TGtS Meets...Su Pollard

Famed for her role as scatty chalet maid Peggy in hit BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi, Su is a comedy legend who needs no introduction. The Nottingham-born lass is set to appear at the Wyvern Theatre this November in Ha Ha Hood, a hilarious re-imagining of the classic tale.

What attracted you to the part of Maid Marion?

I was really excited about what I could do with the character. I'd seen some of Ben's work before and he always puts a quirky slant on a classic story. I was a bit concerned before though, I worried that she'd be a drip that just followed Robin Hood around like some female sop. But she's got balls this one, she's quite feisty and gives Robin a right run for his money. 

What's your favourite thing about performing in the show?

We all have a fabulous time together, it's unlike anything that I've ever done before because it mixes so many genres and performance styles together. I get to sing, I get to dance and I get to tell a joke or two. It's basically practising for panto, which is marvelous. 

You're renowned for your comedy roles, did you always want to be a comedic actress?

I suppose, I was destined to star in comedies. When I was about five or six years old I was the Angel Gabriel's assistant in my school nativity, just as I was saying my lines, I fell through the cardboard box I was standing on and the audience burst out laughing. I wasn't embarrassed though, I enjoyed getting the laugh. 

Is there a role that you haven't played but love would to?

I'd quite like to play a murderer if I'm honest, I've never played one of those before. 

Do you prefer television or stage work?

I think if you're in a broad comedy like Hi-de-Hi! which is very physical and visual then of course it's wonderful to do it on TV because you're performing to millions of people. Equally if you can find a broad brush stroke on stage you can take the laugh longer and higher. I think as long as you've got a good director and a lot of space, that's all you need. 

What's been the highlight of your career?

Hi-de-Hi! was a great start for me because it was a springboard to all sorts of other things, I went on to star in a load of other comedies off the back of it, and I even opened a shop. The ultimate highlight for me though was meeting the queen at the Royal Variety Show. It was fabulous, I never take things like that for granted, and it’s always been a pleasure and a privilege. 

Which actresses do you admire the most? 

I greatly admire Barbara Streisand, she's deserving of the name star for me. She's honed her craft and she's incredibly sincere about it. In terms of younger actresses I love Kiera Knightly and Sheridan Smith; she's such an incredible talent, I wish them all the best and a long and prosperous career. 

Which actress would you like to play you in a biopic of your life?

Selfishly I'd like to say myself, but I'd have to play myself now. Sarah Millican, I think she'd be good. She already wears glasses anyway so she's a shoe in with her specs. 

Su Pollard and Ben Langley will star in Ha! Ha! Hood at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 1st November. Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.