Blackadder 2

Blackadder 2 takes three episodes from the 2nd series of Blackadder first aired on the small screen in early 1986 and reimagines them for the stage.

One of the most impressive features of The Barony Players presentations is the way they use a small stage with minimal wing space and transform it in to a well-dressed, practical, acting area – totally in keeping with the high standard of performance about to grace it’s boards. Costumes too, were rich and totally in period, Queenie’s Elizabethan outfit was stunning.

It is always a difficult task to take iconic television characters and remaster them for the stage, however, tonight this was achieved to no small extent.

Duncan Lindsay in the title role, was superb. He commanded the stage with confidence, had good delivery and first class comic timing. Keith Hewitt, too, as Blackadder’s less than intelligent servant, extracted every ounce of humour from the role, much to the delight of the audience! Queenie (Siobhan Smith) matched her first class costume with fine line delivery and excellent facial expressions. Mark Eggeling presented a suitable dim Lord Percy, and together with David Todd’s Lord Melchett, added to the comedy of the piece in no small measure. Wendy Turner as Nursie emphasised the droll nature of this character, rounding off an excellent group of principals, taking part in all three episodes tonight.

An ensemble cast of minor parts all added to the hilarity and the absurdity of the evening. I particularly liked Sandy Queenan as Lord Flashheart – and I could not conclude without a mention of Claire Withnell as the iconic “Bob”. Duncan Lindsay (Blackadder) quite rightly says in his biog “I may never be able to say the name “Bob” normally again…..! I think that applies to many in the audience tonight!

Congratulations to the three Directors who took an episode each – Janna Phillip, Craig Lowe and Claire Withnell. You each managed to take a piece of television history and successfully present it on the stage this evening!

Well done The Barony Players – another very memorable production!

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