By Isle of Wight Observer
By Richard Priest
A sweltering Quay Arts hosted a weekend of performances from the 10-strong cast of Theatre Reviva, with Mansel David’s compelling portrayal of Arnold Ridley, fondly remembered for playing Private Godfrey in BBC TV’s Dad’s Army.
Directed by Graham Pountney, and written by his son, Nicholas Ridley, the drama kept a packed audience enthralled with the tale of Ridley’s life before Dad’s Army, from his army service, and injuries, in both World Wars – he was denied a Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery, because it came with a pension, as well as an insight into his three marriages.
Ridley was a successful playwright with credits including The Ghost Train and The Wrecker, although he had financial challenges and fell foul of the Inland Revenue for refusing to accept funds, following successful plays, from war-torn Germany, as well as appearances in The Archers and Crossroads.
The riveting two-hour performance drew extensive applause from an appreciative audience, some of whom appeared in the recent centenary performance of Ridley’s play, The Ghost Train, at Bembridge Village Hall by the Little Theatre Club.