EVERYMAN THEATRE: BLACKADDER THE THIRD | STAGE REVIEW
Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Sat 27 June
A confident and well executed performance which had the audience laughing from the first line. I loved the TV series and this adaptation kept true to every facet of it. The characters’ mannerisms, voices and delivery were true to the show and every bit as hilarious. The actors really looked like they were enjoying themselves, and that flowed up and over the full house who looked on with glee and anticipation at the next gag. Going to the theatre can often be an embarrassing, stomach churning affair for me. I feel like everyone’s parent, wishing them to do well and feeling the embarrassment if someone makes a mistake, fluffs a line or looks like they would rather be anywhere other than on stage. It has been a while since I felt so relaxed and absorbed by a production.
And what a wonderful setting! Seagulls soaring across the backdrop of large, green, beautiful trees really is a lovely sight. I wish we had the weather for outdoor theatre all the time. So far we have had some wonderful sunshine in Cardiff, but on the ‘off-chance’ it does rain when you go, the audience are seated under a covered stand.
As well as the performance itself, you can also get a pizza made from the on-site clay oven, pick up a reasonably priced beer or two, or three, and the cue for the toilet is far speedier than the porta cabin would suggest.
It’s like watching the Australian Pink Floyd Show, no it’s not Pink Floyd, but it is pretty damn close. If you are looking for a different take on Blackadder then this production is probably not for you, but personally I would have been disappointed if I was watching Blackadder through the medium of dance.
If you are looking for pleasurable, summer evening’s entertainment then I would recommend going along. Everyman theatre will also be performing Sweet Charity, Beauty And The Beast and As You Like It over the summer in Bute Park’s Sophia Gardens.
words NIA STRONG
Blackadder The Third, Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, until Sat 4 July. Tickets: £6-£16. Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk