RIGHT HO, JEEVES

Rich, do-nothing Brit Bertie Wooster and his resourceful, imperturbable valet, Jeeves, are mixed up in two faltering romances and many comic misunderstandings in this classic period piece. Nicolas Coster's slightly gravelly voice is likable and expressive, and his acting is very good, though his voice sounds too old for Bertie, who narrates. And Coster should have done more to distinguish among characters' voices, especially those of Bertie and Jeeves, though one doesn't actually confuse them. Unfortunately, he reads dialogue one beat and narration two beats too slowly, at times rendering leaden or slow what should be bright and sparkling. Still, Wodehouse's writing and Coster's comic acting are winning, and the program, on the whole, is more amusing than irritating. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]