by Nicolas Ridley
Presented by Theatre Reviva!

Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st March, 7:30pm
Matinee Saturday 21st March, 2:00pm

The actor Arnold Ridley is best remembered as Private Godfrey, the much-loved character in the BBC TV series Dad’s Army. 

The part came towards the end of a long career and a truly remarkable life: Arnold survived the horrors and wounds of the First World War (the Somme in particular); then followed a start to a theatrical career when he began writing plays, one of which, The Ghost Train, has enjoyed immense and continued success. Many more successful West End plays followed - alongside a foray into the glamour of the movie-making business, which resulted in his financial ruin.

Evacuated from France in 1940, he was invalided out of the British Army and joined the real Home Guard. Then he struggled to find a place in the new theatrical landscape. There followed many anxious years until the miracle of Dad’s Army restored his faith in himself and provided him with a measure of celebrity and security. 

A well-drawn character can easily seem so complete that it’s difficult to separate the fictional character from the actor. Were You Anyone Before Dad’s Army? draws back the curtain and reveals a touching, life-affirming account of one man’s unwavering courage and resilience: a true hero - although he himself would have disowned that label!

“This new biographical play is engrossing, hilarious, surprising, moving and devastating by turn.” Cormac Richards – Theatre Plays UK

Tickets (Adults over 18) £20 | Under 18 £15