Dad's Army actor on duty in Eastbourne

Frank Williams ... more than half-a-century as an actor

Actor Frank Williams, who played the Rev Timothy Farthing in the long-running television comedy and reprises the role in the latest film, will appear at The Langham Hotel.

During a special lunch, he will reveal some of the secrets behind one of the most popular successes of all time.

David Croft and Jimmy Perry, the originators of Dad’s Army, chose Frank to create therole of the wonderfully eccentric vicar, who was always slightly tetchy as he tried to come to terms with the elderly platoon’s invasion of his beloved church hall.

“It’s been simply wonderful to be part of something so special,” said Frank. “Although I have spent many years in various film and television roles, being part of Dad’s Army is hard to beat.”

More Tea Vicar? will be presented at The Langham on Thursday, July 14, when Frank will be interviewed by showbiz biographer Chris Gidney. “Even after 40 years the series continues to pull huge viewing figures, becoming one of the all-time classic `greats` of television,” said Chris, “and it bridges the age gap like no other. With Frank returning in the new feature film and starring in a Dad’s Army themed cruise, it’s a special year for the series.

“People of all ages love the live show with Frank because it’s very interactive. We even invite the audience to ask questions and Frank is a master at describing the most hilarious off-screen happenings, and stories about the new feature film feature greatly.”

Frank said, “I’m looking forward to talking about the strange and remarkable things that the audience never see. Like the time we were filming an episode of Dad’s Army and nearly got flattened by a runaway steam train. That could have been the end of the series forever!”

Whilst still best known for his role as the vicar, during more than 50 years as an actor Frank has worked with many of the `greats` including Tommy Cooper, Harry Worth, Dick Emery and Morecambe and Wise. He has appeared in more than 30 feature films including three with Norman Wisdom. His numerous other television appearances have included The Army Game, All Gas and Gaiters, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and You Rang M`Lord?

The lunch at The Langham costs £28, which includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, a three-course meal with wine and coffee, plus the interview with Frank Williams, during which will be shown some rarely seen private footage of the original Dad’s Army cast. There will also be a question and answer session and a book signing of Frank’s autobiography.

To book, call 01323 731451 or email [email protected]

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