SOME actors make the business of acting seem terribly serious. With Su Pollard, though, you know it's just one big laugh all the way.

Her latest role, as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance at the Mayflower, is no exception.

The actress, famous as chalet-cleaner Peggy from Eighties holiday camp sitcom Hi-De-Hi, stars alongside Gary Wilmot in a lavish new touring version of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, which is packed with showstopping tunes like Poor Wandering One, The Sergeant of Police and I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.

"What's not to like about the show? Everything about it just smacks of entertainment. Gary and I both say that if it's not the most brilliant thing you've seen, we haven't done our job properly," says Su, sounding, in her usual state of breathless excitement, like she's just finished running a marathon.

Su is one of those rare performers whose real-life personality is as quirky and interesting as that of their fictional creations.

Just like Peggy, it's impossible not to warm to her vitality and good humour.

"It's a form of escapism," she says of the show.

"It's not too long and it moves along at a really good pace. All the singing, including my own, is absolutely excellent. Everybody works really hard and whether you're a Gilbert and Sullivan devotee or not, you'll love it."

The show has also received a major overhaul to give it some serious 21st century appeal.

"They've made it more accessible. It's not the kind of show where people just stand and deliver their songs. There's lots of room for fun in these kind of things," explains Su.

In Hi-De-Hi, as well-intentioned muddler Peggy, Su was always messing things up. Is she as scatty in real life?

"No. I'm very, very specific and particular about my work, because it's important for me to give the very best I can," says the actress, who, you may have forgotten, was once even a recording star - with her single Starting Together reaching number two back in 1986.

But, whether she likes it or not, it is as Peggy that she will always be remembered.

Su fitted the part so well, Butlin's should have taken her on as a mascot.

But she reveals: "I've never stayed on a holiday camp in my life."

Shocking, isn't it?

Tickets cost from £16.50.

* For more information, call the box office on 023 8071 1811.

ANDREW WHITE