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Blackadder

Author: Chris Horton

Information

Date
13th June 2025
Society
Hartley Arts Group
Venue
Victoria Hall, Hartley Wintney
Type of Production
Play
Directors
Jake Featherstone, Bill Hansell, Helen Lewis

BLACKADDER THE ELIZABETHAN ERA, a stage adaptation based on the TV series created by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton and John Llloyd transports us to Elizabethan England.   It is based on three episodes of the programme ‘Bells’, ‘Beer’ and ‘Chains’.  Each one finds Edmund Blackadder battling bad luck, misinterpretations, misunderstanding and the incompetence of his servant, Baldrick.  And it is hilarious.

The set was brilliant, the main focus on Edmund Blackadder’s residence and various rooms, dungeons, London streets etc. Edmund’s home was a great representation of an Elizabeth room(s) and the various scene changes were done quickly and efficiently with music playing during the changes. The props were outstanding such as false boobs, a phallic shaped turnip, explanatory signs, chains, quills, skulls and Queenie’s throne was spectacular. A larger prop, the torture machine, deserve special mention.  

The costumes were excellent and were faithful representations from the stage show. Queen’s dress was breathtaking, the habits for the Puritans were just right and the whole cast were dressed immaculately throughout – all looking like they’d just stepped out of the tv studio. Baldrick was suitably filthy, Blackadder sharply dressed and Lord Flashheart. Nursie’s cow outfit was stunning!

This show was very authentic to the TV show with the cast all showing strong stage presence and their comedic timing captured the essence perfectly.     With the clever use of music and slick set changes, this made a great evening of theatre with an abundance of laughs. The creative team, led by the Directors, should be proud of this highly polished production and the cast should be amazed by their performances – I certainly was!

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