Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
Duke of York's Theatre
Duke of York's Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 15th April 2014
I have fond memories of Jeeves and Wooster, as my dad had the (video) boxset and we often watched it on Sunday afternoons. Could a stage show really do justice to the wonders that are Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie?
Based on PG Wodehouse's The Code of the Woosters, Perfect Nonsense sees Bertie Wooster (Robert Webb) explaining that he has decided to tell us the story of his aunt and the cow creamer.
Trusty valet Jeeves (Mark Heap) has agreed to take on some of the characters and they've roped in Bertie's aunt's butler Stebbings (Mark Hadfield) to play the rest.
Trusty valet Jeeves (Mark Heap) has agreed to take on some of the characters and they've roped in Bertie's aunt's butler Stebbings (Mark Hadfield) to play the rest.
And so it begins... An evening of confusion and mayhem, all ultimately resolved by Jeeves. The cast frequently talk to the audience and each other in the style of a completely unrehearsed play, especially when they realise that two of the characters need to be on stage at the same time... which is difficult as they're both played by the same person!
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering the small cast. There are times when it's a little awkward, but it really does work and Mark Hadfield is fabulous. Even though this is a play that is deliberately silly on top of silliness, his characterisation of each role he takes on is brilliant, particularly Aunt Dahlia and Roderick Spode.
Mark Heap has perfectly captured the mannerisms of Jeeves and although it is similar to Stephen Fry, it's quite clearly his own interpretation. Robert Webb is good as Bertie Wooster, but cannot compete with the others who are running around, switching costumes and characters like they're going out of fashion. Of course this makes it more convincing that he is a bumbling, slightly bewildered character.
"...it might even be the funniest show I have seen all year!"
The set also changes rapidly, becoming more extravagant as the evening goes on (as Jeeves is building it gradually during the show). But it is very clever, moving to show one of two sides, each with rotating pictures, fireplace tiles and curtains.
The show is absolute nonsense - Spode gets taller and taller as the evening goes on, with poor Hadfield (often dressed as Aunt Dahlia but with Spode's wig) standing on all sorts of wheeled contraptions. At one point, Heap is under the bed as Gussie, but waltzes through the door seconds later as Jeeves, much to Bertie's apparent confusion. There is also the 39 Steps double persona part when Heap is two people at the same time and twizzles his body when he speaks.
Although it was a little longer than was necessary, Perfect Nonsense is an incredibly witty show that would make PG Wodehouse proud. The audience clearly loved it and it might even be the funniest show I have seen all year!
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes
Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is currently booking at the Duke of York's Theatre until Saturday 20th September 2014. Click here to book tickets (no booking fee offer at selected performances).
Photo Credit: Uli Weber
Photo Credit: Uli Weber
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