Dad's Army
Charles Cryer Studio Theatre
Carshalton

I APPROACHED this staging of Jimmy Perry and David Croft's vintage TV comedy wondering if it was past its sell-by date. The disadvantage from disparate episodes is the insufficient time there is to build up character with the newly acquired faces and where some had little to impart other than catch phrases. Nevertheless, credibility came either by vocal imitation, as in the case of Frazer's (Terry Moran) Scottish accent or implied by the gentility of Sergeant Wilson (Dennis Steer) and the perpetually crossed legs of Private Godfrey (Martin Phillips).

Authoritarian John Talbot lacked the pomposity of Captain Mainwaring but was very moving in the Brief Encounter type romance with the charming Fiona Gray (Kate Strafford). He should have remembered, however, that tonsorial short back and sides were then obligatory. Director Clare Gollop handled her enormous cast well and the lighting was almost spot-on with the changes necessary to replace TV camera switching.

The first episode showed the captured German Submariners under their chain smoking Captain (Peter O'Donovan) who was fond of saying "Your name will go in my book" with the Mainwaring classic reply "Don't tell him Pike". Stupid boy was played by Shane Hervey who had his character's infantilism and Rupert Bear scarf, almost to perfection.

The second, entitled Mum's Army enlisted the help of the Warmington on Sea ladies and introduced us to the flamboyant Mrs Fox (Judy Abbott), the light of Butcher Jones life. Bryan Warner who played him, though amusing, did not get to the heart of the character.

The third gave us the Morris Dancing and Wilson's two legged horse. Barry Gollop as Private Walker the spiv, beautifully conveyed his sharp practice and the rivalry between the ladies as to who should play Lady Godiva wearing blond wig and fleshings was excellent

This was an ambitious undertaking which the audience much enjoyed.

Peter Steptoe