Blackadder II
Richard Curtis and Ben Elton
The Caxton Players
The Caxton Theatre, Grimsby
3 -10 December 2022
Are comedy adaptations like buses? This is the second version of Blackadder II that I have reviewed in the last few months. My previous review was for the Asylum Players in Lincoln, but tonight I was treated to a sneak peak at The Caxton Players production in Grimsby which opens on Saturday December 3rd. Debbie Shepherd’s production is a sumptuous feast of comic nonsense.
The costumes, mostly made specifically for this show are an absolute treat. They look stunning and really enhance the performances. The care and precision with which they were crafted is absolutely clear the moment you see them. But I don’t want it to sound like the costumes are the star of this show, they most certainly are not but absolutely deserved special mention for their quality.
This production rings to life four episodes from the second series of Blackadder, a show that almost died as soon as it had been broadcast in its first series and yet, the addition of Ben Elton as a writer brought vitality to the series and guaranteed its longevity enshrining its status as a classic sitcom for the ages. The wit and humour so prevalent is here for all to see and the timelessness of the comedy is evident. The chosen episodes are “Potato”, “Money”, “Beer”, and “Chains”. I wont go into plot detail too much as you can watch the DVD if you really want to know what to expect. But really, you should get yourselves along to the Caxton Theatre to enjoy this little gem live and in person instead.
The cast are a mix of Caxton regulars and a few new additions to the company’s roster. Director Debbie Shepherd was very specific in casting choices, wanting to meet the public’s expectations of the characters seen on screen and whilst its is impossible to cast an ensemble of lookalikes, they have managed to study and present each character exactly as you would hope. This is a labour of love, and the results are deeply satisfying.
Leading the company is John Ferguson as Edmund Blackadder, he looks the part as the dashing young courtier whose scheming and machinations are the driving force behind each episode. Ferguson presents an instantly recognisable Edmund, just as you would want and his vocal dexterity and wordplay is wonderful, allowing his comic timing to excel.
Blackadder’s two confidantes are his faithful manservant, Baldric played by Ryan Sowerby and Lord Percy by Stewart Dodds. They provide Blackadder with the perfect foils for his cunning guile. Sowerby’s Baldrick remains oblivious to the realities of life around him, his mousetrap and cunning plan is excellent. As Percy, Dodds gives a masterful display of dim-witted optimism. His Lord Percy is a wide-eyed innocent uncorrupted by Edmund’s disdain and is hilarious as he strives to master alchemy.
Edmund’s principal rival at court is the obsequious Lord Melchett played with relish by Michael Mayne. Blessed with a wonderful, booming voice Mayne perfectly captures the pomposity and yet snivelling obeyance necessary for the role.
I was especially impressed with the casting of both the Queen and Nursie for this production. Debbie Till perfectly embodies the spoiled little girl in a woman’s body that Queenie is supposed to show. Her squeaky -voiced enthusiasm, naïve view of life, and her bloodthirsty ruthlessness are encapsulated perfectly by Till, who looks regal and magnificent in her custom made costume. She will have the audience laughing their heads off and if they don’t, she will have them chopped off!
As for Nursie, if you close your eyes you would swear that they had found the original actress from the show. Molly Charnley is magnificent, showing that you don’t have to have a big role to star in a show. Everything about her performance hits the spot.
Other cast members play multiple roles throughout the piece, and all deserve mention. Carl Wingate is especially memorable as Redbeard Rum the legless sailor. He also plays a memorable Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Nigel Stolworthy makes the most of his cameos and is very funny as the incomprehensible torturer seeking to communicate with Edmund in the prison in Act Two. His Lord Whiteadder is also very good too.
Amy Wilson plays a series of smaller roles including Molly the Prostitute, Mrs Pants and Lady Whiteadder.
Lastly, Kieron James manages to create a series of memorable cameos Sir Walter Raleigh through to Prince Ludwig. His prior appearance in The Three Musketeers will have prepared him well for this show as he continues to fill in many necessary roles with aplomb.
The audience should be well aware of what they are coming to see at the Caxton Theatre over the coming week and yet they will go away surprised and delighted to see how the company has handled the material, it will be a production that will be remembered extremely fondly by the audience I am sure.
Ticket availability is limited right now, so I would recommend that you get tickets now and don’t wait or you will miss a real treat. All details are on the poster below.
Andy Evans 30 November 2022
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