This year, the classic sitcom “Dad’s Army” turns 50, and the anniversary is being marked in a very bizarre way – with a remake. Granted, remakes are not uncommon in themselves, but this one is sure to raise eyebrows.
Called “Vlad’s Army”, it follows the antics of the people fighting for British independence from the EU. Led by Captain May Waring (played by Theresa May), it depicts the day-to-day struggles of the forces striving to make Brexit a reality. Vladimir Putin himself has a small part as the Colonel in overall charge of the region.
Sgt Wilson, whose catchphrase “do you think that’s wise?” is also still very much in evidence, is to be played by Jeremy Corbin, while the captain’s off-screen wife Elizabeth, before whom the brave British bulldog used to cower like a simpleton whenever she called, has an on-screen part in the new version, and is played by Arlene Foster.
Corporal Jones in the new version is played by David Davis, again with his original catchphrases “don’t panic” and “they don’t like it up ‘em” still in full force.
Private Frazer, the grumpy Scot with the catchphrase “we’re doomed” is played here by Nicola Sturgeon, while Private Walker, the spiv always out to make a profit for himself, is now to be played by Donald Trump.
The hardest bit of casting was for “stupid boy” Private Pike. Boris Johnson was a strong contender for a long time, but ultimately the role has been given to Nigel Farage. Fans of Boris however will be relieved to see that he is still in the show as Private Godfrey, with his catchphrase of “may I be excused?”
The theme song has also been rewritten:
Who do you think you are kidding Mr Churchill
If you think we’ll vote remain?
We are the boys who will stop your little game!
We are the boys who will spin you in your grave!
So who do you think you are kidding Mr Churchill
If you think we’ll rise again?
The one surviving member of the original cast, Ian Lavender, said in an interview about this remake:
“I’m turning in MY grave already and I’m not even dead! I think I can say with certainty that the rest of the cast and the writers are doing the same.”
If the deceased are indeed all spinning in their graves, there’s a good chance it could generate enough energy to power the country for decades to come. So I guess every cloud really does have a silver lining.