Hi-de-Hi role is a real tall order

Andrea Cave with her fellow Yellowcoats in Hi-de-Hi

There was only one choice for Fylde Coast Players when the part of leggy Yellowcoat entertainer Sylvia Garnsey in the company’s fothcoming production of Hi-de-Hi was being cast.

With her 36-inch long legs and standing just one inch short of six feet tall in her bare feet, Andrea Cave fitted the bill perfectly.

“Sylvia is a fantastic part to play and I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to take on the role,” said Andrea, who lives in Lytham.

“She can be a bit of a flirt and regularly clashes with the other girls, especially Gladys Pugh, the chief Yellowcoat who is also the camp’s sporting events organiser.”

Things come to a head when the girls take part in a competition to win a dream job at the new Maplin’s holiday camp being opened in the Bahamas by boss Joe Maplin.

“It’s supposed to be judged on personality but some of the questions asked by resident host Ted Bovis wouldn’t be allowed today because of the innuendos and rather naughty comments,” said Andrea.

Andrea has appeared in numerous productions by Fylde Coast Players, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Stepping Out, Crossing Delancey and she played the title role in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

In Hi-de-Hi she is joined by new husband Tim Cave, who plays Barry Stuart-Hargreaves, the camp’s dancing instructor.

They are among a strong line-up featuring several National Operatic and Dramatic Association area award winners, including Rosie Withers, who plays Gladys, Andy Cooke, Heather Cartmell, Glynn Morton and Jeff Redfern.

Adapted from the hugely popular 1980s TV series created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the stage play, directed for the Players by Paul Lomax, revisits the 1950s and Maplins Holiday Camp with its host of colourful characters.

Just like the original, the action revolves around the lives of the camp’s management and entertainers, most of them struggling actors or has-beens.

Paul said: “This is a real laugh-out-loud comedy which our audiences in Lytham will love.”

Hi-de-Hi is at Lowther Pavilion from Wednesday, March 16, to Saturday, March 19. Ticket details from (01253) 794221 or online at www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk.