I say, Jeeves, dashed good show at the Priory

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, until July 15.

As soon as you step into this quaint and cosy theatre it becomes clear that this performance will be a unique experience.

The red velvet curtains, the 40s music, the mini tuckshop and welcoming staff give you an authentic feel of stepping back in time a few decades.

This play follows the story of the bumbling buffoon Bertie Wooster (Dan Gough) who unwittingly gets himself caught up in the scandalous lives of his pompous acquaintances. Wooster gets tangled in a complicated web of match-making, blackmail and deceit in order to avoid marrying dim-witted Madeline Bassett, portrayed brilliantly by Ben Wellicome.

Wooster enlists the help of his sarcastic butler, Jeeves (Ben Wellicome), and another butler, Seppings (Brian Goredema-Braid), to retell the dramatic tale of how Wooster went to extreme lengths to hold onto his bachelor status.

The dry humour of Jeeves is reminiscent of Blackadder at his most acerbic and is in contrast to the slapstick comedy served up by Bertie Wooster. Together the two combine to cater for all tastes in the audience and raises some laugh out loud moments.

The whole cast goes to great lengths to ensure the audience feel included in the performance.

One bold theatre-goer felt so immersed in the performance she called out for a song while Wooster was in the bath tub, creating a very funny script departure, not only for the audience but also the cast.

The inventive use of props and the multiple costume changes - orchestrated by Mike Brooks - throughout the performance created some hysterical moments. At one point I had tears rolling down my face (look out for the car scene!).

The combination of costume changes and clever impersonations created some stand-out moments.

Both Ben Wellicome and Brian Goredema-Braid played two characters and the slick changes between male and female characters gave the play pace and panache.

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Wooster is a winner....Sarah Cairns.

Dan Gough adopts the role of the gormless yet loveable character Bertie Wooster and makes it his own.

He carries the show confidently and humorously, interacting with the audience and occasionally seeking aid from his servants Jeeves and Seppings. The other real pleasure of this performance is watching Ben Wellicome (Jeeves) and Brian Goredema (Seppings) move from role to role with conviction.

Watching the fast-paced nonsense tale unfold, it is hard not to be in awe of the cohesiveness of the production team and the cast, in orchestrating a perfect Perfect Nonsense.

J

Visit www.priorytheatre.co.uk for tickets and further details.