Blackadder II

The recent form displayed by Tynemouth Priory Theatre in their production of plays continued last week with their superb comedy Blackadder II, the well-known, iconic series which almost everyone remembers from our TV screens in the eighties and widely repeated ever since.

Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson et al were almost family to us, my favourite of all of the series’ being this one. Fond memories of family viewing and huge amounts of laughter at the situation comedy, irreverence and knockabout.

It is always very difficult to create characters similar to those so famous, but the actors in this production got scarily close, almost all of the time, for which they should be heartily congratulated.

The opening visual was superb, with an Elizabethan set decorated and dressed beautifully. Bright, colourful and sumptuous costumes and props helped to make the setting believable and complimentary.

The three chosen programmes from the series were ‘Bells’, ‘Money’ and in the second act – ‘Potato’ – a particular favourite of mine.

Jonny Woolett’s Edmund Blackadder was a superb comedy tour de force. On stage almost all of the time and superbly portrayed with all of the timing and nuances necessary to ensure his success. Congratulations.

Joe Costigan as Baldrick was also superb and gave great support to Jonny with his obviously knowledgeable characterisation and stage antics. Well done, Joe.

There were some other great performances too, from Adam Swalwell as Lord Percy, Alex Hepple as Queenie, Kell Smurthwaite as Nursie, Ian Reah as Melchett and Brooke Milburn in the role of Kate/Bob. Tremendous support from Laurence hill in many parts; but in particular Flashheart and Raleigh, Trevor Hogg’s fatherly efforts to persuade his daughter Kate to ‘go on the game’!, James Elliott as the creepy Bishop of Bath and Wells and Captain Rum, Ali Broughton in her trio of cameo roles, and last but not least Fraire Armstrong as a superb strumpet and messenger.

Congratulations to Vicki Lockey and her Team for another collective success. It is always a pleasure to visit the Priory. You can be sure of an enjoyable evening and this was no exception. It made me want to revisit the series again on Youtube.

Thanks from me and my companion Pauleen for a very funny and pleasurable night.

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