AN entire audience shared a cunning plan last night.

Blackadder Rides Again brought the scathing wit of Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson’s timeless creation to Ferneham Hall, Fareham.

And Interalia Theatre didn’t miss a beat in bringing one of comedy’s most dastardly characters to life again.

Although the cast had a serious advantage in the source material being as brilliant as it is, director Nick Scovell certainly got the best out of them.

Sean Ridley nailed the comic timing of the titular schemer and the pronunciation of ‘Bob’ while his look of utter disdain at the imbeciles surrounding him was reminiscent of Atkinson himself.

Chief among them was Paul Denney who was terrific as the bungling George as both Prince Regent and lunatic lieutenant, but shone brightest as the brash Lord Flasheartwhowas only on stage for three minutes but stole the show just as Rik Mayall’s original did.

Alexandra MacLean made a fine leading lady and was a match for Ridley as the only other vaguely sensible character.

The show put four episodes together, one from each period, and started slowly due to the first series’ limitations compared to the rest.

Once Blackadder switched from slimy sycophant to the selfish manipulator we all know and love the momentum started rolling forward and the laughs followed suit.

Plus the production was only made possible if it was in aid of Comic Relief, so it was all for a good cause to boot.

It was a shame the crowd wasn’t full and the acoustics could have been better as some of the funnier punch lines were hard to make out.

But for the most part it was a well delivered re-enactment of one of Britain’s greatest historical treasures.