1976 – Dad’s Army, signed theatre programme

Description

Dad’s Army, signed theatre programme from 1976

Dad’s Army, signed theatre programme. Original theatre programme for the touring version of Dad’s Army, featuring the original cast, and autographed by seven cast members.

Signatures

The signatures are Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring), John Le Mesurier (Sergeant Wilson) , Clive Dunn (L/Cpl Jones), Ian Lavender (Private Pike), Bill Pertwee (Chief ARP Warden Hodges), Frank Williams (Rev Timothy Farthing) and Edward Sinclair (Mr Yeatman, Verger).

The programme is from the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. The stage play was performed from Monday 26th May through to Saturday 5th June 1976.

The Stage Show

Jimmy Perry and David Croft

Jimmy Perry and David Croft created the Dad’s Army stage show following the phenomenal success of their wonderful characters on the television, in film and on radio. Taking the TV series to the live stage meant that many tens of thousands of the show’s adoring fans would have the magical experience of seeing their favourite characters in the flesh.

Mix of music, comedy and nostalgia

This patriotic mix of music, comedy and nostalgia went down well with the public it seems, but the critics were very surprised by the disjointed approach. Most of the reviews written following the preview on the 26th of September 1975 were ranging between the bemused and the scathing.

The critics

The critics had expected the show to flow as one long live episode rather than sketches and songs. Almost all those reporters who attended the preview night made at least one negative remark about the show in their reviews that followed.

Some highlights

Arnold Ridley’s recital of Lords of the Air, backed by a choir of heavenly voices, provided a stirring moment. The backing was provided by the girls and boys in the company. Godfrey reads with intense pride in his country and the RAF, while watching an air battle over the English Channel.

A great musical scene comes in the form of The Choir Practise. This was adapted from the television sketch The Cornish Floral Dance, as seen in the 1970 Christmas Night With The Stars. All the cast and company were involved, and the scene is both tuneful and hilarious.

Even Arthur Lowe and John le Mesurier had lead singing roles. They recreated the music hall and radio duo of Flanagan and Allen. Dressed as the popular wartime pair they sang Hometown, who had been part of radio’s The Crazy Gang.

Read the full article at cambridgeairforce.org.nz.