York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 22nd April 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
3***
Based on life and writings of the author P.G. Wodehouse, the iconic humourist author behind Jeeves and Wooster. Wodehouse in Wonderland takes place in his New York State home in the 1950’s. This show is a one-handed performance by Robert Daws, a well-known face from UK television, mostly through monologues.
Affectionally know as Plum to his family and friends, Wodehouse is working on his latest Jeeves and Wooster adventure, whilst being interrupted by his barking dogs, beloved wife, and a young American biographer, Mr Phillips. Whilst he has no biological children of his own, he simply adores his stepdaughter Leonora, lovingly referred to as Snorkles. A lot of this story revolves around the letters he writes to her, all the while wishing she was there in person.
Despite Daw’s frivolity and demeanour, we learn about Wodehouse’s upbringing, a neglected child of well to do parents, who only saw their child twice from the age of 2 to 15, which is simply tragic to hear. Talking directly to the audience, with some songs thrown in, there are tales of his most remembered characters, his love of writing, which was prolific, his supposed treason and tragedy.
The first act meanders along, lacking that bit of spark to keep you truly engaged. After the interval it does ramp up a bit with the story of his internment during the Second World War and the tragedy that befalls his family, which is a huge to a shock to us all. It is poignant to think that after World War Two Wodehouse was “exiled” to America and never returned to England.
The set is a creation of his study, complete with desk, typewriter, comfy chair, and we mustn’t forget the bar, perfect for those afternoon martinis, in his American mansion. It hinted of somewhere you could imagine your grandparents growing old in, lovely and comfortable.
Though this is a one man show, we do hear the barking dogs and his wife’s voice off stage. Daws is impressive and really does excel with the wordy script. He has a warmth that you can resonate with, the strength of his acting is second to none.
I was expecting laughter and light heartiness, because of his Jeeves and Wooster characters I suppose. Though there is a bit of humour, and I had the odd chuckle, the strongest part of the show were the bittersweet moments. I felt the story fell short for me and I wasn’t truly engaged.