Leave It To Psmith 2020


(4.7 stars; 51 reviews)

A new BBC Radio adaptation by Archie Scottney of P. G. Wodehouse's 1923 comic novel. Psmith (the "p" is silent ("as in pshrimp", in his own words and added by himself to set himself apart from all other Smiths) is a character created by "Jeeves and Wooster" creator P. G. Wodehouse and is one of his best-loved. He may be something of a dandy, but he's a fluent and witty speaker and has the remarkable ability to pass through the most amazing adventures unruffled. In this two-part adaptation, Psmith, having fallen on hard times, advertises in the newspapers for work.  Freddie Threepwood, in need of someone to help steal a valuable necklace, hires him and takes him to Blandings Castle, where, mistaken for a visiting famous poet, Psmith becomes involves in a situation where there are girls to woo, crooks to foil, criminals to unmask, haughty aunts to baffle and valuable items to steal ... all in all, a typical Wodehouse romance! Psmith ... Edward Bennett Lord Emsworth ... Martin Jarvis Lady Constance ... Patricia Hodge Freddie ... George Blagden Baxter ... Joe Bannister Eve ... Susannah Fielding Miss Peavey/Liz ... Lisa Dillon Joe Keeble ... Nigel Anthony Beach ... Lloyd Owen McTodd/Eddie ... Kieran Hodgson Miss Clarkson/Detective Simmons ... Lucy Phelps Other voices ... Matthew Wolf, Darren Richardson, Daisy Hydon Directed by Martin Jarvis and Rosalind Ayres Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 17 and 24 May 2020

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Reviews

the "p" is silent


(5 stars)

as usual another wonderful dramatization from bbc!!! thanks!! such a funny story and bbc did such a great job at bringing it to life!!


(5 stars)

Escape into the lazy life of aristocratic England between the wars. Clear British accent, except for the Canadian poet. But he enunciates well, too.

Ma Foi


(5 stars)

This story and this rendition of it are an absolute joy.

Jaunty wee drama


(5 stars)

Most enjoyable! Well produced (of course), great story, great voices.

Lovely


(5 stars)

The best work of reading ever! Great job.