I went to see Wodehouse in Wonderland at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley and it was a charming, witty, one-man-band performance showing how humour is used to cope through life.

Wodehouse in Wonderland is based on the life and writings of comic writer P. G. Wodehouse who published 90 books in his lifetime.

The play is written by William Humble and directed by Robin Herford.

It's set during the 1950s in the author’s New York state home which is all played out in one room – Wodehouse’s study.

Plum (Robert Daws) writing at his typewriter. (Image: Pamela Raith)

The scene is laid out with a desk and typewriter, a mini bar where Plum often prepares a tipple, a comfy armchair, and large bay windows which overlook the garden frequented by Plum’s beloved Pekingese dog.

Wodehouse, otherwise known as Plum, is played by actor Robert Daws who has appeared in Poldark, Father Brown and The Royal to name a few.

The show also features songs by Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello.

The play is a one-man-band performance in which Daws switches from inner monologues to witty anecdotes, musical numbers and the occasional bit of satire.

The play includes songs from Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello. (Image: Pamela Raith)

The performance is peppered with quotes from the books, but the play doesn’t centre around Woodehouse’s characters like Jeeves or Lord Emsworth.

The play delves into the mind behind the books, exploring Wodehouse’s childhood, his relationships, his family life, and his life during WWII.

Despite being a one-man performance, the play never felt stagnant.

Daws is very skilled at becoming different personas and using voice to create a sense of dialogue with other characters by switching between different accents and pitches.

One moment Daws goes from an animated reading from one of Wodehouse’s books, to the next where Daws is singing a musical number making it feel more like a West End musical.

Directed by Robin Herford (Image: Pamela Raith)

There are some rather chuckle-worthy moments throughout the play, like when Plum seems to have a strong aversion to answering the telephone that keeps incessantly ringing.

Or when the lights rise to the sound of loud, animated grunts as Plum “attempts” his daily exercise regime.

Throughout the show we hear Plum address a number of people: his daughter in his monologues, his wife which is the only other voice we hear through recorded sound, and the American biographer.

The biographer is a consistent character who is frequently mentioned throughout the play and whose questions serve as the catalyst for a lot of Plum’s musings.

On at the Churchill Theatre until (Saturday) March, 11 (Image: Pamela Raith)

Although the biographer isn’t physically present on stage, Daws is able to skilfully switch between him and the vexed Plum The plot takes a rather unexpected turn towards the end veering away from Plum’s normal carefree manner and witty commentary to a more sombre tone.

It’s at this point where I wondered if the play was intended to be a comedy, a tragedy or somewhere in between.

The play delves into the life of writer P.G Wodehouse (Image: Pamela Raith)

The play touches upon themes of loss, grief and cancel culture all surrounded by a medley of singing, animated storytelling’s, and monologue.

The narratives comes full-circle and the running, rambling commentary of Plum starts to make sense when you realise why he acts and thinks the way he does.

Behind Plum’s quips, humour and light-hearted demeanour lies feelings of trauma, regret, and loss.

As the play draws to a close you end right where you started, with Plum debating on the colour of a hat to include in his latest book Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves.

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The play ends with a final song from Plum, where he dons a colourful hat and bows to the audience with a flourish.

For me, the overriding message that the show conveyed is the way we as humans use humour as a coping mechanism through the hard realities of life.

Wodehouse in Wonderland will be playing at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley until (Saturday) March 11.