A lost piece of comedy history has surfaced: an unpublishedBlackadderscript deemed too provocative for 1980s television. This isn't a forgotten scene, but an entire Christmas special, abandoned before it could offend a nation.
The script, titledBlackadder in Bethlehem, imagined Rowan Atkinson’s cynical anti-hero not in the trenches of World War I or the court of Queen Elizabeth I, but as a disgruntled innkeeper in ancient Bethlehem. His long-suffering servant, Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson, was, naturally, at his side.
Written by Richard Curtis, the creator ofFour Weddings and a Funeral, the script was described as a bizarre blend ofFawlty Towers’ chaotic energy andLife of Brian’s irreverent humor. It was ultimately shelved, Curtis confessed, “for fear it would cause too much offence.”
The premise was audacious. Mary and Joseph arrive seeking lodging, disrupting Blackadder’s already miserable existence. Chaos ensues as shepherds, kings, and even a Roman official demanding entertainment – strippers, lion tamers, and magicians – descend upon the inn.
Imagine Baldrick sneezing, prompting Joseph to consider “Jesu” as a potential name for his son, a playful mishearing that encapsulates the script’s subversive wit. A talking turkey, aware of its impending fate on the menu, adds another layer of absurdity.
The script was never even shown to co-writer Ben Elton before being abandoned, a testament to Curtis’s immediate reservations. Elton himself later admitted that the eventual replacement,Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, was one of his least favorite experiences working on the show.
Now, this remarkable piece of television history is up for sale, with proceeds benefiting the children’s education charity Theirworld. The buyer will also receive handwritten notes from the filming of the iconicBlackadder Goes Forthepisode, “Corporal Punishment.”
The script’s emergence offers a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been, a Christmas special that dared to push boundaries. It’s a reminder of the show’s fearless spirit and a unique opportunity to own a piece of comedy legend.
Blackadder, a cultural phenomenon co-created by Atkinson and Curtis, spanned six years and 24 episodes, captivating audiences with its sharp wit and historical settings. While a full revival remains uncertain, the possibility of a future collaboration between Atkinson and Curtis continues to spark hope among fans.
