A THEATRE group is marking 50 years on stage in 2026 with a comedy classic.
Kingsley Players will perform a stage adaptation of Blackadder Goes Forth at Kingsley Theatre in Kingsley Community Centre from May 12 to May 16, with shows starting at 7.30pm.
The play is set in the trenches of the First World War and follows the schemes of Captain Edmund Blackadder and his companion Private Baldrick as they hatch 'cunning plans' to avoid going 'over the top'.
Jo Oultram, chair of Kingsley Players, said: "Over the last half century, our award-winning theatre group has staged dozens of top plays, musicals and pantos, as well as raising thousands of pounds for charity with our much-loved, fund-raising tours of the BBC hit comedy ‘Allo Allo’.
"It originally started as a group of friends staging productions to try and raise money to build a new community centre in Kingsley in the 1970s.
"Those young actors played a key role in making that happen and Kingsley Community Centre has been our wonderful theatrical home ever since.
"Over the years we have added new staging, lighting, sound, projection and raised seating, as well as bringing a more professional approach to the productions on stage.
"It’s incredibly satisfying that many youngsters who first trod the boards with us have gone on to carve out successful theatre and media careers.
"At its heart is a bunch of creative, talented people who love giving audiences a great night out.
"We’re sure this production is going to be no different."
The title role of Captain Edmund Blackadder, made famous by comedian Rowan Atkinson in the original BBC series, will be played by Ian Lancaster.
Simon Hetherington steps into the shoes of Tony Robinson’s Baldrick.
Malcolm Barker, a long-standing member of the group, directs the production.
This marks his 34th time directing for Kingsley Players in a relationship that spans nearly 40 years.
Tickets are priced at £12, with a reduced rate of £8 for children and students.
Bookings can be made online at kingsleyplayers.co.uk or by calling the box office on 07724 892154.
Originally written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, Blackadder Goes Forth first aired on the BBC in the late 1980s.
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