Hi de Hi

Sutton’s Green Hut Theatre Company choice for their autumn production was the classic 1980’s sitcom “Hi de Hi” – and what a great evening’s entertainment it was.

The play is adapted from the original TV sitcom by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.  It features those loveable characters that we probably all used to sit down and watch in the 80’s – and whilst this was a “blast from the past” for me, it was also the first time I have seen the stage version of the production.

Sutton Village Hall was transformed into Maplins holiday camp – as the Yellow Coats welcomed the audience and mingled with us throughout the evening. 

The entire cast gave very entertaining performances, and every character came to life as the story unfolded. 

There was, of course, the romantic intrigue between Gladys (Alison Waters) and Jeffrey Fairbrother (David Knights), the comic banter between Ted Bovis (Philip Smith) and Spike (Bryan Blackie), and the “frosty” relationship of Yvonne & Barry Stewart-Hargreaves (Doreen Smith and Philip Boocock) – plus of course the wonderfully ditzy Peggy (Katrina Knights) who longingly dreams of becoming a Yellow Coat...only to find that her dreams are (once again) dashed by the bubbly Sylvia (Emma-Jane Byers).

In Act 1 the action took place between the staff room and office, Gladys’s radio desk (Hi de Hi) and the staff chalets.  The set was well designed and depicted each of the areas so you knew exactly where the transition in time and place was. 

The ladies of the audience were invited to take part in (or vote who would be the winner) of the Glamorous Granny competition during Act 1 – and then we were treated to the Maplins Camp supper in the interval.

In Act 2 we were transported back to various chalets, the radio desk and ballroom stage once again – this time for the gentlemen of the audience to take part in the Knobbly Knees competition.  This proved to be hilarious when the “extra” member of the audience was included. Peter the skeleton!

A special mention must go to Doreen Smith and Northern Costume Hire for the superb costumes – the Yellow Coats certainly lived up to their name!

Congratulations to everyone involved – it was a great evening of fun and laughs, as well as superb cameo performances.

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