The Dad’s Army Radio Show presented by Jack Lane and producers, Something for the Weekend, is currently playing at the wonderfully characterful Wilton’s Music Hall in East London. This stage-radio hybrid adaptation of the much-loved original TV show is a sight to behold… or, forgive me for inventing a word… behear.
A quick précis for those unfamiliar with the source material. Dad’s Army, set during World War Two, was a highly successful BBC comedy from the 70s which played on the notion of the Home Guard, the last line of defence – the men who, for reasons such as age, disability and in the case of one private in particular, probably mental capacity, were asked to stay home during the war and defend Britain from a potential invasion. It explored the petty behaviours of rank, small town mindset and grabbing the little victories where you can.
The quality of the source material is undoubtedly a huge strength in the production. As hackneyed as it is to say, “They just don’t make ‘em like they used to!”. It feels like a lot of modern comedy relies on awkward, cringe inducing set pieces, Dad’s Army ran with a more traditional ‘set ‘em up and knock ‘em down’ brand of comedy’. Trusting on the strength of the characters to drive the humour, quips, puns, and buffoonery to keep the laughs ticking along. Close on fifty years later it still brings out the chuckles.
I would like to say the material is the star of the show but it most definitely isn’t, as we are treated to an outrageous range of incredibly well-crafted mimicry from the endlessly talented performers Jack Lane and David Benson.
In the foyer, I heard a conversation which went along the lines of ‘we should probably just close our eyes and listen, I think it’s just two guys standing at microphones’ but I can assure you, it is so much more than that. We are treated to a dazzling display of vocal gymnastics, with each actor switching roles and delivering character after character, pitch perfectly.
We also see them frequently having to argue with themselves whilst doing two separate voices and enter and exit rooms at the same time. All of this commotion brings much visual hilarity to something that claims to be a radio show. They have gone to great lengths to physically embody the expression, physicality and even gestures of the original actors from the TV show. It really is a bravura performance on their part, their dexterity and cleanliness of shifting characters in the blink of an eye is extremely impressive.
I confess to not having watched any Dad’s Army for about 20 years. Yet as I sat in the stalls, watching and listening to the action unfold, I found the faces of the original actors appearing before my eyes as they were masterfully brought forth, with fine detail by Lane and Benson, who have a palpable rapport that serves the show well. The Dad’s Army Radio Show is a lovingly recreated production, performed with unmatched skill and playfulness. Well worth a watch – and a listen.
Dad’s Army Radio Show is at Wilton’s Music Hall until 22nd June 2024
