A lost piece of comedy history has surfaced – a Blackadder Christmas script deemed too daring for 1980s television. This isn’t the beloved “Christmas Carol” fans remember, but a far more provocative idea, now offered for sale with a hefty £10,000 price tag.
The script, titled “Blackadder in Bethlehem,” was penned by Richard Curtis and envisioned Rowan Atkinson’s iconic character as a cynical innkeeper in the biblical town. Imagine Blackadder, not scheming through Victorian London, but gruffly managing a chaotic inn overrun with shepherds, kings, and even requests for exotic entertainment.
Curtis himself feared the script would ignite controversy, noting in a handwritten accompanying note that it was “for fear it would cause too much offence.” He described the abandoned project as a bizarre blend of the farcical energy of “Fawlty Towers” and the irreverent spirit of “Life of Brian.”
The story unfolds with Mary and Joseph seeking lodging, only to be met with Blackadder’s characteristic disdain. Tony Robinson’s Baldrick, as always, bears the brunt of his master’s fury, facing threats of having his tongue removed with scissors amidst the escalating chaos of the inn.
The humor was sharp, even for Blackadder. One joke involved Joseph mishearing Baldrick’s sneeze, leading to the suggestion of “Jesu” as a potential baby name. Another scene featured a talking turkey, acutely aware of its impending fate on the Christmas menu.
Remarkably, the script was never even shared with co-writer Ben Elton before being shelved. Elton later confessed in his memoir that even the resulting “Christmas Carol” felt like a compromised vision, a shadow of what it could have been.
The original script’s emergence offers a tantalizing glimpse into a Blackadder that never was. It’s a chance to imagine a truly audacious Christmas special, one that pushed the boundaries of taste and satire.
All proceeds from the sale will benefit Theirworld, a children’s education charity, adding a heartwarming layer to this fascinating piece of television history. The buyer will also receive handwritten notes from the filming of the acclaimed “Blackadder Goes Forth” episode, “Corporal Punishment.”
Blackadder, co-created by Atkinson and Curtis, remains a cultural touchstone, spanning 24 episodes and four specials over six years. Its clever writing and unforgettable characters have cemented its place in comedy lore.
Interestingly, Richard Curtis recently hinted at a possible Blackadder revival, suggesting a future project with Rowan Atkinson is under consideration. For now, however, this lost script offers the most immediate opportunity to revisit the world of Blackadder in a completely new light.
