IT’S a British comedy classic.

Up there with the likes of Fawlty Towers, Steptoe & Son and Dad’s Army.

So how fitting that as Comic Relief hits the headlines again, Holmfirth actors are preparing to bring Blackadder to the stage.

Blackadder’s creator, Richard Curtis, is a staunch backer of Comic Relief.

And he has given his permission for Turn Again Theatre to perform three episodes of the iconic TV series at Holmfirth Civic Hall. The rights fee for staging the show will be donated to Comic Relief and collections will be held at the productions.

The show will be directed by the group’s chairman, Lisa Kendall, who said: “Blackadder is rarely available for amateur theatres, but Turn Again Theatre have secured the rights to perform three episodes a night of the iconic TV programme.

“We are really excited and have chosen one episode from each of series 2, 3 and 4.

“Turn Again Theatre is an award- winning theatre group which has been entertaining the community of Holmfirth for over 25 years and we have a fabulous reputation and regularly sell out our shows.”

Blackadder is coming to the Civic Hall from Wednesday May 29 to Saturday, June 1.

A very strong cast has already been gathered together, including some of the best comic actors in the area.

So who’s who?

Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) is being played by Steve Baker who has performed with Turn Again Theatre for over 15 years. He has played many fabulous leading roles with the society, the most previous being the miserly Scrooge in last October’s production of Christmas Carol.

Baldrick (Tony Robinson) is being played by Richard Skelton, a great character actor who captured the mannerisms of Manuel perfectly in a recent production of Fawlty Towers.

Queenie (Miranda Richardson) is being played by Roni Brophy, who has been with Turn Again Theatre and Honley Players for about five years.

Melchett (Stephen Fry) is being played by the dashing Neil Smith, who has again played so many parts with Turn Again over the years.

Percy/Darling (Tim McInnerny) is being played by Neil Stacey, who took the part of the bouncing Basil in Fawlty Towers.

Lisa added: “I also belong to a children’s entertainment group called The Hey Diddles and it was my suggestion we did Blackadder.

“ I’m a big fan of the TV series and also a big believer in supporting charities.”

Tickets will be available from Holmfirth Tourist Information on 01484 222444 from Monday, April 8.