Robert Daws Stars as P.G. Wodehouse in AUK Studios’ “The Code of the Wodehouses” Podcast | A Brilliant Audio Tribute
The world of British comedy is getting a fresh audio revival. Renowned actor Robert Daws, beloved for his roles in Poldark, The Royal, and Jeeves & Wooster, is stepping into the shoes of literary genius P.G. Wodehouse in an all-new podcast series from AUK Studios titled The Code of the Wodehouses.
The six-part original audio comedy-drama, written by award-winning screenwriter Kenton Hall and directed by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, blends history, fiction, and classic Wodehousian wit in a way that promises to delight both long-time fans and new listeners.
Set during the tumultuous years of World War II, The Code of the Wodehouses reimagines the time P.G. Wodehouse spent interned in German camps following the Nazi occupation of France.
A Fictional Yet Faithful Take
While based on true events, the drama takes creative liberties to explore Wodehouse’s mind and humor during his internment. The result? A witty, deeply human portrait of a man whose spirit of laughter survived even in the bleakest conditions.
The story follows “Plum” — Wodehouse’s affectionate nickname — as he faces an unexpected visit from MI5 in 1944 Paris, forced to explain his voice’s appearance on German radio broadcasts. To clear his name, he must recount his extraordinary tale — the story of how humor, hope, and creativity endured through captivity.
A Cast of Comedy Greats
The production brings together a powerhouse ensemble of British talent:
Robert Daws as P.G. Wodehouse
Robin Herford as Major Cussens
Conrad Westmaas as Algy
Amy Robbins, Wink Taylor, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, and Piper Jones
Each performer brings depth and comic rhythm to their role, reimagining a slice of history with elegance, charm, and laughter.
Conrad Westmaas on Working with Robert Daws
“Robert and Robin are so fluent in Wodehouse’s world,” said Westmaas. “Their ease and charm instantly transport you back in time.”
Robert Daws on Becoming P.G. Wodehouse
For Daws, portraying one of Britain’s most beloved humorists was both a challenge and an honor.
“Making The Code of the Wodehouses proved to be a delight,” Daws 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!”
The actor’s connection to Wodehouse runs deep. Having starred in Jeeves & Wooster, he’s long admired the precision of Wodehouse’s language and timing — the gentle absurdity of his upper-crust world and the timelessness of his humor.
Behind the Scenes: How the Idea Took Shape
The Spark of Inspiration
AUK Studios’ Creative Director Barnaby Eaton-Jones, known for revitalizing classic British audio comedies, describes the project as a “passion piece.”
“Being an avid Wodehouse fan, I could see his brief internment as a classic Jeeves & Wooster scenario,” Eaton-Jones explained. “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.”
Writing the Wodehouse Way
Kenton Hall, the series writer, approached the project with both reverence and humor.
“It was my debt to the great man that saw me through,” he quipped. “The great man being my bank manager.”
Hall describes the script as a “fictionalised truth” — faithful to the tone and wit of Wodehouse’s original works but framed through the lens of modern storytelling. His goal was not just to make listeners laugh but to understand the man behind the mirth.
Wodehouse: The Man, The Myth, The Humorist
A Brief Biography
Born in 1881, Pelham Grenville Wodehouse — affectionately nicknamed Plum — became one of the most prolific humorists in the English language. His sharp, melodic prose and whimsical depictions of aristocratic life created timeless characters like Jeeves and Bertie Wooster.
Over his career, he wrote more than 90 books, along with countless short stories and musical comedies. His work shaped generations of British humorists, from Stephen Fry to Douglas Adams.
The Controversy of 1941
Wodehouse’s wartime broadcasts for German radio, recorded while he was interned, sparked widespread controversy. Though intended as light-hearted and apolitical anecdotes, they were seen by some as collaborationist. The British public turned on him, and his reputation suffered for decades.
The Code of the Wodehouses revisits this turbulent period — not as a defense, but as an exploration of misunderstanding, resilience, and redemption through laughter.
AUK Studios: Redefining the Audio Experience
Founded by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, AUK Studios has carved a niche for crafting innovative, high-quality audio dramas that blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Their catalogue includes adaptations of British classics and original works that bridge the gap between traditional radio and modern podcasting.
The HEARD PLUS Platform
The podcast will premiere exclusively on HEARD PLUS, a new audio streaming platform specializing in immersive storytelling. Its release this December 2025 marks a significant date — fifty years since Wodehouse’s death in 1975.
The platform promises superior audio quality, bonus interviews, and behind-the-scenes content for subscribers — making it a must-listen for lovers of classic British comedy.
Recreating the Sound of Wartime Europe
AUK Studios spared no detail in recreating the atmosphere of 1940s Europe. From authentic sound effects to period-accurate dialogue, every moment captures the tension, absurdity, and humor of wartime life.
Listeners can expect:
Meticulously researched scripts grounded in Wodehouse’s life
Authentic ambient design capturing internment camp life
Music inspired by 1940s swing and light orchestra traditions
Sharp comedic timing that channels the Jeeves & Wooster spirit
A Story of Spirit, Humour, and Humanity
At its heart, The Code of the Wodehouses is not just a comedy — it’s a story about survival through laughter. Even when surrounded by barbed wire and suspicion, Wodehouse’s humor remained his greatest defense.
His words remind us that wit can be resistance, that laughter can be courage, and that even in the darkest of times, a well-placed quip can illuminate the human spirit.
Why This Podcast Matters Today
In an era dominated by digital overload and fleeting attention spans, long-form audio storytelling like this podcast is experiencing a revival. Audiences crave authenticity, nostalgia, and craftsmanship — all qualities The Code of the Wodehouses delivers.
Cultural Resonance in 2025
Rediscovering Literary Icons: Young listeners unfamiliar with Wodehouse will discover why his humor endures.
Revisiting History Through Fiction: The story humanizes a controversial chapter in cultural history.
The Return of Audio Dramas: In a podcast-saturated market, scripted dramas offer depth and artistry.
Quotes From the Team
Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Director & Producer
“Our mission was to craft something both historically respectful and laugh-out-loud funny. I think Wodehouse himself would’ve found it rather spiffing.”
Amy Robbins, Cast Member
“The production was a joy — we laughed constantly between takes. It’s rare to find scripts that sparkle like Wodehouse’s prose.”
Piper Jones, Newcomer
“Joining such an incredible cast was surreal. You could feel the legacy of Wodehouse in every line.”
The Enduring Influence of Wodehouse’s Humor
Even fifty years after his passing, P.G. Wodehouse continues to shape how the world understands British wit. His work remains a touchstone for comedy writers, blending lightness, rhythm, and an incomparable sense of timing.
From television adaptations to memes and podcasts, the Wodehouse way lives on — clever, kind-hearted, and irresistibly funny.
When and Where to Listen
Podcast Title:The Code of the Wodehouses
Platform: HEARD PLUS (Exclusive Release)
Launch Date: December 2025
Produced By: AUK Studios
Written By: Kenton Hall
Directed By: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Starring: Robert Daws as P.G. Wodehouse
Final Thoughts
The Code of the Wodehouses is more than an homage — it’s a creative resurrection of a literary giant. By blending fact, fiction, and the resilient humor that defined Wodehouse’s life, this AUK Studios production reintroduces “Plum” to a new generation of listeners.
In a time when the world could use a little more laughter, Wodehouse’s timeless wit is exactly what we need.
