Dad’s Army Radio Show
to make its West End debut!
The nation’s favourite sitcom will make its West End debut
at the Duchess Theatre on 16 June
with more dates across the UK
Two actors, two microphones, over 25 characters – and lots of sound effects! Dad’s Army Radio Show brings Perry and Croft’s classic BBC comedy to life in this highly acclaimed stage production.
Three episodes of the popular sitcom – adapted for radio for the very first time – are hilariously and lovingly enacted on stage by just two master performers – complete with sound effects, vintage music and all your favourite Perry and Croft characters and catchphrases.
Now following several national tours and sold-out seasons at the Fringe, Dad’s Army Radio Show, starring David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days), who both worked as voice cast on Dad’s Army: The Animations on UKTV Gold, will make its debut in the West End – for one night only – at the Duchess Theatre on Monday June 16 as part of a major 2025 UK tour.
The tour coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE day with celebrations planned across the country from 8 -11 May.
Jack Lane said today: “I’m thrilled to be making my West End debut at the Duchess Theatre. Bringing a show so dear to my heart with its well loved characters, alongside my great friend, David Benson, is an honour and a joy.”
David Benson said: “Having dabbled in the West End before (Think No Evil of Us: My Life With Kenneth Williams at the Vaudeville, One Man Two Guvnors, Haymarket, Boris World King, Trafalgar) I am very proud to be returning in the company of my dear friend and collaborator Mr. Jack Lane. Plus our company of our beloved characters and the brilliant scripts of Perry and Croft.”
The original television episodes newly minted for Dad’s Army Radio Show national tour 2025 are:
The Love of Three Oranges
A church bazaar is organised for the “Comforts for the Troops Fund”. Hodges intends to auction three oranges, and Capt. Mainwaring is determined to get hold of one for Mrs Mainwaring.
The Miser’s Hoard
When Frazer is revealed to have a secret stash of gold sovereigns, Mainwaring believes he must hand them over for safe keeping.
The Making of Private Pike
Pike borrows Mainwairing’s staff car to drive his new girlfriend to the cinema in Eastgate. On the way back, however, and nine miles from Walmington, it runs out of petrol.
Creative team:
Daniel Barnes Sound Designer.
Presented by Jack Lane and Something For The Weekend
Ian Lavender (1946 – 2024)
The tour is dedicated to the memory of Ian Lavender, the last surviving member of the original Dad’s Army cast, who died last year.
Jack Lane said: “Losing Ian Lavender feels like the end of an era and whilst the platoon may have fallen, we have been gifted a phenomenal legacy of laughter and happiness from these fine actors and sublime writers. It’s filled my life and career with endless joy, for which I am eternally grateful. Ian joined the cast of Dad’s Army fresh out of drama school. Working alongside such seasoned actors must have been daunting to a young lad but he proved his ability immediately; Ian’s comic timing was superb, he soon found himself with episodes devoted to his character, which speaks volumes of Perry & Croft’s belief in his comic ability. Pike is integral to the ensemble, providing youthful comic gags and breaking the generation barrier.”
David Benson said: “I was lucky to meet him on several happy occasions and always found him delightful, modest and unassuming but confident of his abilities. He beamed with pleasure whenever I engaged him on the subject of Dad’s Army and he always spoke with deep affection for his old buddies; especially John Le Mesurier who, I am told, thought the world of Ian. We will have Ian in our hearts as we set out on the road again with The Dad’s Army Radio Show – and we know that every audience member who hears Jack’s heartfelt recreation of his performance as Pike, will share our sadness at his passing but will remember him with gratitude and with laughter.”
WEST END PREMIERE
Monday 16 June
Duchess Theatre
3-5 Catherine Street
London
WC2B 5LA
Tickets From
£21.50
Prices include a £1.50 restoration levy.
Show Time
7.30pm
Running Time
1hr 50mins including an interval
Book online:
https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/dads-army-radio-show/
Dad’s Army Radio Show
2025 UK Tour listings
Saturday 26 April
Hedge End
The Berry Theatre
Sunday 27 April
Saffron Walden
Saffron Hall
Friday 2 May
Beckenham
St George’s
Sunday 4 May
Hever Castle
The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle
Kent
Wednesday 7 May
Hemel Hempstead
Old Town Hall
Sunday 11 May
Coventry
Warwick Arts Centre
Wednesday 14 May
Billingham
Forum
Thursday 15 May
Newark
Palace Theatre
Friday 16 May
Salford
The Lowry
Sunday 18 May
Brighton
Open Air Theatre
Monday 26 May
Perth
Festival of the Arts
Thursday 29 May
Kent
Hemsted Park, Benenden
Friday 30 May
Gorleston
Gorleston Pavilion
Tuesday 3 June
Wakefield
Theatre Royal
Wednesday 4 June
Mansfield
Palace Theatre
Friday 6 June
Bishop’s Stortford
South Mill Arts
Thursday 19 June
Spalding
South Holland Centre
Friday 20 June
Market Harborough
Nevill Holt Festival
Tuesday 24 June
Lichfield
Garrick
Thursday 26 June
Kendal
Brewery Arts
Friday 27 & Saturday 28 June
Scarborough
Stephen Joseph Theatre
Wednesday 2 July
Milton Keynes
The Stables
Sunday 6 July
Weymouth
Weymouth Pavilion
Wednesday 9 July
Shrewsbury
Theatre Severn
Website: http://www.dadsarmyradioshow.co.uk/
Social Media (show):
Twitter: @DadsArmyRadio
Facebook: /DadsArmyRadio
David Benson
Twitter: @DavidBensonSays
Jack Lane
Twitter: @JackLane15
Instagram: @realjacklane
Something For The Weekend
Twitter: @SFTWshows
Instagram: @sftwshows
Facebook: /SFTWshows