BLACKADDER GOES FORTH

By Richard Curtis & Ben Elton

Directed by Amelia Leese

2ND - 4th July, BOULEVARD THEATRE, MILFORD HAVEN

One of television’s most enduringly beloved comedies comes to life on stage, bringing with it all the iconic characters and razor-sharp wit that audiences have cherished for decades. In this stage adaptation, we follow the perpetually cynical and brilliantly sardonic Captain Edmund Blackadder as he navigates the absurdities of life, attempting—against all odds—to survive the relentless madness, incompetence, and ridiculousness of those around him. Every line crackles with the distinctive humour that made the series a cultural phenomenon, and every interaction is a masterclass in timing, irony, and comedic despair.

While the play is packed with pithy one-liners, clever wordplay, and laugh-out-loud antics, Richard Curtis and Ben Elton’s original vision for Blackadder Goes Forth goes deeper than surface comedy. Their portrayal of the First World War uniquely balances the gallows humour of British soldiers—dark, ironic, and often absurd—with the stark, heartrending reality of life in the trenches. The show manages to evoke laughter while simultaneously reminding us of the profound sacrifices and human cost of war. It’s this careful, delicate interplay of comedy and tragedy that has cemented Blackadder Goes Forth as both a comedic masterpiece and a poignant cultural commentary, and now, its spirit is brought vividly to life on stage for audiences to experience all over again.

 

Important dates:

Familiarisation / Auditions Evening -

📅 Thursday 9th April 2026

📍Vision Arts Studios, Cartlett, Haverfordwest, SA61 2LH

⏰ 19:30pm - 22:00pm

Rehearsals -

📅 Thursday evenings commencing on 16th April

📍Vision Arts Studios, Cartlett, Haverfordwest, SA61 2LH

⏰ 19:30pm - 22:00pm

Show Dates -

(Please ntote: You must be available for the whole of show week from Sunday 28th June)

📅Thursday 2nd - Saturday 4th July 2026

📍The Boulevard Theatre, Charles St, Milford Haven, SA73 2AE

Character information:

Captain Edmund Blackadder

(Originated by Rowan Atkinson)
Playing age: 30+ (flexible)
A sharp-witted, cynical officer with a dry, cutting sense of humour. Highly intelligent and constantly aware of the absurdity around him, Blackadder is driven by survival instinct and reluctant leadership.
Looking for:

  • Strong comedic timing with a flair for irony and understatement

  • Expressive facial and physical performance skills

  • Confident presence to anchor a well-known story

  • Ability to balance humour with moments of poignancy

Lieutenant George

(Originated by Hugh Laurie)
Playing age: Late 20s–early 30s
An enthusiastic, well-meaning but naïve young officer from an upper-class background. Loyal, eager to please, and often oblivious to reality.
Looking for:

  • Natural comedic instincts

  • Warmth and likeability

  • Ability to portray innocence without caricature

Private Baldrick

(Originated by Tony Robinson)
Playing age: Adult
Blackadder’s devoted servant and companion. Endearingly dim but oddly resourceful, often proposing bizarre “cunning plans.” Known for his unconventional approach to cooking and life.
Looking for:

  • Strong character comedy skills

  • Physicality and expressive reactions

  • Ability to build a close comic dynamic with Blackadder

General Melchett

(Originated by Stephen Fry)
Playing age: 40+
A booming, authoritative presence with more confidence than competence. Childlike, blustering, and prone to grand gestures.
Looking for:

  • Big character energy and vocal presence

  • Strong sense of comedic rhythm

  • Ability to command attention without losing nuance

Captain Darling

Playing age: 30–50
A well-educated staff officer caught between ambition and insecurity. Efficient and organised, yet deeply anxious and eager to avoid danger. Shares a sharp, often adversarial rapport with Blackadder.
Looking for:

  • Strong text work and comic delivery

  • Ability to balance authority with vulnerability

  • Subtle physical characterisation welcomed

Lord Flashheart

Playing age: Late 20s–40
A charismatic, larger-than-life figure. Bold, fearless, and unapologetically confident, with a flair for dramatic entrances and outrageous humour.
Looking for:

  • High energy and stage presence

  • Confidence with bold comedy and innuendo

  • Strong physical and vocal performance

Bob Parkhurst

Playing age: Young adult
A determined and spirited individual disguising herself as a man to enlist. Earnest, optimistic, and courageous.
Looking for:

  • Emotional sincerity

  • Strong character storytelling

  • Ability to balance humour with truth

Field Marshal Haig

Playing age: 50+
A distant and detached senior officer. Calm and methodical, yet often disconnected from the realities of the front line.
Looking for:

  • Understated comic performance

  • Subtle character work

  • Strong presence in quieter moments

Baron von Richthofen

Playing age: 30+
A confident and formidable German flying ace. Cool, assured, and quietly intimidating.
Looking for:

  • Strong stage presence

  • Ability to convey authority with restraint

Smith

Playing age: Adult
A composed and observant German soldier. Often still and watchful, requiring sustained focus even in quieter moments.
Looking for:

  • Ability to maintain character while minimally active

  • Confidence with (or willingness to learn) a German accent

  • Strong stage discipline

Nurse Mary

Playing age: 20–40
A kind and attentive nurse with a warm bedside manner, underpinned by sharp intelligence and a dry, perceptive wit.
Looking for:

  • Natural warmth and empathy

  • Subtle comedic timing

  • Ability to reveal depth beneath a gentle exterior