Stephen Fry to host PG Wodehouse celebration
Stephen Fry is to introduce Plum: Homage To Happiness, a theatrical tribute to writer PG Wodehouse at Wilton's Music Hall on 20th May.
Commemorating the 50th anniversary since the beloved author "left us for the greatest clubhouse in the sky", the one-off show in aid of the National Literacy Trust, devised by Piers Torday and directed by Amy Lane, will feature a cast that includes Alexander Armstrong, Stephen Mangan, Miss Baby Sol and Sophie-Louise Dann.
The producers say: "This event promises a joyful celebration of words, dance and songs from one of the best-loved and funniest writers ever to put pen to paper.
"The characters in Wodehouse's stories were inspired by the musicals he wrote during his 'first career' as a lyricist on Broadway where he once had a record breaking five musicals running simultaneously. He went on to create some of literature's greatest characters including Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, Lord Emsworth and his prize pig 'The Empress of Blandings', Mr Mulliner, Uncle Fred and of course, the inimitable Psmith, to say nothing of the sea of indomitable aunts and so many more.
"The Simon Beck Quartet will be there to lead us through glorious songs with lyrics by Wodehouse and music by Gershwin, Cole Perter, Jerome Kern and Ivor Novello.
"Set amid the faded Victorian splendour of Wilton's Music Hall, the last surviving venue of its kind, this carnival of glamour, romance and laughter promises to be a very special night to remember."
The Cazalet family, who are relatives of Wodehouse, say: "Come celebrate the glorious world and words of PG Wodehouse at Wilton's Music Hall in the only way he'd approve - by having a dashed good time! Where imperious aunts, grunting pigs, Bertie and Jeeves and a host of his beloved characters come together under one roof, for one night only, in a grand homage to humour."
Tickets are available via wiltons.org.uk