Blackadder Goes Forth

 

 

 

We were greeted by an open stage with a dramatic split set depicting the  “offices” of  both Captain Blackadder and General Melchett with a wall of sandbags, pallets and ladders at the back. Appropriate lighting and sound effects of shell-fire created the atmosphere required for this very well written iconic Comedy.

Poulton Drama had chosen this Production to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.  The play is based on the B.B.C. Series written by the talented Richard Curtis and Ben Elton and Director David Twizell had worked closely with the actors to recreate the characters.This is not always an easy task as Audiences, having viewed the original T.V. series have a preconceived image and expectation of the outcome.

We were soon involved in the story, which is set in 1917 on the Western Front, in the trenches, during World War One.

Garry Houghton, as Captain Blackadder, gave an outstanding performance, making the role his own as he showed excellent stage presence.  The surprise casting of Beverley Thompson as Private Baldrick was a triumph. Beverley used all her experience and stagecraft to bring this character to life. Huw Rose made the most of his comic role as Lieutanant George, especially when appearing in the “ Music Hall”.    Charlie Brickman revelled in his role as Captain Darling, the Nemesis of Blackadder and again, showed good comic timing.   Anthony Henry held the stage at every appearance in the iconic role of General Melchett and again showed his command of the text using his fine voice to great advantage.

Diction and Projection from all on stage was first class.

The Military Costumes and weapons gave an authentic credibility to the action and Sound and Lighting effects added to the atmosphere.

Act 1 covered an episode called Major Star and another called Corporal Punishment where most of the humour takes place.   Act 2 entitled Goodbyee was beautifully Directed and Performed as the tone of the piece darkened and Blackadder, Baldrick, George and Darling go ‘ over the top ‘ into no-man’s-land.

There was a very poignant ending as the lights turned red and poppies fell from above, leaving the actors ‘ frozen in time ‘.

We, the Audience were very moved by the last few minutes of the Production as we quietly filed out of the auditorium with our own individual thoughts and emotions.   Congratulations to all on a splendid evening’s entertainment.

 

 

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