Dad's Army Vicar on tour

One of the only two remaining cast members of the classic series Dad's Army, is to reveal some of the secrets behind one of the most popular TV successes of all time in his latest stage presentation which is visiting theatre venues and church venues this summer.

The originators of the series, David Croft and Jimmy Perry, chose Frank Williams, now 84, to create the role of the wonderfully eccentric vicar who was always slightly tetchy as he tried to come to terms with the elderly platoon's invasion of his beloved church hall.

"It's been simply wonderful to be part of something so special," said Frank. "Although I have spent many years in various film and television roles, being part of Dads Army is hard to beat."

Well Really, Captain Mainwaring! is presented by Chris Gidney who has spent 30 years in the entertainment profession and written 28 showbiz biographies, including Frank`s.

"Everybody loves Dad's Army," said Chris. "Even after 40 years the series continues to pull huge viewing figures becoming one of the all-time classic `greats` of television, and it bridges the age gap like no other. People from all ages love the live show because it's very interactive. We even invite the audience to be part of it and they can ask questions. Frank is a master at describing the most hilarious off-screen happenings, and stories about the new feature film feature greatly."

However, Dads Army is only a small part of Frank's career, and as he embarks on an entertaining journey down memory lane, he re-lives some of the fascinating and hilarious highlights of a film, stage and television career spanning over 50 years.

"I'm looking forward to talking about the strange and remarkable things that the audience never see," says Frank. "Like the time we were filming an episode of Dad's Army and nearly got flattened by a runaway steam train, or when I watched myself on live TV being operated on in Emergency Ward 10 in the comfort of my own home."

Whilst still best known as the vicar from Dad's Army Frank has worked with many of the `greats` including Tommy Cooper, Harry Worth, Dick Emery and Morecambe & Wise and has appeared in over 30 feature films including three with Norman Wisdom.

His numerous other television series count some of the early days of TV including The Army Game, All Gas & Gaiters, Monty Pythons Flying Circus and You Rang M`Lord?

He is also a man of strong Christian faith, a fervent church goer, and was on the Church of England General Synod for many years.

"It's a hilarious audience with Frank" says Chris "We even plan to show his rarely seen home movie of all the original Dads Army cast on tour. It's a fascinating trip into TV nostalgia."

TOUR DATES

Fri April 24 THAMES DITTON tickets@verafletcherhall.co.uk 0844 8848832 8pm

Sat April 25 ROSS ON WYE Rossbaptist.org 01989 562012 7.30pm

Sun April 26 WORCESTER Huntingdonhall.co.uk 01905 611427 3pm

Sat May 9 HITCHIN Markettheatre.co.uk 01462 433553 7.30pm

Sun May 10 CLACTON Westcliffclacton.co.uk 01255 43 33 44 2.30pm

Sat May 23 BOURNEMOUTH Cornerstonech.org.uk 01202 578840 3.30pm

Sun May 24 POTTERS BAR Wylliotts Hertsmereleisure.co.uk 01707 645005 3pm

Sat June 6th COLCHESTER Citadel Centre a.j.lyons@aspects.net 01206 544727 3pm Sun June 7th SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion Southendtheatres.org.uk Including afternoon tea with the vicar! 01702 430284 3pm