THEY say to break a leg, but that almost happened before the opening night of this excellent amateur production.

Unlucky Katy Darragh, who was to play Private Bob and Nurse Mary, had suffered a leg injury, so Natalie Bourchier ably stepped into both roles – as well as directing and co-producing this Stab in The Dark company production.

We greatly enjoyed the evening.

On arrival we bought some refreshments, before being seated – in the A&E section – by a competent field nurse and reading the very original programme.

Then it was curtain up on the first of two Blackadder episodes set in the First World War, featuring all the favourites such as Baldrick, Melchett, Bob, Capt Darling, and even a suspected German spy. Great acting throughout.

Design and costumes felt very authentic to us, and while we were laughing at the antics of Blackadder and co we were raising some much-needed funds for Help for Heroes, the company's chosen charity.

It was a great evening and I would recommend booking your tickets for the remaining shows – Tisbury tomorrow, Shillingstone Portman Hall on Saturday, and next week in Wincanton Memorial Hall on November 14, and Leigh Village Hall on November 15.

All shows start at 8pm, with doors open at 7pm for refreshments. You can book online at stabinthedark.weebly.com or call 01963 33935.

Linda Parry