A Jeeves and Wooster Christmas at Hylands

The ever-popular Cameo Players will return to Hylands Estate between 5 and 7 December with another of their much-loved Christmas Soirées.

A jolly theme for 2022

This year the eagerly anticipated theme is… P.G Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster in ‘It’s Christmas – by Jeeves’. This light-hearted storyline, set during the 1920s, provides some festive cheer following the challenging years of the pandemic.

The show joins Bertie Wooster, his trusty valet, Jeeves, and their eccentric friends and family as they gather to celebrate the festive season in the glorious surroundings of the beautiful Neo-Classical villa – Hylands House.

‘It’s Christmas – by Jeeves’ presents stories of Bertie’s usual shenanigans alongside the sharp-witted Jeeves. Expect drama, comedy and plenty that goes wrong as Bertie battles against the mishaps and faux pas that often befall him.

An interactive experience

At The Cameo Players’ unique Christmas Soirées the audience really are a part of the show, celebrating the festive season alongside the cast. Interactive party games weaved throughout the show offer opportunities for you to take part in the fun if you wish to. Elements include sing-alongs, brainteasers, and games of Wodehouse wordplay! Dressing for the 1920s is also encouraged and, of course, there’ll also be the usual Christmas crackers to enjoy!

The cast rehearsing ‘It’s Christmas – by Jeeves’.

Tickets still available

It really isn’t Christmas without The Cameo Players’ traditional Soirée!

You can book tickets here. Limited availability remains, so book now before they sell out! The show runs for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including an interval. Mulled wine and light refreshments will be available to purchase.

About The Cameo Players

The Cameo Players is a group of amateur and professional performers, formed in 2003 by broadcaster, actor and director, Lindsay Lloyd. Their shows present a unique blend of dialogue, music, sketches, and audience participation that has delighted fans for more than 13 years.

Annual Christmas Soirées performed by the group have been hosted at Hylands House since 2003. They’re now considered a traditional part of Christmas at Hylands. Each year, the cast produce a brand-new show with a different theme: Sherlock Holmes, A Dickens Christmas and now this year’s Jeeves and Wooster. Lindsay produces and directs each show.

The Cameo Player’s 2021 Soirée: ‘An Elementary Christmas’.

Christmas at Hylands

‘It’s Christmas – by Jeeves’ is just one of many festive activities at Hylands Estate this year. For information on other upcoming events, including a light trail, Christmas Market, and a family pantomime, see our article on Chelmsford City Life. Follow Hylands Estate on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with events.

Meet the cast

Martin Lucas – Bertie Wooster

Martin developed his love for performing at school and went on to study drama at the University of East Anglia. His works for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services and has performed with The Cameo Players for ten years.

Paul Carnell – Jeeves

Paul trained with local teacher Lila Baxter and was a member of the National Youth Theatre before following a career in music, signing to Sony Music and touring worldwide. He continues to work as a professional musician and technology consultant.

Michael Gray – Tom Travers

Michael has taught drama and reviewed theatre performances for 40 years. He does regular seasonal work for The Cameo Players and is President of Chelmsford Theatre Workshop, for whom he first acted in 1972.

Caroline St. John – Dahlia Travers

After drama school, Caroline worked in repertory, fringe and TV. She toured East Anglia with Serendipity Productions for 20 years and has worked with The Cameo Players over the last ten years. After achieving her masters degree, she lectured on the history of English and now works as a translator.

Vicky Tropman – Agatha Gregson (Lady Worplesdon)

After attending drama school, Vicky has been involved in the professional and amateur theatre for many years. Her professional career included performances at the Belfast Arts Theatre as well as repertory performances throughout the UK. She was recently involved with Harry Potter Conventions, where she played the role of Professor McGonagall.

Sarah Slaughter – Roberta “Bobbie” Wickham

Sarah was a member of the National Youth Theatre and spent a year at Mountview studying Musical Theatre. She is now a mum of two and has been running her own baking business – The Enchanted Oven – for eight years. She’s been a member of The Cameo Players for 11 years.

Lindsay Lloyd – Dolly. Also writer and Director

Lindsay was involved with theatre, television, and radio for many years. She worked with Melvyn Bragg at the BBC on his show ‘Read All About It’. She went on to study drama at The Guildhall and worked for Essex Radio when it first aired. Lindsay was the first female presenter and worked on a variety of shows spanning the day from breakfast to late evening.  She went on to obtain a masters in directing and formed The  Cameo Players in 2003. She works professionally for The Shakespeare Schools Festival and Frinton Summer Theatre.