Blackadder the Third

Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, you would expect the scripts to be fast paced, witty and ruthlessly sarcastic which of course they are. Director Mike Sanders undoubtedly had a vision for this iconic British sitcom successfully combining three of the series’ most memorable episodes: ‘Ink and Incapability’, sees Blackadder (Lee Crosby) having to rewrite Samuel Johnson's (Stuart Raphel) new dictionary overnight after Baldrick (Elliot Kinnear) burns the only manuscript for firewood.’ Nob and Nobility’ has Edmund attempting to profit from the French Revolution making a 1,000 bet with Lords Topper (Joseph Rutland) and Smedley (J.D Justice) by posing as the Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue aristocrats such as the French Gent (Chris Clinton) .‘Amy and Amiability’ sees Edmund  Blackadder trying to marry Prince George ( Marc Smith)  off to a rich industrialist' Mr Hardwood (Gareth Crawshaw) daughter Amy Hardwood (Fiona Williams) to pay off debts but this is thwarted at every turn by the mysterious highwayman known as ‘The Shadow’

We meet Edmund Blackadder in Georgian England working as butler to Prince  George, who is a spoiled, foppish idiot, beautifully played by Marc Smith, he proclaims he has been serving the Prince all of his life, ever since the prince was breastfed. Despite Edmund's respected intelligence and abilities, he has no personal fortune to speak of, but is able to manipulate the Prince, he is generally financially comfortable. Lee displayed flawless comic timing, the quips, the tormented facial expressions, this performance, perfectly pitched, in what is for me, Lee’s best performance to date. Baldrick is labelled as Blackadder's "dogsbody". Baldrick is best known for the catchphrase ‘I have a cunning plan’, which he uses to introduce solutions to problems. These plans are invariably absurd, illogical, and often lead to humorous predicaments, though Edmund often uses them out of sheer desperation. Elliot gives a fine performance as he depicts Baldricks infamous lack of hygiene, shaggy appearance, and simple outlook on life. A fine performance Elliot especially as you came into the cast just five weeks ago.

Then of course we meet the outrageous Mrs Miggins (Leanne Hardy), whose shop is initially known as a pie shop but she starts selling more "French" foods during a temporary fad. It soon became a hub for various Regency era figures, including poets Coleridge (Harry Brown) Shelley (Jon Mulligan) who also plays the (French Ambassador) and Lord Byron (Lee Patterson). She is a cheerful, albeit dim-witted, character who provides a consistent presence and a source of humour as Blackadder attempts to navigate the social hierarchy of the Regency period. Edmund once described her coffee as "brown grit in hot water". Leanne was an absolute tour de force her portrayal of this well-known Blackadder character was exceptional and a joy to watch.

Blackadder discovers that the Hardwoods are actually broke, the plan to marry George off to Amy fails, needing money and after a sleepless night, when his Auntie Margorie (Phyllis Brighouse) appears to Edmund in a dream, he decides to become a highwayman, disguised as the infamous ‘Shadow’.

Edmund plans to hold up the coach of The Duke of Cheapside (Chris Tolcher) and is daughter Sally (Rachel Wakefield). During the encounter, the Duke hands over his cash bags. Sally Cheapside, far from being a damsel in distress, flirts with Blackadder and asks him to take her away with him, an offer Blackadder declines. Baldrick, acting as Blackadder's assistant and wearing a horse’s harness (you had to be there), offers to take her instead, which also fails. He encounters the true ‘Shadow’ and discovers that the notorious figure is actually Amy Harwood. Blackadder, upon this discovery, turns her in to the authorities for the £10,000 reward. 

The Georgian-era costumes are impressive, and there is notable attention to detail with the props.  The set is designed well: the two levels cleverly allow for quick scene changes and for the hectic action to come. Mike Sanders chose his cast well, each bringing their individual contribution to this well-loved iconic series. As Mike states in the programme this is the latest instalment in the series produced by Carlton Players having presented Blackadder 11 (2014) and Blackadder Goes Forth in (2018) however Mike Sanders says Blackadder 111 is the funniest. Supported by a talented production crew, this was a truly team performance.

I happen to love Blackadder so it was a delight to see this wickedly witty production on the Little Theatre stage, getting the audience laughing from the very first line, it was really good fun. All the favourite characters we all know and love, and of course Baldrick. Their delivery was true to their roles, enjoying every minute, their enthusiasm was contagious, they had the audience in hysterics.

Thank you, Carlton Players, for an evening of ‘off the wall’ comedy you were all amazing. Thank you for your generous welcome, it’s good to see you all again. Looking forward to ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

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