Dirty Den becomes Private Walker in Dad's Army at Venue Cymru

Jun 3 2010

HE’S best known as bad lad Dirty Den in EastEnders, but Leslie Grantham has swapped tragedy for comedy with a leading role in a new stage version of TV classic Dad’s Army.

It’s the second time he has tackled the role of the platoon’s "Wide Boy" Private Walker on stage and he rings every possible laugh out of it according to producer Ed O’Driscoll.

"This brand new production breaks into a somewhat new territory for stage, as a theatrical sequel, and comes as a result of the overwhelming reaction to our original tour of Dad’s Army – The Lost Episodes. "We also wanted to do something to mark the 70th year anniversary of the formation of the Home Guard and what better way to do so than with Dad’s Army."

 The show features adaptations of classic episodes from the TV series staged in the fictional seaside town of Walmington- on-Sea and hand-picked by the creators and writers of the TV series Jimmy Perry and David Croft.

In the first, chosen by Jimmy Perry, Captain Mainwaring discovers Private Godfrey was a conscientious objector in the First World War and sets about turning the platoon against him. However, a rescue, a military medal and a medical bag later reveal Mainwaring to have greatly misjudged Godfrey.

 In Mum’s Army chosen by David Croft, the Home Guard seeks to recruit women members in the fight against the Axis powers. This inevitably leads to the disapproval of the Captain, until a pleasant widow named Mrs Grey enters and turns the situation quite literally head-over-heels.

Based on the personal Second World War experiences of Jimmy Perry, Dad’s Army first appeared on British television screens over 40 years ago, commanding audience figures in excess of 18.5million viewers each week, and it is still regularly reprised on TV channels worldwide.

The stage show has a cast of 15, and in addition to Leslie Grantham features Timothy Kightley in the pivotal role of Captain Mainwaring who was played in the TV series by Arthur Lowe.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, June 10 to 12. Tickets on sale now £14 -£23, available from the box office on 01492 872000 or by visiting www.venuecymru.co.uk