SUSSEX EXPRESS
October 24, 2013
I was interested to see how a theatre adaption of Jeeves and Wooster would be updated for modern times.
Would it appear a bit dated perhaps? Would the jokes still be funny? And would there be enough laughs?
I need not have worried because this adaptation starring Stephen Mangan (Green Wing) and Matthew Macfadyen (Spooks) was an absolute riot from start to finish.
Humour has been injected into this play at every possible opportunity.
The performances from Mangan (Wooster), Matthew Macfadyen (Jeeves) and Mark Hadfield (Seppings) are side splittingly funny and the trio boast brilliant comic timing.
While Mangan plays just one character, Matthew Macfadyen and Hadfield play a multitude of different characters, including women.
And Hadfield plays a seven foot man, which involves standing on a chair in a very long coat.
Plus Matthew Macfadyen plays both a man and a woman at the same time, thanks to some inventive costumes, where he is split down the middle - one half man other half woman.
The stage too is used to create yet more humour. The clever Jeeves uses a bicycle to power a revolving stage and change the scenery. He has made furniture on wheels to move about.
This was the most imaginative use of scenery I have ever seen in the theatre - not only was it creative but it set up lots of the jokes in the play too.
The relationship dynamic between Jeeves and Wooster is of course filled with comedy.
Matthew Macfadyen is cool and collected as Jeeves, while Mangan plays Wooster like an over excited young chap who takes child like delight in the world.
And watch out for the lightning speed costume changes and some improvisation along the way.
Oh and they finish with a 20s flapper style dance which is so much fun.
READ MORE HERE: http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/review-jeeves-and-wooster-in-perfect-nonsense-theatre-royal-brighton-until-saturday-october-26-1-5621695
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