Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense.”

Director Sara Bissett referred to it as Bertie Wooster's bizarre world and to be honest with the play’s many different characters, many rapid costume changes, and low-budget stage effects created by Jeeves, it certainly felt a confusing tale to follow.

On this cold, January evening, Bertie Wooster immediately won over the audience as he introduced the play-within-a-play, preparing everyone for the forthcoming theatrical escapades.   Rod Bissett was engaging in this role from the outset, as indeed were all three of these remarkable, male actors, who brought to life a host of both male and female characters.

This three-man production was inventive and fast paced; a play with gentle humour that gathered pace in the second half, where the action was more physical and chaotic, featuring a few very clever double acts. With only three actors—Rod Bissett (Bertie Wooster), Gareth May, and Ray Lawrence—on stage, Sara’s direction highlighted their comedic talent. The result was an evening of sharp humour and enjoyable antics for the audience who appreciated the stories and the chaotic mess of stagecraft and rapid scene changes. The humour stemmed not from the script but from the actors’ actions and character delivery, which kept the audience engaged throughout, if a little confused. The play frequently broke the fourth wall.

There were some creative uses of sound effects and props with some absurd use of improvisation. For this reason, Sara deserves credit for, whilst the plot felt thin and silly, there was plenty of visual comedy to be enjoyed. When Jeeves and Wooster were travelling by car, they came across a railroad crossing. Ray Lawrence as Seppings, ‘played’ the level crossing and stood still with his arms acting as the gates, making mechanical noises while Bertie and Jeeves bumpily travelled in their mock-up  car and passed him. Further guffaws from the audience were also heard when Act 2 opened with Bertie, supposedly submerged in a bathtub with toy ducks and who then, supported by Jeeves, partially exposed himself as he climbed out.

Most costumes were appropriate to represent different parts played, except for Bertie’s.  He wore a modern three-piece lounge suit, but his waistcoat did not match and was not in keeping with 1930s style or fabric.  Jeeves’s valet uniform was fitting; and when he had to play two characters having a heated argument in the same room, Gareth wore a costume split down the middle ,with one side showing an old man and the other, depicting a woman, Madeleine Bassett .The actor had to frantically pivot 180 degrees back and forth to show the correct side of the costume to the audience while switching male/ female voices midsentence ! This was one of the highlights of the play, another daft part but it left the audience in stitches!

The plot began with Bertie Wooster explaining to the audience that he had hired a theatre to describe his adventures at a country house called Totleigh Towers. He had enlisted two people to help him tell his story, his valet, Jeeves and his Aunt Dahlia’s butler, Seppings. We learned that Bertie’s Aunt Dahlia had blackmailed him into travelling to Totleigh Towers to steal an 18th century silver cow shaped creamer. It belonged to Sir Watkyn Bassett, who’d stolen it from Bertie’s Uncle Tom. Bertie was determined to avoid marrying Madeleine Bassett who was engaged to Bertie’s friend, the newt loving Gussie Fink Nottle, but if that relationship failed, she had vowed to marry Bertie. Roderick Spode, was protective of Madeleine and suspicious of Bertie.  Meanwhile Gussie had written a notebook full of insults about Spode and Bassett; if they found it everyone was doomed. Jeeves saved the day by discovering a secret about Spode to blackmail him into submission. The Cow creamer ended up in the right hands and the romance between Gussie and Madeleine was fixed so Bertie remained a free man.

Rod Bissett played Bertie, the affable, wealthy, well meaning member of the idle rich. Rod adopted a sunny disposition and explained cheerfully to the audience at the start that he had found himself in a spot of bother and so, the play within a play unfolded. Rod delivered an outstanding performance in this demanding role, evidencing thorough rehearsal resulting in a polished performance and impressive self-assurance on stage.  His character viewed himself as an effective storyteller, unaware of the chaos he was causing Jeeves and Seppings as they struggled to keep up with the telling of this tale and running behind the scenes. Rod’s character full of optimism, believed any problems would be fixed by Jeeves who he relied upon at all times to solve his problems.

Gareth May is an outstanding actor who played Jeeves principally, the unflappable valet who never raised his voice and solved problems by orchestrating schemes to support Bertie. He was typically a gentleman’s personal gentleman, clearly in charge, maintaining his poker-faced expression and stiff posture. In this play Jeeves willingly played 5 different roles and handled all the stagecraft just to make Bertie’s show a success. Gareth was amazing, a skilful actor and so impressive delivering  each role he characterised, including, Sir Watkyn Bassett; Madeleine Bassett; Gussie Fink Nottle and Stiffy Byng. His voice tone and pitch changes, his body language and expressions, his frantic, energetic movements as he switched from scene to scene with many slick costume changes going from character to character which not only generated raucous comedy but beads of sweat on his brow in the final scene. Gareth you worked so hard!

Ray Lawrence delivered too, an exceptional performance as Sepping, demonstrating remarkable versatility in portraying a diverse range of eccentric characters, including Aunt Dahlia and the imposing antagonist Spode, with outstanding precision.  Ray too, was visibly sweating by the end of the play. I'm certain that these three actors who gave a remarkable, fast-paced performance, worked closely together as a cohesive and well-coordinated team.  

The evening featured a performance distinguished by skilful humour, sharp dialogue, and lighthearted characters, all of which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Thank you for inviting me.

Anne Escritt, Regional Representative district 7

An invite to a performance by The Grange Players is from experience an invitation to a quality piece of drama. Jeeves and Wooster most certainly ticked that box once again. Having not watched on television I only had a vague insight to how the characters may appear. However, they were this and more and the evening was a total delight to witness. 

This style of play can only work with pace and the occasional realisation that the actor needs to be playing another role at the same time. The set was basic as needed however the bedroom scene was more substantial. I really liked how actors were clearly able to get off the set through a gap behind the bed to then be able to reappear as someone else. 

I was pleased to meet a couple of the actors afterwards to pass om my personal congratulations.

I for one look forward to future visits to this talented company.

Congratulations to all involved.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands. 

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