Blackadder Goes Forth

There are a number of plays around which are based on well loved  TV comedies such  as  Fawlty Towers, Vicar of  Dibley, Allo Allo and Hi de  Hi. When deciding to do such a show which is so well known with characters which are much loved it is important to keep to the original characterisation as closely as possible.

This was certainly the case with this show where the actors held the mannerisms and voices of their characters completely sown up.

Nigel Skinner was excellent as Captain Blackadder. His voice was so spot on that if I closed my eyes I would’ve believed Rowan Atkinson was in the room. His dry wit berating the other characters was hilarious.

Nigel Winters a great Baldrick both in looks, mannerisms and delivery of dialogue. His simple childlike naivety was key to the character and he delivered it beautifully.

Paul Allison made a fantastic George, the bumbling upper class, simpleton who until the very end doesn’t notice the horrors going on around him. Hugh Lawrie played this role in the original show and Paul more than matched his acting.

Steve Maxfield was brilliant in the role of General Melchett with the deep laugh and inability to have any empathy for anyone else whilst Lee Brennan played a blinder as Captain Darling the officer who believes he is protected by Melchett only to be sold out by him right at the end. His touching performance in the trenches just before the big push was heartbreaking.

The only female in the cast was Hannah Davenport as Bob, a small but very well played part with some nice dry comic touches.

The set was fantastic with great use of the floor space in front of the stage, the props were great and in keeping with the period and the lights were very fitting and enhanced each scene.

The direction worked well with the set and the changes necessary for each scene and the casting was brilliant as each part was expertly filled by the players. Overall a thoroughly brilliant interpretation of such loved characters.

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