Blackadder II

The Conquest Theatre's adaptation of Blackadder Series II was a resounding success, offering an evening of delightful entertainment that truly captured the essence of the beloved TV sitcom. Under the expert direction of Amy Burke, the production boasted a stellar cast whose performances were nothing short of outstanding as they performed the three iconic episodes Bells, Head and Beer.

Hugh Farey and the Conquest Koffee Klub have outdone themselves with the highly detailed set design, transporting the audience to the Elizabethan era, the set was impeccably painted and dressed, cleverly dividing Blackadder's house from the Throne room at the Palace. The downstage right area served as a versatile space for scenes unconnected to either location, allowing for seamless transitions between settings. Cleverly utilised backdrops enhanced the illusion, from the warmth of Kate's House in the first sketch to the dank confines of the dungeon in the second. Set changes were executed with slick precision, complemented by excellent lighting and sound design that enhanced the overall atmosphere. However, it is the costume department that truly shines, delivering an authentic array of outfits that truly capture the essence of the period and the iconic show. A special mention here for Queenie's dress, which was perfect!

Taking on the iconic roles of Blackadder and Baldrick is no small feat, as audiences come expecting impressions of Atkinson and Robinson. Yet, Mitchell Worton as Lord Blackadder and Jess Gilbert as Baldrick rose to the challenge admirably. Their performances were characterised by excellent comic timing and spot-on delivery of punchlines, creating a chemistry between them that resonated with the audience. Melanie McClusky's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I was equally impressive, capturing her childish mannerisms and voice with near perfection. Adorned in suitable attire, Melanie could easily have been mistaken for Miranda Richardson's understudy. However, it was Joanne Stanley as Nursie and Joe Rolt as Flashheart who truly shone, embodying their characters flawlessly with remarkable facial expressions and impeccable comic timing.

Conor Stobart as Lord Percy Percy and Paul Lack as Lord Melchett both delivered strong performances, embodying their respective characters with finesse. Conor captured Percy's dim-witted mannerisms with a hint of campness reminiscent of Tim McInnerny, while Paul gave a commanding performance as Melchett, conveying his competitive nature and underlying jealousy of Blackadder.

Regarding the exceptional supporting cast, Catherine Crosswell's portrayal of Kate/Bob was splendid, delivering the iconic role with thigh-slapping humour. Hugh Farey, in the role of her father, delivered some of the most memorable lines of the show, particularly in his humorous attempts to persuade his daughter to 'go on the game.' The audience was thoroughly entertained by these comedic moments, adding to the overall hilarity of the first sketch ‘Bells.’

Amanda Vincent-Perkins brought humour to the stage with her comical hysterics as Lady Farrow, while Peter Goodson and Carolyn Warren had a good dynamic as Mr. and Mrs. Ploppy in the ‘Head’ sketch. Johnathan Lewis delivered a credible performance as Dr. Leech, and Richard Williams, Neil Eldridge, and Andrew Cooper had the audience in stitches as Simon Partridge, Geoffrey Piddle, and Freddie Frobisher, respectively, during the final sketch 'Beer.'

The standout sketch of this production was undoubtedly 'Beer,' which was elevated by the appearances of John Bryan and Nat Mitchell as the fanatical puritans Lord and Lady Whiteadder. Their performances, particularly Nat's eye watering face slaps of Blackadder and his hilarious reactions, stole the show, displaying impeccable comic timing from both actors. The entire cast delivered spot-on performances during this sketch, with some of the best drunk acting seen on stage. The addition of fake boobs added an extra layer of hilarity, leaving the audience chuckling away long after the curtains closed.

A special mention must be made of the ladies of the Greek Chorus, whose performances were nothing short of exceptional. Their musicality and harmony were impeccable, and I found myself crying with laughter whenever they appeared with their witty ditties. Their presence added a delightful anticipation to the show, as I could not wait to see where they would pop up next! Anne Churchill and Sandra Higgins deserve recognition for their delightful cameos as The Wise Women and The Young Crone, respectively.

Finally, I must remark on the incredible programme created for this show. It was a true work of art, and I could see the immense effort that must have gone into its creation. The added detail of the wax seal was simply genius and added an extra touch of authenticity to the overall presentation.

A huge congratulations to Director Amy Burke for orchestrating such a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment. Your hospitality was much appreciated, and a big thank you to Pat Rimell for her kindness in accommodating my ticket swap at short notice. It is always a pleasure to visit The Conquest Theatre, and this production was no exception.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.