Blackadder II

In taking on such an iconic drama, Centre Stage Company had certainly set themselves a challenge, especially after an enforced delay of two years thanks to Covid-19. But the actors rose to the occasion with great enthusiasm and determination, coming together, despite all the odds, as a great team, putting on a polished and funny production, with the audience laughing anew at the many comic moments.

The 3 episodes chosen for this production were acted with energy and expertise. The comic timing and pace of every actor was excellent throughout, the lines delivered seamlessly, with no evidence of the difficulties that had been experienced in the rehearsal period due to the pandemic.

Adam Thurkettle and Richard Clarson did well with their multiple roles, and made a very entertaining double act as the Guards. Emma Letcher threw herself into her two parts, producing a fantastic maniacal laugh as the Wisewoman. This could maybe have been toned down slightly as Mrs Ploppy, to create a greater distinction between the two characters, but even so Emma’s enthusiastic portrayal of the sausage cook was fun and infectious. Likewise, Victoria Robson certainly enjoyed her two roles, and she must be commended along with Steve Murray for their seamless costume change in an impossibly short time, not breaking character for a moment as Kate and Flashheart. Steve was a joy to watch as Ludwig, commanding the stage with his subtly wicked presence. Alan Davidson gave a suitably sober portrayal of Lord Melchett, ably contrasted by the energy that Cian Harriss exuded as Percy. Luke Allen gave a competent performance as Baldrick, although he could have been made to look a little grubbier. He began his role brilliantly bringing to life the tv’s original comic genius innovation of being a living target swinging on the door. A shout out to backstage crew and actors alike for an excellent scene.

Lorraine Taylor showed her skill and diversity in her playing of Young Crone and Lady Farrow, so uncannily like the original tv’s desperate wife that it would have taken an expert to tell them apart. The parts of Nurse, played by Jackie Parker, Queenie, by Denise Harriss and Blackadder by Graeme Johnstone were likewise performed with such proficiency, that not only did they look like their tv counterparts, but each had perfected their interpretation of the mannerisms and voices of the original actors to such an extent that they surpassed expectations.

The costumes were excellent and the scenery and props effective, creating a convincing and enjoyable few hours in the company of the Elizabethans.

Sarah Simpson as director had a very difficult task in bringing to the stage something that had been written for television. In tv, one scene can easily be followed by another, with none of the concerns that those on stage have to think about: how to get the actors on and off, how to change the scenery and how to deal with the many blackouts that ensue. Sarah had chosen to remain totally faithful to the original, (albeit sparing us the gruesome ending!), which resulted in some loss of momentum between the many short scenes. Blackouts inevitably cause a drop in energy, and maybe the majority of these could have been avoided by either lighting one side of the stage or the other, and morphing the scenes into each other, perhaps having the characters leaving through the door after the Blackadder scenes as the Royal characters are entering from their side of the stage and being seen to get into place, making their entrance part of the scene, rather than having them already seated as can be done so easily on tv. Where major set changes are necessary, and a blackout is called for, perhaps a bit of Tudor music would have kept up the energy that was in danger of being lost.

What certainly doesn’t look right, is when characters not involved with a particular scene are visibly bringing furniture on during one scene in preparation for the next scene, or when flats are being moved during a scene.

However, these logistical problems did not stop the audience from really enjoying the show, laughing out loud at scenes they had watched countless times on the small screen, and appreciating the skill and hard work of a team of actors who made something difficult look so easy.

 

 

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