Why do we like to be by the seaside? Apart from the sun (occasionally) and donkey-strewn sand, it is the ‘end-of-the-pier’ stand-ups who stand out. These staples of summer seasons still populate the nation’s collective memory so we thought we’d bring together some of the greats for our Summer Comedy Special.
After years in working men’s clubs, Su Pollard’s big break came playing Peggy, the chalet maid who really wanted to be a Yellowcoat, in BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi! She has rarely been off TV or stage since…
Su says: “I must have been about five when I was first on stage in a school play. I really enjoyed the feeling of being able to convey something across to an audience. I enjoyed the fact that they enjoyed it. I still get that feeling today and there is nothing better. I think that’s why some people want to carry on working when they’re 90. If you’re passionate about performing, it’s the one thing that nothing else matches.
At 16 I began singing in working men’s clubs and pubs whilst working as a secretary. I went to one club with a friend of mine – one of the first drag acts at the time – I think they thought I was some sort of alien. I’ve always liked quirkiness in fashion, these hotpants, your Mary Quants, were the rage.
It was an all-in-one, but there was a bib attached to it and then shoulder straps. And pink tights. On the front of these black shorts, it said I love Mr Pink, because the boy I was going out with at the time was called Andrew Pink. Of course, they’d never seen anything like these hot pants, high heels, and pink tights.
