...and to mark their 25th anniversary

The team behind Radio 4’s topical show Dead Ringers are to head out on their first tour in tribute to its creator Bill Dare.

Dare, who also produced the show, died in March at the aged of 64, while a passenger in a road accident aboard. 

Long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis McLeod, and Duncan Wisbey will be taking to the stage for the tour, which also celebrates the radio show’s 25th anniversary

Producers Fiery Entertainment say: ‘The tour will be a tribute to Dead Ringers creator and producer Bill Dare, who passed away suddenly in March. 

‘Bill was a legendary figure in radio & TV comedy having also been behind such classic series as The Now Show, Spitting Image, and The Mary Whitehouse Experience among many others, and the entire team is honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate his work in this way. ‘

Dare, above, was posthumously honoured with the award for offstage  contribution for comedy at the Chortle Awards earlier this year and won an outstanding contribution award at the BBC Audio Drama awards

And Julia McKenzie, Radio 4’s commissioner for comedy, has said: ‘Bill Dare's contribution to comedy is unparalleled. He brought joy to so many listeners and his unique talent is hugely missed. This award is a tribute to his legendary status and the immense impact he had on comedy, at BBC Radio 4 and beyond.’

The radio show returns to its familiar Friday nght  Radio 4 slot in June, for which free tickets will be available from the BBC.

However, this tour is a commercial tie-in between Fiery and programme-makers BBC Studios. The team have perviously staged live shows in London and at the Edinburgh Festival but this is their first tour.

» Dead Ringers tour dates

Published: 24 Apr 2025