Preview: Blackadder II at Newcastle People’s Theatre

 “To you, Baldrick, the Renaissance was just something that happened to other people, wasn’t it?”

 

Blackadder II by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 October 2021

 

If there’s one thing we need right now, it’s a good laugh. The People’s Theatre in Heaton are delighted to oblige by bringing audiences the BBC comedy classic Blackadder II.  Join them in Elizabethan England for the escapades of scheming Lord Edmund Blackadder and his turnip-loving servant Baldrick.

Blackadder (Sam Hinton) & Baldrick (Tony Sehgal)
Photo: Matthew Hope

 

As Blackadder strives to use his withering wit and cowardly cunning to gain favour with eccentric Queenie, he must also contend with aristocratic buffoon Lord Percy, dim-witted Nursie and crafty Lord Melchett.

 

The play is brought to the stage by many of the team behind the Theatre’s hugely successful production of ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’ in 2018.  Director Matthew Hope returns, as do Sam Hinton as Blackadder, Tony Sehgal as Baldrick and Jake Wilson Craw as Flashheart.  And, of course, there are lots of new characters to enjoy including the fabulously childish Queen Elizabeth I played by Catherine White, who has been a Blackadder fan for as long as she can remember.

Baldrick (Tony Sehgal), Blackadder (Sam Hinton), Percy (Ben Ostell)
Photo: Matthew Hope

 

Catherine comments: “It’s amazing to live out a childhood dream of stepping into the shoes of Miranda Richardson. The rehearsals have been a much-needed giggle from start to finish and I hope it’ll be a blast for the audience too.”

 

Co-director Sean Burnside adds:  The People’s has always relied on its members as its greatest asset, and Matt and I feel privileged to have been able to bring so many back into the rehearsal room, and have so much fun in the process. It’s been a rare rehearsal where laughter hasn’t stopped us in our tracks and we hope we can put smiles on our audiences’ faces after what has been an extremely downbeat year”.

 

The Theatre’s re-opening earlier this month saw an outpouring of support from audiences delighted to return and help the People’s get back on its feet.

 

The Theatre’s COVID-safe measures were praised by audiences, and they continue to offer socially-distanced performances for those not quite ready to return to a busy indoor space.

 

Cast:

Lord Edmund Blackadder: Sam Hinton

Baldrick: Tony Sehgal

Lord Percy: Ben Ostell

Queen Elizabeth I: Catherine White

Nursie: Karen Elliott

Lord Melchett: Tony Childs

 

Directors: Matthew Hope and Sean Burnside

 

Tickets:

 

Blackadder II by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton appears on Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 October 2021 (socially-distanced performance on Tuesday 5th) at Newcastle’s People’s Theatre.

Tickets: £15 (Conc. £13)

Box Office: 0191 265 5020                    

Website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk