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Left: Alison Thomas
We are very fortunate to once again have an exclusive interview with another of Hill's Angels. Alison Thomas took the time to answer a few questions for us. Thanks to David Hawkins for providing the interivew and a Special Thanks to Alison Thomas!
Left: Alison Thomas plays Nurse to Benny
What was it like to have known Benny Hill, one of the world's best comic genius actors that England has ever produced?
Alison: It was a wonderful time to be in showbiz, Benny was a real professional who had a very talented team of people around him Dennis Kirkland was a real Character and so was Bob Todd, as indeed were all the regulars, there was always laughter on set but at the same time he took his work very seriously, he would turn up to rehearsals with plastic carrier full of script idea's, even though we had bought him a brief case the year before, infact he had been bought this gift by Dennis in the past! (we found out after) but he never used it. he was also generous, I remember him taking us all for a chinese meal on his Birthday!, and we had the afternoon off....unheard of in show biz, I remember thinking well this is relaxed! He was funny, but shy as well, you felt you were part of a family, although I was not on the show as regularly as some of the other's I always felt quite at home.
Were you always interested in working in Show Business?
Alison: Yes, I went to Italia Conti Stage School from the age of 13 so I came out of School and straight into the business.
Did you have other areas you were interested in working?
Alison: No, not at the time, although my Mother tried to persuade me to have something to fall back on if things didn't work out, I never considered anything else.
Left: Alison Thomas
Did you have any close friendships with the other members of the Benny Hill cast or Hill's Angels?
Alison: Well my dear sister, Jo Thomas was a Hill's Angel, but we never seemed to be working together on the show, I got on with all the girls generally. The lovely Sue Upton always made you feel welcome and part of the team and Lorraine Doyle and Clare Smalley and Alison Bell were good fun, but I knew several of the girls from either Conti's or previous jobs. In fact, Sam Spencer-Lane and Erica Lynnly and I were in a dance group called "Apollo" together, and we had some fun with that little outfit! Abigail Higgins was a good friend. We had been in Hong Kong together working in 1978 for the Second Generation.
Have you been able to keep in touch with people from the Benny Hill Show?
Alison: Sadly, no. In 1985 when I went into singing and left behind dancing to promote myself as a singer. Recording and touring as a backing vocalist I then lost touch with that whole world really. Although with all this new technology and facebook I hope I have started to reconnect with some old Friends.
Were you ever recognised as an Angel in public?
Alison: No.
Left: Alison Thomas
Have you been able to keep in touch with people from the Benny Hill Show?
Alison: Sadly, no. In 1985 when I went into singing and left behind dancing to promote myself as a singer. Recording and touring as a backing vocalist I then lost touch with that whole world really. Although with all this new technology and facebook I hope I have started to reconnect with some old Friends.
Are you surprised by the response of fans to Hill's Angels?
Alison: Not at all. I think people enjoy watching the dance routines and the sketches are still really funny! There is nothing quite like it now, or even then! I think his body of work can be seen and appreciated. I feel really lucky to have been a part of it! Thanks for inviting me to add my bit , I think the website is really great!
Left: Alison Thomas
Love and Best wishes,
Alison Thomas xoxo
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