Blackadder II

Television sit coms from the 1980’s and 1990’s have become staples of the amateur dramatics scene across the country over the last half a decade or so and given the quantity of different tv shows I’ve seen on stage over the years the way in which they’re approached by the creatives can flop or rocket the production.

If a detailed attempt to accurately recreate a sitcom is made, I (as I’m sure many others do) can’t help but rate the performers and the production on the accuracy of imitation. Here we got a mixed bag when it came to this matter, some of the actors had studied and perfected the episodes to convey precise impersonations which the audience seemed to respond to with far more vigour than those who’d attempted a slightly more original impression of, giving the initial belief that “he’s not got it as good as some of the others” regardless of how good an actor they actually are, something that’s rather unsatisfying to those who’d consider themselves immersed thespians, however, I can’t disagree with the judging method for productions of this ilk. If I purchase a ticket to see a sitcom I adore being performed live, I can’t deny that I’d want to see a replica over and above an actor trying to make more of it than necessary, I’d just want to see an exquisite impersonation of Victor Meldrew and if I didn’t get that then it would seem a mockery to call it ‘One Foot In The Grave’ (for example).     

We often have to make allowances when it comes to amateur theatre and sometimes an actor in a stage adaptation of a TV sitcom is forced to covey something original if they don’t or can’t look or sound anything like the character we recognise. In this instance it was Edmond Blackadder himself who didn’t resemble Rowan Atkinson in any way and nor was he making any attempt to which was a wise choice given that he would never be accurate enough to convince us. David Moreton was indeed comical, presented well and gave a stout performance, however, his only downfall was how he didn’t resemble any of iconic and identifiable traits, despite actually delivering a solid act which is such a shame to say but sadly is the nature of this game/genre.

The static set was generally split into three areas, stage right was Blackadder’s home, stage left was the throne room for Elizabeth I with the centre stage and downstage areas being utilised for other, shorter miscellaneous moments. The set was handsomely decorated but visually, making the most striking statements was the array of terrific costumes with Elisabeth I’s gown as the pièce de résistance. Jenny Hollinshead delivered an excellent Queenie, with a very faithful to the original recreation with squeaks and squeals and intonations very evocative of Miranda Richardson. There was strong support from the rest of the cast, particularly, Stuart Sephton’s Baldrick who had the character’s nuances and vacant expression nailed, quite impressively, when I’m remembering certain moments from the production I’m seeing Tony Robinson on stage and not Stuart Sephton which is testament of excellent imitation trickery

The whole cast were a strong troupe indeed with some minor short lived characters leaving memorable impressions such as Rosalind Fords Wise Woman, Janet Taylor’s Nursie and Stuart Harding’s Captain Red Beard, equally portrayed with excellent comic delivery and accuracy.  

Director Ross Douglas is evidently a fan of the (tv) show and he’d produced a rendition riddled with absolute justice to it, translating the scenes from screen to stage with ease, or so it appeared at least. It’s no mean feat getting scripts that’ve been penned for tv to flow on stage, but this presentation was seamless. Congratulations.  

With some lovely facial comedy, true replications and historical tomfoolery – this laugh a minute production was a joy. 

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