Su Pollard is a comedy icon who needs no introduction.
The Nottingham-born actress cut her comedy chops on hit BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi as scatty chalet maid Peggy and cemented her camp credentials with You Rang, M’lord and Oh, Doctor Beeching.
These days, Su is a musical theatre and pantomime heroine and her latest show, Ha Ha Hood! And The Prince of Leaves, which also stars comedy duo Cannon and Ball, plays Dundee Rep on Saturday night.
Taking on the role of Maid Marian, Nottinghamshire’s feistiest female, Su’s world-weary Marian is definitely more matron than maid!
Here Su shares her First and Lasts with The Courier…
Q] First memory?
A] Of being in a bathroom with a St Bernard dog. I was stroking the dog and would have been about four. It was at my grandad and grandma’s house because we all lived there as they had a big house with about nine bedrooms.
Q] Last resolution?
A] The last resolution was not to make any more it’s ridiculous.
Q] First time you wanted to do the job you’re doing now?
A] I was five and we were lined up in the school hall by the music teacher, who was wanting to choose a school choir. We all had to sing a specific song and were in a long line and he said if I tap you on the shoulder it means you will be in the choir. I was lucky to be chosen. I had such a good time and realised I didn’t want to do anything else other than be a performer.
Q] Last time you quit a job?
A] I was working in the office as a shorthand typist and I quit the job in protest at the office manager being rather rude to one of the boys in the warehouse. I had to go because I suggested that he thought the sun shone out of his nether regions! And I was rather forced out.
Q] First time you dressed up smart?
A] For the verse speaking choir at Peveril School in Nottingham and we had to be spruced up from top to toe as we were taking part in a competition – and we won.
Q] Last fancy dress costume?
A] What I’m wearing today which is eight bracelets, four necklaces, a nice pair of shorts with red roses on, over the knee socks and a pink and a yellow glittery scarf. I’m also wearing a lovely headband with beautiful black and white pearls.
Q] First dish you look for on a menu?
A] I usually look for the main course and the ingredients and then make up my mind. I particularly like sea bass and venison but if I’m not feeling very flush I can’t resist a fish finger.
Q] Last thing you cooked yourself?
A] A jacket potato with beans! You don’t get much chance to cook on tour.
Q] First book you loved?
A] Alice in Wonderland because I was taken to this magical land and I so wanted to be Alice. It wasn’t until years later that I realised the author had been on opium!
Q] Last book you read?
A] Gerald’s Game by Stephen King. I couldn’t put it down but I also didn’t want to turn the page because I knew it was going to be another horrific event in the story.
Q] First car you owned?
A] My first and last car although I can’t drive was a Ford Escort Ghia but I was shocked to find I had to pay an extra £100 because I wanted the colour black! I was living with a boyfriend at the time and because I was touring he suggested I got a car and he could chauffeur me around I think he got the better end of the deal!
Q] First choice to play you in a film?
A] Sarah Millican because she looks similar in terms of the face furniture and I think she would do a good job because she has a real cheeky quirkiness about her.
Q] Last time you were mistaken for somebody else?
A] Last week someone thought I was Jenni clair she gets it all the time and had a tee shirt made saying “I am not Su Pollard!”
Q] First time you spoke in public?
A] I was seven years old and in a competition at primary school when I had to give a talk about my favourite thing so I talked about clothes.
Q] Last time you made a fool of yourself?
A] I was dancing on a table two weeks ago when I was out clubbing and I fell off the table! Luckily no lasting damage – just a bruised ego!
Ha Ha Hood! And The Prince of Leaves is at the Dundee Rep on Saturday November 15. Click here for more information and to book tickets.