Blackadder Goes Forth

Following a warm welcome from Carol and Mimi, I was escorted to my seat to experience the stage version of Ben Elton and Richard Curtis’ British Academy award winning Series of 1989.
The curtain opened to a well constructed and appropriately dressed set on a revolving stage! Despite some minor transitional glitches and the confines of the hall, the scenes, which there were in excess of 20 were well managed by the crew and the revolve was certainly an excellent strategy, I particularly liked Melkshams office.

Blackadder Goes Forth is set in 1917 during World War 1, and it is here we witness the exploits of Edmund (Steve Coleman), George (Dan collier- Roberts) and Baldrick (Chris Powell), as they attempt to evade certain death in the Flanders trenches under the command of the misguided General Melchett played perfectly by Phil Bond!

A very appreciative audience were in attendance and lapped up every nuance of comedy that was on offer. There were fine performances from Dan Collier Roberts, Chris Powell and the cast. Through General Melksham’s order “over the top” into no man’s land, with Darling (Steve Lane), in tow we are reminded of the atrocities and huge loss of life this campaign gleaned.  Poignantly portrayed in slow motion as our heroes mortality is offered up amongst a flurry of gunshots, mortars and cascading poppies, pausing the laughter with a moment of reflection. Thank you RATS, well done! Looking forward to Me And My Girl in January!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.