AN ADAPTATION of one of British comedy’s best-loved television series will be coming to the stage at South Hill Park next week.
Blackadder, the historically-themed 1980s show starring Rowan Atkinson, has been adapted for the stage by by Wokingham Theatre’s Nicky Allpress, and while there have been adaptations of the show in the past, this is the first time the entire Blackadder canon has been represented on the stage.
Presenting four episodes from each Blackadder season, this adaptation combines a farcical, political swipe at the world and its silliness. The comedy continues as each season is introduced by ‘Professor Starkers’ as he tries to educate his pupils on English history.
Ms Allpress said: “I have aimed to create a brilliant evening of entertainment, making it ‘different’ enough to be original whilst keeping enough of the authenticity to satisfy the expectations of those who loved the TV series.
“I plan to focus on the comedy in the writing and enhance it with original ideas without taking it too far from the intentions of the writers and the well-loved characters.”
Artistic Director of South Hill Park’s Associate Company Blackeyed Theatre Adrian McDougall will be stepping into Rowan Atkinson’s shoes for the title role. He said: “I vividly remember finding out they were making a fourth series. My sister and I were apoplectic with excitement and literally counted down the days to the broadcast of the first episode. I also remember we would recite whole episodes from memory while sat in the back of the car on holiday. It’s certainly made learning lines easier!”
Blackadder opens at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre, in Ringmead, Bracknell, on Wednesday, October 11 and runs until Sunday, October 15. Performances start at 7.45pm, with a matinee performance on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
Tickets start from £20.50, with concessions. To book visit www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01344 484 123.
