This is the sixth time this loving homage to Dad’s Army has gone out on national tour - this time with 3 different classic episodes of the popular sitcom adapted for radio, heard on stage for the very first time.
Since 2017 there has been almost 300 performances of The Dad’s Army Radio Show in 120 theatres across the UK and including several seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Nine episodes have been adapted to date, so this tour will bring that up to 12.
The scripts are hilariously and lovingly enacted on stage by two master performers - complete with sound effects, vintage music and all your favourite Perry and Croft characters and catchphrases.
The original television episodes newly minted for The Dad’s Army Radio Show 2024 national tour are:
The Love of Three Oranges
A church bazaar is organised for the “Comforts for the Troops Fund”. Hodges intends to auction three oranges, and Capt. Mainwaring is determined to get hold of one for Mrs Mainwaring.
The Miser’s Hoard
When Frazer is revealed to have a secret stash of gold sovereigns, Mainwaring believes he must hand them over for safe keeping.
The Making of Private Pike
Pike borrows Mainwairing’s staff car to drive his new girlfriend to the cinema in Eastgate. On the way back, however, and nine miles from Walmington, it runs out of petrol.
As seen on Dad’s Army: The Animations (UKTV Gold), David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) will transport you right back to Walmington.
The 2024 tour is dedicated to the memory of Ian Lavender, the last surviving member of the original Dad’s Army cast, who died earlier this year.
Jack Lane said: “Losing Ian Lavender feels like the end of an era and whilst the platoon may have fallen, we have been gifted a phenomenal legacy of laughter and happiness from these fine actors and sublime writers. It’s filled my life and career with endless joy, for which I am eternally grateful. Ian joined the cast of Dad’s Army fresh out of drama school. Working alongside such seasoned actors must have been daunting to a young lad but he proved his ability immediately; Ian’s comic timing was superb, he soon found himself with episodes devoted to his character, which speaks volumes of Perry & Croft’s belief in his comic ability. Pike is integral to the ensemble, providing youthful comic gags and breaking the generation barrier.”
David Benson said: “I was lucky to meet him on several happy occasions and always found him delightful, modest and unassuming but confident of his abilities. He beamed with pleasure whenever I engaged him on the subject of Dad’s Army and he always spoke with deep affection for his old buddies; especially John Le Mesurier who, I am told, thought the world of Ian. We will have Ian in our hearts as we set out on the road again with The Dad’s Army Radio Show – and we know that every audience member who hears Jack’s heartfelt recreation of his performance as Pike, will share our sadness at his passing but will remember him with gratitude and with laughter.”
Sound Designer Daniel Pook-Barnes
Presented by Jack Lane and Something For The Weekend
Dad’s Army Radio Show
2024 UK Tour listings
The Capitol, Horsham
Friday 3 May
Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
Sunday 5 May
Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford
Tuesday 7 May
Derby Theatre, Derby
Thursday 9 May
Queen’s Hall, Hexham
Thursday 16 May
Alnwick Playhouse, Alnwick
Saturday 18 May
Playhouse, Whitley Bay
Monday 20 May
The Alex, Faversham
Friday 24 May
The Hafren, Newtown Powys
Wednesday 29 May
Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa
30th May
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Tuesday 4 June
EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge
Thursday 6 June
Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy
Tuesday 11 June
Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Southampton
Friday 14 June 24
Northcott Theatre, Exeter
Saturday 15 June
Wilton’s Music Hall
Mon 17 - Sat 22 June
London press night
Monday 17 June at 7.30pm
