The Shaw Festival's latest offering, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, is a well-acted but ultimately underwhelming production that leaves much to be desired. Adapted by brothers Robert and David Goodale from the works of P.G. Wodehouse, the play runs at the Court House Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., until Oct. 10.
Directed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, the production boasts strong performances from its three-person cast: Damien Atkins as the unflappable valet Jeeves, Jeff Irving as the aristocratic Bertie Wooster, and Travis Seetoo in multiple secondary roles. However, the material itself is a head-scratcher, as the script is wildly episodic and lacks a cohesive narrative.
A Tale of Two Performances
Atkins shines as Jeeves, delivering the character's signature quick wit with precision. His performance is so compelling that it makes him a strong contender for the lead role in the inevitable Canadian premiere of Oh, Mary! Seetoo also excels, skillfully portraying several characters in rapid succession, including the imposing Roderick Spode, who grows taller with each entrance thanks to a clever wheeled device.
Irving, meanwhile, has the tougher job as the straight man, contrasting Atkins and Seetoo's highly physical antics. Despite minor accent quibbles, he is winsome in the role. However, the script's tediousness often undermines his efforts.
The Script's Shortcomings
The Goodales' script clunks along from scene to scene without much overarching narrative to string the vignettes together. The story is surprisingly confusing, with a play-within-a-play device adding unnecessary padding to a frantic plot that twists like a pinball machine. Despite a relatively tight two-hour runtime, Jeeves & Wooster often feels too long.
Director McMurtry-Howlett cannot fix a watery script, but he leans into the production's larger-than-life physical shenanigans. A climactic scene sees Atkins play a man and a woman simultaneously, flipping between characters without hesitation. Sim Suzer's set and costumes are crisp and appropriately corny, and Matt Alfano's movement direction makes expert use of the cast's existing skills, including Seetoo's unexpected talent for tap dancing.
Mixed Verdict
For existing fans of Wodehouse, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense might work better. But for this reviewer, the play is nonsense, but far from perfect. The production is a perfectly adequate way to kill a few hours, but it lacks staying power beyond the final curtain.
