Review: WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND, Malvern Theatres - Tour

Written by William Humble, Wodehouse in Wonderland tells the story of P.G. Wodehouse or Plum, as he is known to his family and friends, in 1950’s New York.

A one-man show, Robert Daws (ITV’s The Royal and Midsomer Murders), is P.G. Wodehouse, the famous author of the adventures of Bertie Wooster and his butler, Jeeves. His writing is interrupted by a young would-be biographer, his adored wife, daughter Snorkles and his two Pekingese.

Sharing his stories about Jeeves, his addiction to American soap operas, his many other books and the many characters they consist of, including songs composed by Broadway legends with lyrics by himself, is there a darker story hidden behind these tales that Wodehouse is afraid to admit to even himself?

Daws plays Wodehouse with a stoicism of that era, making it hard to warm to the character, even though we are able to laugh along with his anecdotes. The songs are interspersed with these tales nicely, their unusual lyrics amusing, if not strange, are delivered with storytelling rather than vocal talent and the recorded orchestrations feel restrictive, rather than the adaptiveness of live musicians.

Robin Herford’s direction is agreeable, with the use of ‘offstage wife’ and ‘dogs’ keeping the focus on the story. Set design by Lee Newby is simple and in-keeping with the time of the piece, the armchair in Wodehouse’s study of his New York State home looks warm and inviting and we wouldn’t feel out of place taking a seat to listen to these tales, as we are transported back.

It’s definitely one for fans of Wodehouse’s work and historically of the 1950’s era, but without a great knowledge of his work, it feels like we’re missing some of the more specific jokes.

Amusingly told with a British ‘stiff upper lip’.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Wodehouse in Wonderland plays at Malvern Theatres until 28 January, before continuing its tour across the UK until 27 April.