THERE ARE always positives and negatives when staging an iconic piece of theatre or in this case, TV turned stage theatre.
On the one hand, you know you have a great proven script to work with but on the other, the cast are following in very big footsteps. And you have to make sure you do the writing justice and deliver a show that lives up to it.
The talented cast at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre did just that with Black Adder II.
Joanna Edwards was solid in both her roles – as the Young Crone and Guard one.
Also playing more than one role was James Dean. He played three exuberant characters excellently. These included Walter Raleigh, Prince Ludwig (he captured the German accent with aplomb) and the legendary Flashheart (played in the TV show by Droitwich’s own equally legendary Rik Mayall).
Christopher De Val Gaunt did well playing three different roles too – Doctor Leech, the crazy literally legless captain Rum and his comedic rowing boat and the sadistic torturer.
Alisha James was wonderful as aspirational Kate/Bob and Colin Potter complemented her well as her peasant-like father.
Michael Treagust excelled as the Stephen Fry’s subtle clergyman Lord Melchiett and Ellie Higgerson made for a brilliant brow-beaten Baldrick.
Christopher Newbould had over-excitable Lord Percy down to a tee.
Vicky Moloney made the role of child-like and brash Queen Elizabeth I her own and Jan Miller-Weir enjoyed plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the over-sharing and outrageous Nursie. The pair bounced off each other brilliantly on their side-byside throne and chair.
Miller-Weir also doubled up well as the Wisewoman.
While it was hard to pick out a stand-out performance, Zach Price epitomised Lord Edmund Blackadder. He had the voice, intonation mannerisms and facial expressions and must have studied hours of the sitcom to get it that accurate.
The set was versatile and needed to be as with TV adaptations, there are always more set changes needed than when pieces are originally written for stage. The scenary moved well between the Palace, Blackadder’s home, a ship and other settings.
Medieval music – from classical pieces to modern pop songs – were cleverly used to make the scene changes smoother and more audience friendly.
The tracks could almost have come from an album called ‘Now That’s What I call the ye olde lute’.
The show itself was three episodes from Black Adder II – one-and-a-half either side of an interval.
And, such was the quality of this performance, it made you want to go home and revisit the TV show with a binge-watching session.
Black Adder II will be enjoyed by die-hard fans and younger viewers discovering this masterpiece for the first time.Shows run at the Norbury until May 10.
Click here for times, to book tickets and more information.
