Arnold Ridley is best remembered today as Private Godfrey, the much-loved character in BBC Television’s, Dad’s Army, but the part of Godfrey came towards the end of a long and varied career and a truly remarkable life. Having survived the horrors of the First and Second World War and early setbacks as an actor, he began writing plays, one of which, The Ghost Train, enjoyed immense success and is still popular today. What followed were many more plays after which an extraordinary catalogue of setbacks, trials and tribulations. Were You Anyone Before Dad’s Army? is the life-affirming story of a man who faced everything Fate threw at him with courage, good humour and resilience. A lesson for our times perhaps?
Cast: 2F, 3M
Cast: Arnold Ridley
Two female supporting actors
Two male supporting actors
Running time: 100 minutes (two acts)
Performed at the Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts Centre, Newport IOW, August 2024
Performed at The White Bear, Kennington, April / May 2025
Performed at The Mission Theatre, Bath, March 2026
For further information, please contact Hayes Stage Plays
