Is it possible to be ‘woke’ and still love the Carry On films? Dave Ainsworth, the author of When the Carry On Stopped certainly thinks so. His understanding is based on copious research including a visit to the heart of ‘woke’ - the town of Woking! Wake up and smell the comedy! Anwen caught up with Dave, who will bring Carry On Woking to the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 12 September, to find out more ...

Dave, tell us more about Carry on Woking. What can audience members expect?

Hopefully, 60 minutes or so of fun! All my shows are designed to educate as well as entertain and therefore the audience should learn things they did not know about me, the actors who were in the Carry On films and the town of Woking.

Do people need to be Carry On fans to enjoy the show?

Absolutely not. I will touch on many different other subjects, such as Brad Pitt, prediabetic diets and the power of Milk of Magnesia.

Describe the show in three words. Saucy, Silly Shenanings!

Why are you such a huge Carry On film fan? I am a fan of the actors in the Carry On films and consider them to be underrated as performers. The Carry On films still stand up as comedy vehicles. I'm not alone in loving them. Last year, I attended a Carry On conference and there were hundreds of people there.

Describe the town of Woking.

A much more interesting town than people realise. For purposes of research, I stayed there overnight and was suitably impressed. It is the powerhouse of ‘wokeness’ and a lovely place to visit.

What’s your favourite Carry On film and why?

Don’t Lose Your Head, for the simple reason that Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey, my favourite actors, interact so impressively in it.

And your favourite actor from a Carry On film? Charles Hawtrey.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of your show and why? When someone shouts ‘Ooh Matron!’ at the wrong moment.

You’ve written this show and you’ll be starring in it, how much work is involved?

A great deal. It’s like re-building the Titanic with spoons. It’s not so much the learning, it’s the creating of the comedy that takes up so much time.

Can the audience be guaranteed of a side splitting show?

I’ve got enough giggles to shake Sid James’ laugh out of retirement.

To book your tickets for Carry On Woking at the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 12 September at 7.30pm. Tickets: £15. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk / phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 or click here.