Two struggling, diametrically opposed actors find their fates collide in one calamitous audition when, against their will, they are paired together as a double act. This is Angus Castle-Doughty, Andy Burse, and Laura Manners short comedy, Two’s a Crowd.
The double act has been a popular form of entertainment ever since theatre began, and in countless movies and TV shows, it has also brought some great success. Two’s a Crowd is an entertaining buddy comedy that brings together an unlikely pair of enemies for one fateful audition. Starring Angus Castle-Doughty as Finlay Knight, a straight-laced actor who made one very famous commercial when he was younger, and Andy Burse as Henry, a free-spirited clown with no filter. They both begin their day innocently enough; Henry is working as a giant snowman mascot giving out flyers for a winter market even though it’s June, and Angus is on his way to grab a coffee at the local cafe. They bump into each other briefly during the opening scene but, as the day goes on, they become more entangled in each other’s lives and end up attending the same audition.
The film is credited to three directors, Castle-Doughty and Burse themselves, as well as Laura Manners. Although the saying is ‘Three’s A Crowd’ this is not noticeable at all with the film remaining the same tone and quality throughout its 20-minute run time. A standout aspect of the short is its visuals, with it being an on-location sitcom, it’s similar to The Inbetweeners, so the stakes aren’t massive or huge, and every situation is pretty small and confined, while the language is harsh. Yet the directing team makes great use of the locations, capturing the run-down streets of a dying town, the lonely emptiness of an audition room full of people, and a greasy spoon cafe trying to be upmarket. The cinematography is also nice, with a lively colour palette and some well-composed shots. The waiting room is definitely similar to the one in The King’s Speech and this adds to the film’s overall look.
The screenplay is credited to Castle Doughty and he fills it with a clever mix of humour and heart. From the opening scene, we are introduced to Henry and Finlay’s unique personalities, with the contrast between the two immediately noticeable. Finley is buttoned-up, conservative, and risk-averse, while Tommy is impulsive, carefree, and reckless. It’s Planes Trains and Automobiles in a London suburb without all the traveling, and as the story unfolds, the duo’s odd-couple dynamic leads to some truly funny moments.
Angus Castle-Doughty is great as Finlay, capturing the character’s uptight nature while also revealing his vulnerabilities, while Burse brings an infectious energy to the role of Henry that gives the film a sense of joyful chaos. However, it’s The Full Monty’s Hugo Speer as the intensely coiled and ready-to-snap director Andie who is the stand-out. Well-known comedian Shappi Khorsandi brings her own uniqueness to her small role, and there is also a funny voice cameo from the great Pam Ferris.
Overall, Twos a Crowd is a delightful buddy comedy that is full of laughs and heart in equal measure. The film’s talented cast, great performances, and sharp writing make it really stand out, and its story of friendship is pretty timeless. If you’re in the mood for a good laugh about an unlikely friendship, then Two’s a Crowd is a film that delivers.
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