SODBURY Players have a cunning plan to entertain audiences – by staging a live performance of iconic BBC comedy Blackadder II.
The group will bring four episodes from the classic Elizabethan-set series to Chipping Sodbury Town Hall in May.
Members have been working intensively to make sure they can bring to life the characters, performances and one-liners that generations of comedy fans know off by heart.
Series writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton have made Blackadder available to amateur groups to perform, with the show’s licence fee going to Comic Relief.
Theatre groups use the original TV scripts of the misadventures of Edmund Blackadder, Baldrick. Percy, Queenie and Melchett and adapt them to suit the stage.
Asked how he feels about taking on a leading role so well known and loved by TV audiences, Players chairman Rob Creer said: “As the person playing Blackadder, I can say it’s an incredibly exciting challenge to pay homage to Rowan Atkinson’s iconic performance.
“The entire cast has dedicated a lot of time to studying the original episodes to ensure we capture the essence of these well-loved characters in a way that is both faithful and recognisable to audiences.”
The production is based on four episodes from the second series: Bells, when Edmund tries to get married; Potato, when he plans a sea voyage; Head, when he is appointed lord high executioner and Beer, when he tries to hold a booze-up and entertain his puritanical aunt and uncle at the same time.
The Players promise to “bring to life the sharp wit, memorable characters, and historical humour that have made Blackadder a British comedy institution”.
‘Incredibly exciting’
Director David Lord said: “Bringing Blackadder to the stage is an incredibly exciting challenge.
“The series’ sharp humour and historical absurdities provide the perfect foundation for the stage, and we are thrilled to present these four iconic episodes in such a unique way.”
Co-director Pauly Milton said: “As a long-time fan of the TV series, I first suggested the idea of bringing Blackadder on stage about 10 years ago and I’m so happy that Sodbury Players are now able to do it!
“I can’t wait to share the laughs with our audiences.”
The show will run from May 7 to 10 May at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, with all performances starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £13 plus booking fee and are on sale at www.sodburyplayers.org.uk.
Picture: Rob Creer as Blackadder and Kate Webb as Queen Elizabeth I