Dad's Army News - January 2002

Compiled by Andy Howells

IAN BOARDS THE GHOST TRAIN!

January 13th 2002

Ian Lavender heads an all star cast this next month as Arnold Ridley's famous play "The Ghost Train" embarks on a tour across the United Kingdom.

Ian has enjoyed a long career in theatre and television but is best known for his portrayal of Private Pike in Dad's Army which also featured the well loved character Private Godfrey, played by none other than the author of The Ghost Train - Arnold Ridley!

Also starring is Judy Cornwell, who portrayed Daisy in Keeping Up Appearances, Henry McGee, perhaps best known for his long association and appearances in The Benny Hill Show, and Christopher Strauli who featured in Only When I Laugh and Full House.

The production is presented by Ian Dickens Productions, who have presented critically acclaimed touring productions including Abigails Party, Deathtrap, Dangerous Obsession, A Murder Is Announced and Run For Your Wife.

Arnold Ridley's classic drama was first produced in 1925 and filmed no less than three times. A foolish man accidentally strands six passengers at a small Cornish Wayside Station. Despite the stationmaster's weird stories of a ghost train, they decide to stay the night in the waiting room. Soon they regret their decision as ghostly and not so ghostly apparitions materialise before the man reveals the true reason behind the night's events.

The Play will be at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham between Monday January 28th until Saturday 2nd February 2002 and ticket information is available from the Box Office on 01242 572573. Darlington Civic Theatre will host the play also from February 5th until the 9th.

Keep an eye on local press for further information!

Operation Kilt & Battle of Godfrey's Cottage Ratings Success!

January 13th 2002

Christmas was a busy time on the box for Dad's Army fans, highlights ranging from BBC 2's Dad's Army Night to Ian Lavender's appearance on The Weakest Link on January 2nd.

The Reruns of the recently rediscovered episodes "Operation Kilt" and "The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage", as well as the documentaries "Missing Believed Wiped" and "Don't Panic! The Dad's Army Story" drew in 4.6 Million Viewers on 28th December 2001.

Congratulations also to Ian Lavender who won the Classic Sitcom special of The Weakest Link on January 2nd! As he said at the end of the programme, "I'm not such a Stupid Boy after all, am I Mr.Mainwaring?".