Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense: An Hilarious Comedic Romp of Physicality and Fun at Her Majesty’s Theatre – Review

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tue 30 Aug A truly English experience, Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense is a beautifully written and performed comedic romp that delighted its Adelaide opening night audiences. British Author P.G. Wodehouse wrote prolifically throughout his career but it is his much loved characters Wooster and Jeeves for which he is most revered. Indeed, Wodehouse wrote about them in 35 short stories and 11 novels, so there was a plethora of material from which brothers Robert and David Goodale could choose in bringing these literary favourites to the stage in a completely new way. The result is Perfect Nonsense, an adaptation of some of these character’s ‘finest moments’ but in particular borrowing heavily from one of Wodehouse’s most popular stories, The Code Of The Woosters. As Bertie Wooster, Matthew Carter perfectly channelled the deliriously dim-witted English gentleman. In Carter’s capable hands, Wooster was fabulously foppish and deliciously oblivious to his own shortcomings, making his character a joy to watch. As Wooster’s unflappable manservant Jeeves, Joseph Chance was equally wonderful and along with Robert Goodale (Seppings, Aunt Dahlia’s butler) managed to channel many characters throughout the night to hilarious effect. A play within a play, Bertie Wooster re-enacts the story of his recent trip to Totleigh Towers to steal a silver cow cream jug. Clearly believing himself to be an accomplished actor, Wooster proceeds to make his theatrical debut with all of the aplomb of a natural nitwit, saved only by the none-too-subtle assistance of Jeeves and Seppings. Merriment abounds as these two perform a plethora of characters, leaving Wooster to concentrate on playing himself. The physicality of playing multiple characters in such quick succession is exhausting to watch and provides many side-splitting moments during the performance. The set design was a clever construction, almost becoming a ‘character’ in its own right as the hapless cast interact with its intricate machinations, again with wonderful comedic results. All in all, Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense is one of those shows that keeps you grinning throughout the whole performance and if you are a P.G. Wodehouse fan – either of the books or the TV series starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry – there is plenty of recognisable material to keep that smile firmly planted where it belongs. Rosie van Heerde Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense continues at Her Majesty’s Theatre, at various times, until Sat 3 Sep. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.