Blackadder Goes Forth

Nantwich Players produced their next production, ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’, during the time the country were commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE day. A fitting and timely tribute, which was directed by Simon Porter. The set was well designed, with the stage split in three. The bunker was central, with a cell stage left and an office stage right. A doorway was created downstage, which the characters entered through (with some ducking) when entering the bunker. This was consistent throughout, and was a neat way to show this. Having a wooden beam representing the ceiling of the bunker helped to invoke the claustrophobic setting. The use of projections on the auditorium walls was an inspired directorial choice, immersing the audience in the story and the overall feel of the production. The staging for the closing moments of the production was well done, with those characters going over the top making a line downstage. The conclusion of the production was a stroke of genius and extremely moving, with Guy Favel-Potter playing the last post, as the RBL Union Standard was lowered, with names of the fallen from Nantwich appeared on the walls. This was well observed by Simon, and a fitting way to finish this production. The costumes were a very good feature of this production, transporting the audience to World War One.

Technical elements were very good throughout. The lighting design was good, with different areas lit for different scenes. The flashes when the bombs were being dropped were well cued. Sound effects used were good, adding to the atmosphere. The difficult moment of showing Blackadder and Baldrick in the planes was imaginatively done, with projections of a filmed sequence played on both walls of the auditorium. The projections used at the end of the production were fitting and a great tribute to the men of Nantwich with their names displayed and falling poppies projected on the walls.

Adam Goode played Edmund Blackadder. Adam commanded the space, and worked well with the other actors. Adam’s delivery was great, especially the comic lines. The audience enjoyed seeing the different ways that Blackadder evaded commands through Adam’s convincing performance.

Charlie Gobbett totally embodied the character of Baldrick. This was a great piece of casting, with Charlie delivering the comic moments with ease. It was great watching Charlie in the background of scenes, as he was always performing. This was a great comic performance from Charlie.

Ali Somers played George. Similarly to Adam and Charlie, Ali gave a strong performance as George. The interactions throughout were good, with some great comic moments, from the revelation of his artistic skills to his fawning over Flashheart.

William Hickey impressed as Darling. The change in character as he realised he was being sent to the front was nicely played by William, allowing the audience to see a vulnerable side to the character.

Steve Bird did well as Melchett. Steve used his physicality and voice to great effect to portray this character. There was great humour in Steve’s performance, especially in the court scene.

Jonathan Everitt played Perkins and Oberleutnant von Gerhardt. Two different characters that allowed Jonathan to showcase his acting skills, and were performed competently.

Chris Finney breezed through his scenes as the charismatic Flashheart. This was a great cameo role, with Chris using his voice and physicality to portray the arrogant Flashheart. Great work!

Andrew Hobson played Baron Von Richtofen. Andrew was committed to this role, and added to the comedic moments. The exaggerated characterisation was good.

Andy Leach (Corporal), Sarah Whitfield-Green (Squaddie 1), Tom Brookes (Squaddie 2/Haig), and Caroline Buckley (Bobby) all did well in their small roles, adding to the comedy of the production. This was especially true with Tom Brookes with his camp portrayal of Squaddie 2.

Overall, this was a poignant production. There were great comic moments, good technical elements, and a moving end to the production.

A big thank you to everyone at Nantwich Players for their kind invite.

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