Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’

Photo: Anne Frizzell

Madcap farce will have you laughing from start to finish

Based on P.G. Wodehouse’s The Code of the Woosters, this inventive, fast-paced comedy Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’ comes to the Abbey Theatre this month.

Bertie Wooster begins to tell a simple story in his inimitable style, but soon calls for his trusty manservant, Jeeves, who steps in to bring sense from confusion. Assisted by Seppings, the butler to Bertie’s Aunt Dahlia, the three men embark on the hilarious retelling of Bertie’s disastrous attempts at reconciling engaged couple, Gussie Fink-Nottle and Madeline Bassett.  If all else fails, Bertie faces the prospect of having to marry the ghastly girl himself.

The play is directed by Maureen Bukht, who says, ‘This spoof of a farce gives the story and the dialogue the opportunity to jump off the page and into action. It’s unapologetically frivolous, a great evening’s entertainment that will leave the audience smiling, happy and maybe feeling that they have a little bit more insight into how theatre is created. The cast are so imaginative and absolutely ‘on it’ and I find myself laughing in unexpected places and hugely enjoying their interactions.’

Bertie Wooster is played by Guy Conroy-Smith, who was seen earlier this year in The Incident Room. Guy says, ‘I’m thoroughly enjoying the organised chaos that this show relies upon. I love that each character is bafflingly mad in their own way and Bertie Wooster is little exception as the obtusely oblivious fool who’s in the eye of the storm of his own idiocy. Bertie is brilliant fun to play, from his pan-faced stupidity through to being thrown about the stage. He’s full of energy and never ceases to maintain himself as the centre of attention, meaning he never leaves the stage! Bertie talks directly to the audience as he narrates his story whilst playing himself within it – playing Bertie is a brilliant challenge as an actor.’

Performances take place on the Abbey Theatre Main Stage from Friday 9–Saturday 10 June, 8:00pm, Sunday 11 June, 2:30pm, Tuesday 13–Saturday 17 June, 8:00pm. To book tickets please go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861.

• Show: current/future_show
• Society Name: 496108
• Venue Name: Abbey Theatre Main Stage
• Opening date: 09/06/2023
• Venue Postcode: AL12DL
• Closing date: 17/06/2023
• Region: east_of_england
• Credits ( author / playwright ): The Goodale Brothers based on the stories of PG Wodehouse
• Website: https://www.abbeytheatre.org.uk/whats-on/
• Tickets cost per person (£): £13 / £12
• Box Office phone number: 01727857861