19:00, Tue 24th – Sat 28th November 2015 at Pembroke New Cellars
Michaelmas Week 7

This 1926 adaptation of Ferenc Molnar's 'The Play at the Castle' proves that when it comes to high comedy and classic escapism, P.G. Wodehouse sets the standard by which all other writers one day hope to achieve. A play written towards the beginning of his career, it is full of the charming wit that fills his dialogue and the plot twists that he was to become the master of. Not only that, it also contains some clever progressive elements, not typically present in Wodehouse's work, which serves to break the 4th wall without actually doing it. Cryptic, I know, but you'll see what I mean.

It is mid-20's Italy. A castle, overlooking the Mediterranean. A pair of successful playwrights, Turai and Mansky, and their protege composer, Adam, arrive at the castle early to surprise their leading actress and Adam's fiancee, Ilona, when an event occurs which puts that engagement at risk. Will the day be saved? Will the marriage happen? Will Turai ever remember Dwornitscheck's name? Will Mansky recover enough to eat some breakfast? Will I ever stop asking questions in an attempt to make this description live up to how good the play is? Will Almady stop being such a pompous chap and swallow his pride? Will I answer any of these questions? I will answer one - the last one - yes. For the rest you shall have to come to the Pembroke New Cellars in week 7. See you there, chums!