The Pirates of Penzance, Chichester Festival theatre, October 8-13

SU POLLARD's career did not get off to the most impressive start.

"I lost Opportunity Knocks to a singing dog - that was very bad," says the actress.

"The bloke put the dog on his shoulder and he sung while the dog howled. Can you imagine it? I was mortified."

Thankfully, such ignominious beginnings, though perfectly in keeping with Pollard's zany image, did not set the tone for the former Hi-De-Hi star's subsequent career.

Best known for her role as chalet cleaner Peggy in the classic holiday camp sitcom, Pollard has many other strings to her bow, having appeared in countless stage shows, including musicals and pantomimes, as well as releasing a hit single, writing a book and making a keep-fit video.

Although Peggy became one of Hi-De-Hi's most popular characters, Pollard says she had no idea how crucial the role would be to her career.

"I was only supposed to be in one scene!" she laughs.

But, while Pollard has fond memories of her time on the show, theatre remains her first love.

"I much prefer theatre, definitely. With a stage show, it's nice, because you know you've got an on-going routine, so you can improve it daily. And you get an immediate reaction from the audience," she says.

Pollard is currently touring alongside Garry Wilmot in Joe Papp's updated version of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, which opens at Chichester Festival Theatre on Monday.

"People come along and get really wrapped up in it, because visually it's really lovely, with a great set, and it's ever so fast-moving, with lots of singing and dancing, so hopefully the audience get everything they could want for their money," she says. "I think even people who are used to the original Gilbert and Sullivan production enjoy it.

"Joe Papp has brought all the fun to the surface, without taking out any of the music. It's lots of fun, and a lot more camp."

In the show, Pollard plays Ruth, the 47-year-old nursemaid who falls in love with Frederick, her 21-year-old charge.

Frederick rejects Ruth's advances, so, in order to be near him, she disguises herself as a pirate and embarks on a life on the ocean waves.

"I get to be a pirate, so I have just as much fun as the chaps," says Pollard.

Not bad for someone who was judged to have less talent than a musical Jack Russell.

Tickets cost from £10. For more information, call 01243 812912.