Spotlight on . . .

PHILIP MADOC was an actor known to millions, but is perhaps best remembered as the U-boat captain held prisoner by the Walmington-on-Sea platoon of the Home Guard in Dad’s Army. Madoc died earlier this year, but next week there’s a chance to hear him in his last ever role, with the release of the seventh Scarifyers adventure on CD.

The Horror Of Loch Ness, which will feature in a special BBC Radio 4 Extra Philip Madoc tribute later in the year, finds MI:13 agent Harry Crow and Professor Dunning investigating the disappearance of celebrated speed ace Sir Malcolm Campbell who, while carrying out speed trials on Loch Ness, is engulfed by a mysterious fog bank.

Featuring David Warner, Terry Molloy and Edinburgh Fringe favourites David Benson and Lizzie Roper, Crow and Dunning find themselves investinging the sleepy loch-side village of Inverfarigaig where, with the help of the local GP Dr Pippin (Madoc) they undercover fraudulent Nessie hunters, demonic bed sheets, Caledonian witches and a connection to the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley.

Described by the Radio Times as ‘rollicking good fun’, The Horror Of Loch Ness is a must for all fans of good old-fashioned radio adventure series like Dick Barton Special Agent. Just remember, this one has its tongue stuck firmly in its cheek.

A fitting farewell to one of the great character actors of his generation.

The Scarifyers: The Horror Of Loch Ness is released on CD and Download, £11.99, on June 4, www.cosmichobo.com

CONCERT

EDINBURGH LIGHT ORCHESTRA

THE other ELO mark the beginning of their 35th anniversary year on Saturday with the debut of special guest soloist Bruce Graham.The evening’s programme also includes pieces from Gershwin’s Crazy for You, Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot and Marvin Hamlisch’s A Chorus Line, as well as Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s music for the swashbuckling Errol Flynn adventure, The Sea Hawk, James Horner’s score for Titanic and the themes from Coronation Street and STV’s Take The High Road.

Finally, orchestra leader Lawrence Dunn will launch into gipsy-mode with Jenö Hubay’s virtuosic Gipsy Dance while three pieces of British light music complete the programme: Eric Coates’ Westminster (Meditation); Elizabethan Masque by Fredric Bayco; and Haydn Wood’s Balmoral (March).

Edinburgh Light Orchestra, Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, Saturday, 7.30pm, £6-£9.50, www.thequeenshall.net