Blackadder

After The Canterbury Tales earlier this year, PMA Theatre continue their run of comedies set in days of olde. This time the text isn’t poetry from the middle-ages, but a TV classic from the 1980s. It’s a brave move, taking on a beloved sitcom like Blackadder. We’re all familiar with the source material, so we have high expectations. Thankfully PMA Theatre rise to the challenge and not only meet our expectations, but exceed them. With slick performances, dazzling sets, and impressive live music, it’s a majestic night of comedy. 

As we take to our seats in Theatr Colwyn, we’re serenaded by music from the speakers; familiar tunes in a lilting lute style. When the curtain opens, however, the music really takes off. Robert Green, in full Tudor costume, sits with us in the auditorium and provides live piano accompaniment. His skill at the keys ensures that, even during the longer scene changes, we’re constantly entertained. 

The first location we’re taken to is Blackadder’s quarters. This being an adaptation of Blackadder II, we’re in the days of Elizabeth I – and this elaborate set does a fantastic job establishing this context. The back wall is a timbre framed wattle and daub (the sort of architecture you still see in Chester), and the stage is filled with the sort of paraphernalia you’d expect in the learned Blackadder’s room. When we move to Elizabeth’s court, a palace backdrop is pulled across the stage. It’s effective, and the backstage crew should be commended for the scene changes. 

And scene changes there were many; this production covers four episodes of Blackadder II; Bells, Head, Money, and Beer. All familiar to those who know it, but it’s pulled off so well that you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy it. The performances are professional standard, and each episode is rounded off by Jess Daily, as a jester, brilliantly singing the iconic theme with witty lyrics summing up what we’ve just seen. 

All of the actors do an impressive job. They both pay homage to the original cast, and add their own twist to the iconic characters. Gavin Baldwin steals the show as the titular Edmund Blackadder. With impeccable comic timing and deadpan deliveries, we want him to win despite his scheming Machiavellian ways. Alysia Dyke brings manic energy to the unhinged Queen Elizabeth, with Landon Sweeney and Jo Greenhalgh hilariously towing the line as Melchett and Nursie respectively. Malc Anglesea perfectly captures the dim-witted Lord Percy, and Bob Greenhalgh’s interpretation of the hapless Baldrick is subtle and powerful. Other standout performances are Holly Stones as Kate (or Bob), Gaynor Highcock as the puritanical Lady Whiteadder, and Tom Spencer as the creepy Bishop. 

The cast is so large that I can’t name everyone, but there isn’t a weak link. Everyone plays their part (or indeed multiple parts) with gusto. Sam Highcock’s direction can’t be faulted; everything comes together perfectly for a professional evening of comedy and nostalgia. The audience’s laughter proves this. 

I’d like to finish by commending the quirky artwork by Kit Greenhalgh, which is used for the promotional posters and programme. Light-hearted and fun, it complements the evening, summing up the fun of the performance. With the sad ubiquity of AI, it’s wonderful to see human talent utilised like this. Bravo to PMA for another successful project! 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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