Gallery 7 Theatre presents the comedy Jeeves Intervenes starting Friday, May 19 in Abbotsford.
The production, a farce written by Margaret Raether and based on the characters created by P.G. Wodehouse, runs until May 27 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way.
Executive/artistic director Ken Hildebrandt said it took “some effort” to bring the play to the Gallery 7 stage.
“We had to navigate some interesting copyright and licensing issues, but we’re very thankful that the P.G. Wodehouse estate gave their blessing on our production,” he said.
“I think audiences are in for a treat. I’m enamoured by the charming characters, and the outlandish scenarios they find themselves in are believable enough to be rather relatable. Plus the dialogue is so witty and fun.”
The posh, high-society London scene of the 1920s is thrown into chaos by hapless playboy, Bertie Wooster, and his old school chum, Eustace Bassington-Bassington.
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The two hatch a brilliant plan to dupe their meddling relatives to save Bertie from an undesired marriage and Eustace from an unwanted job in India. But will the ever-faithful manservant, Jeeves, be able to rescue these bumbling fools from themselves?
Hildebrandt said Jeeves Intervenes is a “delightful romp full of deception and disguise.”
The play’s director, Kerri Norris, describes the play as “crisp, clever, speedy and surprising.”
“A great farce tickles our funny bones and makes us think,” Norris said.
“P.G. Wodehouse is a master of language, combining the street slant of Edwardian England with the stylistic vocabulary of the upper crust. It has been a joy to work on this tantalizing gem with a wonderful group of performers, designers, crew and artistic staff.”
Playing Eustace Bassingting-Bassington is Adriel Brandt, who last appeared on the Gallery 7 Theatre stage in the company’s production of Pride and Prejudice.
Playing Bertie Wooster is Stephen Elcheshen, an experienced performer who is also the production’s fight choreographer.
Taking on the role of Aunt Agatha, the crusty and fiery relative of Bertie, is Beth Gasser-Ryckman.
The role of Sir Rupert Watlington is played by Nigel Brooke, who is also the production’s lighting designer, and Chilliwack performer Emily Hamel plays Gertrude Winklesworth-Bode, the Nietzsche-admiring love interest.
Koenraad Beugelink plays Jeeves, the long-suffering valet who will stop at nothing to prevent utter and complete disaster.
Jeeves Intervenes runs May 19 and 20 and 24-27 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 20 and 27.
Tickets range from $12 and $30 and can be purchased online at gallery7theatre.com or by calling 604-504-5940.