“I don’t do retirement!” says Dad`s Army Veteran Frank Williams still treading the boards at 83…
One of the only 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 a national chat show tour, More Tea Vicar? – coming to The Royal Hippodrome on Sunday 7th September at 3pm.
The originators of the series, David Croft and Jimmy Perry, chose Frank Williams 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. When we started all those years ago, Ian Lavender and I were the youngest members of the cast. It’s odd now that we are the only two left.”
loves Dad’s Army. Even after forty 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 it because it’s such gentle comedy,” smiles Frank.
, 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. We also plan to show my personal home movie of the Dads Army cast on tour. It’s a fascinating trip into TV nostalgia and salutes this years’ war commemorations.”
still best known as the vicar from Dad’s Army Frank has worked with many TV legends including Tommy Cooper, Harry Worth, Dick Emery and Morecambe & Wise and has appeared in over 30 feature films including 3 with Norman Wisdom. His numerous other television series count some of the early days of classic TV including The Army Game, All Gas & Gaiters, Monty Pythons Flying Circus and more recently You Rang M`Lord.
isn’t put off by the recent controversy about less casting opportunities for older actors. “I’ve just done a feature film and also a TV pilot with Robert Lindsay, and I`m part of a TV Comedy Legends cruise later in the year. I’ve told my agent that a small part in Casualty or Downton next would be quite fun. I’m not ready to hang up my hat yet!” Recently invited to Clarence House for a special reception given by Prince Charles and Camilla; Dads Army has long been a favourite of the Royal family; and with plans for Frank to feature in the new Dad`s Army feature film, perhaps the golden age of television isn’t quite over yet?Tickets cost £13.50 / £11.50 concessions and are available from the box office 01323 412000 or www.royalhippodrome.com