Cambridge University students perform “Blackadder goes forth” for Red Nose Day

13th March 2024

Cambridge University students perform “Blackadder goes forth” for Red Nose Day
  • Cambridge University students will perform "Blackadder Goes Forth" between Wednesday 13 March and Saturday 16 March to support Red Nose Day

  • The University’s comedy society running the event, Cambridge Footlights, aims to surpass their £250 fundraising target through ticket sales, programmes, and bake sales

  • Money raised could help to put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict and climate change

  • Red Nose Day returns on Friday 15 March

  • To get involved in Red Nose Day this year, visit www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday

Wednesday 13 March 2024: From Wednesday 13 March to Saturday 16 March students at Cambridge University will be performing "Blackadder Goes Forth" at the University's Corpus Playroom to raise life changing money for Red Nose Day. With a talented cast of seven, the students will bring to life two episodes of the iconic British sitcom Blackadder, which was written by Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis.

Proceeds from ticket sales, as well as the sale of programmes and delicious homemade cakes during the performances, will contribute to the fundraising efforts for Comic Relief.

Kae Deller, a student and the show's producer, said: "Blackadder just felt very appropriate because of the Richard Curtis connection and, of course, everyone in Footlights adores Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. It really felt like a natural fit for our Comic Relief fundraiser. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show sells out, everyone here is very excited to see it. The biggest challenge with this fundraiser was auditions because everyone wanted to be involved."

In addition to the theatrical performances, Cambridge Footlights will host an improv night at the Sydney Sussex Bar on March 11 at 7pm, further bolstering the fundraising efforts for Red Nose Day.

Reflecting on the significance of Red Nose Day, Kae added, “Comic Relief has been a real fixture in my life since childhood, I love comedy so I always watched it. Red Nose Day is a national event, a really British phenomenon, and a great way to bring people together to laugh and raise money for a charity that does such great work at home and abroad."

Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that students at Cambridge University are performing Blackadder Goes Forth for Red Nose Day. We’ve often thought of reviving it for Red Nose Day, but the original cast are far too creaky now - so it’s nice that people of almost the right age will be taking up their bayonets for Red Nose Day. I wish them the best of luck and send huge thanks on behalf of Comic Relief, which will spend the money they raise with care and passion."

Money raised for Red Nose Day could help to put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict and climate change.

This year, Comic Relief is celebrating its heroic, change making fundraisers with The Nosey Awards. Featuring five categories, the awards are open to anyone that fundraised for Red Nose Day between 2021-2024. Entries close on 31 March. To enter visit www.comicrelief.com/noseys.

Red Nose Day returns on 15 March. To find out how you can get involved visit www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday.