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Jeeves (Joseph Chance), Wooster (Matthew Carter) and Seppings (Robert Goodale) Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
Derby Theatre***** THE eponymous protagonists are much loved
characters in the canon of English literature and their comic escapades
have delighted generations. This comedy, based on the 1938 novel by P.G,
Wodehouse, The Code of the Woosters, was created by brothers
David and Robert Goodale and made its world premiere at the Richmond
Theatre in October 2013. Perfect Nonsense
won the 2014 Laurence Olivier Award, for Best New Comedy, and it is easy
to see why. Joseph Chance (Jeeves) Matthew Carter (Bertie Wooster) and
Robert Goodale (Seppings) star in a
play within a play format of the
Noises Off
variety. Bertie Wooster decides to stage a one-man show
about his experiences at Totleigh Towers. However, as the opening night
approaches, all is not well, forcing him to enlist the services of
Jeeves and another valet, Seppings. The latter two having to assume multiple
characters. Cue mayhem. Not only is this production a delight to watch,
it is also quite obviously a delight to play in. Seppings is batty as
Aunt Dahlia and obnoxious as Roderick Spode, while Chance has to assume
a male and female role simultaneously. Carter’s portrayal of Wooster will delight loyal
Wodehouse fans, aloof, detached, other worldly, and totally oblivious to
the world around him. Goodale is the pivot as Seppings, tour director,
and co-author. The production is hugely fortunate to have his services
to pace and co-ordinate an intricate show in which scene changes, the
scenery, props and costume are an integral part of the proceedings, with
many sight gags littering the evening. Alice Powers, set designer, has
succeeded in producing a versatile, credible and funny set which is
worked to the maximum. A healthy first night audience started off the
evening with smiles and giggles, and ended it with guffaws and peals of
laughter, many of which halted the show as set pieces were warmly
acknowledged. Rarely have I seen such a funny comedy combined
with spades of energy and enthusiasm by a cast of three, who richly
deserved their numerous curtain calls, enlivened by a curtain call
dance. Bertie Wooster would have described the evening
as a rather splendid, ripping jape. My partner Jane described it as
“Bloody brilliant”. Go and experience the fun and laughter for yourself
, running until Saturday 21st November. Gary Longden
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