Blackadder back at Cambridge
Considering 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and that Cambridge is the centre for Armistice activities in New Zealand, it makes sense for Cambridge Repertory’s next production to commemorate the event.
The society is presenting an extended season of an amateur stage adaptation of the hit BBC comedy, Blackadder Goes Forth.
Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, the show has been adapted for the stage by director Dave Stearns.
The cast includes experienced actors from Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Hamilton.
“We’ve taken four episodes from the original series (Corporal Punishment, General Hospital, Private Plane and Goodbyee) and moved them around slightly to allow for the complexities of transferring a television series to a stage performance,” says Dave.
“Anyone familiar with the programme will spot the differences, but otherwise, this is a faithful interpretation of the original.”
Although the characters are well-established, the cast will bring their own interpretations.
“This is not meant to be an exact impersonation of the original actors,” says Dave.
The cast has five principal roles (Blackadder, Baldrick, George, Darling and Melchett) and six others who fill out the supporting roles of Nurse Mary, Smith, Perkins, the firing squad, General Haig, Bob and everyone’s favourite rogue, Lord Flashheart.
Blackadder Goes Forth was the last full series of the sitcom and originally aired in September to November 1989.
“The wit and humour are still sharp after nearly 30 years, as is the satirical and poignant portrayal of the futility of war,” says Dave.
The action is set in the British trenches of the Western Front in 1917 and chronicles Blackadder’s attempts to escape the madness of war, aided and abetted by upper-class twit, Lt George St Barleigh and the profoundly stupid Private Baldrick and his “cunning plans”.
The season opens on Saturday, November 10, Armistice weekend in Cambridge to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, with an additional matinee on Armistice Day itself — Sunday, November 11 — at the one-off start time of 5.30pm to allow for people to get from Kara¯piro Domain to the Gaslight Theatre.
Due to high demand, the season has been extended to include dates in December.
■ Session details and tickets are available from Cambridge Paper Plus or www.eventfinda.co.nz — meal and show and show only options are available.