A COMEDIAN had all of his gear, props and a one-of-a-kind costume stolen from Colchester Arts Centre following a gig.

Julian Dutton’s show Do You Think That’s Wise? The Life and Times of John Le Mesurier is a tribute to the iconic Dad’s Army actor and his most famous role as Sergeant Arthur Wilson.

On Sunday evening he performed for a packed crowd at the Church Street venue. However, after the gig finished, crooks broke in and stole his equipment.

As well as his wallet, laptop and projector, the thieves took Mr Dutton’s props, including a replica Sussex Home Guard uniform, a copy of the one worn by the late Le Mesurier in the classic sitcom.

Mr Dutton said: “I left my stuff by the stage and went to get my car from nearby. By the time I got back it was all gone.”

CCTV footage captured two people entering the stage door of the premises at around 10.15pm.

Mr Dutton, who lives in Wales, said: “They obviously saw the stuff waiting to be collected an opportunistically took it.

“There is CCTV of them running down the steps by the church lugging all of my stuff.

“It is the most bizarre theft I have ever heard about. Seeing them on CCTV running away carrying all my gear and props was like something from an Ealing comedy.

“The technical stuff like the projector I can replace but the big thing is the costume because it is a perfect replica. It is a brilliant costume and it is absolutely no use to anybody else.

“It could only be of use to them if they are set to launch their own rival Dad’s Army show.”

Despite the distressing incident, Mr Dutton said he has no qualms about returning to perform in Colchester in the future.

He said: “When something like this happens it is a real body blow and I was in a state of shock first of all.

“I have been lucky because when people got wind of the theft I have had several people offering me replacement costumes to borrow to finish the tour.”

The projector was later recovered from Cash Converters, in High Street, Colchester.

Witnesses should contact Essex Police on 101.

If you have seen the costume, contact Colchester Arts Centre.