A VARIETY show inspired by the classic TV comedy Dad’s Army is heading to Hyndburn next week.

Don’t Panic - the Dad’s Army Show will be at Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre next Thursday.

“It is a really good fun show,” said Andy Gaskell who both devised the production and plays Captain Mainwaring.

“We used to do a show based on the Good Old Days but found that audiences didn’t know it that well. But Dad’s Army remains extremely popular with re-runs on TV and even a new feature film being made a couple of years ago.”

In the new show the audience are very much part of proceedings.

“The Home Guard have been told that the Germans are going to bomb the area around the theatre so they gather everyone together for their own safety,” said Andy. “They have also been told that there is a spy in the audience.

“So having got everyone together, Captain Mainwaring and his men have to decide how to keep everyone entertained and try and unearth the spy at the same time.”

The show features popular songs from the war years, magic and even an impromptu puppet show.

“There are a lot of elements of a traditional variety show,” said Andy. “But we have also been able to include many of the classic lines from the TV show.”

Many of the characters of the Walmington on Sea Home Guard will be on parade include Corporal Jones and Private Pike.

“We also have a licence to act on anything that might happen during the evening,” he said. “So we can react to things the audience might say or do. Plus we do have to try and find out who the spy is.”

Andy and his team first tested the show at a series of 1940s’ nostalgia weekends around the country but demand was such that it soon became a touring show playing at theatres around the UK.

“It has developed a life of its own in a way,” said Andy. “It is amazing the affection people still have for Dad’s Army and all those great characters. It really is a show for a nostalgic audience.

“Everyone gets to join in and sing along to some great songs and have a real laugh at the same time. Plus there’s a real surprise at the end but I can’t tell you what that it as it will spoil it for everyone.”

Don't Panic - the Dad's Army Show, Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, Thursday, April 12. Details from 01254 398319 or www.civicartscentre.co.uk