Latest news with #Dad'sArmy
Western Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Dad's Army star's Arthur Lowe's Pembrokeshire connection
The fundraising event is being staged at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, and to promote it, volunteer Peter Mitchell has dressed up as the legendary Captain Mainwaring of the Walmington Home Guard, who was played in the nostalgic series by actor Arthur Lowe. Arthur Lowe, who died in 1982, in his famous Dad's Army role as Captain Mainwaring. (Image: Dad's Army Wiki/Fandom) Arthur Lowe had a direct connection with Pembroke Dock. In 1940 he was a Sergeant in the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and he well remembered the devastating German Air Force attacks on the town. The 1940s Big Band Dance takes place in Pembroke Dock on Saturday June 21 and commemorates the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ-Days as well as the end of the Second World War. The dance will be held in a marquee sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and located alongside one of the historic flying boat hangars in the former Royal Dockyard. Peter and Marilyn Mitchell don their Forties gladrags in readiness for the dance. (Image: Martin Cavaney Photography) Recreating the memorable Glenn Miller style wartime music will be the Phil Dando Big Band while Peri Lynn - formerly known as Peri Thomas and who is from the town - will perform her Vera Lynn tribute. We'll Meet Again duo, Peter Mitchell as Captain Mainwaring and Perri Lynn as Vera Lynn. (Image: Martin Cavaney Photography) Also taking part will be the Pembrokeshire Lindy Hoppers dance team who hold weekly classes in Pembroke Dock. Funds raised will support a unique heritage project – the return of the RAF Pembroke Dock Memorial Window to the town. Originally unveiled 80 years ago in what is now the Heritage Centre, the window has for the last 30 years been displayed at the RAF Museum in London. Tickets for this never-to-be-repeated Forties Dance are available, at £25, from the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre (Tel 01646 684220); Pembroke Dock Town Council offices in Dimond Street (Tel 01646 684110) or online via Eventbrite. Street food vendors will be supporting the dance.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his ‘half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes
The new series of Not Going Out, kicks off this month, will feature special guests NOT GOING OUT QUIETLY The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes LEE MACK's long-running comedy Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV. And the funnyman fears the format, a staple for generations, could soon die out and blames 'risk averse' commissioners and up-and-coming writers who are unfamiliar with its concept. Advertisement 9 Comedian Lee Mack worries that sitcoms could soon die out 9 Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture 9 Mrs Brown's Boys is one of the only shows left of its type Credit: PA Speaking at the launch of a record 14th series of his BBC One hit, which makes it Britain's second longest-running sitcom ever, Lee says shows such as Not Going Out, Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past. He said: 'A 25-year-old comic now will remember The Office or the Royle Family, and will probably be even too young for that, but certainly won't have grown up watching Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, Steptoe And Son, Rising Damp, all the things I used to watch, that I used to love thinking 'wouldn't it be brilliant to do something like that one day'. 'That's the worry in a way. If you're a fan of studio sitcom, the younger people coming through haven't been brought up on it to want to do it.' Gag rate And young writers aren't the only problem, as commissioners are less likely to take a punt on a new studio sitcom with a live audience, because they think it's too 'risky'. Advertisement Instead they play it safe by making viewers feel 'awkward', as that's easier and less likely to get a bashing from critics. Lee, who names his sitcom, Mrs Brown's Boys and Miranda (which may or may not return) as the only shows left of this type, explains: 'Love or hate a studio sitcom, there's no denying — especially with Mrs Brown's Boys for example — they are really trying to go for the laughs, there's a real attempt to do that. 'So if you attempt something, and it doesn't work in the eyes of the person who doesn't like it . . . people are being more risk-averse now by saying 'why don't we make people feel awkward'.' The BBC has commissioned two new series of Not Going Out, and with the second running next year, the comedy will have aired for 20 years and racked up 15 series — second only to Last Of The Summer Wine. Advertisement Lee prides himself on his sitcom's gag rate of five jokes every minute, as well as the comedy's ability to play out in real time, 'like a play', meaning they attempt to shoot a 30-minute episode in one go. The comic, who also stars in TV juggernauts Would I Lie To You? and The 1% Club, admits he's always 'obsessively writing jokes' during states of 'hyperfocus' which he puts down to his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD. The 1% Club's Lee Mack shocked as record number use pass on question - but can you get it right- The new series kicks off this month with Lee, who plays a fictional version of himself, and on-screen wife Lucy (Sally Bretton) moving to the country as their kids fly the nest. The show has fast-forwarded seven years since its last outing in 2023, with the 100th episode and Christmas special watched by 4.6million viewers. Advertisement The series will also feature special guests, one of which will not be a Gallagher brother, despite Lee's best efforts to lure in Noel Gallagher for a cameo. Lee says: 'I texted Noel and it was the day after the Saturday release of the (reunion) tickets. 'I suspect his inbox was quite big. I said 'I know this isn't a good time but I reckon everyone is asking for tickets — and I'm probably the only one who isn't but will you be in my sitcom?' 'Never got back to me. It's been almost eight months now and I am tempted to send one more message saying 'is it a no?'' Advertisement He may have had better luck asking his brother Liam, who counts himself as a Lee fan — well, sort of. The comedian adds: 'I've never met Liam, but I was once in a play with Mathew Horne from Gavin And Stacey, who said to me, 'I met up with Liam Gallagher last night and told him I was in a play with you and he said 'ah yeah, I've always thought Lee Mack's a bit of a w*nker but I suppose he's all right' — which I take as a high compliment.' Indeed he should. 9 Lee is concerned that there may not be another iconic comedy like Fawlty Towers Credit: Alamy 9 Miranda may not ever return to screens Credit: Handout Advertisement 9 Hits like Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past Credit: BBC UK DEBUT AMERICAN thriller The Consultant gets its UK debut on Sunday, with all episodes dropping on ITVX. Based on the novel of the same name, it sees Christoph Waltz as the title character Regus Patoff navigating the challenges of improving a gaming firm that pushes him to the limit. Auction bid for Sarah 9 Channel 4 will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny Credit: Getty CHANNEL 4 is adding another property series to its roster – following people who have bought their home at auction. The broadcaster, which already has shows including Location Location Location, Grand Designs and Amazing Spaces, will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny. Advertisement The six-part programme is being made by the production company behind ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. It will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to the final renovation, with property expert Sarah on hand to offer advice along the way. She said: 'Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be exciting, albeit nerve-racking.' Chase for top escape 9 The Chase stars will feature on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers Advertisement IF you've ever dreamt of watching The Governess, The Beast and The Dark Destroyer slap suncream on each other in foreign climes, then ITV may just have the show for you. I can reveal the channel is working on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers. It will take groups of TV fan favourites from the likes of The Chase - including Anne Hegerty – Loose Women, I'm A Celeb and Coronation Street and send them off on a jaunt. A source said: 'The show will be lots of fun, showing a whole new side of each celebrity and even shining a light on some unusual holiday hotspots. Advertisement 'The celebs will fight it out to give the others the best holiday experience with the aim of being crowned 'the great escaper'.' Filming across Europe will begin this summer with the show to air later this year. I'd pay good money to see the Loosey Wims take Benidorm. Footy flick HOW To Have Sex writer Molly Manning Walker is making Channel 4 drama series, Major Players, about two young women trying to start a football team. She said: 'It is a coming-of-age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks. I'm excited to shine a light on women's football.' Chloe's tantric antics 9 Ex Love Islander Chloe Burrows ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating on her latest TV outing Credit: Splash Advertisement FORMER Love Islander Chloe Burrows is on a new quest for romance on her latest TV outing. Chloe, who featured on the 2021 series of the ITV2 reality show, ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating to see how singletons meet now. Love In The Wild: The Real Dating Experiment sees Chloe asked to dance, hug, meditate and hold hands with strangers at a tantric dating night, in the hope it will cause a spark. Chloe says: 'They have a 94 per cent match success rate, so I was hopeful. Advertisement 'It's really intense, there's so much touching, I don't think I'm a tantric girlie. I don't even hug my mum that much.' It streams on Channel 4 from tomorrow.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his ‘half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes
LEE MACK's long-running comedy Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV. And 9 Comedian Lee Mack worries that sitcoms could soon die out 9 Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture 9 Mrs Brown's Boys is one of the only shows left of its type Credit: PA Speaking at the launch of a record 14th series of his BBC One hit, which makes it Britain's second longest-running sitcom ever, Lee says shows such as Not Going Out, Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past. He said: 'A 25-year-old comic now will remember The Office or the Royle Family, and will probably be even too young for that, but certainly won't have grown up watching Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, Steptoe And Son, Rising Damp, all the things I used to watch, that I used to love thinking 'wouldn't it be brilliant to do something like that one day'. 'That's the worry in a way. If you're a fan of studio Gag rate And young writers aren't the only problem, as commissioners are less likely to take a punt on a new studio sitcom with a live audience, because they think it's too 'risky'. READ MORE ON TV STARS Instead they play it safe by making viewers feel 'awkward', as that's easier and less likely to get a bashing from critics. Lee, who names his sitcom, Mrs Brown's Boys and Miranda (which may or may not return) as the only shows left of this type, explains: 'Love or hate a studio sitcom, there's no denying — especially with Mrs Brown's Boys for example — they are really trying to go for the laughs, there's a real attempt to do that. 'So if you attempt something, and it doesn't work in the eyes of the person who doesn't like it . . . people are being more risk-averse now by saying 'why don't we make people feel awkward'.' Most read in News TV Lee prides himself on his sitcom's gag rate of five jokes every minute, as well as the comedy's ability to play out in real time, 'like a play', meaning they attempt to shoot a 30-minute episode in one go. The comic, who also stars in TV juggernauts Would I Lie To You? and The 1% Club, admits he's always 'obsessively writing jokes' during states of 'hyperfocus' which he puts down to his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD. The 1% Club's Lee Mack shocked as record number use pass on question - but can you get it right- The new series kicks off this month with Lee, who plays a fictional version of himself, and on-screen wife Lucy (Sally Bretton) moving to the country as their kids fly the nest. The show has fast-forwarded seven years since its last outing in 2023, with the 100th episode and Christmas special watched by 4.6million viewers. The series will also feature special guests, one of which will not be a Gallagher brother, despite Lee's best efforts to lure in Noel Gallagher for a cameo. Lee says: 'I texted Noel and it was the day after the Saturday release of the (reunion) tickets. 'I suspect his inbox was quite big. I said 'I know this isn't a good time but I reckon everyone is asking for tickets — and I'm probably the only one who isn't but will you be in my sitcom?' 'Never got back to me. It's been almost eight months now and I am tempted to send one more message saying 'is it a no?'' He may have had better luck asking his brother The comedian adds: 'I've never met Liam, but I was once in a play with Indeed he should. 9 Lee is concerned that there may not be another iconic comedy like Fawlty Towers Credit: Alamy 9 Miranda may not ever return to screens Credit: Handout 9 Hits like Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past Credit: BBC UK DEBUT AMERICAN thriller The Consultant gets its UK debut on Sunday, with all episodes dropping on ITVX. Based on the novel of the same name, it sees Christoph Waltz as the title character Regus Patoff navigating the challenges of improving a gaming firm that pushes him to the limit. Auction bid for Sarah 9 Channel 4 will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny Credit: Getty CHANNEL 4 is adding another property series to its roster – following people who have bought their home at auction. The broadcaster, which already has shows including Location Location Location, Grand Designs and Amazing Spaces, will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by The six-part programme is being made by the production company behind ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. It will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to the final renovation, with property expert Sarah on hand to offer advice along the way. She said: 'Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be exciting, albeit nerve-racking.' Chase for top escape 9 The Chase stars will feature on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers IF you've ever dreamt of watching The Governess, The Beast and The Dark Destroyer slap suncream on each other in foreign climes, then ITV may just have the show for you. I can reveal the channel is working on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers. It will take groups of TV fan favourites from the likes of The Chase - including A source said: 'The show will be lots of fun, showing a whole new side of each celebrity and even shining a light on some unusual holiday hotspots. 'The celebs will fight it out to give the others the best holiday experience with the aim of being crowned 'the great escaper'.' Filming across Europe will begin this summer with the show to air later this year. I'd pay good money to see the Loosey Wims take Benidorm. Footy flick HOW To Have Sex writer Molly Manning Walker is making Channel 4 drama series, Major Players, about two young women trying to start a football team. She said: 'It is a coming-of-age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks. I'm excited to shine a light on women's football.' Chloe's tantric antics 9 Ex Love Islander Chloe Burrows ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating on her latest TV outing Credit: Splash FORMER Chloe, who featured on the 2021 series of the ITV2 reality show, ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating to see how singletons meet now. Love In The Wild: The Real Dating Experiment sees Chloe asked to dance, hug, meditate and hold hands with strangers at a tantric dating night, in the hope it will cause a spark. Chloe says: 'They have a 94 per cent match success rate, so I was hopeful. 'It's really intense, there's so much touching, I don't think I'm a tantric girlie. I don't even hug my mum that much.' It streams on Channel 4 from tomorrow.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Rhys Darby: ‘Luckily, no one's given me a full clay model of my nose'
Who did you look up to when you were starting out?I had an obsession with BBC comedy, mainly sitcoms and Monty Python. The Goodies was a big one for me. It was all sketch, absurdity, silliness. I didn't get into standup until my university days because I just didn't think it was a vocation, especially not in New Zealand. You served four years in the New Zealand army when you were a young man. Did it inform your career in comedy at all?I grew up watching Dad's Army with my mum, and that's one of the reasons I joined up. I thought all the action would be fun. I brought my sense of humour with me so got told off a lot. Turns out, it wasn't really Dad's Army but it was the New Zealand army, so it wasn't too far off. We had moments where we were literally rescuing sheep. I've taken some of the skills with me into my career: self-discipline, drive, getting up on time. Can you recall a gig so bad, it's now funny?I did a gig on an aeroplane just after 9/11 for a brand-new airline. They wanted to have me on the inaugural flight as an entertainer. It was at 8am. People started looking at me like I was a threat. I did some weird stuff about clouds and some of the airline upholstery. One thing you'd never do as a standup is go and sit with your audience if it goes badly. But I had no other choice. One guy said to me, 'Why'd you do that?' I said, 'I got paid.' No one believed it. What has inspired your latest show, The Legend Returns?It's about me fighting against artificial intelligence. Back in the day it was fun when robots were robots, but now it's actually getting quite scary. The future doesn't look good – especially in creativity. AI should just leave us alone because all it's doing is plagiarising us, stealing our stuff, and people are then taking advantage of that. It's a huge subject matter, but I do it in a very silly way, a very human way. I think there's no robot that could do what I do, and that includes all the flaws. When I screw up, when I break the fourth wall, take the mickey out of myself or laugh at myself or what I'm doing, that's very human. Do you have any pre-show rituals?I stretch because I do a lot of physical comedy. Drink water. I normally have one beer to make me remember the good old rock'n'roll days. What's one of the strangest encounters with a fan you've had?I've had a lot of things made for me. Depending on my material, they'll find something in the stories I tell. Back in the day, I said I was the freestyle dance champion of a small town called Ohakune in New Zealand. So someone knitted me a woollen jacket that had 'dance champion' on the back. Also, someone made a small bust of me once. I remember with Flight of the Conchords, Jemaine Clement once received a plaster impression of his lips. I don't know how they did it, but to present something to you that is of you is insane. Luckily, no one's given me a full clay model of my nose or anything like that. Did you have any idea when filming that Flight of the Conchords would have such lasting cultural impact?I don't think we did. And that was good, because we really felt like we were making this thing for ourselves. Because we were young and it was our first time in the States making something with their money and their brilliance, we got caught up in it all. We just concentrated on how could we be so funny that we're cracking each other up and have to redo the scene? As we had some control over the show, we could improvise and do seven or eight takes. And that was really the key, because I got funnier every take. I know that for a fact. I still say this to people when I do shows. I say give me a couple more because I'll peak on the sixth take. With Our Flag Means Death, you went from 'that guy from Flight of the Conchords' to a Tumblr sex symbol overnight. What was that like?I'm a comedy guy, not a sex symbol. [Pirate character] Stede wore some very attractive attire but is still a very insecure, bizarre, weird little man who has to try and find himself. The character was perfect for me because I like dressing up, being the captain, and I do overcompensate with authority because I really have no idea what I'm doing. There were definitely some similarities there, but I was not expecting anything on a sexual note from fans. The audience are amazing. They really come to the table, but it was a little bit too much for me. You've long had a passion for cryptozoology. What draws you to creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman?It's the mystery of the unknown. I think I've always thought of myself as someone that mysteriously shouldn't be here. I was a mistake as a child, as I was born nine years after the rest of my siblings, so I think I've always had this belief in what else is out there. I think these things are real. Not all of them, but I love the idea that we don't really know and we can search. The search for stuff that we don't know yet – I think that's one of our purposes here. Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns is on tour in the UK and Ireland until 29 June, and at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, 1-10 August
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Road sign welcoming people to town moved to a different town 10 miles away
A welcome sign left drivers confused when it was moved to a different town entirely. The road sign welcoming people to the Somerset town of Frome appeared on the B3355 going to Midsomer Norton on Friday, which is 10 miles (16km) away. The mix-up comes after several sign-swapping incidents across the West Country in March. One 'prank' saw a welcome sign for Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire relocated more than 60 miles (97km) away to Portland in Dorset. Four signs were also moved from Camerton, near Bath in Somerset, and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to Bradford-on-Avon, the BBC reported. Following the latest sign swap, Somerset Council said it is 'an act of criminal damage', adding it 'will need to be repaired at public expense'. In a statement, a council spokesperson said: 'If residents see something like this happening, they should contact the police.' Peter, an amused pensioner from Frome who spotted the sign swap and photographed it in Midsomer Norton over the bank holiday weekend, described the prank as a 'professional job'. He told the BBC: 'It seems like an April Fools' Day prank, but obviously we're not in April.' He explained that although he has seen signs covered in graffiti, he has never seen a town sign swapped. 'I knew that it was wrong. Obviously, I should be coming to Midsomer Norton so part of me thought it was some kind of Dad's Army tribute where they changed the signs around to confuse invading armies,' he said. But this is not the first time pranksters have left drivers scratching their heads. In September 2023, road signs in Caithness, Scotland, were removed and replaced. The Telegraph also reported in February that someone in Glasgow dressed up as a race marshal sent 30 trail race runners on a 1.5-mile detour by hiding park signs.
