Fans of the evergreen TV sit-com Dad's Army may have had concerns about its latest transition to stage. A jewel in the crown from the BBC's classic comedy era, it is never an enviable task for any actor to take on roles established by a cast that consisted of the likes of Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn and John Laurie.
Yet as Calibre productions take on the classic series reached the climax of its nationwide tour at Cardiff's New Theatre on July 13, it became apparent the production team had successfully transferred the brilliant humour of the series onto the stage.
A recreation of four of the shows television episodes, Dad's Army Marches On recalls the outbreak of the Second World War and the lives of several characters of the Walmington On Sea Home Guard who are defending their quaint British town from would-be Nazi invaders.
A Calibre Cast for Dad's Army Marches On
Heading Calibre Productions cast is Timothy Kightley who captures the essence of Captain Mainwaring perfectly. Frequently blustering and pompous, his portrayal is very much in the spirit of Arthur Lowe. Richard Tate delivers a sprightly interpretation of Lance Corporal Jones whose cries of "They don't like it up 'em!" brought laughs to the theatre audience. While, Kern Falconer is equally wonderful as dour Scot Private Frazer. You can tell the actor has studied his subject well, displaying many of the mannerisms and delivery in the style of the late great John Laurie.
Holding the narrative of the production together is former EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham who plays cockney wide-boy Joe Walker. Grantham is well cast as the lovable spiv who provides a dual role as narrator and central character in some specially written linking scenes by Dad's Army creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Dad's Army Marches On Episode Adaptations
Following a brief prelude adapted from the TV episode Asleep In The Deep introducing the central characters, act one begins with an adaptation of the episode Branded. Here Private Godfrey's (Maitland Chandler) loyalties are called into question, when it is revealed that he was infact a contentious objector during the First World War. This is followed by another memorable episode, Keep. Young and Beautiful, when the older members of the platoon, including their leader take extreme but comical measures to avoid been drafted into the ARP by attempting to make themselves look younger
Kicking off the second act is an adaptation of Mum's Army; Dad's Army's own take on Noel Coward's Brief Encounter and the finest moment of this production. Here Mainwaring allows female members to join the platoon while inadvertently falling in love with volunteer Mrs. Gray (Sarah Berger). The ability to take a story and evoke emotion and empathy for the lead characters by allowing comedy to mix with tragedy has always been one of Dad's Army's strong points and this makes this particular instalment believable and compelling.
The Two and Half Feathers rounds off the production with Jones facing accusations of desertion during the Kitchener campaign. This is a very cleverly choreographed sequence as most of the ensemble assume dual roles as Jones past is recalled to great effect.
Dad's Army - the Best of British Comedy
Dad's Army Marches On was not only a nostalgic recollection of a great TV series, but a timely reminder of British comedy at its best. The scripts may be over 40 years old but as proven when received by an audience of all ages; it's showing no signs of standing down yet.
Long may it reign!
