Episode #141
Hi-De-Hi! by CSODS at Sheringham Little Theatre
Send us Fan Mail A holiday camp in the 1950s, a cast full of big personalities, and a sitcom so many of us can still quote even if we have not seen it for years, Hi-De-Hi! is heading to Sheringham Little Theatre, and we are going behind the scenes with the people bringing it to life. I’m joined by Andrea Wilson and Robin Taylor from Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CSODS) to talk about why this classic British comedy still works, what audiences can expect from the stage version, and how nostalgia shapes the way we watch live theatre. Andrea shares what it is like stepping into Peggy Ollerenshaw’s shoes, including the excitement of playing such a recognisable character and the very real pressure of doing an iconic role justice. Robin talks about playing Barry Stuart-Hargreaves, the bickering marriage dynamics that drive some of the funniest moments, and how the script pulls together familiar situations so fans of the original sitcom feel instantly at home, while newcomers still get a clear, light-hearted story. We also get properly practical about local theatre making. Robin lifts the curtain on the Hi De Hi! set build, from juggling the staff room and Jeffrey’s office to shifting into the Hawaiian ballroom, all within the limits of a small-stage venue, plus a few “cunning tricks” to make key moments land. If you love East Anglian theatre, amateur dramatics, British sitcom adaptations, and the craft that turns community effort into a brilliant night out, this one is for you. Subscribe for more theatre chats, share the episode with a fellow theatregoer, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Support the show
