Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is a play inspired by the works of P.G. Wodehouse and brings some of his iconic characters to life. As the title suggests, the play offers a great deal of facetious fun. Its structure is of particular interest as part of the humour is the way it draws attention to theatrical devices. Set in the 1930s the play within a play is narrated by Bertie Wooster (Daniel Trenkovski), who is assisted by the butlers, Jeeves (Sam Howard) and Seppings (Gavin Baker). First and foremost, the play breaks the fourth wall and exploits the nature of theatrical performances to generate a great deal of slapstick humour. It consists of several parts all acted out with fine comic artistry by the two butlers. The tongue in cheek approach and the occasions requiring deliberate ‘bad acting’ points to the artifice of theatre and create very demanding roles for the actors. This is a very accomplished performance that rises to these challenges and produces a delightful show.

Some of the highlights of the performance include Sam Howard’s quick costume changes and stage appearances and disappearances. At a certain point Jeeves/Howard is required to play two parts simultaneously and this is executed with impressive zeal and energy. The set is particularly colourful, and the painted backdrops work well with the evocative costumes. The set design highlights the intentional amateur nature of the play, and the many moving parts accentuate this. However, the lighting is somewhat flat, and the constant moving parts can sometimes appear a bit laboured. Nonetheless, the set is also imbued with humour and often creates some great gags in the show. Trenkovski captures the essence of Bertie well and Baker also makes some excellent character transformations. This is an amusing play which is delivered with a great deal of thought, vigour and comic technique. 

Patricia Di Risio 

Images - top, L to R,  Daniel Trenkovski (Bertie Wooster) and Sam Howard (Jeeves) and lower, L to R,   Sam Howard (Jeeves, playing Sir Watkyn Bassett), Daniel Trenkovski (Bertie Wooster) and Gavin Baker (Seppings, playing Roderick Spode). Photographer: David Belton