A popular BBC comedy series is set to make a return after 18 years off air. However, fans won’t take in the show in the same way as bosses have announced a big change.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, a former BBC Radio 4’ show is taking to the road. The multi-award-winning topical satire show Dead Ringers is heading on full UK tour for the first time.
The tour will feature long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis McLeod, and Duncan Wisbey. It will take its audience on a journey through a quarter century of classic sketches, uncanny impressions, and the cutting-edge political and cultural satire that has defined the series.
While the format’s stars have previously performed together on stage shows, including in London and at the Edinburgh Festival, the upcoming tour will be the first of its kind for the show.
The tour will be a tribute to Dead Ringers creator and producer Bill Dare, who died suddenly in March. In a statement Dare’s agent JFL Agency confirmed he died, with has spokesperson saying at the time: “We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill’s family and friends who will be devastated by his loss. Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.”
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.
Now, the Dead Ringers team say they are honoured to hit the road to celebrate his work in this way. Audiences are set to watch the trademark Dead Ringers mix of wit, mischief, and impressions when it hits the road in September.
Before that, the radio show returns in all its topical glory this June on BBC Radio 4 as part of Friday Night Comedy. This tour is a special event and will not be for broadcast.
The TV series of the show was axed in 2009 after seven series. Star Jan Ravens revealed at the time: “It’s bizarre, there was no announcement or anything.
“The producer just rang me and said it’s not going to be re-commissioned. It would be nice to make an announcement or do a farewell edition of the show.”
Jan took on the mimicking roles from characters including Amy Winehouse to Ann Robinson during its nine years on air.
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