Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense - Altrincham Garrick

HAND on heart I have to say these chalk and cheese comedy creations passed me by when Fry and Laurie played them on TV.

I got the joke of course. Jeeves, the buttoned up, deadpan butler forever cleaning up his master’s mess, a social superior with very little between his ears.

Barry Purves’ energetic production barely draws breath and is beautifully and brilliantly played against the backdrop of one of his trademark, ingenious sets.

Jamie Sloan delivers a performance of real star quality as the deliciously dim toff Bertie Wooster, ably supported by Andrew Higson and Graham Simmonds.

Higson is perfect as Jeeves, the sensible and dependable butler but, along with comedy natural Simmonds, plays a plethora of other roles of both sexes and without a single costume change.

But it was Sloan’s comic timing that really caught my eye in a frantic, madcap piece that places huge demands on a very hard working, three strong cast.

Verbally and visually, Sloan was simply born to be funny.

Why have I not mentioned the plot? Simply because it’s largely irrelevant. Although there is a frequent mention of something called a cow creamer. Answers on a postcard, please.

An onstage band provides thee ideal musical backing for an evening of theatre that does exactly what it says on the tin.

This really is perfect nonsense. But a much needed antidote to a world that’s far too serious at times. Spiffing good fun.

Until February 22. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - 3.5 Photo by Vish Sharma.