Great Booze up, Blackadder!
I cannot believe it’s October already and a year has passed meaning one thing. Time for the annual comedy outing from Tinker’s Farm Opera. On earlier visits I saw The Vicar of Dibley and Dad’s Army, and I am delighted to say this one was as good as the rest.
Always a huge fan of Richard Curtis, this production is based on the second series of the deadly Blackadder dynasty, co-written by Ben Elton which first aired 40 years ago and yes, I saw the original run, recording it on my parent’s VCR. I have not watched it, though, for many years but from memory, the script was identical to the original. Featuring adaptions of three of the six TV episodes, this was a guilty pleasure and delight from start to finish.
Now, it would be so easy simply to copy the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry, but the company each gave unique takes on these memorable characters. Richard Cooper was excellent as the devious Edmund as was Dominic Butters as the hapless Percy (who looked like a bird who had swallowed a plate). Equally, Phil Lines captured Baldrick well and delivered one of the best scenes in counting the beans. Gabby Baldwin was superb as the child-minded Queenie and was supported well by her simple maid, Nursie, who was played to perfection by Lynda Dunn. James Baldwin then embraced the pompousness of Lord Melchett in fine fashion with dry wit and irony. Supporting well, we had Gareth May (Lord Flashheart/Dr Leech/Simon Partridge), Evan Johnson (Kate/Freddie Frobisher), Alyson Nunn (Lady Farrow/Young Crone/Geoffrey Piddle), Megan Smith (Lady Whiteadder/Wisewoman/Mrs Ploppy) and Geoff Westwood (Kate’s Father/Lord Whiteadder/Mr Ploppy).
The tales retold were Bells, Head and Beer, and it wasn’t until seeing them that I remembered how good the series was. So many fine moments and the cast fully did them justice. My favourite scene, though, must be where Baldrick answers the door.
Blackadder:
Baldrick, get the door.
(During subsequent dialogue between Blackadder and Percy, there is a crash before Baldrick enters with the door.)
Blackadder:
Now, Baldrick, I advise you to make whatever explanation you are about to give, exceptionally good.
Blackadder was directed by Emma Harley, who must have been delighted with the results. Stage management led by Steve Percy was undertaken in an incredibly tight space and was efficient and smooth as was the lighting by Going Dark Theatrical Services. Finally, a shout out to Front of House for being friendly, welcoming, and informative.
Tinker’s Farm return to musicals next spring with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I do not know what next year’s theatrical comedy will be yet. I do know; I shall be there.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from social media.
