Dad's Army Marches On
The classic sitcom, loved for its gentle wit and teatime humor received a warm reception in Cardiff as Captain Mainwaring and his platoon of old timers brought some war-time spirit to the New Theatre stage.
The show was based during the Second World War, at a time when Britain prepared to defend a potential Nazi invasion. The play follows a group of retired soldiers whose roles were to hold off such an attack if it reached British soil, in the recently set up Home Guard. The show is not wildly funny and was never meant to be, although the well crafted, memorable characters left a grin on my face. However, for someone who has dipped in and out of the TV series over the years, I can’t help feeling that the virtually unrecognisable cast was never going to do justice to the real thing. Despite Leslie Grantham’s best efforts as dodgy dealer Private Walker, for me, the show never quite lifted off. It didn’t quite meet my expectations.
The whole thing ran together smoothly and although you wouldn’t guess, over the constant rustling of confectionery packets, it was a hit with the audience. I took a good friend (aka Lemonhead), who hadn’t seen the original series and she seemed to like it, so perhaps I’m being slightly harsh. Maybe it's a case of me being spoiled after seeing The Harder they Come the previous week!
Overall, a good show with some excellent moments, but it could have been so much better.
If you're a fan of Dad's Army or interested in the history of the Second World, why not go along and make your own mind up about it? You can see it at the New Theatre until Saturday 17th. Book your tickets here!
