TV COMEDY classic Blackadder is brought to the stage at Bingley Arts Centre this summer.

And as the centenary of the First World War drawing to a close nears it is fitting that Bingley Little Theatre has chosen Blackadder Goes Forth.

The fourth and final series of Blackadder – which starred Rowan Atkinson – was set in the bloody trenches of the Western Front.

Richard Curtis’s black comedy ended its six episodes set in 1917 with a poignant ending.

The play concerns Captain Blackadder and his comrades who find that they are 20 yards away from a lot of heavily armed people who want to kill them.

Blackadder, Baldrick and George embark on doomed attempts to escape from the trenches whilst under the misguided command of General Melchett.

Blackadder, written variously by Richard Curtis, Ron Atkinson and Ben Elton, was voted ninth best TV show of all time by Empire magazine, and in the BBC’s 2004 poll for Britain’s Best Sitcom lost only to Only Fools and Horses.

All television episodes starred Rowan Atkinson as the anti-hero Edmund Blackadder, and Tony Robinson as Blackadder’s dogsbody, Baldrick.

Each of the series was set in a different historical period – medieval, Georgian, Elizabethan and First World War – with comedy stars like Rik Mayall, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie playing recurring characters.

Although each series is set in a different era, all follow the misfortunes of Edmund Blackadder (played by Atkinson), who in each is a member of a British family dynasty present at significant periods and places in British history. As the generations progress, each Blackadder becomes increasingly clever and perceptive, while the family’s social status steadily erodes.

However, each Blackadder remains a cynical, cowardly opportunist, maintaining and increasing his own status and fortunes, regardless of his surroundings.

The life of each Blackadder is also entwined with his servant, each from the Baldrick family line (played by Tony Robinson). Each generation acts as the dogsbody to his respective Blackadder.

Blackadder Goes Forth, airing in 1989, was notable for its criticism of the British Army’s leadership during the First World War, and often referred to a number of famous figures of the age.

According to Wikipedia, there were initial concerns that the comedy series might trivialise the events of the war, but the series won widespread acclaim on its release.

However, some historians and politicians have criticised it for presenting an oversimplified view of the war, reinforcing the popular notion of “lions led by donkeys”.

Blackadder Goes Forth runs from Monday to Saturday, July 2 to 7, at 7.30pm.

Visit BingleyLittleTheatre.co.uk or call 01274 567983 to book tickets.