CHASE
THEATRE COMPANY
“DAD’S ARMY”
20 October 2007
Charles Cryer Studio Theatre
Stephen Macvicar
Thank you
very much for inviting me to
Synopsis
Three of the iconic episodes from this beloved series – the action takes
place in a Walmington-on-Sea church hall.
The
Deadly Attachment
A German U-boat crew are captured but the roles are soon reversed and
Corporal Jones is caught in an awkward position.
Mum's
Army
Mainwaring enlists women into the platoon and soon falls for the charms of
one of its newest members, but as in most circumstances a heart has to be
broken!
The
Godiva Affair
Concern grows as to who will play Lady Godiva at the Walmington on Sea
fete, Mrs Pike or Mrs Fox. No-one realises that the ultimate shock will be
for Captain Mainwaring.
Overview
(for NODA
This production contained 3 real episodes from the original Dad’s Army
series. Some of the characterisations were uncanny in their depiction. The
production was well directed with plenty of attention to detail – a
hallmark of Chase Theatre Company. Many comedic memories were brought to
the fore, with the script including the famous “Don’t tell him your
name, Pike”.
This was a great choice of
production for Chase Theatre Company. I had some initial misgivings about
how you would recruit the required level of competent men to make the
production hold together but I needn’t have worried. A mixture of strong
acting, strong direction and authenticity made for an excellent
production.
I had forgotten how well
written this sitcom actually was. Jimmy Perry and David Croft went on to
make many sitcoms but Dad’s Army is the one they are best remembered
for. It may seem an unlikely source of comedy to have an inane look at the
Home Guard during a world war but it some ways that is what makes British
humour marvellous – a chance to laugh at ourselves. Any good play needs
characters and these are without doubt some of the best. Three entirely
different episodes were brought to life fantastically by a dedicated team
of players and a first class creative team. Congratulations to debut
Director Clare Gollop for pulling all these disparate character and
shenanigans together to create an immensely adhesive product.
I have mentioned before the
attention to detail which Chase Theatre Company can rightly be proud of.
It isn’t easy to assemble paraphernalia from a different era but it was
there in abundance. Costume, Lighting and Sound issues were well thought
out and executed to perfection.
A large and varied cast all
acquitted themselves admirably. Some were more experienced than others but
there were no weak links. The cast is too large to mention individually
but I have commented on the main principals;
Captain Mainwaring – John
Talbot – I have always been an Arthur Lowe but I thought John did a
fantastic job. Not a direct copy but containing the essentials of
Mainwaring’s attributes and foibles
Sergeant Wilson – Denis
Steer – a warm, gentle characterisation which was entirely endearing. At
all times keeping Mainwaring on his toes with his own unique observations
Lance Corporal Jones –
Bryan Warner – another gem of a part and
Private Fraser – Terry
Moran – the funerial Pve Fraser was well conveyed by Terry. A lot of his
delivery came out of the side of his mouth as he prophesised forthcoming
doom
Private Godfrey – Martin
Phillips – a well judged portrayal of this meekest of men
Private Walker – Barry
Gollop – Barry plays a good spiv. Sharp, alert and always had some
business going down
Private Pike – Shane
Hervey – Shane convinced as the bumbling, mother’s boy. Another strong
performance
Chief Warden Hodges –
Richard Seagrott – a smaller role but Richard made an impact with this
officious reptile
Mr Yeatman – Richard
Knight – Richard was suitably pious as this gentle of gentle men
Colonel – Bill Walsom –
Suitably pompous, enjoying the sound of his own voice and commanded the
stage nicely
U-Boat Captain – Peter
O’Donovan – a great German accent was the hallmark of this austere of
cameo roles
Other privates, ancilliary staff and ladies of the parish all portrayed their characters successful in full support of the main principals. There were some lovely cameos amongst these lesser parts.
The souvenir programme had
plenty of interesting items. Short biogs would have been nice. These are
always welcome to see previous experience and growth of the performers but
I know time and space doesn’t always permit.
Congratulations to one and
all. Once again thank you for inviting me to the Charles Cryer Theatre and
best wishes for your next production “This Happy Breed”.
I look forward to seeing you
again soon and if I can be of any assistance at any time, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Kindest Regards
Stephen Macvicar
NODA Rep
Surbiton
KT6 5AL
steve.macvicar@hotmail.co.uk