HI DE HI

A very special year for this Company, the ever popular ‘Hi De Hi’ was an excellent choice for celebrating 40 years of amateur theatre. Their summer run of one performance a week is always a highlight with both locals and tourists.

The café style setting with Yellow Coats greeting and mingling with the audience as one entered the hall, was a great way to start the evening. Kate Parry was perfectly cast as ‘Gladys Pugh’ whose South Walian accent never faultered throughout the play. Her  feelings for Entertainments Manager Jeffrey Fairbrother, expertly played by Paul Dunn  was evident from the start and she made it clear in every situation she was going to get her man. Paul Dunn proved to be very comfortable in the role of dithering ‘Jeffrey’ coping nervously with all staff problems – even ‘Gladys’ and giving other members of the cast confidence and the benefit of his theatrical experience. A polished performance. Karen Dolan-Smith received much sympathy from the audience with her convincing portrayal of chalet maid ‘Peggy Ollerenshaw’ whose one aim in life is to become a Yellow Coat. Liz Crooke and David Hillman were completely in step as ballroom dancers ‘Yvonne and Barry Stuart Hargreaves’ both trying to get the better of each other with sarcastic remarks whilst Peter Weston did all that was required as ‘Fred Quilly’. Julie Roberts enjoyed a crafty tot or two as ‘Mrs Partridge, Punch and Judy’.  Minor roles included Yellow Coats and other staff members were well portrayed, but I must mention Paula Carr and Leisha Keane as they will take over half way through the eight week run as ‘Peggy Ollerenshaw’ and ‘Mrs Partridge’ respectively. They are both experienced players and I know they will carry their roles off with aplomb.

The set was cleverly designed, with excellent lighting, sound and costumes, all contributing to a resounding ‘Ho De Ho’

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