Charley's Aunt
Rob Madge’s adaptation of the classic farce Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas, has some hilarious modern twists, which whilst sticking to the original storyline, makes everything feels fresh and up to date. Some of my favourites were the girls referring to having “the ick”, alongside the ‘Bridgerton-esque’ music including a lovely bit of ‘Pink Pony Club’ and Dua Lipa, a Glitter Ball for the curtain call, and some wonderful interaction with the audience.
The story starts with two friends Charley Wykeham (Jonathan Case) and his friend Jack Chesney (Benjamin Westerby), Oxford undergraduates, writing, in a hilarious scene, to their intended loved ones. Jack arranges a meeting, but they need a chaperone to avoid scandal, so they come up with a plan for Charley’s Aunt, who is visiting from Brazil (“where the nuts come from”), to accompany them to meet love interests Amy and Kitty.
From the start, Case and Westerby make an impact. Their costumes are cleverly designed. A nod to the Victorian age, but also half an eye - or leg - to the modern age, with them wearing shorts. But they are also beautifully matched with each other.
The plan unravels from the start, when Charley’s Aunt telegrams to say she is not arriving on time. Or does it…?!
Instead, the four prospective lovers decide that Babbs, the Spettigue family butler, is the perfect candidate to dress up as Charley’s Aunt and chaperone the four of them. What could go possibly wrong?!
Max Gill as Babbs is spot on. They have a great amount of comic timing, and wring every ounce of comedy from the part. Costumes grow increasingly modern, finishing with some sequinned trousers and silver ankle boots!
Amy Spettigue (Mae Munuo) and Kitty Verdun (Yasemin Özdemir) are also clearly having a ball with their roles. They inject plenty of fun, but also knowing feistiness into their characters. The audience delights in the two of them cunningly getting what they want. I particularly loved Kitty’s lines reminding us that she’d waxed her ankle!
The real aunt, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez played by Maggie Service, doesn’t arrive until the end of the first half, but makes a fabulously fun impactful entrance, alongside her godson Eli played by Elijah Ferreira.
Babbs in disguise manages to fool his boss Spettigue (Richard Earl) who thinks he might be in with a chance of marriage!
The entire cast are brilliant. There is not a weak link. They are all well matched and clearly enjoying the show.
Director Sophie Drake directs the play in a fast-paced style, and it positively zips along!
The look of the play is very effective, with enough nods to the Victorian era, but with plenty of modern features. Both set and costume design by Alex Berry, work so well on this lovely intimate stage.
Rob Madge has created a fun adaptation, which as well as providing plenty of laughs, also feels incredibly warm and celebrates inclusivity. It is a brilliant show, and makes you leave the theatre with a smile on your face!
This show was reviewed on the 15th October 2025 at The Watermill Theatre, Berkshire where it runs until the 15th November 2025. Tickets available here: Charley's Aunt | Watermill Theatre
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Mark Senior
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