BC wrote: “Hi-de-Hi campers !!!! And welcome to this fantastic Wick production of the classic 80’s sitcom! Having worked with the company before, I was delighted when they asked me to direct this for them, and whilst we have had out ups and downs as a team what you are about to see will show you the incredible amount of dedication, commitment, professionalism and sheer fun tat everyone involved has installed into the production.
I would like to take the opportunity to make special mention of a few people. Firstly to John Garland, Guy Steddon and the entire Wick committee for their support during the rehearsal period in both matters professional and personal. Secondly to the workshop team, who created the fantastic set you are about to see. To Martin Oakley, my linchpin technical co-ordinator, and finally to you, our audience, without whom none of this would be worth it.
One final shout out to the fabulous Paul Shane, Ted Bovis in the original series, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. You will be sorely missed by all.
Now let us transport you back to the late 1950’s and join our vivacious Maplins team in their [mis]adventures. Enjoy the show!!!
Review #1: Hi-De-Hi
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: June 20 2013 issue
Reviewer: – Amanda Reeves
Text Header: Popular 1980s sitcom still gets the laughs
Text: Content
REVIVING TV sitcoms attracts good audiences for local theatre, but comparisons with original are inevitable. However, the Wick Theatre Company had nothing to fear with Hi-De-Hi, as their audience was laughing out loud within seconds of curtain-up.
Strongly led by Guy Steddon as Jeffrey Fairbrother, who delivered a master class in how to play a drunk, the action quickly got under way with an equally strong performance from Anna Quick as Gladys Pugh. Topped only by her facial expressions highlighting her repressed sexual frisson with Fairbrother, she opened the show in a lilting Welsh accent with those immortal words ‘Good morning campers – Hi-de-Hi’. Echoing back came the audience response ‘Ho-de- Ho’, transporting us from The Barn Theatre at Southwick to Maplins Holiday Camp.
Favourite characters, who stood the test of time, included compére/comedian Ted Bovis played by Steve Darvill who delivered his one-liners with deadpan wit, Fred Quilly, the dopey riding instructor played robustly by John Garland and the child-hating, dour Punch and Judy man brought to life by Richard Bulling. A late entry in the production came in the form of Angie Wright, who commanded the stage as Hilary Bovis, the estranged wife of Ted.
Outstanding was Louise Yeo as Peggy, who re created the rôle that made Su Pollard a household name. Her mannerisms, voice and wacky portrayal of this much-loved character had the audience laughing throughout and she rightly closed the show, centre stage, with a heart-rendering ‘Hi-de-Hi’ after her dreams of becoming a yellowcoat were dashed.
With strong performances from all the Wick regulars and an enthusiastic supporting cast, the highlights of the evening came from Bob Ryder and Judith Berrill, whose portrayal of the snooty ballroom exhibition dancers Barry and Yvonne Stuart-Hargreaves were sublime. Sadly, they were all too often placed at the back of the stage during ensemble scenes, but did not let this affect their performances, remaining true to character throughout – even during the curtain call.
It was also disappointing that when Ted Bovis was delivering a stand-up comic routine of one-liners, other cast members interacting with the audience overplayed their parts, taking the attention away from the main man. He did well to stand his ground and complete the routine.
Director Ben Cassan was supported by a great production team both backstage and front of house. His staging included film projection reminiscent of the original, brought up to date with current cast images.
A pleasant evening, with lots of laughs and a welcome journey back to the 1980s.
Wick Theatre Group turns once again to a TV sitcom adapted for the stage. This holiday camp romp may lack the iconic characters that made Dad’s Army great but it is peppered with plenty of quirky oddballs. Wisely the cast do not slavishly copy the TV originals; instead they capture the essence and add a little bit of their own creation. Louise Yeo shines as Peggy, the zany chambermaid who dreams of becoming a Yellow Coat.
Assured performances come from Judith Berrill and Bob Ryder as the snooty dance instructors. Berrill gets to deliver a wickedly hilarious double entendre, regarding the wallpaper’s pattern that had the audience choking with laughter.
The excellent Anna Quick makes Gladys Pugh’s pursuit of her boss, Jeffrey Fairbrother, more subtle and less predatory, while Guy Steddon gives Fairbrother an interesting makeover. Instead of understated deadpan meekness the character is played with boisterous, frantic energy. Steddon reacts to the misfortunes befalling him with some wonderful facial expressions.
The script is full of corn, the best of which falls to Steve Darvill, as the camp host. His stand-up jokes are groan inducing.
There are a couple of staging issues and scene transitions need to be slicker.
