Review: Jeeves Takes Charge at Charing Cross Theatre

⭐⭐⭐ (Three Stars)

Jeeves Takes Charge - based on P.G. Wodehouse's early 20th Century short stories - brings the classic characters of Bertie Wooster and his trusty valet Jeeves (as well as others in their orbit) to the stage in an impressive one-man performance. Directed by Hugh Wooldridge, the production currently running at Charing Cross Theatre marks a return to the piece that Wooldridge first directed in 1980. Sam Harrison delivers a strong performance playing all 22 characters, however the thin plot means the play as a whole never builds to anything substantial or feels truly satisfying. 

Multi-roling as every character, Sam Harrison brings strong physical comedy and versatility to the play. Each of the colourful characters is distinct with cartoonish physicality - from Wooster’s heavy-headed hangover and frivolity, to the stoic Jeeves, to a lisping child, to an elderly man retrieving a set of dropped keys with shaking legs. Harrison - alone on stage aside from two uncredited performers who appear briefly to hang some bunting while he changes costume - is fully committed to the feat with unwavering and indefatigable energy. 

The main issue with Jeeves Takes Charge is the material itself, which feels outdated and lacks substantial plot and character development. Rather than a narrative, the show is more so a series of scrapes that Wooster finds himself in which are then - with the help of Jeeves - resolved. Adapted by James Duke, Edward Duke and Hugh Wooldridge, P.G. Wodehouse’s playful - and often alliterative - wording is maintained, but feels somewhat antiquated in 2026. 

Caite Hevner’s set and video design are effective throughout the production. With just a few physical set pieces - a chesterfield sofa, a fireplace and a pot plant - locations are established using video design to add a different wallpaper, curtains and portraits to each of the empty frames scattered across the walls, as well as to show the landscape passing by when the action takes place on a train. This is a clever use of the intimate Charing Cross Theatre playing space and allows for instantaneous set changes so as not to interrupt Harrison’s performance. 

Overall, Jeeves Takes Charge showcases a commendable central performance from Sam Harrison and impressive design elements. However, the lack of meaningful plot or character arcs means that, despite enjoying the play in the moment, it doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

Jeeves Takes Charge runs at Charing Cross Theatre until 6th September 2026.

Photos by Craig Fuller