Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense

I received a warm welcome at Theatre at Baddow and I really appreciate the space here. It is an intimate little Theatre where the audience feel part of the action. It is supported by good facilities too. The technical set up is of a high standard and although this show has a small cast it was clear to see that the whole team had worked hard.

Jo Gent’s programme notes give a really succinct description of what seemed quite a complex piece. Bertie Wooster is staging a one man show to tell the audience about his stay at Totleigh Towers. To enable him to describe his interactions with other characters, he ropes in his valet Jeeves and Seppings; the butler of his aunt.

Tasked by Aunt Dahlia to steal a silver cow creamer while on a visit to the Country House of Totleigh Towers; Bertie soon gets roped into trying to save the relationship of his friend Gussie, and Madeline Bassett; or have to marry Madeline himself!

Ostensibly, this play is a man (Bertie Wooster) telling his tale, on a simple set, but soon the space becomes various locations throughout the story and Jeeves and Seppings help, not only by playing other characters, but by helping Bertie find certain words and supplying many make-shift props and costumes.

Bertie Wooster was played by Roger Saddington. He played the jolly, affable character particularly well. He kept the audience interested throughout the entire show with no drop in pace. I was impressed by his characterisation and energy.

The long-suffering Jeeves, obviously the brains of the duo, was played by Kieran Lowe. The dower valet is transformed into various characters throughout the show and he does a great job. I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of Gussie Fink-Nottle, Bertie’s newt loving friend.

Tonio Ellis played Seppings the butler of Bertie’s aunt Dahlia. Tonio had the joy of playing Aunt Dahlia and also hilariously Roderic Spode who got taller every time he appeared eventually arriving on a stepladder with costume attached.

There were many clever devices employed, not only to ‘tell the story’, but used to great comic effect. The representation of the car for example, very simply two men sitting next to each other but miming the doors, holding the steering wheel and jogging around like they are on a bumpy road.

The play was very funny. Each of the actors did a fabulous job and were perfectly cast. The audience was small, which was a shame, but they appreciated the farcical elements of the plot by rewarding the cast with well-deserved laughter and applause.

Well done Theatre at Baddow, a great night of entertainment was had by all.

 

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