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A nostalgic delight for lovers of clever comedy that hilariously captures the essence of the original.
Summary
Rating
Excellent
Dad’s Army Radio Show is a fabulously funny and captivatingly clever (not to mention notably nostalgic) tribute to the classic British sitcom that ran from 1968 to 1977 and was beloved by millions – and clearly still is!
That sense of nostalgia, the feeling that this was something we grew up with (whether it was the first time round or repeats, it doesn’t matter), is what really sets the mood for this show. It consists of a selection of Dad’s Army episodes (“The Love of Three Oranges”, “The Miser’s Hoard”, and “The Making of Private Pike”) that, when performed so well by David Benson and Jack Lane, absolutely capture the essence of the original series. As a fan, I found the whole experience heartwarming and entertaining, not to mention being impressed by the impressions the two men perform throughout the evening (Lane’s Captain Mainwaring and Benson’s Sergeant Wilson being standouts in an exceptional lineup).
The play’s format is straightforward yet one hundred per cent effective, designed to mimic a live radio broadcast. This simplicity is its great strength, as it allows the audience to stay completely focused on the characters and the humour that made Dad’s Army so popular in the first place. The sound effects, although not performed live, are enough to recreate the feel of a radio show, and that adds to the nostalgic charm, making the audience feel like they’re part of a live broadcast from the past.
The play would be nothing without its two stars, and stars they most certainly are. Their ability to switch seamlessly between characters is impressive, with them often having conversations and perhaps entire scenes with themselves, and they bring out all the beloved catchphrases with impeccable comic timing: “You stupid boy!” got a very loud round of applause. What’s better is the two men are clearly having a wonderful time on stage, getting in on the fun just as much as the audience is, even ad-libbing at times in the characters’ voices. It’s a joy to watch (and listen to).
One of the best things about the Dad’s Army Radio Show is its faithfulness to the original TV series. The script, which was adapted by Benson and Lane, stays true to the classic episodes, bringing well-loved and well-known stories to life in a new way that’s sure to please long-time fans and delight newcomers to the show in equal measure. And of course, all the humour and gentle charm that made Dad’s Army such a cultural icon is plain to see.
Dad’s Army Radio Show is a must-see for fans of the original series or anyone who simply enjoys good comedy done well. Delightful, nostalgic, and charming; this is the spirit of Dad’s Army distilled into an hour and a half of pure joy.
Written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft
Adapted by Jack Lane and David Benson
Produced by Suzanna Rosenthal
Dad’s Army Radio Show runs at Wilton’s Music Hall until Saturday 22 June.
Further information and booking can be found here.
