Bolton Little Theatre: Hi – de – Hi.
9:38am Tuesday 13th December 2011 in Theatre
When deciding to present the stage version of any well known sit-Com you are taking quite a large risk. I know from my own experience, appearing as Mr Humphries in Are you being served a couple of years ago. Certainly with our production then and I am sure of Bolton Little theatres production of HI – DE – HI, the audience have an huge expectation as they knew the characters very well. As with us then, and BLT now, they need not have worried.
Adapted from Jimmy Perry and David Crofts original television series, BLT’s production opened with Carol Butler as the love chasing Gladys Pugh, hitting the well known three note “Bong” then reciting – Hi De Hi to a resounding response form the Full to capacity audience of – Ho – de - Ho! Carol had it all. The look and a great Welsh accent to boot.
This set the scene for a great night of entertainment.
Mark Leigh, as the scam chasing, money making rogue, was nothing short of brilliant in his portrayal of Ted Bovis. His resemblance, both in look and voice, was amazing. Mark kept the pace of the show going and kept the audience in stitches with his one liners and somewhat corny material.
Alison Whittaker as Peggy, the bumbling Chalet maid, with huge aspirations of becoming a “Yellow Coat, Benjamin Latham as Ted’s sidekick – Spike (who must have at least a dozen costume changes!!), Kev Walsh as the timid Mr Fairbrother, Jeff Lunt and Stuart O’Hara as the Jockey and Punch and Judy Man – respectively, gave superb performances.
Jenifer Lee and Harold Smith portrayed the well known Ballroom Dance professionals Barry and Yvonne Stuart – Hargreaves. Jennifer’s snobby pose never faltered whist Harold’s witty one liners of “put Downs” were delivered with great timing.
We had a variety of different acts from Wilson, Keppel and Betty, Laurel and Hardy and great company routines, topped off with a couple of excellent audience participation numbers – not to mention an Ugly face pulling/ knobbly knee completion ( which my son won!!) . All of which made the evening very enjoyable.
It could be quite easy for any actor to attempt to impersonate their characters, but not at BLT! The actors had obviously studied their characters and carried out the interpretations with great aplomb!
With a great supporting cast of Yellow Coats and cameo roles, this production directed by BLT stalwart Andrew Close was a huge hit.
Graham Cohen
