I've just finished watching the DVD recording of By Jeeves and had forgotten how funny it was. I'm in love with PG Wodehouse's books as it is, but Alan Ayckbourne and Andrew Lloyd Webber's collaboration is hilarious, and really captures the essence of Wodehouse's stories and cast of misfits!
Unfortunately I never got see the stage production. Did any of you guys go and watch it? What was it like in a large theatre? What do you think? Apparently, when the show closed in London, it was announced "prior to a UK Tour" which alas never came off- more is the pity!
Also, I don't suppose anyone ever caught the famed Her Majesty's production of Jeeves in the 70s? One show I wish information on was more widely available. After hearing the legends I'm intrigued!!!
I saw it and (IMO), probably the CD is funnier than the actual production. The facial mugging and silliness didn't do it for me. I would have left at the intermission (I've never done that), but the comments of two gentlemen sitting behind me were so entertaining that I stayed so I wouldn't miss a word of what they were saying. The second act, I have to admit, was better. (I love silly, by the way----I really enjoyed Spamalot---just not the "baby-talk" silly of By Jeeves). (again---just my opinion) Updated On: 6/22/07 at 06:57 PM
I saw By Jeeves on Broadway, and I thoroughtly enjoyed it. I have both the London and Broadway cast recordings, and would love to see it on DVD, but apparently it's not sold in the US, nor it is in region 1 DVD (which my DVD player only plays). I would love to have a copy of it (if possible)
I saw the original London production. There is a UK tour of this scheduled this year, with Trevor Bannister playing Jeeves. Casting is taking place at the moment. Lynne
I saw it on Broadway, I just loved it, it was cheese wtih fun on top, I too would love to see the DVD, but Region 1 foes are against me. I would do anything to see it.
Trevor Bannister? I would kill to see him as well, hes hilarious!
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It was on Broadway in the Helen Hayes, if I remember correctly, which is a fairly small theatre. It was rather silly but very enjoyable (IMO) in the manner of The Drowsy Chaperone or Curtains. I think it might have been a hit like The Drowsy Chaperone but it really was doomed by opening shortly after the 9-11 attacks when many shows were struggling at the box office.
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We did the Chicago area premiere a year ago and our audieces loved it. It's a great show for smaller theatres, if you can cast it properly. Bertie is a killer role - he's on stage virtually the entire show and is in every musical number except the love duet.
For some reason I thought the dvd had come out in Canada, which is region 1 like the u.s. I think show couldve had a hard time apart from 9/11, not great reviews inc. the Times, Lloyd Webber the only star of show a la Woman in White, Wodehouse a limited taste here (especially for people driving in from Jersey).
WOW! UK Tour- at last! I've heard that the RUG advertised a UK Tour when the London show closed- better late than never I suppose! Is it an official tour, or at least a professional?
If, so any idea where I can find more info on it please??