The nation’s favourite sitcom will make its West End debut at the Duchess Theatre on 16 June, with more dates across the UK.
Two actors, two microphones, over 25 characters – and lots of sound effects! Dad’s Army Radio Show brings Perry and Croft’s classic BBC comedy to life in this highly acclaimed stage production.
Three episodes of the popular sitcom – adapted for radio for the very first time – are hilariously and lovingly enacted on stage by just two master performers, complete with sound effects, vintage music, and all your favourite Perry and Croft characters and catchphrases.
Following several national tours and sold-out seasons at the Fringe, Dad’s Army Radio Show, starring David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days), who both worked as voice cast on Dad’s Army: The Animations on UKTV Gold, will make its debut in the West End for one night only at the Duchess Theatre on Monday, June 16, as part of a major 2025 UK tour.
The tour coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with celebrations planned across the country from 8-11 May.
Jack Lane said today: “I’m thrilled to be making my West End debut at the Duchess Theatre. Bringing a show so dear to my heart with its well-loved characters, alongside my great friend, David Benson, is an honour and a joy.”
David Benson said: “Having dabbled in the West End before (Think No Evil of Us: My Life With Kenneth Williams at the Vaudeville, One Man Two Guvnors, Haymarket, Boris World King, Trafalgar) I am very proud to be returning in the company of my dear friend and collaborator Mr. Jack Lane. Plus our company of our beloved characters and the brilliant scripts of Perry and Croft.”
The original television episodes newly minted for Dad’s Army Radio Show national tour 2025 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 Mainwaring’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.
The tour is dedicated to the memory of Ian Lavender, the last surviving member of the original Dad’s Army cast, who died last 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.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
