Hi-De-Hi

This was my first-time seeing Tinkers Farm Opera (TFO) and it was a true pleasure to see you all in action at last. Thank you so much for the kind invitation and the hospitality. The immediate feel of family and teamwork was evident throughout the evening.

Any company taking on a play such as Hi-De-Hi instantly will create a challenge. No doubt certain audience members who are very familiar with the 1980’s TV programme may inadvertently compare actors’ abilities to the well-known and established characters of the TV show. This type of show lends itself an opportunity for the actor to create character nuances or even full-blown impressions of the original, the danger is getting the balance right and not to overdo it.

The way TFO handled this production showed a nice dimension but also showed care and attention to detail which was respected and enjoyed by the audience, who identified with the comedy and some well-known personality traits the characters are known for.

I did know Hi-De-Hi the TV show (however I was more familiar with the show You Rang, M’lord!) but I did not know the play until tonight. I had a genuine interest to see where some interactions may have led to and this kept the play interesting and fun. I believe these little touches helped make the evening even more enjoyable as the audience truly felt included in the action and the energy bounced around the venue.   

Also, without a doubt, the cast’s interaction with the audience, the willingness to have fun, the energy and improvisation skills combined with the overall feel of the venue were all great. The audience invested in the evening because TFO made it work!

The venue was incredibly welcoming and entertaining (with great 1950’s music!) this had a lot to do with the clever design which worked for this show in particular. Walking into what felt like a holiday camp club house with tables set up to allow audience members to get ready for their inclusive evening entertainment. The bar accessible within the space, the presence of the actors in their “yellow coats” serving up sweets and handing out information/advertisements on future events, (such as an advert for a Gurning Competition!) and selling raffle tickets and then drawing the raffle (all in character) made wonderful additions and complimented the main show. Also, it must be said how the audience had no trouble joining in with the singing and voting for their favourite Yellowcoat after a very funny presentation on each candidate. I thought the delivery of lines in this part of the show showed some great pace and comedy timing, especially from James Hale who played the character of Barry Stuart-Hargreaves.

The set was effective but again there was generally a really good use of space around the audience, the cast used this space comfortably and there were no occasions where space was invaded.

The actors’ performances were believable and diction and accents generally were good.
Simon Wilkinson who played Ted Bovis was well cast, he had a confident skill in holding the audience’s attention. There were moments where you could empathise with him a little bit, even with his dodgy dealings and ideas…but not for long! There was an enjoyable support by Richard Cooper who played Spike Dixon, The Camp Comic! He successfully came across sincere and showed signs of a true friendship with his attempt in keeping Ted focused on his task in raising £50, to save a potential prison sentence. Ted’s ex-wife Hilary Bovis (Tracey Foden) threatened Ted with Prison if she didn’t receive the demanded alimony. She was not impressed with his antics!

The characters of Yvonne and Barry Stuart-Hargreaves played by Diane Hingley and James Hale worked really well together. Diane Hingley had some wonderfully funny facial expressions and some great timing. James had some great lines which were sometimes delivered with a unique style which hit the mark more often than not. He also was very funny with his body language which showed his occasional disdain at his wife. John Cooper (Fred Quilly) and Ian Hayward (Mr Partridge) were both excellently cast. John looked like he had just jumped off a horse before he jumped on stage!

Ian was very dry with his wit, he had some of the best lines in the play. The character of Mr Partridge often grabbed my attention when I did catch the TV show so I enjoyed watching Ian’s take on the character. The idea of a child entertainer who doesn’t like children sent my imagination wild when Mr Partridge was pulled into the office, about to get the sack because he physically abused a child. He totally admitted what he done and then followed the wonderfully delivered line by Jeffrey Fairbrother (The Entertainments Manager)  “Well the parents weren’t exaggerating then!”

Adam Siviter was a strong choice to play Jeffrey Fairbrother, the reluctant love interest of the character Gladys Pugh, he had a good experienced presence throughout and this was needed as it was a part which required at times to keep the pace. Overall, very well played and controlled. I also enjoyed the scenes where he read Mr Maplin’s letters out to his staff!

Barbara Hayward who played Gladys Pugh had certainly worked on some characterisation including the Welsh accent. Barbara portrayed her with the right pinch of manipulation and naughtiness. Again, some good moments of comedy timing navigating her skills in flirtation and using the suggestive parts of the script to her advantage. Some nice pauses and reactions too.

Glady’s rivel, Sylvia (Lily Fradley) who won the casting vote to go to the new Maplins site in the Bahamas had a good reaction when she learnt that a storm wiped the new site into oblivion. The rest of the Yellowcoats were a great mix of actors. Their dynamics contributed to the feel of the evening, well done to Rebecca Bate, Semone Rhone, Matthew Morgan and finally the Yellowcoat I voted for, Jeanette Greenway.

Matthew Morgan also showed some great versatility playing 3 characters in this show, as well as a yellowcoat, he played a bailiff and Mr Pritchard, a policeman off duty. Matthew’s character of Mr Pritchard was just brilliant and his cameo deserved the round of applause it got.

Finally, the character of Peggy Ollerenshaw (made famous by Su Pollard) was played by Bethan Siviter-Coupland. Bethan was an absolute delight to watch as she took on this character and owned it with a great accent and an innocent desire to achieve her goal to be a yellowcoat and not a chalet maid. She completed a very strong and consistent performance.

The next show by Tinkers Farm Opera (TFO) is The Musical Kipps, The New Half a Sixpence which is planned to be performed on 17th - 20th May 2023 at Stourbridge Town Hall. This is one of my personal favourites being a big fan of H.G Wells, whose original novel inspired the musical. I am intrigued to see TFO perform in a musical after seeing this drama production tonight.

Thank you again for such a wonderful evening. Congratulations to all involved with this production and to the director Emma Harley who should be very proud.

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