Blackadder goes forth

The Bancroft Players                                                                     Blackadder Goes Forth  

The QMT – Monday 8th June 2025

Director – Yvonne Patterson

Blackadder Goes Forth is the stage adaptation of BBC TV series of the same name.

I am a huge Blackadder fan it is nostalgic, and it holds many memories for me, so I was really looking forward to seeing how Yvonne Patterson and her cast would adapt these tv episodes.  Obviously, Yvonne had a vision, and it was executed almost faultlessly.  Not only did every joke hit home but a lot of love had been put into being faithful to the series, which is loved.  For me the ending of the TV series in the Poppy fields is iconic and emotional, and so was the ending to this wonderful piece of theatre.  The moment the characters went ‘over the top’ and they went into slow motion the audience were silent, including myself, after so many funny moments to end it in the correct way was not only respectful but the right decision.  Thank you for that moment.

Rory Reynolds was Edmund Blackadder, and he most definitely was Edmund Blackadder! Vocally so very close to Rowan Atkinson, mannerisms so very close.  So much time had gone into researching and making sure Blackadder was what every audience member expected, congratulations Rory!

James Kirwan played the much-loved character Baldrick.  Vocally again magnificent, and all the Baldrick mannerisms were excellent.  Also, Rory and James did one of the best stage punches I have ever seen when they recreated the “come here” punch in act 2.

George was played by Tobin Saunders.  Not an easy part to play I would not want to play a part created by Hugh Laurie, but Tobin was spot on!  All the little head and arm movements were outstanding.  There is a physicality to the part and Tobin made sure it was there and again vocally wow!

Melchett (Graeme Bussey) and Darling (Russell Hurn) are usually known as a double act and both Graeme and Russell did not disappoint.  Russell made sure Darling had the eye twitch and Melchett was the blustering fool he should be.

The classic role of Bob was played by Jayne Thompson and Mary the nurse was played by Claudia O’Connell were both good in there supporting role, as was Ollie Moorhead as Haig and Smith.

The split set between the bunker and Melchett’s office was quite frankly outstanding! It looked authentic and it was functional the hospital bed being hidden in the middle was a genius idea.  My congratulations to the set building team.

I usually do not like blackouts but as this is based on a TV show there were always going to be blackouts at the end of each scene.  The lighting team though did subtle things that just made a difference for example the lights above the bunker that made it look like there was gun fire. 

Costumes were amazing, authentic and in keeping with the period.

This was a show that I will remember for a long-time congratulations to everyone involved! Thank you to Elliott for his hospitality.

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