Some of Hollywood’s finest have signed up to recreate one of Britain’s most beloved comedies from the 70’s, Dad’s Army. The likes of Bill Nighy (Love Actually, About Time), Michael Gambon (Harry Potter, Sleepy Hollow) and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago, Traffic) will descend upon Bridlington in North Yorkshire, which will serve as Walmington-on-Sea, for the start of filming in November 2014.
The original television show, aired on the BBC, ran from 1968 until 1977 and at its peak reached an audience of 18 million viewers. The tune of ‘Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler?’ was a familiar sound in many households across the British Isles during this time, as were the portrayals of the loveable characters Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson and Lance Corporal Jones.
Toby Jones (The Girl, Infamous) has the undesirable job of following on from Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, Nighy takes on the role of Sergeant Wilson from John Le Mesurier, Tom Courtenay will be asking for “Permission to speak, sir!” as loveable Lance Corporal Jones, Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners) will be “stupid boy!” Private Pike, Bill Paterson (The Killing Fields, Law & Order) will have to be on top form in order to do his best “We’re doomed, I tell ye!” impression as Private Frazer, Daniel Mays (Vera Drake, Funland) is Private Walker, and Gambon will play old-timer Private Godfrey.
Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley, Where the Heart Is), Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock) and Alison Steadman (Fat Friends, Gavin & Stacey), have also been cast, but all in new roles.
Dad’s Army, which will be directed by Oliver Parker (An Ideal Husband, St. Trinain’s) and written by Hamish McColl (Johnny English Reborn, Mr Bean’s Holiday), is due to start filming in November 2014 and is set for release at some point in 2015.
