Summer Lightning is a farcical comedy set at Blandings Castle, Shropshire. Blandings is home to the charmingly absent-minded Lord Emsworth and his beloved (prize winning) pig, the Empress of Blandings. The plot gallivants around multiple romantic engagements, false identities, and a potentially scandalous autobiography with a sizeable side-order of pig-centric pandemonium!

This adaptation, penned and directed by Matt Kirk, perfectly highlights P.G. Wodehouse’s humour and endearingly eccentric characters. It positively races along, treating the audience to a consistently witty performance which is a literal laugh a minute. The casting is faultless, with each player diving into their roles with relish. Pacing is assisted in no-small part by the minimal, manoeuvrable & multi-functional staging, which not only sets the scene but also enables the cast to interact with the pieces to hilarious effect. Lighting and sound are helpfully unobtrusive, never detracting from the abundant and brisk dialogue .As always with Studio Theatre Club, the costumes are of an extremely high quality and expertly paired with each character.

Charlie Vicary hits the stage as Hugo Carmody, instantly establishing his impish, frolic some nature, with a delightfully loveable side thrown in for good measure. Natalya Fenston matches Charlie with acerbic wordplay as Millicent Threepwood, Carmody’s fiancée. Sue Brown, a chorus girl betrothed to Ronnie Fish is played by Elena Mortimer and demonstrates broken heartedness in full-chin, trembling glory along with shining when Miss Brown is pretending to be an effervescent American heiress. Hamilton Brown handles Lord Emsworth’s nephew, Ronnie’s accidental yet unavoidable ineptitude with amusing ingenuity.

Stephen Briggs is radiant and adorable as the affably vague Earl of Emsworth, Clarence Threepwood. The Earl’s younger brother, Galahad, an aging yet obligingly kind-hearted scamp, is adeptly brought to life by Ben Winters. The brothers’ forceful sister, Lady Constance Keeble is played by Kath Leighton, who effectively commands both the stage and her counterparts: quaking only slightly in the company of Lord Emsworth’s ex-secretary, Baxter, in whom she imparts trust and affection. Kat Steiner is Rupert Baxter, conveying the nuance and aggravated disposition of the character despite frequently sporting mirrored sunglasses.

Andrew Knapton as Lord Emsworth’s long suffering butler, Beach, gifts the audience almost supernaturally funny horsey leaps when taken by surprise, whilst remaining suitably stoic when interacting with his employer. Percy Pilbeam the private investigator, is taken on by Ross McGookin. Ross displays remarkable versatility in the role, enacting both professionalism and drunken silliness with skill. Sir Gregory Parsloe-Parsloe may not have much stage time, but Russell Bailey still makes it count with pointed delivery and a genuine fear at the mention of a certain kind of small shellfish. A special shout out must also go to the Empress: who knew a cardboard pig could have so much personality?!

This adaptation of Summer Lightning by Studio Theatre Club is a Wodehouse lover’s dream, showcasing deft direction and exquisite performances in which unrivalled Wodehouse wit is delivered with impeccable timing and artistry. Bravo!

What a joy it was to spend an evening in the grounds of Blandings Castle. The Blandings estate and eccentric Lord Emsworth and co are staples of British society in the novels of PG Wodehouse and have been masterfully brought to life by Matt Kirk (director) and the team of Studio Theatre Club. With sumptuous costumes, effective set design, witty cast and outstanding cardboard pig choreography, it was definitely a night to remember.

It’s not easy to adapt a novel, especially from such a beloved author, into a working script that doesn’t make you want to cry with boredom but Matt Kirk has managed it. The show pulls the characters and story together for a modern audience, whilst keeping the essence, splendour and absurdity of Wodehouse that we know and love.

Bravo to the cast for keeping the pace bouncy throughout the performance. A veritable mountain of dialogue married with multitudes of entrances and exits throughout the Unicorn Theatre can easily descend into chaos but, this troupe knew what they were doing.

It’s easy for those of a thespian disposition to fall into the cliché of an upper class family and forget to add nuance during a show like Summer Lightning, but luckily this wasn’t the case. While some clichés - pompous butler, working class show girl, spoilt heir - are eagerly anticipated, it didn’t stop the cast from adding a fresh air to each performances.

While set was kept minimal for Summer Lighting, I must offer congratulations to the creative team for such beautifully drawn roses! I feel it’s the personal touches in a show that help me to connect to the story and artists involved and this performance did not disappoint. Finding costumes that reflect the characters and actors is important, it was lovely to see a cast comfortable in what they’re wearing while reflecting the period setting of the piece.

A huge well done also to the props team. I was more than a little shocked to see the family’s ex-butler fly over the banister of the Unicorn Theatre stage and live to tell the tale. Whoever made that doll and lit the stage needs an award!

A full audience of laughing faces pay homage to a brilliant show performed by a brilliant cast.

I very much look forward to whatever Studio Theatre Club has on offer next. Am dram they may be, boring they are not!