Set in the charming and intimate Groundlings Theatre based in Portsea, Blackadder Returns graced the stage in front of a full and excited audience. The aesthetic of the interior gave connotations of rich theatrical tradition and consummate warmth. This was completely matched and reflected in the performance of an evidently talented ensemble. The detail ingrained throughout started whilst walking in. Purchasing a programme which in itself contained as many quips as the piece itself started the experience off with a giggle and immediately created a piece of material for the audience to digest. Entering into the hall itself continued the theme of intimacy as the numerous amounts of tables had been laid to make the most of the space which although limited, was used astutely. After a brief moment of confusion due to the seating plan, I was ready to divulge myself in the whimsical and rather bonkers world of Blackadder.
The immediate impression of the set was that it was rather simplistic. This thought was swiftly dissolved even before the first line had been spoken as the main focus was not the fanciness of a lighting plot, nor the extravagance of a set, but the detail and the level of acting required. Regardless of the purposeful minimalism of the set, the fantastic array of set and costume created the grandeur of the differing times. These eras were seamlessly transitioned with skillfully placed soundbites and a impeccably spoken voice-over. The structure of proceedings felt equally weighted both sides of the interval creating an extremely comfortable viewing, once again, allowing the crowd to take in the sometimes intricate jokes with ease.
Multi-rolling with such a accomplished cast was completed effortlessly, with Gareth Billington (Lord Percy, Pimpernel and Captain Darling) leading the way with his diverse and effectively adaptive vocal ability. This was matched throughout the company vocally and physically, differentiating just the right amount to enable a change of comedic effect. Other stellar performances throughout included Jennie Sharland (The Queen) who commanded attention with her use of deft movement and Nick Scovell (General Melchett) as the General with whom we travelled with on a hilarious journey of emotion whilst coming to terms with his dead pigeon. Coming in with some cracking one liners and an interesting catwalk was the lovable Mark Harold (Baldrick). As Blackadder, Sean Ridley (Prince Edmund, Blackadder) consistently added not only charm to the roll but cunningly used pauses and physical movements to make the rejoicing laughs bigger and bigger. He allowed the audience to breathe in what was a fast-paced, action-filled couple of hours. Overall, every single actor showed and incredible amount of intelligence in portraying a rabble of comical characters and did so with contagious energy.
The slight mishaps on a couple of lines actually worked in favour due to the fact it was evident the company had an immense knowledge of their material and the style and genre of which the show bases itself on. A couple of nods towards modern society in the performance including a popular modern toy and the hint of political satire entered the fray showing that the ingenuity of the adaption was clear to see. The show as a whole was very shrewdly put together by Nick Scovell whom should take great credit for the resourceful use of space and for the pace in which everything flowed. An exceptionally delightful evening filled with alot of laughter and wink/nudge moments saw an audience leaving whilst basking in the witty, zany, bonkers world of which they had just been a part of.
A stupendously funny show, rich with talent throughout the company that have a remarkable use of resources. Would fully recommend seeing for an evening of comic relief.
Shows to go: Friday 9th/Saturday 10th at Ferneham Hall, Fareham 19:30
*UPDATE* I am now aware the rest of the run has sold out.
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