Blackadder The Third, Altrincham Garrick

HAD he been there, I think Rowan Atkinson himself would have clapped and cheered Steven Finney to the rafters after his performance as Blackadder.

For this is comedy acting at its finest, with Steven displaying flawless comedy timing that could easily be found on a professional stage.

The quips, the tormented facial expressions, this performance, perfectly pitched, had echoes of Atkinson when he played the role on TV.

We meet Blackadder in Georgian England and our hero is working as butler to Prince George, a man so dim you'd be forgiven for thinking he was the by product of two cousins getting married.

There are some memorable scenes between Blackadder and this royal half wit, expertly played by Hugh Everett in what is for me, his best performance on the Altrincham Garrick stage.

All the characters from the TV series are here and while it helps if you're a fan of the original, this production, bursting with laugh out loud funny moments, is sure to convert you.

It always helps when you have Richard Curtis and Ben Elton writing the script – the lines are a gift for Finney and company.

Charlie Tomlinson has always impressed me as an actor and he's equally good on the other side of the boards. Beverley Stuart Cole is great fun as pie shop owner Mrs Miggins and Blackadder just wouldn't be Blackadder without his sidekick Baldrick (Michael Gallagher), a simple soul in so many ways.

For me, this is one of the best comedies the Garrick has done, a wall to wall triumph.

- Blackadder The Third is at Altrincham Garrick until Saturday. Call 0161 928 1677 for tickets.

RICK BOWEN