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Su Pollard on the set of SHOUT! The 60s Musical

Posted Saturday 27th June 2009by Editor

One Nation Editor Andrew Howard caught up with stage and screen icon Su Pollard on the set of the 60s musical stage production, SHOUT!

Su made her television debut in 1974 on Opportunity Knocks, where her rendition of I’m Just A Girl Who Can’t Say No from the musical Oklahoma saw her come second – to a singing Jack Russell dog! However that didn’t deter Su from finding her way in show business. She first came to public attention through the long running hit BBC comedy series Hi De Hi as the loveable underdog Peggy! Su has also appeared in the sitcoms Two Up, Two Down, and You Rang M’Lord?

Su, it seems poignant that I have manage to catch up with you at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool as you’ve performed there many times in the past. How would you say the show has been received here and throughout the UK?

Absolutely enthusiastically without a doubt. This show has touched a nerve with all ages. It proves people want to feel good and it sends them home feeling like they’ve just been to a party. The feedback has been nothing but positive, be it North, South, East or West.

Everyone will want to know something about ‘Peggy’ with 58 episodes of Hi De Hi is there anything of ‘you’ in her character?

Oh yes, for instance her determination and vulnerability. I’m very sentimental and always wanting to help the underdog, like her. I’m not quite as naïve as her, but for example when I first arrived in London, I was absolutely conned, because I wanted to believe everything, just like Peggy.

You have appeared in many West End musicals, such as Godspell, Big Sin City and Grease; and of course national tours of Little Shop of Horrors, Me and My Girl, Annie and Menopause the Musical. Which one did you enjoy the working on most?

This is a difficult one, as each in its own way offers a different challenge. But, in terms of different skills and overall contest it has to be Me & My Girl. I learned to tap-dance for the role of Sally. The height of difficulty, worse than Strictly Come Dancing!

In early 2006 you toured the UK in your first Shakespearean role, playing the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet, opposite Gerald Harper. Would you consider taking more serious roles?

Actually, the role of nurse wasn’t necessarily serious, although it did have its more poignant moments. If I thought a role was interesting and I could do it justice I would definitely take a serious role. Comics seem to be able to do both.

You have a great ‘gay icon’ following. What do you think that is down to?

I have always been non-judgmental and sympathetic. Also, gays see me as being as camp as them!

You starred alongside Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus in the late ’90s hit series Gimme Gimme Gimme as Heidi Honeycomb a mirror image of Kathy’s character. How was it working with them both?

I enjoyed working with them both, although they both, at that time, smoked for England! I spent most of my time coughing and drinking copious amounts of tea through the haze. A nice experience though, great to appear in such a success.

I hear you have more gay friends than straight. Is that true?

Totally. I met my first gay man at 15, and instantly felt a rapport. Since then, especially with being in theatre, I have found myself surrounded with and by, fabulous gay men all over the world. My ‘gaydar’ leads me everywhere. I should write a book, Cottages I Have Known!

I heard you would really like play Barbara Streisand’s role in a film Musical of What’s Up Doc?. Is that true?

Well seeing as the film has already been made I would love to reprise it on stage, it’s ideal for me as it contains comedy, song, pathos, great characters and a happy ending.

I know you helped host a Mr Gay UK Final in Blackpool. How did you enjoy that, and would you consider appearing at a PRIDE event?

I had a great night – everyone was very attentive, although we did have a slight hiccup in that several ‘loiterers’ off the street managed to get into the VIP area and one even passed himself off as a ‘celebrity’ judge. If I was available, I would do a PRIDE Event.

You have appeared at many gay clubs throughout the country. Is that something that is hard to fit in with all your other commitments?

I adore performing in clubs; it is something I am looking at doing again. There have been several years of performers miming in fab frocks, very entertaining too, but I think it’s time to bring back camp, live ladies, gags and songs. (Please send all enquiries to Noel Gay Artistes!).

What’s your thoughts on ‘gay marriage’?

A marvellous institution. If people love each other and wish to go the extra mile down the aisle then I’m all for it. I have no time for the church’s negative ‘not in the bible’ stance. But we must never forget the not so fortunate in the past who have had to hide behind different ‘identities’.

Is there something you could tell me that maybe our readers wouldn’t know or expect of you?

I am very particular about grammar. I have been known to steal in the night and correct bad apostrophes – like ‘all your cover’s can be dry-cleaned’!! aaaagh! It sends me barmy.

People love gossip – do you have any you can let us in on?

Well, for those who may not know; my ex-husband’s handbag was bigger than mine! He has been with Sasha for about 18 years and they’re very happy. Oh, and we’re having a 30-year Hi de Hi reunion in October 2009, I shall be dressed appropriately!