Su Pollard: Hi-de-Hi! star's passion for acting started at a Nottingham school play

Here at Nottingham World, we're very proud of our local celebrities. From Vicky McClure and Mary Earps to Paul Smith and Mathew Horne, we have a rich and diverse pool of talent, bestowing pride upon our city.

But few figures shine as brightly as the effervescent Su Pollard.

Best known for her iconic portrayal of the lovably eccentric chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw in the classic British sitcom "Hi-de-Hi!", Pollard's boundless energy and infectious charisma have captivated audiences for decades.

Yet, beyond her on-screen persona, lies a deep-rooted connection to the city of Nottingham, where her journey into the limelight began.

Born in Nottingham on November 7th, 1949, Scorpio, Susan Georgina Pollard is the eldest daughter of Don and Hilda Pollard. 

She attended Berridge Road Primary School and Peveril Bilateral School (now known as Nottingham Girls' Academy).

Raised in the suburb of Basford, she developed a passion for performance from an early age, honing her talents in local theatrical productions and school plays.

It is widely reported that her interest in acting began when she played an angel in the school nativity at the age of six.

A national treasure

As a young woman, Pollard's aspirations led her to pursue formal training in the dramatic arts at Nottingham Arts Theatre, where she was an apprentice.

Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, she honed her craft and cultivated her distinctive style, laying the groundwork for a career that would soon catapult her to national acclaim.

In 1974, the star appeared on the BBC's Opportunity Knocks singing "I Can't Say No" from Oklahoma! She famously came second to a singing Jack Russell.

Pollard's breakthrough came in the late 1970s when she landed the role of Peggy in the beloved sitcom "Hi-de-Hi!". Her portrayal of the flamboyant and indomitable chalet maid endeared her to audiences across the UK, earning her widespread recognition and establishing her as a household name.

Yet, despite her meteoric rise to fame, Pollard remained deeply rooted in her Nottingham origins, drawing inspiration from the city's vibrant spirit and indomitable character.

Throughout her illustrious career, Pollard has proudly championed her Nottingham heritage, frequently returning to the city to support local arts initiatives and community events.

Whether attending premieres at the Nottingham Playhouse or lending her talents to charitable causes, she remains an unwavering advocate for the cultural vitality of her hometown.

In 2021, the national star brought her razor-sharp one-woman show 'Harpy' to the Nottingham Playhouse following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Award-winning playwright Philip Meeks (Kiss Me Honey, Honey!; Murder, Margaret and Me), wrote the piece specifically for the actress. During a Q&A at the time, she said she was: "mega excited to perform the real, sincere, poignant, and funny piece".

A shining star

Despite no longer living in Nottingham (she now lives in North London), Pollard's contributions to the city's cultural landscape have been celebrated with renewed fervour.

From retrospective exhibitions to public appearances at local festivals and fundraisers, her presence continues to resonate deeply with Nottingham's residents, serving as a poignant reminder of the city's enduring artistic legacy.

As Nottingham's cherished daughter, she embodies the city's ethos of creativity, resilience, and boundless imagination, inspiring generations to come with her enduring spirit and unbridled enthusiasm.

In the heart of Nottingham, Su Pollard's star shines brightly, a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who dare to dream.