Blackadder Empire in 1453, predating the events in the episode by 33 years); this dramatic licence would continue in the subsequent "Blackadders". The filming of the series was highly ambitious, with a large cast and much location shooting. The series also featured Shakespearean dialogue, often adapted for comic effect; the end credits featured the words "Additional Dialogue by William Shakespeare". "Blackadder II" is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603), who is portrayed by Miranda Richardson. The principal character is Edmund, Lord Blackadder, the great-grandson of the original Black Adder. During the series, he regularly deals with
Blackadder: Back & Forth programme, with the exception of the original series producer, John Lloyd. Due to the increased budget, it is the only "Blackadder" story to be shot entirely on film and with no laugh track, although one was added for the BBC One broadcast in 2002. It is also the only "Blackadder" to be filmed in widescreen; 2.20:1 aspect ratio for cinema showings, and (1.77:1) for the DVD and television screenings. The film was co-financed by Sky and the BBC, with sponsorship from, among others, Tesco, with Blackadder trying to offer his loyalty card to Queenie. The opening sequence features various depictions