18 reviews
true to life
This series (at least any episode featuring the late, great Simon Cadell ) was brilliant. As a barman in one of "Billy's Brothels" at the end of the 60s, I experienced many of the antics first hand. What a trip down memory lane! Like all of Perry / Croft sitcoms, all the characters are strong and all have a share of the funny lines. Great acting, great comedy and an accurate representation of what post war Britain was all about before the advent of cheap packaged holidays to the Costa Somethings. Along with "It ain't half hot Mum" and "Dad's Army", this is classic comedy. Brilliantly observed and the larger than life episodes (for example the horse on horse incident) hilariously acted and produced.
Anyone who has been to a holiday camp will understand
- glenn-aylett
- Feb 19, 2015
- Permalink
I liked this series - silly but good for a laugh - I'd rewrite the ending
- hondacivicdx
- Oct 7, 2014
- Permalink
Hilarious British sit-com
Excellent sitcom from Jimmy Perry and David Croft. A spoof on the post-war UK holiday camps of Billy Butlin (a concept which lives on to this day in Club Med, and equally ghastly).
The characters are performers in, or employees of, the camp. The long-suffering campers return year after year to have tripe dished out to them. Has dated well and worth watching given the chance. Although the humour is broad it is probably not suited to US tastes.
The characters are performers in, or employees of, the camp. The long-suffering campers return year after year to have tripe dished out to them. Has dated well and worth watching given the chance. Although the humour is broad it is probably not suited to US tastes.
"Good Morning Campers, Hi-De-Hi!"
Based to some extent on writers, David Croft and Jimmy Perry's, own experiences as Butlins Holiday Camp entertainers in the UK during the same timescale the programme follows, "Hi-De-Hi!" epitomises the 'slapstick, postcard humour" of post-war Britain. Set in the fictitious seaside town of Crimpton-on-Sea, "Hi-De-Hi" chronicles the comedic goings on within the Maplins Holiday Camp - one of many dotted along the British coast owned by the mega-rich, but never seen (on screen) Joe Maplin.
Although the actual show began in 1980 with the pilot episode and ran until 1988 when the BBC deemed it too tame for it's cutting edge comedy department, seasons 1-5 focused on 1959 while seasons 6-9 spotlighted 1960 - a time when the old style British Holiday Camp began to fall into decline. During the first 5 seasons, Jeffrey Fairbrother (played brilliantly by the late, great Simon Cadell) was the camp's entertainment manager; a well meaning, yet slightly pensive ex-university professor breaking free of his upper class background and venturing into the "real" world to head his team of entertainment staff who were in stark contrast to his own laid-back personality. From season 6 onwards, Fairbrother was replaced by Clive Dempster (played by David Griffin when Cadell quit the show at the height of it's popularity), an ex-RAF war hero who, in many ways, was similar to Cadell's character in background, but more a scoundrel than a gentleman.
However, the real stars of "Hi-De-Hi" throughout the nine seasons were Ted Bovis (played superbly by Paul Shane), a stereotypical working class, ale drinking, bawdy comic - someone who could never resist an opportunity to fiddle the campers; Gladys Pugh (played by Ruth Madoc who's currently experiencing a career comeback with appearances in the hit BBC Comedy, "Little Britain"), chief Yellowcoat (what the entertainment staff were called because of their bright yellow jackets) and sports organiser - but more importantly, the one person who saved Jeffrey Fairbrother and Clive Dempster from embarrassment by covering up their inexperience in running a holiday camp; Peggy Ollerenshaw (Su Pollard), the slightly dopey, yet lovable lowly chalet maid with a burning ambition to become a Yellowcoat, and Spike Dixon (Jeffrey Holland), Ted's innocent protégé learning more about 'show business' than he hoped for.
As usual with a Croft & Perry production, the assembled cast of characters were a bunch of misfits played superbly by the actors involved. Mr. Partridge (played by the late Leslie Dwyer, who was in his 70's by the time he left the show), the alcoholic child-hating children's entertainer; Fred Quilly (Felix Bowness), a former champion jockey with a dubious past; Yvonne & Barry Stuart-Hargreaves (Dianne Holland & Barry Howard), the snobbish former ballroom dancing champions who were in the twilight of their careers; and Sylvia and Betty (Nikki Kelly and Rikki Howard), the two main girl Yellowcoats who were always looking for the type of fun Joe Maplin would never allow in one of his camps.
"Hi-De-Hi" typified the slapstick era of the late 50s with it's saucy and, to a certain degree, vulgar "tongue-in-cheek" humour (jokes about people sitting on toilets and anecdotes about 'women with big knockers' were the order of the day). But despite it's whiff of "Carry On" funniness, it was always so innocent and became something of recommended family viewing back in the 80's. Of course, the critics of the show remarked that the show had outstayed it's welcome by a good couple of years, but I disagree. While the early seasons focused mainly on bawdiness and slapstick humour, the latter series of "Hi-De-Hi" saw more thought put into the scripts and the main characters (especially Spike Dixon & Gladys Pugh) were able to grow with more sensitive story lines. That said, there were a few criticisms of the show. Clive Dempster was no Jeffrey Fairbrother, and the former didn't quite have the on-screen chemistry with Gladys as Jeffrey did (I personally think it would've been more believable if Gladys had married Jeff); five seasons dedicated to 1959 and four to 1960 caused more than just a few continuity errors (the disappearance of old faces and introductions of new characters weren't explained properly, especially with the Yellowcoats who came and went with much regularity; and the character of Gladys Pugh, who, in the pilot episode was made out to be a free-loving man-eater that was suddenly transformed into a naive virgin like character! Also to mention quite pedantically, most of the 1959 holiday season was covered in season one, so to stretch the rest of the year out in five further series was something bordering unbelievable. Still, the show wasn't meant to be meticulously looked upon, and the comedy more than outweighed it's flaws.
All in all, "Hi-De-Hi" was probably one of the last comedies from the BBC's golden period, and even if it never managed to rival such British comedic mainstays as "Only Fools & Horses", "Porridge" or even "Last Of The Summer Wine", "Hi De Hi" will be best remembered as a comedy the whole family could enjoy. If you haven't already checked it out for yourself, I implore you to do so.
Although the actual show began in 1980 with the pilot episode and ran until 1988 when the BBC deemed it too tame for it's cutting edge comedy department, seasons 1-5 focused on 1959 while seasons 6-9 spotlighted 1960 - a time when the old style British Holiday Camp began to fall into decline. During the first 5 seasons, Jeffrey Fairbrother (played brilliantly by the late, great Simon Cadell) was the camp's entertainment manager; a well meaning, yet slightly pensive ex-university professor breaking free of his upper class background and venturing into the "real" world to head his team of entertainment staff who were in stark contrast to his own laid-back personality. From season 6 onwards, Fairbrother was replaced by Clive Dempster (played by David Griffin when Cadell quit the show at the height of it's popularity), an ex-RAF war hero who, in many ways, was similar to Cadell's character in background, but more a scoundrel than a gentleman.
However, the real stars of "Hi-De-Hi" throughout the nine seasons were Ted Bovis (played superbly by Paul Shane), a stereotypical working class, ale drinking, bawdy comic - someone who could never resist an opportunity to fiddle the campers; Gladys Pugh (played by Ruth Madoc who's currently experiencing a career comeback with appearances in the hit BBC Comedy, "Little Britain"), chief Yellowcoat (what the entertainment staff were called because of their bright yellow jackets) and sports organiser - but more importantly, the one person who saved Jeffrey Fairbrother and Clive Dempster from embarrassment by covering up their inexperience in running a holiday camp; Peggy Ollerenshaw (Su Pollard), the slightly dopey, yet lovable lowly chalet maid with a burning ambition to become a Yellowcoat, and Spike Dixon (Jeffrey Holland), Ted's innocent protégé learning more about 'show business' than he hoped for.
As usual with a Croft & Perry production, the assembled cast of characters were a bunch of misfits played superbly by the actors involved. Mr. Partridge (played by the late Leslie Dwyer, who was in his 70's by the time he left the show), the alcoholic child-hating children's entertainer; Fred Quilly (Felix Bowness), a former champion jockey with a dubious past; Yvonne & Barry Stuart-Hargreaves (Dianne Holland & Barry Howard), the snobbish former ballroom dancing champions who were in the twilight of their careers; and Sylvia and Betty (Nikki Kelly and Rikki Howard), the two main girl Yellowcoats who were always looking for the type of fun Joe Maplin would never allow in one of his camps.
"Hi-De-Hi" typified the slapstick era of the late 50s with it's saucy and, to a certain degree, vulgar "tongue-in-cheek" humour (jokes about people sitting on toilets and anecdotes about 'women with big knockers' were the order of the day). But despite it's whiff of "Carry On" funniness, it was always so innocent and became something of recommended family viewing back in the 80's. Of course, the critics of the show remarked that the show had outstayed it's welcome by a good couple of years, but I disagree. While the early seasons focused mainly on bawdiness and slapstick humour, the latter series of "Hi-De-Hi" saw more thought put into the scripts and the main characters (especially Spike Dixon & Gladys Pugh) were able to grow with more sensitive story lines. That said, there were a few criticisms of the show. Clive Dempster was no Jeffrey Fairbrother, and the former didn't quite have the on-screen chemistry with Gladys as Jeffrey did (I personally think it would've been more believable if Gladys had married Jeff); five seasons dedicated to 1959 and four to 1960 caused more than just a few continuity errors (the disappearance of old faces and introductions of new characters weren't explained properly, especially with the Yellowcoats who came and went with much regularity; and the character of Gladys Pugh, who, in the pilot episode was made out to be a free-loving man-eater that was suddenly transformed into a naive virgin like character! Also to mention quite pedantically, most of the 1959 holiday season was covered in season one, so to stretch the rest of the year out in five further series was something bordering unbelievable. Still, the show wasn't meant to be meticulously looked upon, and the comedy more than outweighed it's flaws.
All in all, "Hi-De-Hi" was probably one of the last comedies from the BBC's golden period, and even if it never managed to rival such British comedic mainstays as "Only Fools & Horses", "Porridge" or even "Last Of The Summer Wine", "Hi De Hi" will be best remembered as a comedy the whole family could enjoy. If you haven't already checked it out for yourself, I implore you to do so.
- SetzersGretsch
- Oct 17, 2005
- Permalink
Wonderful.
I get really fed up with sitcoms; you feel you always know what is coming so it ceases to be funny. On the other hand, Hi De Hi, you rarely know what is coming and it's laugh out loud funny. I have just purchased the second set of the series, (series 3 -4)and I am surprised at just how much I am enjoying it all - again. I have nothing but praise for the writers or the actors (or the many unseen crew members) because the entertainment they provide is well worth the wait. The gems that have come from this series and the respect that the actors achieved through it speak for themselves. Croft and Perry created some pure gold some of which shines through Hi De Hi.
- selffamily
- Mar 8, 2008
- Permalink
Quite awful by the end .......
Fabulous
Period comedy piece based on the very successful (but also very cheesy) British Butlins Holiday camp business, which was a large part of the domestic British holiday scene at the time. Most people were broke post WWII so these places filled the holiday need for blue collar workers. The show is hilarious and for me, accurately portrays the often tacky, low brow experience of British holiday camps, which were often compared to Nazi POW camps. All of this is played up to great effect.
This type of show will never, ever be made again, as it is an equal-opportunity insulter. Decidedly non-PC, no minorities, and somewhat over the top misogynistic attitudes. So...not for everyone but if you're not easily offended you'll laugh non-stop.
This type of show will never, ever be made again, as it is an equal-opportunity insulter. Decidedly non-PC, no minorities, and somewhat over the top misogynistic attitudes. So...not for everyone but if you're not easily offended you'll laugh non-stop.
- malcolmpalin
- Jul 23, 2021
- Permalink
Can Be Annoying
All the actors play their parts well but there are some rather irritating plot lines that go through most episodes. Peggy constantly going on about being a yellow coat does grate after a while, especially when she does get the opportunity she is useless and Fred keep talking about getting his jockey licence back! He is too old and too big to be a jockey but no-one bothers to tell him. Running gags can be funny but they need to be realistic, which neither of there are. Spike can also be annoying with his ridiculous speeches which just upset more people and his 'holier than thou' attitude is meant to be a counter to Ted's scams but you just feel like saying 'report it or shut up'!! Simon Cadell and Ruth Madoc are the stars of this sitcom.
- stuart-p1960
- Feb 17, 2024
- Permalink
Gets better each time
When this series first started, I freely admit I was not a fan. On first view, it was not up to their shining glory that is Dads Army. On the other hand, nothing is. I first started to 'got it' with the horse on a horse scene. I laughed and laughed. Since then, it has appeared on repeats and channels like UK Gold. The performance of Simon Cadell is outstanding. Every cast member fits their role like a glove. It grows on one and all I can say is, Well Done Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Underrated.
Why this doesn't seem to be as highly regarded as other Perry and Croft sitcoms is something I'll never understand, for me it's superb. I never tire of Peggy and her antics, and desire to be a yellowcoat. Like all great comedies it makes you roar with laughter, but also tugs at the heartstrings. A superb ensemble piece, it did lose a bit when Simon Cadell left, although his replacement David Griffin did put in a valiant effort. My favourite characters were always Barry and Yvonne (Come away Barry..), Peggy, Gladys and Ted. I love it. If there were any justice, some clever scriptwriter would write a sitcom for all the remaining Perry and Croft regulars, and bring them back one more time.
- rocknrelics
- Sep 13, 2019
- Permalink
"That's the first rule of comedy. You've got to have reality!"
- ShadeGrenade
- Jul 20, 2008
- Permalink
Hi-de-Hi-De-Hijinks at a good old British Holiday Camp.
- Scaramouche2004
- Jan 15, 2023
- Permalink
hi de hi an excellent comedy
this series is still the most popular comedy series in English television history. it takes place at a holiday camp in england in the 60's. which was only twenty years past when this series was on TV. The late talented simon cadell (1950-96) was particularly good in the lead role and his replacement did pretty well considering who he was replacing. the show is well worth watching and is not only funny, it is nostalgic as well. actually the eighties themselves are now nostalgia! which only adds to the whole feeling of comedic affection that the show was aiming at in portraying a bygone era that of the old holiday camps of the fifties through mid -sixties. so watch it and enjoy a classic comedy from those wonderful brits. I asked my library system in coloardo springs to order episodes of this and they did and they are checked out a lot. so hi de hi , hi de ho! lets go watch a great TV show!.
- mikedobcol
- Oct 12, 2005
- Permalink
A comedy classic
Such a great show. Always lots of laughs. Great performances by everyone in the cast. The final scene of the final episode, with Peggy standing in the abandoned camp raising her hands sky high and screaming at the tops of her lungs "Hi-de-Hi!" brought a tear to my eye.
- tripitakakoreana
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
very good series
I throught Simon Cadell was very good as Jeffrey Fairbrother much better actor then the bloke who replace him he was not very good my favourites in it were Gladys Pugh and Jeffrey Fairbrother and Peggy
and ted I throught the writing was very good as well
and ted I throught the writing was very good as well
- katslaterc
- Sep 5, 2003
- Permalink
Hear That World, You Can Stop Trying Because Perfection Has Already Been Done!
- richard.fuller1
- Nov 3, 2005
- Permalink