Step Behind The Stage
Jeeves Takes Charge
Charing Cross Theatre, London - 18/08/2026
Review by Alex King
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller
Across his life, P.G. Wodehouse created an entire carnival of quirky characters in his stories which made him one of the most recognisable comedic writers of the 20th century. The most famous of these characters is of course the eccentric Bertie Wooster and his wise and loyal valet Jeeves. First appearing in 1915, the duo have appeared in a myriad of books, television, radio, and of course, theatre. Now, after first debuting in 1980, original director Hugh Wooldridge returns to direct a new production of Jeeves Takes Charge at the Charing Cross Theatre for a limited run following a 2024 run at Theatre Royal Bath. What makes this particular adaptation of Jeeves and Wooster so unique though, is that the double act, along with many other characters, are all performed by just one man.
Instead of a linear extended narrative, Jeeves Takes Charge instead adapts three of the many short stories and interlaces them with accompanying illustrations by the multi‑talented Clive Francis. This allows both the writers and performers to share a broader amount of Wodehouse’s works, including a lot more characters. Adapting such famed work is always challenging but Wooldridge, along with James and Edward Duke, succeed in keeping the feel of Wodehouse’s work alive and have transformed it into a charmingly witty play. Whether it’s Wooster’s various eccentricities and rambling stories or Jeeves’ dry wit, the trio have captured the comedic essence of the works and present it as a humble tribute instead of an attempted replication.
All of this takes place on a stately set design by Caite Hevner that first appears at Wooster’s home, but over the course of the production the setting shifts across the country with a very smart use of video and projection by Hevner to alter the wallpaper, window views, and the portraits hung up all along the wall. Despite the physical set not changing, Hevner’s work allows the story to open up many more locations in a modern presentation that contrasts nicely with the classic writing. This creates a natural bridge into the performance itself, which relies entirely on a single actor to bring this expanding world to life.
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller
As with all one‑actor productions, much of the quality of the show lands on the performer involved. In this case it was Sam Harrison taking on the responsibility and throughout the entire runtime he is a joy to watch. With his stretchy face and rolodex of voices, Harrison carries the story on his back with fantastic ease. Of course the two primary roles are Jeeves and Wooster, both of which are given plenty of time in the spotlight. As the valet, Harrison holds himself tall and with an almost permanent expression that is a picture‑perfect reflection of the character and contrasts wonderfully when he transforms into the idle but affable Bertie. Rather smartly, the production begins at a slower pace with just Wooster then Jeeves and builds over time to introduce more characters (each perhaps more outlandish than the last) which brilliantly helps with the production’s pacing as well as being a developing showcase of Harrison’s talent.
As referenced, Sam Harrison does not just play the two gentlemen. Instead he portrays a parade of various characters from the series from a young girl to an elderly gentleman. What is most remarkable about Harrison is the rich identities that he is able to give to each of the characters through his body and not just his equally strong vocal talents; you could show the audience after the show a still image and could very easily identify which of the many characters he is portraying. Harrison’s energy bleeds throughout all of the production with two particular highlights being a bumbling physical routine involving a simple key as well as the show crescendoing in a fantastic performance as a drunken Gussie Fink‑Nottle. With a less capable performer this show could very easily become a struggle to take in but with Harrison on stage he earns every bow he takes, each one of course as a different character.
The Jeeves and Wooster stories have become timeless due to their simple nature and silly linguistics which works hugely in its favour when presented in a theatre. With a charismatic performance there is plenty of visual comedy to enjoy, and the script’s fast‑paced classic style makes it humorous on a vocal level as well, resulting in a delightfully fun evening regardless of how familiar you are with Wodehouse’s work. Staged in the charming and intimate Charing Cross Theatre until 6th September, Jeeves Takes Charge is a bally good, one‑man delight.
Cast on the Night:
Sam Harrison – Jeeves, Wooster, & Others