Overview
Synopsis
At a benefit gala to raise money for a new church steeple, Bertram “Bertie” Wooster is preparing to take the stage. The banjo-playing star is thrown for a loop when he finds his banjo has been stolen! Bertie’s faithful manservant, Jeeves, suggests Bertie tell the story of his adventure to Totleigh Towers to entertain the impatient audience. Bertie recounts to the audience how he became embroiled in the romances of several dim-witted members of the privileged class. With mistaken identities, romantic entanglement, and the adventures of the upper class, By Jeeves is the quintessential British musical farce.
Show Information
- Book
- Alan Ayckbourn
- Music
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Lyrics
- Alan Ayckbourn
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Inspired by the stories of P.G. Wodehouse
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1996
- Genres
- Comedy, Farce
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- London, England 1900-1910
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
Songs
Act One
- A False Start - Bertie
- Wooster Will Entertain You - Bertie, Jeeves
- Travel Hopefully - Bertie, Jeeves, Bingo
- That Was Nearly Us - Honoria, Bertie
- Love’s Maze - Stiffy, Bertie, Company*
- The Hallo Song - Bertie, Budge, Gussie
Act Two
- By Jeeves - Bertie, Bingo, Gussie
- When Love Arrives - Bertie, Madeline
- What Have You Got To Say, Jeeves? - Bertie, Jeeves
- Half A Moment - Harold, Stiffy
- It’s A Pig! - Honoria, Madeline, Bertie, Bassett, Gussie
- Banjo Boy - Bertie, Company*
- Wizard Rainbow Banjo Mix - Company*
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.