Probably best known for appearing in camp comedy, Hi-de-Hi!, Su Pollard stars as the dastardly Miss Hannigan in much-loved musical Annie, currently showing at the Beck Theatre. She told SIBA MATTI about her love of playing villains and being the original Lady Gaga

SINCE she celebrated her 60th birthday this time last year, Su Pollard may have been able to claim a free bus pass but she has absolutely no intention of slowing down.

The actress and comedienne, who became a household name playing Peggy Ollerenshaw in Hide-Hi!, is treading the boards of the Beck Theatre as Miss Hannigan in rags-to-riches musical Annie.

This is the fourth time Su has reprised her role as the villainous orphanage director, and she is loving every minute.

"It's great fun playing a baddie - I loved being the wicked queen in a panto version of Snow White - and Miss Hannigan is such a fabulous character, one that everyone loves to hate," she explains.

"She is obviously an old soak and people often say how evil she is, but they forget she has no man in her life and has spent years dealing with troubled children who run her ragged, so no wonder she is driven to drink and despair.

"The show itself is a story about triumph over adversity. Annie is on the skids but she finally gets there, which many people can identify with, and that's why it has such an enduring appeal.

"It is a very slick production, with 27 songs, a live band and fabulous costumes, and something the entire family will enjoy."

Su, who was born in Nottingham but has lived in north London for more than 30 years, is only too aware that most  audience members will recognise her from Hi-de-Hi!

"Of course, people still mention Hi-de-Hi!, but when people come and see Annie they will forget about Peggy. As a performer, your job is to be as believable as possible," she insists.

"We never expected Hi-de-Hi! to be such a success, but it was a wonderful chapter in my life. There was such a sense of camaraderie and I am still friendly with the old cast members."

Currently single and happy, Su is equally renowned for her fabulously flamboyant dress sense, which earned her the title of Fashion Icon on ITV show Loose Women.

And despite being a pensioner, she still loves to turn heads.

"Some people do think my style is a bit bizarre, but so be it, darling," she said.

"Fashion comes in cycles and Lady Gaga is doing now what I did 30 years ago.

"I once had a dress made entirely of pretend vegetables, and I would walk around with courgettes and broccoli hanging off me, just like she did with the meat dress.

"She has the talent to back it up and I think everyone should be free to express themselves; it isn't hurting anyone."

And the former 'rear of the year', who turned 61 on Sunday, still has plenty of ambitions to achieve: "It is harder when you get older to secure great roles, but I would love a part in the Harry Potter films and I would also like to do another one-woman show."

"We all make mistakes but I have absolutely no regrets -

I am lucky to have had so many wonderful opportunities, and long may they continue."

what? Annie where? Beck Theatre, Hayes when? Until Saturday, at 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Saturday matinée cost? £18.50-£26.50 see: www.becktheatre.org.uk