Actor Robert Daws is set to play P.G. Wodehouse in a new original audio comedy-drama from AUK Studios.
The Code of the Wodehouses reimagines the time Wodehouse spent interned in German camps during the Second World War, where he was held after the occupation of France.
The six-part story is a witty, fictionalised account of those experiences, inspired by historical research into Wodehouse’s life and writings.
Written by award-winning screenwriter Kenton Hall from a concept by producer and director Barnaby Eaton-Jones, the drama follows the celebrated author, affectionately known as “Plum”, as he faces a visit from MI5 in 1944 Paris, forced to explain why his voice has been heard on German radio. To clear his name, he must tell his most extraordinary tale yet – his own.
Robert Daws, known for Poldark, Jeeves & Wooster, The Royal and many more, brings his deep connection with Wodehouse’s work to the role.
“Making The Code of the Wodehouses proved to be a delight,” he said. “It’s a story of spirit, humour and hardship. Though fictional, I’d hope Plum would have heartily approved, especially the funny bits. Tinkety tonk!”
AUK Studios’ Creative Director Barnaby Eaton-Jones described the project as a passion piece.
He said: “Being an avid Wodehouse fan, I could see his brief internment as a classic Jeeves & Wooster scenario.
“The internees felt like characters from one of his own stories, with the German officers as pushy aunts and barking uncles. Kenton researched it fully and found some surprising revelations.”
Writer Kenton Hall called the project “a dream job”, admitting he felt the weight of portraying Wodehouse during his toughest times while keeping the trademark humour alive.
“It was my debt to the great man that saw me through,” he joked. “The great man being my bank manager.”
The cast also includes Robin Herford as Major Cussens, Conrad Westmaas as Algy, Amy Robbins, Wink Taylor, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, and newcomer Piper Jones.
Conrad said: “Robert Daws and Robin Herford are so fluent in Wodehouse’s world, their ease and charm instantly transport you back in time.”
The Code of the Wodehouses will be released exclusively on HEARD PLUS, a new audio streaming platform, this December, marking fifty years since the author’s death in 1975.
