Previews of the legendary British farce One for the Pot start today at the Festival Theatre. Directed by Chris Abraham, this highly anticipated production reunites the creative powerhouse behind the 2024 Shaw Festival audience favourite One Man, Two Guvnors. Last seen at The Shaw in 1985, the 2026 production of the Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton whirlwind comedy has Peter Fernandes as innocent simpleton Hickory Wood.

Wealthy magnate Jonathan Hardcastle (Patrick Galligan) gets more than he bargained for when naïve Billy Hickory Wood (Peter Fernandes) arrives at his country estate to claim a life-changing £10,000 inheritance. The windfall seems guaranteed, but there’s just one catch: Billy must prove he is the sole living relation of his late father. Just as Billy’s scheming ‘solicitor’, Charlie Barnet (Martin Happer), prepares to cash in, the surprise arrival of identical, long-lost Hickory Wood brothers throws the plan into comedic confusion. Forced to improvise, the duo must navigate a hilarious web of mistaken identities to escape with the entire pot.

The high-octane production also features the stellar ensemble of Neil Barclay, Fiona Byrne, Jason Cadieux, Cassandra Consiglio, Cosette Derome, Camille Eanga-Selenge, Madelyn Miyashita, Jade Repeta, Sepehr Reybod, Sanjay Talwar and Kelly Wong.

The frenetic world of One for the Pot is visually anchored by Michael Gianfrancesco’s set design, costume design by Ming Wong, lighting design by Imogen Wilson and original music and sound design by Thomas Ryder-Payne. The stage management team includes stage manager Amy Jewell, assistant stage manager Becca Jorgensen, apprentice stage manager Beatrice Freedman and rehearsal stage manager Jane Vanstone Osborn.

On stage at the Festival Theatre (10 Queen’s Parade) from May 27 to October 11, One for the Pot is recommended for audience members 10+. Running time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

For tickets visit www.shawfest.com.

Beyond the Stage Events and Activities:

To complement its world-class performances, the Shaw Festival will offer more than 5,000 Beyond the Stage events, classes and activities for people of all ages this season. Programming includes Positive Aging events, Arts Education for children and youth, Backstage Tours and Artist Conversations, Coffee Concerts, Speakeasies, What’s In Your Songbook, Gospel Choir, Perfect Pairings Concerts, Pop-Up Patios and so much more. Visit www.shawfest.com for more information.