Hi-De-Hi! programme

WELCOME TO CAMP! WELCOME TO CAMP!

Hi-de-hi, campers! Welcome to Maplins... the best camp in Crimpton-on-Sea, Essex

This is a stage adaptation of the hugely popular British TV series which revisits 1959 and Maplins Holiday Camp with its host of colourful characters.

It’s the start of a new season and a new camp is being set up in the Bahamas and it will need female Yellowcoats (entertainers) to go and work there. The annual Miss Yellowcoat competition will decide who – imagine the rivalry!

Camp cleaner Peggy is thrilled at the prospect of a vacancy for a new Yellowcoat and convinces Entertainments Manager Jeffrey Fairbrother that she is the ideal candidate for the job.

Ted is forced to employ numerous money-making schemes when his ex-wife turns

up at the camp with a bailiff in tow.

Yvonne and Barry StuartHargreaves then send the rumour mill into its usual overdrive when Gladys is overheard escorting Jeffrey into his chalet late one evening.

Sit back and enjoy the show as all your favourite characters from the popular 1970’s series whisk you back to Maplins, even if working at the camp was a low step on the showbiz ladder.

Hi-de-hi, campers!

FROM THE DIRECTOR FROM THE DIRECTOR

Margaret is back in the hot seat – this time bringing you Conquest’s take on

Hi-De-Hi! was like a beacon of light in the dark days of winter. We laughed at the old jokes and tried to tell the young people about life in the 1950s.

It is very much a team effort with cast aged between 18 and 80 – Bromyard at its best!

With many people behind the scenes, there is the group of ‘old men’ in the Koffee Klub who build the set and the tea lady who puts a much-needed cup of tea quietly in front of me when things are getting difficult.

Hi-De-Hi trivia

My right hand woman with her knowledge of the computer, the prompt who tells me as it is and the young woman and her team resewing the costumes. Then there is the girl with the modern publicity

ideas, the young man in the lighting box and the slightly older man who does the set and everything else that needs doing. I must not forget the people at the side of the stage moving it all about.

Last but not least, there’s the musician who lost his band but has rebuilt it to provide the lively music you hear on stage.

Thank you to everyone who helps the theatre run so we can put on this show.

Margaret Dallow

The inspiration for the series came from the experiences of Jimmy Perry, one of the programme’s writers. After being demobilised from the Army, he was a Redcoat at Butlins in Filey and Pwllheli during the holiday season.

RUTH MADOC VISITS RUTH MADOC VISITS

Ruth fondly remembers the role of Gladys and says she just knew the series would be a hit

Ruth Madoc, who played Gladys Pugh in the Hi-De-Hi! TV series, will be among the audience at the Conquest Theatre – and says she is looking forward to visiting Bromyard. Ruth remembers working on the BBC series, saying she knew it would be popular as it was written by the brilliant David Croft and Jimmy Perry. She said it was very important to her that the Conquest used this script, instead of trying to “potch something about”.

Speaking exclusively to the Conquest Theatre, Ruth said: “I was deeply, deeply grateful to them [the casters] for the part, it was a wonderful part they gave me. The good thing about when you have a part like that is you create alot as well as you go along.”

More than 40 years after the first episode aired, Ruth, who has also worked on sitcoms including Little Britain and Benidorm, will visit the Conquest on 18th February to watch the show.

Looking ahead to the visit, Ruth said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been to Bromyard, but I look forward to it. It’ll be lovely to see it done properly. You can’t put a new slant on it as that would be wrong, you’ve got to do what is in the script.

“Otherwise it loses its charm, and the charm is it is retro and it was set in a holiday camp, there’s only so much you can do.

“I’m looking forward to what they do. I’ve seen one or two productions of it in the past 20 years, so it’ll be interesting to see what they

[Bromyard’s Conquest Theatre] do with it. There are things you can do with it, but the characters need to be absolutely as they are in the television because they’re stereotypes of people.”

Looking back to 1980 when the series came out, Ruth remembered

having to wrap up in a fur coat which was five sizes too big to keep warm outside while filming – with the series often filmed in the spring at a closed holiday camp.

There have also been reunions of the cast in years gone by, with names such as Su Pollard, Paul Shane and Jeffrey Holland all having main roles.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it to tell you the truth, even putting on a tatty old fur coat”

“I’m just thrilled I was part and parcel of it to tell you the truth because I never thought that would happen,” she said.

Hi-De-Hi trivia

“I’d been in the business 20 years before that, I was nearly 40 when I did that. There I was trying to make up to a man of about 28. When they said his age I blanched slightly and said ‘are you sure this is going to work?’.”

Summing up her career, which has spanned some 60 years, Ruth said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it to tell you the truth, even putting a tatty old fur coat on and standing out in the pouring rain and all the rest of it in Hi-De-Hi!, and the other things.”

And in a word to the cast, she said the main thing is to enjoy performing, and she isn’t at the Conquest Theatre to judge anyone.

The Conquest Theatre would like to thank Ruth Madoc for her support

TV appearances

Hunter’s Walk (1973-76)

Hi-De-Hi! (1980-88)

The Life and Times of David Lloyd George (1981)

The Adventure Game (1986)

Little Britain (2005)

Big Top (2009)

Doctors (2014/18)

Get Your Act Together (2015)

Tinga Tinga Tales (2015) Stella (2016)

Casualty (2016/19)

The bulk of the scenes of Hi-de-Hi! were filmed at a real holiday camp run by Warners in the town of Dovercourt near Harwich, Essex, excluding the studio-based interior sets of the entertainment staff chalets, offices, and milk bar.

THE YELLOWCOATS THE YELLOWCOATS

Anne Churchill as Gladys Pugh

I’ve been singing, dancing and performing in many productions in Bromyard and the surrounding areas for a good many years. I love this little theatre as it feels like home. At the Conquest I have most recently been in involved with the Beauty and the Beast pantomime.

Megan Davies as Dawn

I’ve been performing most of my life in local productions, and at Hereford Sixth Form College. I began performing here in 2019, where I have had the privilege of being in Chicago, Treasure Island and Little Shop of Horrors. I hope to study musical theatre at drama school later this year.

Amanda Vincent- Perkins as Sylvia Garnsey

I have been performing at the Conquest from an early age, with roles including a dancing bear, a glover and robot. I have also directed one production, A Browning Version.

My many other roles in the theatre have included sound, front of house and drama group co-ordinator.

Lisa Legge as Betty Whistler

I have always enjoyed music and drama, first starting to perform in secondary school. I have been in multiple performances at the Conquest, including Little Shop of Horrors most recently, and really enjoy the fun and friends that are made through it.

Emily Chambers as Tracy Brentwood

This is my second time acting at the Conquest Theatre, but over the years I have been fortunate enough to play many different roles, particularly in musicals. I was so excited to be playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and am equally looking forward to being a Yellowcoat!

Lottie Carr as Gabriella

I first appeared on the Conquest stage as Falstaff’s page in the Merry Wives of Windsor and, after being the cat in Dick Whittington, I wondered if I’d ever get the chance to be a girl.

I have since been allowed to sing and dance, and I’m now thrilled to be a Yellowcoat in my grandmother’s show.

YOUR ENTERTAINERS YOUR ENTERTAINERS

Julie Waring as Yvonne Stuart-Hargreaves

I enjoy all aspects of theatre and have worked with several local groups over the years.

I’m very excited to be joining the Conquest for the first time.

It is a great cast and a really fun production – a great antidote to the recent coronavirus lockdowns.

Peter Goodson as Ted Bovis

From musicals and thrillers, to pantos and Gilbert and Sullivan, I love to be involved.

Ted Bovis has been fun to play, as well as to keep theatre alive.

My performance is dedicated to my late wife, Vicki.

Conor Stobart as Fred Quilly

I have enjoyed many years of performing arts since the days of Barbara Hockley’s youth theatre here at the Conquest. From there, I moved to productions with the late Sylvia Silver, Becky Cook and Margaret Dallow. I have learned a great deal from all, and made treasured memories.

Mark Aaron-Cox as Barry Stuart-Hargreaves

I am delighted to be appearing in Hi-De-Hi! as Barry, and this is my third show originally co-written by David Croft. I previously appeared in ‘Allo ‘Allo as René, as well as Dad’s Army. Previously, I have been involved in many aspects of the theatre as well as acting. I have directed and stage managed a host of shows.

Nikki Ivison as Spike Dixon

Fresh from playing Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors, which was our last major production in October, I have been straight back into rehearsals for Hi-De-Hi!.

I am also busy planning pantomime for February 2023.

Ted Taylor as Mr Partridge

I joined the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham in the 1970s. Among others, I played Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls. In 1997, I played the lead in Rumpus – A Rock Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I joined the Conquest in 2000 when I moved to the area, wanting to make friends and keep my brain active.

ALSO AT MAPLINS ALSO AT MAPLINS

Jess Rolt as Peggy Ollerenshaw

I joined the Conquest a few years ago and have had a blast!

I’ve also made some wonderful friends through it. It was wonderful being back on stage and performing after the Covid lockdowns when I featured in Little Shop of Horrors, and I’m excited to be here again.

Jo Stanley as Hilary Bovis

I first stepped foot in the Conquest in 2019 for Chicago, encouraged by the late Sylvia Silver, having been working in the area for three years and with previous amateur dramatic experience.

I’ve really enjoyed being back here for Hi-De-Hi! and hope you enjoy it too.

Scott Rayson as the barman

I joined the theatre back in 2018, starting in 1940s Nazioccupied France in ‘Allo ‘Allo. I then danced my into My Fair Lady, before taking part in Chicago

I was most recently hidden in a giant man-eating plant as the main puppeteer for Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors.

Joe Rolt as Jeffery Fairbrother

I’ve performed on and off here at the Conquest Theatre since being part of the youth theatre. It has been great to be back on the stage again for Hi-De-Hi!.

I’ve also recently been in Thark and Canary Girls, which was about Rotherwas Munitions Factory.

Graham Bull as the bailiff

I have been helping to stage manage the show, but have some time in the limelight as the bailiff.

I’m no stranger to treading the boards at the Conquest though, having previously appeared in Canary Girls and played Beauty’s dad in the 2019 pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Bob Dallow as Mr Pritchard

I started entertaining the people of Bromyard some 60 years ago with the young farmers’ club, young creatives and then finally the Conquest Theatre.

I’ve played dames and villains, and even a monster in various productions and pantomimes over the years.

MUSIC AT MAPLINS MUSIC AT MAPLINS

Colin Hales

Musical director

Born in Scotland, I moved to the Portsmouth area in 1977 and began learning the cornet in the local primary school training brass band. After a relatively straightforward audition, I joined the British Army in February 1991 and my first position was with The Band of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Band. I then became a bandmaster, including for the Life Guards Band – the most senior band in the Army. Then, after completing the five-month long Mounted Dutyman course, I was bandmaster on horseback and was at the very heart of all the most prestigious and famous ceremonial events there are in the UK. The highlight of which was the Mounted Band’s performance for Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations in Windsor Great Park. I retired from the Army in 2017 and I’m now fully embedded in rural Herefordshire. Still enjoying my music, I work freelance as a conductor, tutor, trumpet player, composer/arranger and mentor at a variety of locations, and as a cornet player in the Band of The Royal Welsh.

Keyboards: Calista Musto | Drums: George Raven |

Hi-De-Hi trivia

The theme song Hi-De-Hi (Holiday Rock), credited to Paul Shane, who played Ted Bovis, and The Yellowcoats, reached #36 on the British charts in May 1981. That same week, Stand and Deliver by Adam and the Ants secured the top spot.

Trumpet: Colin Hales Guitar: Martin Whittaker | Bass guitar: George Aldridge

A JUST FOR FUN QUIZ A JUST FOR FUN QUIZ

Question 1: The Four Candles sketch, originally titled The Hardware Shop, is from which TV comedy series?

Question 2: Which 1970’s series, starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, followed the trip of two millionaire playboys across Europe?

Question 3: The opening titles of which series shows aerial shots of the M40 motorway’s Stokenchurch Gap and the Chiltern Hills?

Question 4: Complete the title of the following BBC 2 competition programme: ‘The Great Pottery...’

Question 5: The BBC used to show a test card featuring a static image of an eight-year-old Carole Hersee, a blackboard and what sort of toy?

Question 6: Can you name the British television sitcom in which character ‘Horrible Ives’ features?

Question 7: Which culinary competition was won by Nancy Birtwhistle in 2014 and Edd Kimber in 2010?

Question 8: The daytime BBC medical soap opera Doctors is set in which fictional Midlands town?

Question 9: Which topical celebrity panel game show’s theme music is News of the World by The Jam?

Question 10: In a 1990’s sitcom, what was the name of Hyacinth’s son, who only calls when he needs money?

you name the sitcom each of these actors starred in?

BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND THE SCENES

Countless hours go into making a show... and thousands of cups of tea!

Director

Assistant director

Producer

Vocal coach

Choreography

Stage manager

Technical manager

Assistant stage manager

Stage crew

Marketing manager

Programme editor

Margaret Dallow

Janet Hugman

Hugh Farey

Amy Burke

Meg Davies

Graham Bull

James Thomas

Lulu West

David James

Hilary Smith

Sofie Smith

James Thomas

Wardrobe Hair

Props

Prompt

Set design

Set painting

Set construction

Vicki Shortland

Jenny Shortland

Terri Dimsdale

Fay Carr

Debbie Anderton

Janet Hugman

Janet Ivison

Hugh Farey

Rob Lett

Conquest Theatre

Koffee Klub

Refreshments

Caroline Thomas

As ever, the Conquest Theatre would also like to thank all of its volunteers, B&M Johnson, Newsquest/Hereford Times, Steve James, Bredenbury Court Barns and Bromyard Bowls Club

3)

Quiz answers

1) The Two Ronnies 2) The Persuaders

The Vicar of Dibley 4) Throw Down 5) Clown 6) Porridge 7) The Great British Bake Off 8) Letherbridge 9) Mock the Week 10) Sheridan 11) Father Ted 12) Benidorm 13) ‘Allo ‘Allo 14) One Foot in the Grave 15) Last of the Summer Wine 16) Dad’s Army

MAKING OF A SHOW MAKING OF A SHOW

The man... the myth... the theatrical fairy... is there anything Boz can’t do?

Producing a play. It’s rare for me not to be on stage, but I have been happy to return to the production side for a change to brush up my backstage skills.

The first thing was to discuss with director Margaret about her vision for the appearance of the play, and how it might fit into the Conquest schedule.

Next came production dates, the licence to perform (nearly £100 per performance), and the budget. Conquest productions attract a 60 to 70 per cent audience, so we can have some idea of income, and must balance that against the annual running costs of the theatre (to which Conquest

productions make a large contribution). That gives us some idea of what we can spend to make the show as brilliant as we can – things like whether we can afford a band, or hire costumes which can’t be supplied from our own wardrobe department.

Next comes the set – and an inevitable compromise

between the director’s vision and the practical limitations of the theatre – which in this case needed to encompass the two double-room sets required, as well as three other scenes and a dais for the band.

From then on it’s largely a question of co-ordination, between set builders, scenepainters, props providers, wardrobe, actors, musicians, lighting and sound, and the wider context of other productions and the everyday life of the theatre.

All that, and keeping the director happy as well!

Hugh Farey

Bufton BARRY

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A quick note...

Any show at the Conquest Theatre is only possible thanks to the incredible work of our volunteers, from the actors and backstage crew, to those front of house, and everyone else who gives their time.

We would also like to thank the local businesses who have supported us in this programme, which in itself has been a labour of love. (Sarcasm? I’ll let you decide - editor)

But the final thanks goes to you – our wonderful audience – for your support here tonight. We really love theatre, and we hope you do too.