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Review: Laugh with Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense

By Freddy / 07 Oct 2016 (Friday)

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is appropriately titled. Not only is the plot of this comedy absurd, but it is also a play within a play. Bertie Wooster (Matthew Carter) recounts his weekend to us, the audience. He quickly realised the difficulty of reenacting the events alone. Soon, he was helped by his manservant, Jeeves (Joseph Chance), and Seppings the butler (Robert Goodale), who helped him play a multitude of characters, male and female, throughout the play.

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
Date: Now till 16 Oct 2016
Time:
Tue - Sat: 7.30pm
Sat: 2.30pm
Sun: 1pm, 6pm
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket Pricing: $70 - $90

(Purchase your tickets at Sistic, here!)

On that eventful weekend, Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker, save a wedding, save himself, and also to steal a silver cow-shaped cream jug. The events involve different characters including Gussie Fink-Nottle, Madeline Bassett, Sir Watkin Bassett, Aunt Dahlia, Roderick Spode and Constable Oates, all played by Jeeves and Seppings. These characters are all popular creations of renowned English author P. G. Wodehouse.

Photo Credit: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

In the first act, we watch Wooster effortlessly get into one trouble after another. He would then attempt to solve his problems in the second act. While seemingly straightforward, Wooster is entangled in a complicated situation which presents a lot of opportunities for humour.

There were funny parts in which the trio were clearly aware that this is a play. Wooster frequently speaks to the audience directly and comments on the set pieces. Jeeves always reminded Wooster not to point out the stage mechanics in front of the audience. Seppings is generally more immersed in his various roles and only remarks when absolutely necessary.

Photo Credit: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

Due to the play-within-a-play structure, Jeeves and Seppings are also in charge of the set pieces and sound effects. There is a hilarious scene in the first act when Seppings simulated the Jeeves and Wooster’s rainy car ride to the country house.

The set pieces were inventive. They often recycled the same walls for different scenes, but made enough effort to quickly turn them into different places. The lighting was cleverly used, especially punctuating parts when Wooster suddenly breaks out of his reenactment to address the audience. There is a particularly creative slow-motion sequence in which the lighting was perfect.

On top of these plus points, the highlight of the show is the performance of the talented comedic trio. My favourite performer is Joseph Chance. His suave persona as Jeeves complements Wooster nicely. He plays other characters well, too. I particularly like his performance as Gussie. What impresses me the most, though, is when he has to play Sir Watkin Bassett and Madeline Bassett at the same time.

Photo Credit: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

Robert Goodale is equally talented as well. If Chance’s unmistakable accent sometimes makes it slightly difficult to suspend our disbelief when he plays other roles, Goodale really embodies the distinct characters, especially Aunt Dahlia and Roderick Spode. He has to run around and executes quick costume changes throughout the show to switch into different roles, probably more than Chance.

Matthew Carter only has to play Wooster throughout, but that does not mean that his work is any less impressive than the other two. Wooster is a high-spirited, over-the-top character that can easily be annoying in the hands of a less talented actor. Luckily, Carter played him with much-needed sincerity and energy also ensured that he never turns off his charm.

Photo Credit: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense seems to cater to a rather niche audience. Not everyone might appreciate this award-winning comedy’s brand of subtle, deadpan humour. But if you are a fan of dry British humour, you are in for an enjoyable evening. Even if you are not, it is hard not to be entertained.

Jeeves & Wooster Perfect Nonsense Matthew Carter Joseph Chance Robert Goodale

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Review: Laugh with Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense