Some of the cast were very good, and the ones who were less good put a lot of effort in. Sergeant Wilson was probably the best of the bunch; he didn't much resemble John Le Mesurier physically, alas, but he had the voice and mannerisms down pat. And he was about a foot and a half taller than Captain Mainwaring, to great comic effect.
They did the episode where the platoon has to guard a captured U-boat crew (yes, the "What is your name?" "Don't tell him, Pike!" one) and two others. At the end there was a raffle for the charity, and the chap who played Private Pike emerged from the dressing-room: "Mr Mannerin' told me I had to come and help with the tombola. Ooh, that looks a bit dangerous!"
The theatre is run as a private club, with only members allowed to purchase tickets for themselves and guests; the charity performance was an exception. All the staff and patrons were absolutely lovely. Next month they're putting on There's A Girl In My Soup, and holding auditions for Cold Comfort Farm.
I think I'll join.
