Don’t panic, there’s still time to see Dad’s Army on stage
Atimeless BBC sitcom will be hilariously brought to life by a talented duo at a Durham City theatre.
Audiences at the Gala Theatre will be transported to Walmington-on-Sea when the enjoyable, uplifting and nostalgic Dad’s Army Radio Show takes to the stage tomorrow at 7.30pm.
The show sees two master performers lovingly recreate three episodes of the hugely popular radio series, based on Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s classic comedy TV show. Between them, the pair will play over twenty-five members of the Home Guard platoon, from the pompous Captain Manwaring to the cheerful Sergeant Wilson. The Dad’s Army Radio Show features three episodes which have been newly adapted for radio; ‘When You’ve Got To Go’, ‘My Brother and I’ and ‘Never Too Old’. Featuring everyone’s favourite characters and catchphrases from the much-loved show, accompanied by vintage music and sound effects, the performance stars actors David Benson and Jack Lane.
Best-known for his performance as Noel Coward in the BBC's classic wartime comedy Goodnight Sweetheart, David was a member of the National Theatre's smash hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors with James Corden, playing 1,015 performances of the show. He was also nominated for a BBC Audio Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Frankie Howerd in Frankie Takes a Trip. Jack, meanwhile, received approval from the original writers of Steptoe and Son for his adaptation of three episodes and two Christmas specials of the classic BBC sitcom. He also gained critical acclaim for Wisdom of a Fool, a self-penned oneman play based on the life and career of comedy icon, Norman Wisdom.
Robin Byers, manager of the Gala Theatre and Cinema, said: “Dad’s Army is without doubt one of the nation’s favourite sitcoms and we’re thrilled to welcome David and Jack to our theatre for this hilarious adaptation. The show has received rave reviews from both critics and audiences of all ages. Its family friendly humour makes the Dad’s Army Radio Show perfect for different generations of a family to enjoy together.”
Tickets, priced at £20 or £18 for concessions, are available from www. galadurham.co.uk , in person from the Gala box office, or over the phone on 03000 266 600.