Jeeves And Wooster in ‘Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves’ at The Actors’ Church, Covent Garden Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland
What can I say? a fabulous, traditional English evening; theatre on a summer evening in a beautiful church garden. We were fortunate that the weather was lovely on the night we attended but we were told come rain or shine the show would go on. The thing I loved about this was that it felt very intimate, bench-typed seating in a small section of the garden based within the church walls and a small wooden stage at the front so you could see and hear everything easily. The actors often used the areas around the stage and within the audience which created more involvement. Whilst there weren’t any children there it did have a family feel with many people bringing picnic baskets. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought in however you can purchase wine, beer, cider, and prosecco at the little drinks van. There is a price list for drinks on the booking page if you wish to order in advance.
Jeeves and Wooster “stiff upper lip” is an adaptation of the comedy classic novel by P.G. Woodhouse is presented by Alfresco Actors who tour the country creating wonderful theatre shows in the open air staged in quintessential locations around the country. Not only are they talented stage actors but also amazing musicians too. It’s exactly what slapstick British humour is all about, we laughed from the moment the actors appeared on stage until the production finished. The four characters were a joy to watch and even when they were not talking their facial expressions were hilarious too. We have Bertie the main character and the only one to just play one person throughout, Jeeves the valet and also the hot-tempered Sir Watkyn Bassett , Eccentric Aunt Dahlia, and Major Plank the explorer, Newts obsessed Gussie Fink-Nottle and his dramatic fiancé, Madeleine Bassett, Emerald Stoker, and the clumsy Reverend Harold “Stinker” Pinker. Together this impressive and hilariously funny team made the production an exhilarating and delight to watch.
The play is about Bertie Wooster who is an almost childlike upper-class gentleman who seems to land himself in hot water at every opportunity; whether it’s totally ill-fated romances, or just general life’s dilemmas. Thankfully, his trusty valet Jeeves, of which Bertie relies on to do the simplest of everyday tasks and rescuing Bertie from yet another unfolding disaster on a daily basis.
If this is your cup of tea, then I would definitely recommend considering other productions by Alfresco Actors who are also presenting Around the World in 80 days and Kaspar: Prince of Cats.
Rating: 5/5
Dates – August 17 – September 4, 2026, in Covent Garden but there are shows in other locations throughout the year.
Buy Tickets https://actorschurch.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873661698/events/128642111
Ticket prices – General admission £24, Concessions £22, Children £19
Refreshments – There is a little van selling hot drinks, wine, prosecco, beer, and cider along with some packet snacks but would advise taking your own. (Alcohol not permitted)
Location: Outdoor grounds of St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, London (entrance on Bedford Street) Nearest tube is Covent Garden or British Rail would be Charing Cross.
Accessibility – There are a few steps to both the play area and the toilets.
Runtime: 2 hours, including an interval
Age Restriction: 7+
Weather Policy: Performances go on rain or shine so take waterproof jacket in case (not an umbrella)