Blackadder Goes Forth

This brilliantly scripted amateur adaptation of Blackadder Goes Forth, created by Marsden PCAODS, based on the original BBC series starring Rowan Atkinson and written by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton and John Lloyd more than works on stage. It was a challenging task but Marsden successfully completed it to a very high standard. The story is presented in four acts, each corresponding with episodes from the much loved series, each one successfully capturing the mood, style, and essence of this faultless TV classic. The episodes are set during World War I where Blackadder serves as a Captain in the British army stationed on the front lines. The simple yet effective set, locates the audience between the trenches and the living quarters, was very cleverly devised. The level of production this society is able to produce is magnificent and the use of space never ceases to astound.

Chris Slater as Captain Edmund Blackadder was excellent. Chris could make a living as a Rowan Atkinson impersonator and was solid throughout the performance. Richard Haigh played Private Baldrick and his portrayal of this much loved character was of equal quality and they made for a fantastic duo with excellent stage chemistry.

Mason Hemphill was very funny with his portrayal of the dim witted but loveable George, and he brought a real warmth to the production.

Ian Taylor was fabulous as General Melchett. With stunning moustache and booming voice he paced his delivery perfectly and was a joy to watch.

Captain Darling was played by Robbie Pogson. Robbie I felt had the most difficult part in the whole play as those who love Blackadder will know that Tim McInnery has a special way of showing emotion with just the lift of an eyebrow. Robbie captured this perfectly.

Charlie Wilson – Baron Von Richtofen, Anna Deery – Driver “Bob” alongside Al Muskett – Private Robinson, Chris Comber – Private Fraser and Malcolm Payne – Corporal Jones were all simply fantastic from the outrageous german fighter pilot to the hilarious firing squad. The onstage chemistry showed in their performances and it was evident all cast members were having a riot whilst working in complete harmony with each other.

Then we do come to something a bit special. Matt Ogden WAS Lord Flashheart. With every hip thrush and innuendo he was simply epic. Matt had the audience in hysterics and was a joy to watch.

The final episode of this play creates a more sombre and desperate tone as, despite his efforts to be removed from the front line and avoid being killed, Blackadder and his comrades are faced with climbing the wall and going “Over the Top” which they know will lead to certain death. The final minutes were just great theatre. You could hear thumping heartbeats from the audience as the projection screen played out the final moments of this epic TV Show and a great way to display what happened in this (not so) Great War.

Chris Comber was not only one of the Firing Squad but also directed the production. Chris was very clever in his use of space and rinsed every single inch out of the area available. Set changes were slick and the pace was just right. Congratulations Chris on a job well done.

Wardrobe props and make up, Vivienne Payne, Carolyn Taylor and Judith Morrison were the cherry on the cake as they fit the period perfect and just enhanced the production and never distracted from it.
 

I would like to congratulate Marsden on yet another fantastic production. My heartfelt thanks go to the bar staff – Andrew Fielding, Claire Fielding and Janet Hall and the lovely ladies namely Kathleen Snooks, Pippa Bamford, Alison Gibson, Dreda Glennie, Rusty Grayson, Jenny Hall and Gail Pogson who were working the tickets and programmes. With these hard working members the people on stage can’t relax and do their thing. I can’t wait to share stories with you again soon.

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