Players on a Hi-de-Hi after meeting Su!

Fylde Coast Players are busy in rehearsal for Hi-De-Hi, a stage adaptation of the fondly-remembered BBC TV comedy of the 1980s, which is set for Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion in March.

Playing chambermaid Peggy, a role made famous on TV by Su Pollard will be Heather Cartmell, long a familiar face to Fylde amdram audiences, while Paul Lomax directs.

Both made the most of the opportunity to take some advice on the part from comedy veteran Su, who recently wowed audiences as the Wicked Queen in the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs panto at Blackpool – and were delighted with Su’s support and particularly the fact that she even pledged to come along and see the Lowther production if she is free.

“Chatting with Su was a fantastic opportunity and she was genuinely interested in what we are doing,” said Heather, who lives in St Annes.

“Peggy is a great part to play and Su gave me some very valuable tips for getting the most out of the character. She said how delighted and proud she was that Hi-de-Hi is continuing to entertain audiences nearly 30 years after the original TV series was broadcast. I was thrilled when she also said she’d love to watch our production at Lowther and would come along if possible!”

The stage play by Paul Carpenter and Ian Gower – adapted from the TV series created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft – revisits the 1950s and Maplins Holiday Camp with its host of colourful characters.

Just like the original, the play revolves around the lives of the camp’s management and entertainers, most of them struggling actors or has-beens.

Paul said: “Rehearsals are well under way and if the cast’s laughter is anything to go by then our audiences in Lytham, whether they remember the TV series or not, are in for a real treat.”

Hi-de-Hi is at Lowther from Wednesday, March 16 to the following Saturday. Details from (01253) 794221 or www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk