A Hilarious Romp through a British Farce

Reviewed by Mary Alderson

All the clichés fit Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. This play is a “zany romp” and a “silly farce”, with “laugh-a-minute knee slappers” and “non-stop hilarity” in a “mad-cap comedy” that will “have you in stitches”. Need I say more?

I cannot give you a synopsis of the plot – there are too many characters and too many situations. Even though I try to take notes in the dark theatres, there is no way I could have written down anything fast enough to make sense of it the next morning.

Jeeves & Wooster began as a TV series in England in 1990, based on the works of P.G. Wodehouse, starring two British greats – Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. The play was written by brothers David and Robert Goodale, making its debut in London’s West End in 2013. It is adapted primarily from P.G. Wodehouse’s 1938 novel The Code of the Woosters. Although written more recently, it is set in the 1930s; a time when wealthy people like Bertie Wooster had loyal butlers or valets like Jeeves.

So here is my effort at explaining the plot: Bertie Wooster likes to tell stories. Actually, he does more than tell stories, he likes to have them acted out. Apparently, it’s just a thing he does. Fortunately, his butler, Jeeves is extremely talented at set design and can change the scene quickly. Jeeves also comes up with appropriate costumes.

The very intricate plot centres around a much-coveted silver cow creamer. Yes, that is a small silver cow, which serves as a cream pitcher. You put the cream in the cow’s back and it pours out its mouth, as its tail forms the handle. Bertie tells the convoluted story of the many people involved in the desire to own this cream pitcher.

When things go beyond what Jeeves can act out, he recruits a fellow butler, Seppings, who works for Aunt Dahlia, Bertie Wooster’s favourite aunt.

So, while Bertie Wooster narrates a story of strange goings-on among his relatives and neighbours, Jeeves and Seppings play a dozen or so parts, with unbelievably fast costume changes. There are many scene changes with backgrounds that spin around, and many unusual props.

Jeff Irving is hilarious as Bertie Wooster, relating the ridiculous story. His expressions and actions keep everyone’s attention, and his changes of clothing behind a beautiful screen, are amazing. But most interesting of all is when he begins Act II in the bathtub and shows how high his rubber ducky can fly. With Jeeves help, he discreetly climbs out of the tub.

Damien Atkins is also amazingly funny, while maintaining his serious butler face as Jeeves. He becomes a variety of crazy characters including Gussie Fink-Nottle and  Madeline Bassett. Atkins excels at physical comedy.

Travis Seetoo is the hapless Seppings, who is co-opted into taking on several characters. Seppings plays his employer, Aunt Dahlia and the villain Roderick Spode. Spode gets taller each time he appears, in keeping with Wooster’s description of him. When a step stool or short ladder are no longer sufficient, Seetoo has a specially designed platform that will raise him up to the required height. This platform is on wheels and somehow, he’s able to steer it about the stage. There is great laughter every time he appears on it, standing a little bit taller!

A special shout out goes to the set and costumes designer Sim Suzer. Never has there been so many intricate sets flipped around, and so many quick costume changes. There are also intricate and detailed props. Thank you to the hands-on behind-the-scenes crew who make quick work of changing the set,  and the dressers who do the frequent costume changes. It is truly remarkable, and provides many laughs.

The trio of Jeff Irving, Damien Atkins and Travis Seetoo have perfect comedic timing. Their movement and pratfalls are excellent. They are brilliant at pulling faces without going too far over the top. Well, okay, the story demands that they go over the top. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, and it all works perfectly in Perfect Nonsense.

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense continues at The Shaw Festival Court House Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake until October 10. For tickets, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-SHAW(7429).

Photo: Damien Atkins as Jeeves, or Gussie Fink-Nottle, Jeff Irving as Bertie Wooster, and Travis Seetoo as Seppings, or Aunt Dahlia in Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. Photo by Michael Cooper.

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
By Robert Goodale and David Goodale
Based on the works of P. G. Wodehouse
Directed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett
Performed by Damien Atkins, Jeff Irving, and Travis Seetoo
Set & Costumes designed Sim Suzer
Lighting designed by Kaileigh Krysztofiak
Sound designed by Olivia Wheeler
Movement Direction by Matt Alfano
The Court House Theatre, 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
May 8 to October 10, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson