BLACKADDER - THE TUDOR YEARS

This was a first for me, seeing Blackadder on stage – and it lived up to the humour experienced in the TV show.  I felt this was directed well, with the cast bringing out the comedy aspects to their full capacity.  The cast consisted of mainly experienced actors which showed in the overall performance level.

The set was a triumph, well done to Bob and Sarah Fitzsimmons for their ideas, it was good to have the stage divided, but would maybe have helped Act 1 flow a bit better if the advantage had been taken in using lighting to designate the split stage, rather than blackouts, which caused the audience attention to stray somewhat.  I know it is difficult with these TV adaptations, as the scenes are mainly short and snappy, so in that respect Act 2 flowed better.  I wanted some form of backing, music or sound to fill in the blackout moments to make them less obvious.

I felt the bows came as a real surprise – no-one was expecting them – perhaps they could have been a little longer with something to prepare us for them!

Costumes were great – they looked good and suited the feel of the era so well – they were also nicely worn, which sometimes is not the case!

Lighting was good and appropriate for the production, and I appreciate the need for mic’s with the Hall acoustics, so we heard every word.

Stephen Burgess (Blackadder) in his first role with CADS, held the stage with his portrayal, and gave the part everything we would want in both drama and comedy.  Very dark in some places but great comedy touches as well.

Barny Shergold (Baldrick) dealt us some very funny lines, whilst maintaining the air of not being quite ‘with it’ – his bridesmaid was particularly funny.  Another first timer with CADS.

Matt Sculfor (Percy) was very lighthearted and took all the put-downs from Blackadder with equanimity – I really enjoyed his portrayal, and a good contrast to the other characters.

Louise Treleaven (Queen Elizabeth) – what a great part, and Louise played it to a ‘T’ but without going over the top – nicely coquettish, then regal, a very good characterisation.

Steve Hill (Lord Melchett) tempered the aspect of the play with the solemn and conniving advisor, well-focussed amongst the other livelier portrayals.

Wendy Bywaters (Nursie), such a lovely part, her interjections were always short and sharp, but telling – the knitting was good too!

Laura Loughran (Kate aka Bob), brought a lot of well-delivered asides, along with a good contrast between the male and female opposites of her part.  Another first-timer with CADS.

Harry Mason (Lord Flashheart & Sir Walter Raleigh) – Flashheart came through the audience with extreme vigour, which immediately engaged the audience’s attention, a very lively young man, who delivered some very amusing lines well.  His Walter Raleigh was a bit more laid-back, but must admit I preferred the vitality of Flashheart!

Barry Pain (Kate’s Father & Captain Rum) gave Father the gravitas deserved, whilst delivering some very naughty lines, with Captain Rum being a really salty old seadog – nicely achieved.

Isabel Rius (Lady Farrow) acted so well, a very good characterisation, with lots of expression.  How she stayed serious and distraught with all the shenanigans going on round her I don’t know – so well done!!

David Soper (Dr Leech & Mr Ploppy) again had two different characters, both of which had their own persona, which I enjoyed, the seriousness of the Doctor, and the country bumpkin that was Ploppy.

Jan Bath (Wisewoman & Mrs Ploppy) created two very different people, both of which fitted well around the script and her interaction with the other characters.

Gill Moorcroft (Crone) – a small but telling part, interlinking with the two other characters well.

Finally, Tony Slyth (Minstrel) serenaded us nicely – lovely costume and very tuneful.

Overall a good production, excellent actors and set, a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment and my thanks to CADS for their hospitality.

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