You must be a paid up member of Wakefield Little Theatre to audition.
“Blackadder Goes Forth”
A stage adaptation by Ian Gower & Paul Carpenter
“Cunning plans, catastrophic leadership, and one final push…”
Step into the trenches of WWI with this brilliantly sharp, dark British comedy. Packed with iconic wit, absurdity, and an unexpectedly moving ending, Blackadder Goes Forth is a fast-paced stage show that balances laugh-out-loud humour with poignant drama.
We are looking for a strong, energetic cast with excellent comic timing, character work, and the ability to shift between satire and sincerity.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Captain Edmund Blackadder
• Playing Age: 30–50
• Type: Dry, cynical, razor-sharp
• Description:
A highly intelligent officer trapped in the madness of war. Master of sarcasm and survival instincts. Constantly trying to avoid certain death with increasingly desperate (and hilarious) schemes.
Blackadder’s long-suffering batman. Filthy, dim-witted, and endlessly optimistic about his “cunning plans” (which are never good). A physical and vocal comedy role.
• Key Skills:
Physical comedy, character acting, bold choices.
Lieutenant George
• Playing Age: 20–30
• Type: Upper-class, enthusiastic, naïve
• Description:
Public-school patriot with boundless optimism and very little awareness of reality. Cheerfully oblivious to danger.
• Key Skills:
High energy, posh accent, comedic innocence.
General Melchett
• Playing Age: 40+
• Type: Bombastic, larger-than-life
• Description:
The epitome of incompetent military leadership. Booming voice, ridiculous confidence, and zero awareness of the consequences of his orders.
• Key Skills:
Big character acting, projection, comedic authority.
Captain Kevin Darling
• Playing Age: 30–50
• Type: Nervous, officious, weaselly
• Description:
Melchett’s assistant. Desperate to appear important but constantly undermined. Petty, pompous, and deeply frustrated.
• Key Skills:
Subtle comedy, timing, reactive acting.
Lord Flashheart
• Playing Age: 30–50
• Type: Charismatic, outrageous, swaggering
• Description:
A larger-than-life war hero and pilot. Loud, confident, and wildly inappropriate. Steals every scene he’s in.
• Key Skills:
Huge energy, confidence, comedic bravado.
Driver Bob
• Playing Age: 20–40
• Type: Straightforward, warm, grounded
• Description:
A capable and likeable soldier with a secret. Brings charm and subtle humour to the chaos.
• Key Skills:
Naturalistic acting, warmth.
Field Marshal Haig
• Playing Age: 40+
• Type: Detached, oblivious authority
• Description:
Calmly moving toy soldiers while real ones are sent to their doom. Understated but darkly comedic.
• Key Skills:
Underplayed comedy, stillness.
Ensemble / Soldiers (Multiple Roles)
• Playing Age: 18+
• Roles Include: British & German soldiers, stagehands within the action
• Description:
Flexible performers who help bring the trenches to life. May double roles and assist with transitions.
NOTES FOR PERFORMERS
• Strong accents encouraged (RP British primarily)
• Comedy timing is key—but so is restraint
• Expect quick scene changes and multi-rolling opportunities
• The final moments require emotional honesty and contrast
