The BONUS PAGES - Tony Hancock Appreciation ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The BONUS PAGES
Extra Material From
THE TONY HANCOCK APPRECIATION SOCIETY -
Number 16 - January 2020
In this issue:
P1 - Contents
P2 - Photo of Tony
P3 - Red Barn Quiz Questions - by Lyn Phillips
P4 - Tony Hancock iconic photo
P5-7 Transcript of Pieces of Hancock Links transcribed by David Parker
P8-12 - Pieces of Hancock
P13 - Red Barn Quiz Answers - by Lyn Phillips
P14-15 Aesop Revisited from Private Eye 1 June 1962
P16-17- Up Pompeii 50th Aniversary Cd and download
P18 - The life and Legacy of Larry Stephens nears bookshops
P19-21 - The Navy Lark Tour - James Hurn
P22-24 - Julian Dutton - Last of the Summer Wine Tour
P25-27 - David Benson - Dad’s Army Radio Show Tour
P28-29 - @east_cheam_lad‘s Twitter round-up
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 1
A grainy photo from a newspaper article - Sunday pictorial July 23rd 1961
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 2
Red Barn Quiz by L. M. Phillips
I’m sue THAS members greatly enjoyed the autumn reunion at the Red Barn, Blindley Heath, Surrey in October (an
event which I hope can be repeated). Before the evening’s activities got underway I spent part of the afternoon ex-
ploring the immediate area and this quiz evolved from that, so have a go and enjoy!
1. Approximately in which year was the Red Barn built?
2. What was the Red Barn used for before it became a Pub/Restaurant?
3. Near the turning to the building there is a large yellow notice alongside the road warning drivers of what?
4. What was the name of the previous lady owner who became close friends with tony and Cicely Hancock
when the couple moved into the area?
5. Lyn, the above owner’s daughter carried out secretarial work for Tony from time to time. Which comedy
writer/performer did she later marry?
6. In which lane is the Red Barn (and Tony’s former home) situated?
7. The Hancock’s purchased their Blindley Heath home in 1957. They called this new address ‘MacConkey’s’ af-
ter a doctor who had once lived there, but what was the house called prior to the Hancock’s arrival?
8. On the roof of ‘MacConkey’s’ one can still see an image of an animal carved in stone. What creature is this?
9. A white bas relief positioned above the front entrance of ‘MacConkey’s’ can still be seen from the adjoining
road. Whom is this relief supposed to show?
10. Tony always said this bas relief reminded him of whom?
11. In which decade was ‘MacConkey’s’ built?
12. Which nearby town did the Hancock’s have to go to for their main shopping?
13. The Red Barn earned its Grade II listed status in which year?
14. One day following his return from holiday in France, Tony announced he had discovered a French game and
suggested this be tried out. What was this game called and in which exact location was it played?
15. Tony loved ‘MacConkey’s’, although sometimes had problems with some of the animal life which he encoun-
tered, an issue which found its way into some of the Radio and Television scripts. What was this issue?
16. After her divorce from Tony Cicely moved into a cottage in the neighbouring town of where?
17. True or False: As one enters the Red Barn there is an enclosed lake to the left of the property?
True or False: There is a stone carving on the roof of the building similar to the one on the roof of
MacConkey’s?
True or False: A farm shop is run from the Red Barn?
True or False: A nature reserve features in the landscape of the Blindley area?
18. MacConkey’s was sole comparatively recently by a gentleman who had been interviewed by Ben Miller for
the BBC documentary ‘My Hero’ shown in 2013. What was this gentleman’s name?
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 3
Jon Street, our digital archivist has pointed out that this photo of Tony (below) is often
credited to be from the episode ‘The Cold’, however, upon looking at what’s on the table and
the shelf behind him, it appears it’s actually from the chip shop scene in the episode ‘Sid in
Love’, I assume the reason he’s looking miserable is he’s trying not to laugh about Sid
professing his love for the clippie.
Well noticed Jon.
Even Hancock aficionados of-
ten assume that the picture is
from The Cold or The Econo-
my Drive.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 4
Member David Parker has typed a transcript of of the links introducing
each segment in the Pieces of Hancock LP. We are very grateful to David.
Pieces of Hancock
Side 1 – Introduction
........so anyway, I was standing outside this pub minding me own business, watching as the barrels roll
down the ladder, when this fella came up to me. Little bloke he was, you know. Glasses, beard, rope sandals,
all that.
He said ‘Are you one of us?’
Well, you know how it is. Just come out the pub. The warm glow of humanity spreading inside you. I didn’t
want to offend the gentleman. I didn't even know who he was. I mean no man is an island, after all.
So I said ‘Yes. By all means.’
So, he stuck this banner in me hand and said ‘Hold this brother. We're all behind you!’ and they were. About
five hundred of them. Down with the Rent Act.
Well, it would have been alright if they hadn't thrown marbles under the hooves of the mounted police. I
think that's what really upset 'em.
Well, I tried to unload me banner onto a vicar, but he already had two of his own. Then someone belted me
round the back of the head with his truncheon and said ‘Go home!’
I said ‘I’m nothing to do with it. I came here to see the walloping - not to take part in it!'.
Well, anyway . . . pardon?
Oh! You're ready.
Is this close enough? Right. I’ll see you afterwards. No, no, no. Sit down. Sit down over there. It’ll be al-
right. I shan’t be a minute. That’s right. I’ll just knock this off.
[Clank of bottle against glass and water being poured]
I wish they'd get the dust off this water.
Now? Right.
Ladies and gentlemen. I am very proud to have this opportunity of speaking to you prior to the commence-
ment of this gramophone recording. They've allowed me ten grooves starting from when I said, ‘Ladies and
gentlemen’
The first excerpt you’ll be hearing, providing of course if this is the side of the record you put on first,
consists of two one-act playlets, both of which speak for themselves, and I, for my part, speaking for myself
personally, can only say, in the one and a half grooves left to me, that the messages contained therein will, I
hope, serve as a timely warning to mankind, that . . .[Theme music starts] . . . the human race must in future,
if it is to survive . . . Hang on! I haven't finished yet. I’ve still got half a groove left!
Do you mind! Really, these commercial concerns. One doesn't get treated like this at the BBC. They're
gentlemen.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 5
Side 1 – Excerpt from ‘The East Cheam Drama Festival’
........so anyway, there I was holding this banner when this other copper comes up to me and he said, ‘Why
don't you go home?’
I said ‘Look, I've already got one lump don't you start so . . .
What! Well how I’m I supposed to know it had finished?
Why don't you get a red light put in here or something?
Honestly. You’d think after all the records they'd made they know how to go about it.
Dame Clara Butt didn't have to put up with this sort of thing. She may not have had a red light but at least
she had a bloke to tap her on the shoulder and give her the wink. ‘Go on Clara, girl. Have a bash dear.
Straight down the horn.’
Here? Nothing! ‘Course I prefer those days meself - the old cylinders. I don't like these flat ones. You can't
even make flowerpots out of them these days.
Oh well, where were we? Er, yes. Now the next accept is a flashback to my service days. Not exactly as they
were but as they should have been. In actual fact I was a corporal and I was very valuable.
It was me feet. I had to stick them under the wheels of the Spitfires as they were revving up. Well, you
couldn't get the chocks, you see. You couldn't get them.
Ah, yes! Many’s the fine summer morning down at Biggin Hill, the cry would be heard ‘Feet away!’ and off
they’d roar into the blue sky to do battle with the Hun.
Yes, the Battle of Britain ruined my feet. Of course, when they started putting them under Lancasters I
turned it in. Half a dozen blockbusters pressing down on your corns. I’m sorry. Not me.
Anyway. What you’re about to hear is what might have been if only certain people in high places had had
the intelligence to recognize officer material when they saw it.
........so anyway, this copper put a half-nelson on me and marched me up to the station. Came up next morn-
ing at Bow Street. ‘Breach of the peace’ he said.
Well, I was defending meself of course so I stood up. Christmas Humphries was on the bench. Nice fellah.
You must know him. A little bloke. He wears a wig. You can see the join if you look closely. Anyway, there
I was.
Side 1 - Excerpt billed as from The Secret Life of Anthony Hancock ( Galton and Simpsons nod to their
inspiration for this episode, the secret life of Walter Mitty. The episode is otherwise know as the The Diary)
Well. That's it for this side. You’d better take the needle off now otherwise it'll hit that metal bit that sticks
up through the hole in the middle.
Never have used to have that trouble with the cylinders. Never had to turn them over either. All on the same
side.
Progress? Oh, dear . . .
Well, go on turn it over!
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 6
Side 2 – Introduction
Done it? Good. Well, hang on they're not ready to start yet. Otherwise we finish too far away from the
label and it looks bad, you know.
Well, you can't charge these prices and finish up halfway across the record. I told them to put a bigger label
on, but they wouldn't listen. I wonder if they had labels on the cylinders. No, I expect they used to put a
little note inside them, like you do with milk bottles. Right, well, I think we're ready to go. We'll just hang
on for a few seconds for those who were a bit slow in turning it over.
All ready? Right. Now this next bit really happened to me I’d run out of fan photographs you see, as you do,
what with the demand and that, and you change as you get older. I mean I got through what, well, what
about three sets of six in, well, less than ten years easily. So, I had to get some more done.
If I'd known the trouble it was going to take, I wouldn't have bothered. Well, next time, I'm going to get
Annigoni to knock me up a woodcut and have ‘em printed off.
Side 2 - Excerpt from ‘The Publicity Photograph’
Hello! That was a bit sudden. That's a funny place to end it. I was getting interested in that as well. I bet they
lost the rest of it. I expect it'll turn up on a Lonnie Donegan record somewhere.
Now these last two bits both come from one show. First of all, I must explain that all artistes at one time or
another get threatening letters. No, well, that's fair enough. That's what we get paid for. It's part of the job.
For the money they pay one, one must be prepared to risk a few punch-ups now and again.
Now if you got one, what would you do with it? Take it down to the police station? Well don't. That's where
I made my first mistake.
Side 2 – First excerpt from ‘The Threatening Letters’
After that reassuring little episode, I went home. Naturally all my friends deserted me. That happens to all of
us.. There always comes a time in a man's life when he's alone. Completely and utterly alone. He faces the
world as he is. I don't mind that. I accept it as part of life's rich pageant. Everyone's alone sometimes, but not
always with a homicidal maniac roaming the streets looking for you with a chopper.
Side 2 – Second excerpt from ‘The Threatening Letters’
Well there it is. Could happen to anybody. Anyway, I’d just like to say thank you for buying the record or, if
you're listening to it in the record shop, don't mess about. Buy it, not for me but think of the bloke who owns
the shop. That poor devil. He's got a living to make the same as the rest of us. But all the same don't let him
fob you off with Beethoven. He's dead and he doesn't need the money as much as I do.
Oh, and before you go, if you're wondering how I got on in court with the rent march. Well I was acquitted
without a stain on my character. The only trouble was when I got home, I found the landlord had put my
rent up. So, don't forget, any nights you're free and you fancy a walk. I've got the banners. I'd be most grate-
ful. It's in the country. There's only one copper and he's on a bike. We could soon have him over.
Come on. Thank you again and that's all. When I count to three, take the needle off.
One . . .
Two . . .
Three.
. . . There's no more!
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 7
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 8
Pieces of Hancock has been issued many times. It was also split into two “Little
Pieces of Hancock” to be sold as 45rpm singles rather than a 33rpm LP. ~
The sleeves notes by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson are well worth a read.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 9
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 10
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 11
Find Your Version
Title (Format) Label Cat# Country Year
Pye Golden
Pieces Of Han-
Guinea GGL 0245 UK 1960
cock
Records
Pieces Of Han-
Astor PLP 1110 Australia 1960
cock
Pieces Of Han- Pye Records, NPL-18,054,
New Zealand 1960
cock Pye Records NPL 18054
Pieces Of Han-
cock Pye Records NPL 18054 UK 1960
bum)
Pieces Of Han-
Pye Records, NPL 18054,
cock UK 1960
Pye Records NPL.18054
bum)
Pieces Of Han-
cock Pye Records NPL 18054 Canada 1960
bum, Mono)
Pye Golden
Pieces Of Han- Guinea
GGL 0245,
cock Records, Pye UK 1960
GGL.0245
Comp, Yel) Golden Guinea
Records
Pieces Of Han- Hallmark Music
cock & Entertain- 710052 UK 2011
Comp, RE) ment
Pieces Of Han-
Pye Records NSPL 15037 Canada Unknown
cock
Pieces Of Han-
Pye Records PL 2030 South Africa Unknown
cock
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 12Answers to the Red Barn Quiz (L. M. Phillips)
1. The Red Barn was completed in 1689.
2. For many years the building was a private family home. It has of course been enlarged through the years.
3. Within yards of the entrance a yellow sign reads:- ‘Please – Slow Swans in Road’.
Photo:- © L. M. Phillips
4. Mrs Eileen Fryer.
5. Barry Took.
6. Tandridge Lane.
7. ‘Van Fluery’s’.
8. The head & upper part of a horse.
9. The Marquis of Worcester.
10. Spike Milligan.
11. 1920’s.
12. Lingfield.
13. 1958.
14. The French game of boules was set up in the drive.
15. Tony was often up at the sound of birds in the surrounding trees. Their vocal presence was remarked up-
on by Sid James’ character in the 1958 radio episode ‘The Threatening Letters’.
16. South Godstone.
17. False. The pound is situated to the right as one enters.
False. There are no carved images on the Rad Barn’s roof.
False. A farm shop operated at the Red Barn but not under its new management.
True. Blindly Heath is an area of special scientific interest being Surrey’s best example of an area of damp
grassland on weald clay.
18. The previous owner of ‘MacConkey’s’ was Mr Alan Lottes who had lived in the house since the 1980’s.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 13The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 14
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 15
Multi award winning David Benson leads an
all-star cast in a sparkling new audio recording
of the Frankie Howerd comedy classic, ‘Up
Pompeii’.
David Benson is perhaps best known for
appearing as Noel Coward in the TV sitcom
Goodnight Sweetheart and he has an
outstanding acting cv.
Specially recorded to co-incide with the 50th
Anniversary of Up Pompeii, Spiteful Puppet
the audio book company have released it as a
2-cd audio
production
The CD is a bargain at £12.99 and the
audio download is a snip at £8.99
The script has been adapted from the successful spin-off stage play by Miles Tredinnick and was based on the
original characters and BBC TV scripts devised by Talbot Rothwell . Audio adaptation
written by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, with new material by Daniel McGachy and Iain McLaughlin; by kind per-
mission of Tessa Le Bars Management.
David Benson is absolutely uncanny in recreating Frankie Howerd. Tim Brooke Taylor has a whale of
a time, enjoying the chance to play an more evil role than he is usually cast in.
The new recording features an all-star cast: Frazer Hines (‘Emmerdale’/’Dr Who’) as Ludicrus Sextus, Cleo
Rocos (‘The Kenny Everett Show’/’Celebrity Big Brother’) as Suspenda, Tim Brooke-Taylor OBE (best
known as one third of the TV comedy trio The Goodies and a panelist of ’I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ on
BBC R4 for 40 years) as Captain Treacherus, Jack Lane (‘Dad’s Army Radio Hour’/’Wisdom of a Fool’) as
Nausius, Madeline Smith (Hammer Horror star who appeared with Frankie Howerd in the films ‘Up Pompeii’
and ‘Up the Front’) as Ammonia, Camille Coduri (best known for playing Jackie Tyler in ‘Doctor Who’ from
2005-2010/ ‘Him & Her’) as Voluptua, Rosa Coduri (‘Lucky Man/Jekyll and Hyde’) as Erotica, Jilly Breeze
(‘Da Vinci’s Demons’) as Senna, Ben Perkins (‘Hedda Gabler’, 2016) as Corneous and Barnaby
Eaton-Jones
The Story ...
Welcome to ancient Rome, where the steps of the Forum are peopled by nubile slave girls
and a range of outrageous characters including Lurcio’s owner, Ludicrus Sextus the Senator,
his wife Ammonia, his son Nausius and his daughter, Erotica. Lurcio attempts to deliver his
prologue and begin proceedings before he’s quickly caught up in the myriad of sexual liai-
sons in all quarters of his master’s house. Why does Ludicrus not leave for the Senate meet-
ing in Rome? Why does his wife return so quickly from the country? Who will take care of
the escaped slave girl, Voluptua, and will Nausius’s love poetry improve? Whilst growing
chaos ensues, an increasing rumbling is heard in the distance – what could that possibly be?
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 16Up Pompeii: An Audio Revival, Shaw Theatre –
Review - by kind permission of Michael Davis
David Benson and Co. / © Photos Kim Jones
The cusp of the Seventies began the golden age of sitcoms, and one of the most memorable and beloved of
these was Up Pompeii. Starring Frankie Howerd, the sitcom was inspired by Sondheim’s A Funny Thing
Happened On The Way To The Forum and Carry on Cleo. As Lurcio – the head slave of Senator Ludicrus
Sextus and his wife Ammonia – Howerd confided to the audience about the ‘goings on’ in the city and the
household. As well serving his master and mistress, Lurcio also had to abide by the wishes of their son and
daughter Nausius and Erotica. Which leads us to Up Pompeii 2019…
Fifty years since the first episode of the programme, this occasion is commemmorated with a new audio cast
recording, based on the successful stage play by Miles Tredinnick. David Benson as Lurcio leads the cast,
amiably supported by well-known actors, past and present: Madeline Smith, Frazer Hines, Tim Brooke-Tay-
lor, Camille Coduri, Cleo Rocos, Rosa Coduri, Jack Lane, Jilly Breeze, Ben Perkins and Barnaby Eaton-
Jones.
Playing Ammonia in this production, it’s only fitting that Smith is so prominently involved in the audio re-
vival, as she was an integral part of the 1971 film version of Up Pompeii. Other actors from the same period
such as Frazer Hines, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Cleo Rocos lend the recording a sense of versimilitude of the
same era.
One of the hallmarks of Up Pompeii is Lurcio’s ‘prologue’ – a device used to break the fourth wall and
comment unnoticed on what’s transpired. In this audio narrative, it is used to good effect as Benson not only
comments on the minutiae of the narrative, but also meta- references with regards the sound effects and so
on. In this respect, the audio revival mirrors another classic comedy recording, that of Monty Python and the
Holy Grail.
One doesn’t need to know about the original show to enjoy this as the plot – particularly in the second half –
is reminscient of the farcical hijinks in Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. However, for those who are familiar and
enjoyed the source material, they will enjoy the witticisms and double entendres. As my companion on the
day will attest, when she closed her eyes, it was just like hearing the original broadcasts.
L-R: Tim Brooke-Taylor, David Benson, Cleo Rocos, Frazer Hines. David Benson in Toga.
Photos © Kim Jones 2019 reproduced by kind permission.
Up Pompeii: An Audio Revival was performed and recorded at the Shaw Theatre, London on 12th October.
The recording is available to buy on:
https://spitefulpuppet.com/product/up-pompeii-a-50th-anniversary-audio-revival-2-disc-set/
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 17Some good news for 2020
Julie Warren reports that It's All In The Mind is due out shortly. Typos have been expelled,
20 photographs have been selected for inclusion and the index has been completed.
The official publication date for the book - when it will be available in the bookshops - is 16
April 2020 but those who ordered advance copies through unbound should get their copies
before then.
Julie would like to thank all those who have supported the book and for heir patience during
its journey towards publication. Julie says “ I can't put into words just how much I appreciate
it.”
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 18https://www.jameshurn.com/the-navy-lark-2020
Readers may need no introduction to
the Voice Wizard James Hurn who
has won rave reviews for his
recreation of Tony Hancock and the
rest of the Hancock’s Half Hour cast.
His latest project is a tour of The
Navy Lark. Expect the same
brilliance from James and his co-stars
as they recreate this classic radio
comedy.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 19The Navy Lark Tour 2020
SPRING 2020 Tour dates
BANBURY - Mill Arts Centre 31st January 2020 *ON SALE*
SWINDON - Arts Centre 2nd February 2020 *ON SALE*
MAIDENHEAD - Norden Farm 9th February 2020 *ON SALE*
TEIGNMOUTH - Pavilions 15th February 2020 *ON SALE*
EPSOM - Playhouse 18th February 2020 *ON SALE*
LONDON - Museum of Comedy 21st, 22nd and 23rd February *ON SALE*
CHESHAM - Elgiva Theatre 27th February 2020 *ON SALE*
BARNARD CASTLE - The Witham 29th February 2020 *ON SALE*
YEOVIL - The Octagon Theatre 5th March 2020
NORWICH - Playhouse 6th March 2020 *ON SALE*
BEDFORD - The Place Theatre 7th March 2020 *ON SALE* Matinee and Evening shows.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS - Trinity Theatre 12th March 2020 *ON SALE*
LYME REGIS - Marine Theatre 13th March 2020 *ON SALE*
BATH - The Mission Theatre 14th March 2020 *ON SALE*
LIVERPOOL - Epstein Theatre 16th March 2020 *ON SALE*
WAKEFIELD - Theatre Royal 19th March 2020 *ON SALE*
REDDITCH - Palace Theatre 21st March 2020 *ON SALE*
BRACKNELL - South Hill Park 24th March 2020 *ON SALE*
DARLINGTON - Majestic Theatre 28th March 2020 *ON SALE*
BIRMINGHAM - Old Rep Theatre 31st March 2020 *ON SALE*
GLOUCESTER - Kings Theatre 2nd April 2020 *ON SALE*
BURY - The MET 16th April 2020 *ON SALE*
HUNSTANTON - Princess Theatre 17th April 2020 - Matinee performance. *ON SALE*
DEVIZES - The wharf Theatre 18th April 2020 (matinee & Evening performance)
MAIDSTONE - Hazlitt Theatre 24th March 2020 *ON SALE*
AYLESBURY - Waterside Theatre 25th April 2020 *ON SALE*
WORCESTER- The Swan Theatre 30th April 2020 *ON SALE*
DORCHESTER - Arts Centre 1st May 2020
SOUTHAMPTON - Hangar Farm Arts Centre 2nd May 2020 *ON SALE*
CHESTERFIELD - Pomegranate Theatre 7th May 2020
HORSHAM - The Capitol 8th May 2020 *ON SALE*
ROMFORD - Brookside Theatre 9th May 2020 *ON SALE*
REDRUTH - Regal Theatre 14th May 2020 *ON SALE*
NEWQUAY - Lane Theatre 16th May 2020 Matinee and Evening performance *ON SALE*
BARTON-UPON-HUMBER - The Ropewalk Theatre 22nd May 2020
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - Bearpit Theatre 29th May 2020 *ON SALE*
HERTFORD theatre - 30th May 2020 - Matinee and Evening performance *ON SALE*
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 20BRIGHTON - Komedia 31st May 2020 - 2 shows *ON SALE*
HENLEY ON THAMES - Kenton Theatre 5th June 2020
TENTERDON - Barn Theatre - Smallhythe Place National trust 6th June 2020
CHELMSFORD - Cramphorn Studio 18th June 2020
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 21THAS member and Guest of Honour at our Reunion Dinner in May 2020, the award
winning, multi-talented Julian Dutton is back on tour.
After a sell-out UK tour of DO YOU THINK THAT’S WISE? – the Life & Times of John Le
Mesurier, throughout 2020 Julian Dutton will be bringing the classic sitcom Last of the
Summer Wine to the stage in a brand-new tour. In a sparkling adaptation of Roy Clarke’s
world-famous comedy. Julian will be recreating the immortal adventures of Foggy, Clegg &
Compo, in three of their classic tales!
Relive the classic exploits of the three lovable Yorkshire misfits from Roy Clarke’s Last of
the Summer Wine as they gambol, frolic and reflect on a life that seems to have gone by so
fast. Three of their funniest adventures adapted by Julian Dutton from Roy Clarke’s
scripts & presented as a live radio performance.
Last of the Summer Wine is officially the longest-running and one of the best-loved sitcoms
in the world, still shown all year round on UK Gold. In this brand new show Julian will be
bringing to life the sublime characters, the anarchic fun, and the wry wisdom of those three
hilarious Yorkshire men who ramble the hills & meadows around Holmfirth and whose ad-
ventures lit up our TV screens every Sunday evening for more than thirty years.
Staged as a one-man impressions show, this will be the nearest thing to seeing this classic
sitcom live again! Presenting three of their best-loved episodes – Isometrics & After,
Whoops!, and the immortal Stop That Bath! – theatre audiences will delight at seeing their
comedy favourites re-incarnated live onstage.
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 22The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 23
https://juliandutton.wordpress.com/2019/09/28/brand-new-show-on-tour-2020-last-of-the-summer-wine/
2020
JANUARY
Fri 10 – HENLEY, Kenton Theatre
FEBRUARY
Sat 01 – WALTON-ON-THAMES, Riverhouse Barn Theatre
Sat 15 CIRENCESTER Sundial Theatre
MARCH
Thurs 05 – HUDDERSFIELD, Lawrence Batley Theatre
Thurs 12 – GREAT TORRINGTON Plough Arts Centre
Sun 15 – GRAVESEND, Woodville
Sun 22 STRATFORD Bearpit Theatre
Fri 27 – HIGH WYCOMBE, Old Town Hall
MAY
Fri 01 – MARGATE, Theatre Royal
07 NEW MILTON Forest Arts Centre
Sun 10 – SWINDON, Arts Centre
Wed 13 MAIDSTONE Hazlitt Theatre
Sun 17 – WELLINGBOROUGH, The Castle
Fri 22 BANBURY The Mill Arts Centre
JUNE
Thurs 04 – PENZANCE, Acorn
Fri 05 BRIDPORT Arts Centre
Sat 06 – MAIDENHEAD, Norden Farm Arts Centre
Fri 12 – BORDON, Phoenix
Tues 23 – WINCHESTER – Theatre Royal
Weds 24 – WORCESTER, Huntingdon Hall
JULY
Wed 08 GRANTHAM Guildhall Arts Centre
Thu 09 STAMFORD Arts Centre
Fri 10 BLACKBURN Darwen Library Theatre
Fri 17 MILLOM CUMBRIA, Beggars Theatre
Sat 18 – MIDDLESBOROUGH, Theatre
To book the show (not tickets) contact SAMUEL NUNN at RBM COMEDY – 0207 630 7733
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 24Dad's Army Radio Show Tour
Vintage episodes of family favourite radio series, Dad’s Army.Two actors, two micro-
phones, over twenty-five characters – and lots of sound effects! The nation’s favourite
sitcom returns new-minted in this highly-acclaimed production.
Perry and Croft’s classic BBC sitcom brought gloriously to life.
Three episodes of the hugely popular radio series hilariously and lovingly enacted by two
master performers. David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and
Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) transport the audience right back to Walmington,
working from original radio scripts – complete with sound effects, vintage music and all of
Perry and Croft’s beloved characters and catchphrases.
Featuring three episodes newly adapted for radio; ‘When You’ve Got To Go’, ‘My Brother
and I’ and ‘Never Too Old’
"David Benson & Jack Lane's two-man army are a comedy force to be reckoned with"
Radio Times
"Brilliant! The speed, accuracy and comic timing are breathtaking.
I loved it!"
Joan Le Mesurier
"Utterly brilliant, the best Dad's Army recreation I've ever seen"
Barry Cryer
"This fine show is back on tour and it'll do you no end of good' Daily Mail
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 25Tour Dates
See: http://www.dadsarmyradioshow.co.uk/tour-dates/
Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, 22nd - 26th January
The British Library, London, 31st January
Theatr Clwyd, Mold, 4th - 6th February 2020
The Little Theatre, Leicester, 9th February 2020
The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, 13th February 2020
Harborough Theatre, Market Harborough, 17th February 2020
Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea, 18th February 2020
Churchill Theatre, Bromley, 22nd February 2020
Gala Theatre, Durham, 28th February 2020
The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-On-Windermere, 1st March 2020
The Hulabaloo at Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington, 2nd March 2020
Walsall Arena & Arts Centre, Walsall, 4th March 2020
Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Tamworth, 5th March 2020
Centenary Theatre, Peel, Isle of Man, 7th March 2020
Theatre Royal Margate, Margate, 13th March 2020
New Wolsey Theatre, Wolsey, 14th March 2020
The West Cliff Theatre, Clacton On Sea, 15th March 2020
The Capitol Theatre, Horsham, 20th March 2020
Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, 21st March 2020
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 24th March 2020
Brook Theatre, Chatham, 26th March 2020
Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Minstead 1st April 2020
New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, 2nd April 2020
Revelation, Ashford , 3rd April 2020,
The Corn Hall, Diss, 4th April 2020
Alnwick Playhouse, Alnwick, 14th April
Queens Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, 15th April
Smallhythe Place, Kent 17th - 19th April 2020
Dad's Army Appreciation Society Weekend,
The Carnegie Room Thetford, 19th June
Engine Shed and Something For The Weekend present Dad's Army Radio Show
based on the original television series by Jimmy Perry and David Croft
Original Production Directed by Owen Lewis
starring David Benson and Jack Lane© Dad's Army Radio Show 2020 - Photos and Design by
jamesdpdrury.com
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 26CAST
David Benson
Best-known for his performance as Noel Coward in the BBC's classic war-time comedy Goodnight
Sweetheart. David exploded onto the theatre scene with his first solo show Think No Evil of Us: My Life
With Kenneth Williams, in 1996. The show became an instant classic, winning praises from audiences,
critics and Dames Maggie Smith and Barbara Windsor for the accuracy of his portrayal as the Carry On
star. He followed this with a succession of solo shows on a wide variety of subjects, including Frankie
Howerd, Dr. Johnson, the death of Diana Princess of Wales and an award-winning examination of the
Lockerbie bombing.
David was a member of the National Theatre's smash hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors with James
Corden, playing 1,015 performances of the show.
He appears in the film Blade Runner 2049 as a hologram of Liberace!
David was nominated for a BBC Audio Best Actor Award for his portrayal as Frankie Howerd in Frankie
Takes a Trip. David describes Dad's Army Radio Show as "the best idea I ever had" and inviting Jack
Lane to perform it with him, "the second best idea I ever had!"
Jack Lane
Jack founded Engine Shed Theatre Company
in 2010. He soon adapted three episodes and two
Christmas specials of the classic BBC sitcom
Steptoe and Son receiving approval from the
original writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
In 2015 Jack premiered Wisdom of a Fool, a
self-penned one-man play based on the life and
career of comedy icon, Norman Widsom. The
play opened to critical acclaim and was endorsed
by Wisdom's estate before embarking on an ex-
tensive tour.
Theatre includes: A Christmas Carol, Dad's
Army Radio Show (Edinburgh
Festival/National Tour), Wisdom of a Fool
(National Tour), The Ambassadress
(workshop), Great Britain (ASM, Theatre Royal
Haymarket), Gretel and Hansel, Cue for a
Song, Steptoe & Son, From Turner To Hou-
ston, National Theatre Connections, Steptoe
& Son Christmas Special, The Wizard of Oz,
Aladdin, Peter Pan, Saucy Jack and the Space
Vixens, Confusions, Annie, That's Entertain-
ment (The Capitol, Horsham) and as Max Bia-
lystock in The Producers (The Hawth).
Film includes: 7 Days (Pixel Revolution Films)
TV includes: Twirlywoos (BBC/Ragdoll)
Radio includes: Casting the Runes (Bafflegab
Productions) and Barbara Windsor Celebrates
(BBC Radio 2)
The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 27@east_cheam_lad‘s Twitter round-up The @east_cheam_lad Twitter account has now broken the 10K followers mark, fantastic to have so many fans of The Lad in this age! A recent tweet about the Hancock’s Half Hour episode in which Hancock gets his hand stuck in the post box as postman Dick Emery tries to empty it brought an interesting response from @almacoganfan. We have found this picture of Alan Simpson on Call My Bluff so presumably it was from the same episode. Also in the picture are Marjorie Proops and Frank Muir.
As a bit of fun over the festive season, we asked Twitter followers if they were cast away on a desert island, which three radio or TV episodes of Hancock would they like to be stranded with! Popular episodes included The Poetry Society, Sunday Afternoon at Home, The Radio Ham, 12 Angry Men and Fred’s Pie Stall. Interestingly, The Sleepless Night was suggested a few times, as was The Last Bus. Fans also asked for The East Cheam Drama Festival and The Wild Man of the Woods. Clearly still in the festive spirit, one fan requested Hancock’s Happy Christmas, and another asked for Bill and Father Christmas. @stevestone1 probably best summed up the task in hand: Finally, for this round-up, a suggestion to sixties station @AtlantisRadioUK that they put some Hancock on their playlist has resulted in two snippets of The Lad being broadcast. Atlantis radio presenter @PeterQuinnRadio, clearly a Hancock fan, agreed to play a snippet from The Blood Donor on 17 December, and followed it up with a short excerpt from Sunday afternoon at Home on 27 December. Keep tuned in, we hope there will be more! See you on Twitter!
You can also read
