On doctors' orders

Roy Hudd has pulled out of the touring stage version of Waiting For God, on doctors’ orders.

The 80-year-old  comedian had been due to play the lead role of Tom Ballard, originally played by Graham Crowden in the 1990s BBC sitcom.

But he has pulled out of the 12-week tour – due to start next Thursday – on medical advice, because of ill health.

He will be replaced by Hi-Di-Hi star Jeffrey Holland, 70, who has recently been touring with his one-man play And This Is My Friend Mr Laurel.

Holland will appear opposite Nichola McAuliffe as Diana Trent, the role made famous by Stephanie Cole.

The TV show’s creator, Michael Aitkens, has written a new script for this production

The original, set in the Bayview Retirement Home in Bournemouth. ran for 47 episodes over five series on BBC One from 1990, and developed around elderly residents determined not to remain quiet and docile in their old age.

Producers Seabright Productions  say: ‘All the favourite characters from the original series are reimagined for 2017, facing the challenges that come with growing old disgracefully in the era of the silver surfer.’

Waiting For God is just the latest in a string of British sitcoms revived for the stage, including Allo Allo, Yes Prime Minister and Birds Of A Feather – the latter two prompting a return of the shows to TV.

Click here for the tour dates.

Published: 13 Apr 2017