FOLLOWING a triumphant 75th season, Progress Theatre is getting back into the swing of things with its latest production, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense.
While Progress’ last handful of productions have been important, impactful explorations of a number of issues – especially its Angels in America – its latest show is a trifle more… trifling.
Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense sees Berti Wooster, portrayed by Dan Clarke, putting on a “one-man” production following his exploits at Totleigh Towers.
As the trouble with a much-admired cow creamer begins to spiral out of his control, so too does Wooster’s ‘production’.
It becomes clear that he will need the help of long-suffering valet Jeeves, played by Owen Goode, and the Travers’ butler, Seppings, portrayed by Jeremy Radburn.
The play begins by instantly breaking the fourth wall, as it becomes clear that the actors know you are there, and they want you to know that they know.
While this is nothing new, it is refreshing that it instantly dispenses with any pretence of suspension of disbelief.
It is also lucky, as much of the comedy of the piece is a product of the short-comings of Wooster’s attempts to stage his own production, and the subsequent reliance upon the weary Jeeves.
Dan Clarke’s Bertie Wooster is an instantly believable, foppish take on P.G. Wodehouse’s classic character, not least because of Clarke’s exceptional voice work.
His high-pitched, toast-on-the-punt diction takes some much-loved cues from Hugh Laurie’s revered portrayal, while bringing a fresh, updated approach.
Similarly, Owen Goode’s Jeeves takes all the right cues from the well-trodden tropes, the ones on which the role relies, but with the necessary, almost acidic sarcasm which plays perfectly against the bumbling Wooster.
As well his usual workload, Jeeves is also employed to portray a number of other characters within the narrative, including Sir Watkyn Bassett, Gussie Fink-Nottle, and Stiffy Byng.
Jeremy Radburn’s Seppings is a stand-out performance for its sheer stamina, as he is employed to portray Aunt Dahlia, Spode, Butterfield, Constable Oates, and an antique shop’s proprietor.
Radburn’s portrayal within a portrayal of Seppings as Aunt Dahlia is a joy to watch, bringing the tradition of the panto dame to the production.
His screeching and pearl-clutching are pure farce, and singularly live up to the production’s title.
Strong, considered performances from the cast weave classic dialogue and physical comedy into a riotous, whimsical crash through the narrative.
While it’s occasionally difficult to keep track of who is who and what the plot is, it’s pointless trying.
Wooster’s production dispenses with a developed narrative which proves superfluous anyway.
Progress’ Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is a fresh, romping take which nods to all of the best parts of P.G. Wodehouse’s classic characters, but with the company’s unique, knowing, nod-and-a-wink approach.
Above all, it’s a joyous, energetic performance from all, and fun from the very first second.
Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is showing at Progress Theater, The Mount, from Friday-Saturday, September 2-10.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.progresstheatre.co.uk
All pictures courtesy of Progress Theatre
