The BONUS PAGES Extra Material From THE 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 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, 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 12 Answers 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 13 The 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 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 16 Up 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 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, 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 17 Some 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 18 https://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 19 The 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 20 BRIGHTON - 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 21 THAS 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 22 The 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 24 Dad'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" "This fine show is back on tour and it'll do you no end of good' Daily Mail

The Bonus Pages - January 2020 - Page 25 Tour 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 26 CAST

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 , 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 . 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!