Hi-De-Hi

It is a brave company to take on the challenge of replicating the characters from this iconic 1980’s television sit-com. The challenge was met head on producing a splendid night’s fun and entertainment.

The cast had obviously worked hard studying the TV characters so that all the characters’ nuances and voice inflections were there, so well done for that.

Meirion Buck just looked like Paul Shane as Ted Bovis and he was well supported by Lee Harper as his side-kick Spike Dixon who dressed up in some amazing costumes. Alison Cahill as Ted’s estranged wife, Hilary kept pestering him for unpaid alimony.  I don’t like singling out individuals in such a team effort but the character with the right voice, voice inflections and posturing was Debbie Crump as Gladys Pugh. Paul Harper as Jeffrey Fairbrother bumbled his way through all that was happening around him just as we all remembered the character. Derek Harper as Fred Quilly, the riding instructor and Pete Aucott as Mr Partridge, the Punch and Judy man were ideally cast. The dancing instructors, Yvonne Stuart- Hargreaves and Barry Stuart-Hargreaves worked well together as they blamed each other for their lack or progression through the business. Laura Harper played the rival to Gladys in trying to win the ‘Miss Yellowcoat’ competition and also the affection of Jeffrey. From the Top take on the story was to have the part of Peggy Ollerenshaw played by Dave Crump. He looked right, sounded right and brought lots of laughs for the audience to enjoy. There was good support from Bradley Reynolds, Stu Etherington, Catherine mason, Amelia Crump and Elaine Toy as camper Mrs West who was forever getting lost.

Although not a musical you couldn’t have camp entertainers without the occasional song with audience participation. These were backed by a very competent trio under the direction of Rob Norman.

The set dividing the office from the staffroom was very ingenious allowing rapid and smooth transitions between the two. It was really well thought out and worked extremely efficiently.

The whole evening was appreciated by the audience who were transported back in time some 35 years.

Well done!

 

   

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