Dads Army

Dad’s Army was a resounding success for Wookey Theatre Group – one of their best productions yet. The audience burst into spontaneous applause as the members of the Home Guard marched onto to stage at Wookey Church Hall. All the characters were instantly recognisable. There were brilliant performances from the whole cast, who made it their own while remaining faithful to the much loved British comedy classic. Steve French gave a touchingly hilarious performance as the inimitable Captain Mainwaring, losing his cool and his spectacles to Mrs Gray (Louise Cooper). She was fabulous as the seemingly straight laced new recruit to the ladies’ section, who steals the captain’s heart. The smitten Captain Mainwaring is too busy “making an utter fool of himself” to see what’s coming, or anything else. His exit from a romantic tête-à-tête at the tea shop as he fumbled his way out minus his glasses was sidesplittingly funny. Steve Collinson was marvellous as genteel ladies’ man Sergeant Wilson, capturing the mannerisms of the great John Le Mesurier, who played Wilson in the BBC TV series, to a tee. He was uncannily similar, entirely convincing and incredibly funny. French’s Mainwaring and Collinson’s Wilson were the perfect mix of pomp and panache. Pete Tincknell had everyone in stitches as Private Frazer and then (enter the Germans) was brilliant as the menacing U-boat Captain. The prisoners are left in the charge of Mainwaring’s men but the offer of fish and chips is met with disdain. “I don’t want nasty, soggy chips. I want mine crisp unt light brown”, barks the captain. Frazer didn’t hold back his admiration for Miss Ironside’s “big strong thighs”. Unphased, the mischievous Miss Ironside (Fenella Jones) took it all in her stride, carrying off the role with a twinkle in her eye. Gil Oliphant was superb as the enthusiastic Lance Corporal Jones, “I will not allow you to have a bomb in your trousers, sir. Don’t you worry about me, they can put 20 bombs in my trousers and they will not make me crack”. The action was well crafted and perfectly paced, building in momentum and making the audience erupt with laughter. The cast brought the appreciative audience with them all the way, with quick fire delivery and an easy rapport. John Carter was wonderful as doddering Private Godfrey and Andy Childs made an excellent Private Walker. Krys Pittman was great as naive and molly coddled young Private Pike (Wilson’s nephew), who doesn’t like the idea of being on the German captain’s list – “Don’t tell him your name Pike!” warns Captain Mainwairing. Lyn Hinde carried off her three roles (Mrs Fox, waitress and a turn as Private Frazer) with aplomb. Imogen Crees (as the Colonel) deserves a special mention for gamely trying to stick her wayward moustache back on while delivering her lines – which of course made them even funnier. The audience was behind her all the way and the roars of laughter could probably be heard all over Wookey. The costumes, set and make-up were all spot on. The audience clearly delighted in seeing the well-loved characters brought to life with such skill and gusto. The superb acting, attention to detail and sheer comic genius made it a night to remember. Another outstanding performance from Wookey’s ‘Home Guard’, led by director Polly Carroll and ably assisted by producer Ann Gouldney.