Interview with Rhona Croker: One Man, Two Guvnors
At the time of the interview, Rhona Croker was appearing as Pauline in One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. The comedy is Richard Bean’s English version of Carlo Goldoni’s Italian classic The Servant of Two Masters. It has sex, food and money high on the agenda – and of course comedy!
Croker has numerous stage, film and television credits which include:
Stage: The Roman Bath, The Hub, Pot Noodle The Musical, Cinderella and Twelfth Night. Television: The Wrong Door, Watson and Oliver and Film: Ridley Scott’s Prometheus.
You have a wide range of acting credits including theatre, film, television and commercials. Which role have you enjoyed the most and why?
That’s a tricky question to answer. One of the coolest things I’ve done was getting a lift up a mountain in a helicopter to shoot a scene on Ridley Scott’s film Prometheus. But I have to say I’m having a ball playing Pauline in One Man Two Guvnors!
There is a theme of comedy in your career. How important is humour to you?
I trained at drama college with an acting degree, but have always loved comedy and it tends to be my favourite thing to do so I’m happy for the work. I do lean towards that but I like doing the straight drama too.
Is it more difficult for a woman than a man to be successful in comedy?
Apparently so. But there are many exceptionally talented, funny women out there – Julia Davis, Jessica Hynes, Watson and Oliver, Morgana, to name a few and there are many more on the rise…
When did you first start to realise you could make people laugh?
With my family growing up – I wasn’t trying to make them laugh, I was totally sincere!
Do you have any role models that have inspired you along your career path?
I’ve always liked the Smack the Pony ladies, particularly Sally Phillips, she really makes me laugh… and I pretty much love everything Julianne Moore does.
You have recently joined the West End cast of One Man, Two Guvnors. What can you tell us about your character Pauline and how she fits into the storyline?
Pauline is the daughter of an East End crook. The thing that matters most to her is marrying her beloved Alan, a wannabe actor… but things don’t run smoothly for her. She’s easily confused and possibly the stupidest girl you’d ever meet but pretty adorable at the same time.
How have you made the role your own?
When I saw the show before I joined the cast I thought the actress playing Pauline was doing a lovely job but I thought I know how I’d do it and had a strong idea in my head of that.
What attracted you to perform in One Man, Two Guvnors?
What can I say- it’s an amazing, uplifting, fun show – a West End hit – it was a no-brainer!
Looking to the future do you have any major career ambitions yet to achieve?
I’d like to do some more TV and film and to work for the National Theatre again as it’s been such a pleasure this time round.
Away from the stage or television work what do you like to do to chill out?
I run, do yoga and I’ve just got into surfing so I can see that taking up a lot of my time, otherwise a good meal out in London town with my best pals.
Do you have any other projects that we should look out for?
I’m kinda tied up with One Man for a while but there’s something fun in the pipeline…
Why should everyone come and see One Man, Two Guvnors?
Because you will laugh relentlessly for an hour and a half, and leave feeling uplifted from all the fun and fantastic music. It’s a jam packed show full of good value entertainment!
Interviewed by Neil Cheesman who you can follow on Twitter @LondonTheatre1
For a full list of Rhona Croker’s credits visit www.pbjmgt.co.uk/artist/rhona-croker
Updated 27th November 2015
