Blackadder Goes Forth

This production was to commemorate the ending of the First World War and showed great respect for those who had suffered so appallingly and so bravely during the conflict.  

Much thought had gone into enhancing the audience experience and as we arrived we were greeted by the Front of House team who were dressed in clothing from that era.  There was then time to investigate the various displays of memorabilia and also press cuttings and letters in the foyer which gave an opportunity to remember our history and prepare for the play.  

The Take Note Choir mostly dressed in black tops and trousers and accompanied by a pianist opened and closed each act with songs from those times.  This contributed to the feeling of being taken back to those wartime days.

Three episodes were linked from the "Blackadder Goes Forth" series - Major Star, General Hospital and Goodbyee.  Blackadder is a black comedy but listening to the characters discussing in such a matter of fact way the various privations of life in the trenches really brought the meaning home in a very poignant manner.   The original televised production and the characters within it are so well known that the stage play of necessity becomes a pastiche.   This play had been ideally cast with the actors taking on the mannerisms and feel for the delivery of the text of the original yet managing to put their own stamp on the part they were playing.  They were living their roles.  The number of gags is vast and they were delivered with an excellent feel for timing and received with much laughter.  

There are numerous scenes, some of them quite short and clever use had been made of the wide playing area and the two balconies with the scenes moving from one area to the next.   This coupled with minimal stage furniture and back projection allowed the play to progress without pause.  

The uniforms, to my eyes, appeared to be correct and Baldrick was burdened with all the extra kit that he is so well remembered for carrying.  

Sound effects were very well produced and quite chilling.  Lighting was good, there was a lamp failure when General Haig was left somewhat in the dark, but sometimes this can happen and was not allowed to affect the play.   The back projection worked superbly, quickly transforming one scene to another.

I remember many years ago seeing Alfie at the cinema.  This was also, in essence, a comedy, but the last moments so incredibly moving that the audience left the cinema in shocked silence.  Such it was with this production, as the play ended, with the comrades "going over the top" the silence of the large audience, who until then had been enthusiastically laughing, was so powerful.  

Congratulations to Tiverton Dramatic Society.   This was an excellent choice for this very special remembrance.   A very moving tribute.  

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