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Islanders will be taken back to the trenches of the Great War for an evening of classic comedy next month as the Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club stages an adaptation of one of the best British sitcoms of all time.
The fourth series of Blackadder will be staged at the Jersey Arts Centre next month.
Blackadder Goes Forth is set in 1917 in the trenches of the Great War, and features Blackadder – originally played by Rowan Atkinson – as a Captain in the British Army.
Express spoke to actor Harry Baines, who will be playing Baldrick, and the show's production assistant Cerys Thompson to find out more about the adaptation...
Harry: "Certainly when I think of Blackadder there is one series that certainly stands out more than the rest for me!
"Whether it be the cynical, witty humour or the poignant thought provoking poppy field this series stands out above the rest."
Pictured: Harry (seated) plays Baldrick in the JADC production. (Michelle Parker)
Cerys: "I think it’s safe to say that the majority of people would argue that Blackadder Goes Forth is the funniest of the Blackadder series.
"When Terri Le Huquet [the Director] brought it to the JADC following the success of her production of The Vicar of Dibley, and suggested putting it on and raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, we jumped at the chance to produce it."
Harry: "I think I’m going to say this word a lot: iconic. Every single character is a different aspect of British society and the original comedians brought them to life as only they could expertly do.
"Each one provides its own challenge. I certainly speak for myself when I say I love the challenge of playing the unknowing stupidness of Baldrick (some might say typecast). It is an absolute joy bringing to life such a brilliantly written character."
Cerys: "They are hysterical! I think what I like most is how the script shows the characters as comics with slapstick comedy and one-liners, and then out of nowhere has lines that cut to the core and remind people that this is a war and these soldiers were terrified."
Harry: "Blackadder is such a memorable series in British comedy, arguably one of the greatest.
"Once you really look at the script and delve into the history, it presents a comedic side of what is far from a pleasant time.
"The comedy is hilarious, never straying from the line and marrying perfectly with the sincerity of the subject – providing a renowned story showing everyone what a wartime front line was like."
Cerys: "Blackadder is a British classic! As someone who was born 11 years after the show first aired, I think it is still an important story to share.
"Sitting in rehearsals I have learnt more about World War One than in my entire time at school.
"At the end of the day, it’s a comedy show and audiences are going to love it."
Harry: "Of course! Massive pressure. Bringing Baldrick to life is a massive challenge.
"Everyone knows Baldrick is the most 'stupidest stupid' of iconic British comedy characters.
"The challenge of capturing both Sir Tony [Robinson]'s performance whilst bringing my own take is where I am feeling enormous pressure.
"My hope is I do justice to what is a staple of British comedy."
Cerys: "Our audiences will know Blackadder and will have expectations that it is the same as the TV series, and that’s a lot of pressure!
"If our rehearsals are anything to go by, everyone is thriving under that pressure."
Harry: "Our script is fantastic; it's lifted word for word straight from what you would see on the TV.
"However, this brings even more pressure because some will know the show word for word and expect to see Blackadder as if it was performed by so many British comedy legends.
"However, I think what each and every member of the cast does so amazingly is bring to life each and every nuance of all the characters from the show, but also make it their own."
Pictured: The actors have tried to ensure that all of Blackadder's "best-bits" are included in the adaptation. (Michelle Parker)
Cerys: "The stage production of Blackadder Goes Forth really is a ‘best-bits’ of the TV series, taking three hours of TV comedy-gold and putting it into a two hour stage production has taken some skill from the writers and our Director.
"The cast has worked tirelessly to get their characters to be as similar to the classic work of the original cast.
"The show is hilarious and the cast still has me crying with laughter even after months of rehearsals. Now I can’t wait for everyone else to see it!"
Blackadder Goes Forth will be performed at the Jersey Arts Centre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 October.
Tickets can be purchased online.
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