While I’m a little wary of the news that Dad’s Army is to be revived for a new stage show, starring Leslie Grantham (I mean, really), I think it’s worth pointing out to the writer of this BBC News story that thorough research is often King in these moments.
Classic sitcom Dad’s Army is to be revived on stage with its first major theatrical production.
opens the story. The words “first major theatrical production” immediately sets alarm bells ringing. Quickly, to the Google poles! Oh what’s this? Generous information on the 1975/1976 West End musical adaptation of the classic BBC sitcom, starring the original cast.
Now, I realise I’m opening myself up to scrutiny of my own work for cracks in research, but this is one oversight that I find bewildering in a story on one of the premier news websites known to the Internet. Even the most cursory Googling of the words “Dad’s Army” and “stage show” brings forth fairly detailed information on the show (which was also performed with a new cast in Australia as recently as 2005 under the moniker of Dad’s Army – The Musical).
But, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. Actually, the new stage show might have a nice sense of nostalgic homage if done properly, along the lines of Steptoe & Son in Murder at Oildrum Lane. Certainly, the casting of Emmerdale’s Peter Martin as Captain Mainwaring is interesting, and the notion of performing the script of two episodes currently AWOL from the archives is a nice touch.
But how effective can a new cast truly be in repcapturing the spirit of a group of actors who are, quite literally, comedy legends?
“Don’t tell him, Pike!”
The BBC are legendary for this kind of slip up. You should see what passes for their coverage of devolved government.
This week alone one News24 reporter berated Rhodri Morgan when he said Labour might get a narrow majority in Wales - the reported opined that this wasn't very good, clearly unaware tha the electoral system was designed not to allow any one party to secure a majority.
Yesterday another News24 reporter claimed Labour has led the Assembly since 2000 when they were in a coalition with the LibDems in the first term.
And as for what passes for their coverage of London Government, don't even bother!
Aha - and there was also a stage show in 2001 in which Nick Scovell (with the blessing and praise of messers Perry and Croft) adapted the first 3 episodes for Act 1 and took us to the disbanding of the unit in 1944 for Act 2. Perry and Croft thought the new Act would have made a wonderful final episode for the series, raising laughs and bringing a lump to the throat at the same time. And it's been performed around the country since then too!
I am looking forward to the Dad's Army tour. I think it's a great idea and Leslie Grantham will be superb as Joe Walker. I predict the production will be a massive hit with fans - old and new and expect to read a positive review when it kicks off in September.