A stage version of the once popular British sitcom, 'Dad's Army' opens to a sold-out audience at the Daylesford Theatre tonight.

The television show portrayed a group of men ineligible for military service during the Second World War mainly because they were too old in a less than complimentary way.

The group called themselves the Home Guard.

The series aired on BBC television between 1968 and 1977. It was eventually developed into a radio series, a feature film and a stage show by writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft.

Kelvin Hastings Smith plays the part of Home Guard Sergeant Wilson.

He believes that the comedy gives audiences a distinct impression of what Britain faced during the Second World War although it makes light of the issues.

"It has been many years since I've been doubled over with a stitch... through laughing so much," he said, insisting that the cause for much of his laughter were the antics of a fellow actor, Gavin Wilson.

"One hopes that we can keep a straight face. We hope that we can give them [the audience] what they have come for which is a good laugh and to give themselves a light break bearing in mind all the ugly things that are happening in Bermuda and the world."

Mr. Hastings Smith described Sgt. Wilson as "an upper class ne'er-do-well".

"He should be in his comfy home somewhere being served by his butler but he isn't. He was probably thrown out to work by his parents so that he could find out what the world is all about."

Many of the main characters work in the same bank. Paul MacCoy plays Captain Mainwaring; Jim Brier plays Private Frank Pike.

BMDS stalwart Gavin Wilson plays Private Jones.

The play is directed by Nicola Wilkinson and produced by Jenn Osmond.

It runs tonight through March 6 and also March 10 through 12. Tickets $25, are on sale at the Daylesford Theatre box office between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are also available online, www.bmds.bm, when the box office is closed.

Showtime is at 8 p.m. sharp.