Lynsey Cooper’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I was both vibrant and hilarious, bringing a delightful mix of regal authority and childlike petulance to the role. Cooper captured the Queen’s unpredictable mood swings with great comic timing, effortlessly switching between moments of royal arrogance and playful mischief. Her energy was infectious, and she dominated the stage with a commanding presence that made her character’s whims both amusing and compelling. Cooper’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially in her interactions with Blackadder, added to the humour, as she balanced imperiousness with a playful unpredictability that kept the audience laughing. Her voice was perfect for the slightly ditsy, yet somehow shrewd, Queenie. The supporting cast was equally impressive. Helen Royle’s performance as Nursie was a comedy gem, perfectly capturing the character’s blend of doting caretaker and complete eccentric. Royle brought an endearing warmth to Nursie, but it was her ability to switch to utter absurdity that made her portrayal stand out. Her comic timing, particularly in delivering Nursie’s nonsensical and often bewildering observations, had the audience laughing throughout. Royle infused the character with a lovable oddness, making Nursie both a nurturing presence and a source of constant, delightful unpredictability. She added a layer of humour that enriched every scene she was in. Ashley Hamp had all the pompous bravado you’d expect, capturing the essence of this royal advisor, delivering Melchett's obsequious devotion to Queen Elizabeth I with just the right touch of absurdity. His performance skilfully balanced the character's self-importance with his perpetual toadying, providing a perfect foil for Blackadder contributing significantly to the play's comedic atmosphere. Mark Davies played flamboyant Lord Flashheart and the devious Prince Ludwig, showcasing impressive range and comic versatility. As Flashheart, Davies burst through the audience and onto the stage with swashbuckling bravado and over-thetop machismo, delivering boisterous oneliners with perfect timing and energy. In contrast, his portrayal of Prince Ludwig was delightfully sinister and calculating. Davies managed to imbue Ludwig with a comical yet menacing presence, capturing the character's penchant for disguise and his absurd German
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