P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic dou Jeeves and Wooster come to the stage at Salisbury Playhouse until the 23rd of September. Adapted from the books by P.G Wodehouse, The Goodale Brothers created Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense which made its first debut appearance in October 2013 at the Duke of York Theatre in London’s West End.

Following a weekend away in the country house Totleigh Towers, Bertie Wooster (Luke Barton) finds himself thrown into mayhem without really trying or understanding how. His old pal Gussie Fink-Nottle is due to wed the girl of his dreams, Madeline Bassett, after helping another damsel in distress things are not going to plan. As we know the path to true love never runs smoothly!

No Wodehouse production would be complete without Bertie crossing paths with Aunt Dahlia (Alistair Cope) who instructs Bertie that he must obtain by any means the elusive silver cow creamer for her.

Patrick Warner predominantly plays the part of Jeeves the highly intelligent butler to the haphazard Bertie Wooster. However, he takes on the roles of various other characters. The altercation between Stiffy Bying and her Uncle Sir Watkyn Bassett is a dynamic and hilarious performance quickly turning around to become the character talking. I was in awe at the amount of dialogue delivered without a hitch and believable accuracy that these could have been two actors in the argument.

Alistair Cope’s main performance is the butler Seppings. Watch how he becomes the gigantic bullying dictator Roderick Spode and quickly returns to his other minor role of Aunt Dahlia.

Olivia Du Monceau designed a stunning Art Deco stage platform. The entire set became a different home, room or the outside world depending on where Wooster visited next. The integrated wardrobe, bathtub and bookshelves came to life with ease. It was interesting to see what it became next.

The magic of the bygone days and the haphazard privileged life of Bertie Wooster are far-fetched for many. He enjoys his bachelor lifestyle and with his lack of responsibility and grasp on reality, he is better off staying a bachelor.

A superb adaptation with plenty of laughter and mad cap behaviour to keep audiences entertained. Definitely worth trying to catch if it comes to a Theatre near you.

Playing at Salisbury Playhouse until 23rd September for more information, please visit the link below.

FOUR STARS.

Photo Credit Marc Brenner.

https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/jeeves-wooster-in-perfect-nonsense