Blackadder II- “Head” & Blackadder Goes Forth - “Private Plane”

This week’s visit to Monifieth Theatre saw an ambitious attempt by Monifieth Amateur Dramatics to bring the sharp wit and humour of the much loved TV series Blackadder to the stage. 

In Act 1, they presented Blackadder II: Head, where we follow Edmund Blackadder, played by Isaac Devereux, navigating the perils of Tudor England. This episode humorously centers around Blackadder’s promotion to Lord High Executioner and his subsequent efforts to avoid executing a friend. Act 2 shifts to Blackadder Goes Forth: Private Plane, capturing the wartime antics of Blackadder and his team as they join the “Twenty Minuters” squadron and face perilous encounters with German forces.

The cast showed commitment to embodying these memorable characters, with Devereux’s sardonic wit as Blackadder shining through, and Steven Armstrong’s Baldrick providing plenty of laughs. Simon Deuchar’s dual roles as Percy and Captain Darling added a layer of humor with his shifting loyalties and fussy demeanor. Anne Sutherland brought a delightful unpredictability to Queenie, while Isabell Benvie as Nursie and Alan Kerr in his dual roles as Melchett and General Melchett captured the eccentricities that make the series so cherished.

The ensemble clearly put in a strong effort to bring the iconic scenes to life. However, the pace of the scene changes was not an easy feat and at times broke the rhythm necessary for Blackadder’s quick-witted humor to land as sharply as intended. 

Alan Christison’s over-the-top performance as cringeworthy Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart added a burst of energy to Act 2, and Ivy Sutherland, portrayal of Lieutenant George was both endearing and amusing. Euan Smith’s dual roles as Mr. Ploppy and Baron Von Richthofen were also skillfully handled, adding depth to the cast.

Well done to All. Thank you for the invite. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. 

 

 

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