I have lots of good memories from my time at Cardiff Uni, I most enjoyed the city and surrounding area. I spent time out of studying to explore the Gower and Valleys surrounding Cardiff as well as the city itself. The old Taf bar at the Union was my home for 3 years. I got black listed after my second term in the first year because I had spent all my grant, loan and credit cards…mostly at the Taf! Although most of my time was taken up by Act One, the drama society and I have them to thank for giving me the confidence to make a living out of acting.

To date you have had a successful acting career in TV, Film and Theatre.  Which role would you say is your favourite and why?

I don’t really have a favourite role unfortunately. I loved different roles for different reasons. Top 3 would be Osborne in ‘Journeys End’ at RADA, Hamlet at the RSC and my current part, Stanley Stubbers.

Most recently you appeared in Skyfall, the latest Bond film.  What was it like working on such an iconic film?

Skyfall was incredible. Sam Mendes was a calm and funny man with a cool assurance and amazing ability. Sitting with Judi Dench and Daniel Craig playing trivia games during the long waits between shots was something you don’t forget. However, my 1 line and 10 seconds of screen time got cut. Boo! Still got paid though!!

This is your first time working with the National Theatre, what has your experience been like so far?

The National Theatre is the best there is and to be a part of this show, one of their most successful, has been a joy. The National is a family and the support on tour and in London has been fantastic.

You play Stanley Stubbers in the National TheatreÔÇÖs latest play ÔÇÿOne Man, Two GuvnorsÔÇÖ. Can you tell me a little more about your character?

Stanley is an old public school boy in love with the sister of a gangster who puts the gangster in prison by testifying against him. He then has to go on the run to Brighton where he hires a man to do odd jobs for him. Hilarity ensues.

For those of us who have not seen or know much about ÔÇÿOne Man, Two GuvnorsÔÇÖ, what can we expect from the play?

One Man is a romp. An old Commedia Del Arte play updated and modernized. It incorporates old school variety, music hall and slapstick with a brilliant story, a wonderfully written script and a bit of audience participation thrown in for good measure! You can expect, quite simply, to laugh a lot!

 

‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ is playing in Cardiff from 22nd – 26th January, for more information and to get tickets visit; https://www.wmc.org.uk/Productions/2013-2014/DonaldGordonTheatre/OneManTwoGuvnors/?view=Standard

 

Jess Rayner