Dad’s Army @ The Maddermarket, Norwich

Tuesday 5th August 2025

Dad’s Army at the Maddermarket Theatre is a nostalgic and spirited celebration of one of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms, transformed affectionately for the stage. Directed by John Mangan, with production management by Joe Flatt, the production is a warm-hearted homage, bringing the classic shenanigans of the hapless Home Guard back to life for new and old fans alike.

The series’ longevity is owed, in large part, to its embracing of idiosyncratic characters: the pompous Captain Mainwaring, the urbane Sergeant Wilson, the excitable Corporal Jones, pessimistic Private Frazer, resourceful Private Walker, timid Private Godfrey, and naive mummy’s boy Private Pike.

The Maddermarket production brings these beloved personalities faithfully to the boards. Each performer channels the spirit of their original counterpart, but refreshingly stops short of just impersonation. Instead, the cast presents renditions that respect the DNA of the originals while infusing a new energy and subtle originality.

Captain Mainwaring, played by director John Mangan, is the self-appointed leader, quintessentially British in his bluster and sense of duty. Mangan’s mix of pomposity, bravado, physical comedy and genuine affection for his men drives much of the comedy.

Trevor Burton as Sergeant Wilson provides a stand-out performance as Mainwaring’s gentle-voiced, unflappable second-in-command, whose understated charm and deflections provide an ideal foil for Mainwaring’s bluster. Burton brings a brilliantly exhausted air to Wilson that echoes audience response to many of Mainwaring’s more stupid mistakes – but with the clearly worn lack of surprise that makes each moment so comedic for the audience. He joyously revels in egging on the stupidity in moments, yet is the level-head of the group in many ways. 

Corporal Jones, portrayed by David Lintin, brings an incredible manic physicality, always on the brink of panic as he recalls his military past, while David Newham’s aggressively Scottish Private Frazer offers a doom-laden counterpoint, ever ready with warnings of disaster.

Joseph Last’s babied, bumbling, Private Pike is the youngest of the group – cheeky, scared, naive and far too honest in places, but with brilliant nuance and physicality.The core troupe is wonderfully rounded out by Stephen Mears’ soft, sleepy Private Godfrey and Barry Parsons’ slimy Private Walker – who will try to sell you a biscuit in the interval.

The production consists of four ‘episodes’ – The Deadly Attachment, Mum’s Army, The Godiva Affair and The Floral Dance – each bringing its own character and charm, and each supported by the incredible additional cast, made up of Paul Finlay, Tom Carver, Freddy Neaves, David Paston, Dean Bramwell, Jamie Willimott, Mark Wells, Monty Jordan, Julie Benfield, Gill Tichborne, Zoé Badovinac, Rachel Macneill, Paige Cates, Ruth Howitt, Christine Haines and Rachel Turby. 

The whole cast acts as an ensemble throughout the episodes, which is the true strength of the show. Lead and supporting characters alike have starring moments, but the energy you are left with as you walk out of the theatre is one of comradery and charisma – supported by the inclusion of the audience as an additional cast member. The Maddermarket’s intimate setting invites the audience in, making them feel at home among the chaos of the church hall set and the clatter of make-do drill exercises. The show is bookmarked by active involvement of the audience – at the start, Chief Warden Hodge, played by Jamie Willimott, barks “put that light out!” at the audience, signalling the start of the show, and the evening concluded with an enthusiastic audience sing-along of the much-loved theme song, Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler.

The set designed by John Mangan, Paige Cates and Joe Flatt, costumes curated by Amanda Greenway Harold and props are detailed and feel incredibly authentic, leading the audience comfortably settled in the 1940s, leaving the cast to do what they do best. 

The energy in the theatre is infectious. There’s nostalgia at work, but not just for the series – there’s also the sense of a community reliving something together. Dad’s Army at the Maddermarket Theatre succeeds because it understands that the heart of the show lies in both the remarkable ensemble and the connection with its audience. This production doesn’t aim to surpass the original, but to allow those charismatic characters to march again, not just in memory but right before audiences’ eyes – with bumbling dignity, good cheer, and, above all, timeless British humour.