Next week sees the opening of the Seagull Rep’s new touring show – Blackadder Goes Forth written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.

“It’s an exciting time for us” said Seagull Rep Artistic Director, Paul Amer. “Having enjoyed extraordinary critical acclaim for our tours of Vicar of Dibley and Blackadder II, we couldn’t wait to turn our attention to Blackadder Goes Forth.”

The company decided it was an appropriate time to move on to the first three episodes of Season Four. “It’s not only hilarious, it’s written in such a way that leaves you really identifying with the characters,” said Jonny Goddard, who continues his tenure of the role of Edmund Blackadder. “I enjoy the other series but the shift in focus with Goes Forth is such that the futility and horror of Blackadder’s situation is actually a delicate subject. People love that Blackadder is always in control of his own fate, even when other people think that they are,” he continued. “He is given quite an advantage over those closest to him in that he actually has some intelligence.” adds Michael Moretta, playing the faithful man-servant, Baldrick.

The courtroom is a fast paced scene of mock law in which General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett gets into full flow. Rep new boy, Matthew Canwell said, “Playing Melchett is a lot of fun. He is the archetypal bumbling British officer and he has some fantastic gags.”

Each episode is a fun-packed adventure that combines to make a cracking night out.

The characters and script are all part of the genius of Richard Curtis and Ben Elton. The pair also donate the performing rights for the show to Comic Relief.

“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t love the series on TV, we manage to make it as true to the original episodes as they should be while making the show and characters our own. Throw into the bargain that we raise money for the theatre and for Comic Relief while having an absolute blast in the process!” said Paul.

“We had such success with Blackadder II and everyone who came to see it had a great night. We’re confident that this instalment will not leave anyone disappointed but, for those who want more, our plan is to do the final three episodes of Blackadder Goes Forth, including the heartbreaking final episode, in October and November 2014 in line with the 100th anniversary of the First World WAr. As ever, the company has worked so hard to make these shows more than just a staging of the TV show, but an experience, as anyone that has been to see them will know”.

The touring production finishes at St George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth on Saturday May 17, 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and £9 concessions and are available through the box office on 01493 331484 or www.stgeorgestheatre.com.