A one-man comic whirlwind
Although one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century, P.G. Wodehouse is not a name commonly seen on the spines of books being read on the tube today. Regardless of the fact, Wodehouse is widely considered a comedy genius, his most famous book series being turned into a potentially even more famous TV show – Jeeves & Wooster. The first story of this iconic series, chronicling the many misadventures of the bumbling Bertie Wooster and his cool-headed butler Jeeves, is titled Jeeves Takes Charge, also forming the title of this award-winning play.
Any reader of Wodehouse will find this an enjoyable evening, structured as the lively retelling of three classic stories by just one man from the Jeeves & Woostercollection. The temptation would no doubt be to replicate the famous mannerisms of Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in their roles of Wooster and Jeeves, but that choice is fiercely resisted by this creative team.
Sam Harrison plays Wooster as an extremely camp gentleman, and Jeeves a slow-talking, booming baritone. This departure from the familiar characterisations is not totally consistent, with the speech impediment and physicality used by Richard Garnett to portray Gussie Fink-Nottle mimicked to an impressive likeness.
Harrison’s portrayals are skilled and humorous, and he reenacts the stories with great vigour so that, even to an audience who probably knows exactly what will happen, it’s impossible not to remain highly engaged. His character transformations are commendable, as he morphs easily from the upright Florence Cray to the doddery Uncle Willoughby and back again. A real treat is Harrison taking his bows as each individual character, which leaves the show on a comedic high.
Direction by Hugh Wooldridge is strong, allowing Harrison to completely play to his strengths. Sometimes the comedy of the words is lost amongst the desire for constant slapstick and over-dramatisation, but it is always pulled back to avoid the portrayals becoming too one-note.
Set by Catie Hevner is minimal, yet highly effective. Utilising a number of empty picture frames adorning the walls, a variety of images and videos are projected, easily transforming the space from Mayfair apartment to Girls School and back again. Most impressively, whenever Bertie is traveling, the landscape flies by to indicate motion, warranting literal pointing and audible admiration from audience members.
A highly enjoyable night at the theatre, and a chance to see some new (and old) reinventions of the classic characters many know so well.
Jeeves Takes Charge plays at Charing Cross Theatre until 6 September, 2026.