Blackadder Goes Forth

The recreation of an iconic television classic, written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, whose characters were made memorable in British comedy, must have been a daunting task but thanks to some superb casting and direction, any worries soon dissipated.

The programme was an inspired idea by presenting it like a World War 1 newspaper. The set was also amazing with the main stage representing the dugout and trenches and in front, on part of the auditorium floor, General Melchetts’s office. To the side, on rostra,  a field hospital and a jail. Lighting and sound were all important with explosion flashes, sound of bombs and gunfire. The recognisable theme tunes denoted changes of scene and end of acts. Costumes were good and authentic.

Set in World War 1 of course, a sarcastic Blackadder fails to follow and ignores orders sent by phone, telegram and even carrier pigeon which he shoots and subsequently eats to hide the evidence. As we move through the war each comedic scene shows Blackadder’s vain attempts to avoid actual fighting. Hilarious acting by the whole cast but especially Blackadder played superbly by Geof Hillier, a hint of Rowan Atkinson but at the same time managing to make the character his own. The hilarious Lee Bentley as General Melchett gave us a pompous character, who led from the back. Captain Darling played simperingly wimpish by Michael Barker, not disguising his loathing for Blackadder. Andrew McMillan played an exuberant Lieutenant George, friend of Blackadder. I think a lot of the audience giggles came from the delightfully dim-witted Baldrick, portrayed brilliantly by Jason Down.

The main characters were more than ably supported by their fellow soldiers and comrades who all turned out star performances. The cameo parts played by Katie Aitchison – Nurse/Bob; Rob Tizzard – Cpl.Jones and Field Marshall Haig; William Gough – Cpl Perkins and Brigadier Proudfoot Smith; Gabriel Wolfe, Harry Tait, Matt Wintour as Privates Spencer, Robinson and Tipperwick. All were excellently acted, and all had their part to play.

The final scene was more sombre as despite Blackadder’s efforts to avoid being killed they are all faced with climbing over the barricades. This was stunningly good theatre with the lighting, sound effects and the silhouetted soldiers against a red backdrop about to go to their certain deaths.

This was a funny and poignant production with excellent direction by Kirstie McMillan.   

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