PIKE DRAFTED IN FOR RAF CONCERT TOUR
DAD’S ARMY star Ian Lavender has joined up for real . . . as one of the comperes on the forthcoming concert tour by the Royal Air Force bands.
The actor, best known for his role as Private Pike in the BBC comedy series, will be introducing the programme at five of the 12 concerts on the tour, joining comperes Alan Dedicoat and William Roache in this central role. 
The tour begins at London’s Cadogan Hall on October 10, where BBC Radio Two broadcaster and ‘Voice of the Balls’ Alan Dedicoat will be in charge of proceedings, with Ian taking over for the dates at Gateshead, Glasgow, Harrogate, Manchester and Birmingham. Coronation Street star William Roache will then take charge at Nottingham, Poole, Basingstoke, Ipswich and Southend before concluding the tour at Eastbourne on December 7.
Each concert will feature one of the main bands of the Service, augmented by the big-band sound of the Squadronaires plus the Salon Orchestra, a quintet of musicians who provide a stringed element to the programme.
The concert, marking the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, provides a mix of light classics, jazz, big band and music from the shows to appeal to all ages. The musical journey, reflecting the Service’s past, present and future, includes a triumphant finale, reminiscent of the Last Night of the Proms.
Each performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from each venue at £13.50, £16.50 and £19.50: tickets for the London concert cost £15, £20 or £25. For more information and full concert tour venue details click here.
Wing Commander Stuart Stirling will be conducting the programme, and musical highlights will include the swing classic String of Pearls; Ron Goodwin’s theme from the film A Bridge Too Far; the coronation march, Crown Imperial, by Sir William Walton; and Hubert Parry’s hymn Jerusalem, one of the traditional elements of the Last Night.
