THREE drama groups have come together to stage their version of one of the most popular TV sitcoms of all time.

A cast of more than 20 members from Coggeshall’s CATS, Halstead’s Stane Street Players and Castle Hedingham’s Castle Players have come together for a special three-night run of Dad’s Army at Halstead’s Empire Theatre.

With the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings earlier this year, the groups said it seemed like the perfect production to put on stage - and what better way to do it than to join forces and create a cast from the three local drama groups?

Actors of all levels in the groups are involved in the production, ranging from beginners to more advanced members.

Director John Sanders said: “The script is very funny. I think it’s great that we have been able to come together and create a cast for Dad’s Army.

“When I first embarked on the idea I knew it would be a task to get a cast together but we have not only managed to get the cast but we have some excellent talent among them to portray the characters that the nation has grown to love over the years.”

Dad’s Army, by hit writing team Jimmy Perry and David Croft, is the classic BBC TV comedy series about the Home Guard of Walmington-on-Sea, who battle daily against the Germans ... and irritable local air raid warden Hodges. All the much-loved characters, including Captain Mainwaring, Private Pike, Lance Corporal Jones, Sergeant Wilson and Private Frazer, will be taking to the stage for the adaptation of the show which recreates three episodes from the original TV series. Dad’s Army is at the Empire from July 11-13. Tickets are on sale, priced £11, from the box office on 07778 025490.