Summer Lightning is a farcical comedy set at
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!