"Wodehouse In Wonderland" by Cahoot Theatre Company.
P.G. Wodehouse is trying to pen the latest instalment of his "Jeeves and Wooster" novels, but little things like his wife, kids, telephones, a biographer and even his pair of pet Pekinese have a habit of slowing down his progress.
We hear a potted history of Wodehouse, from his schooldays and early writings, via quotes from some of the big literary legends that crossed his path; A. A. Milne and even George Orwell, right up to date. All memories dotted with wonderful songs from the era, like "Anything Goes". And of course occasionally delving into the personalities of both Jeeves and Wooster.
It's a quintessentially British comedy, delivered with a lovely stiff upper lip style by "Plum", the name that he was lovingly known by, and the explanation of how he received that nickname is revealed as well. We do get to hear outsiders to the stage, his dogs and his wife, but they stay out of sight, maintaining this as a one man show.
The play stars Robert Daws, who is instantly recognised from his work on the small screen. It's a really relaxed performance and delivery, only for a short scene where melancholy memories materialise. Breaking the fourth wall, he talks, not only to his biographer, who I assumed is also in the room but unseen, but to us, his audience as well, and makes it feel like he is talking on a one to one basis.
There are no loud guffaws, but ripples of reserved laughter come in waves. Daws' story telling is second to none and it feels really personal.
Directed by Robin Hereford, he maintains simplicity to keep this show a success and an intimate piece of theatre. I also found myself ingesting information I hadn't known about Wodehouse; educational and entertaining.
The set design is by Lee Newby. Again simplicity is key to this play and we see an open plan room with kitchen breakfast bar, comfy chair, a desk, bookcase and office working space for the writer. The windows looking outside depicted a three dimensional view to the garden, resplendent with trees and grassed area.
If you like theatre that you allow to wash over you, theatre that is gentle and very British in feeling, delivered with impeccable style and naturalism, then this is the play for you. Daws is on stage ninety minutes but it's ninety minutes I'm glad I got to experience, and you will too. Whether you're a fan of "Jeeves and Wooster" in TV or book form, you'll love this incite into the man who breathed life into these characters.
"Wodehouse In Wonderland" is at Derby Theatre until Wednesday 15 February.
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