Come On, Jeeves, Lichfield Garrick

Apr 18 2008 By Roger Clarke

A FIRST rate cast keeps this Ian Dickens production of P G Wodehouse cantering along at a cracking pace.

Headliners Victor Spinetti as the colonial white hunter Captain Biggar, Anita Harris as the American Mrs Spotts-worth and Derren Nesbitt as the bumbling Lord Carmoyle turn in fine performances.

But they are outshone by James Cawood as Bill, the Earl of Towcaster, who spends his life digging holes for himself, and Richard Pocock as Jeeves who keeps hauling him out again.

All the action takes place in Towcester Abbey, the Earl's family pile and involves the aristocracy being forced into finding employment - Carmoyle has even had to take a job at Harrod's, dammit - and some shady dealings at the racecourse.

Mrs Spottsworth is being set up to buy the leaky old abbey while Biggar and the Earl are keeping secrets from Bill's fiance Ellen, Pamela Flanagan.

Meanwhile, everyone has an interest in the day's big race, The Derby with more than a few bob and reputations riding on it to provide an unexpected end to an amusing and entertaining evening.

It runs until tomorrow.