‘Allo ‘Allo stalwart Sue Hodge is bringing a show based on her experiences in the classic sitcom to Hitchin this week.

The Comet: Actress Sue HodgeActress Sue Hodge (Image: Archant)

Sue played Resistance heroine Mimi Lebonq in the show, which attracted more than 20 million viewers a week at the height of its popularity.

Her show at the Market Theatre on Friday night is full of behind the scenes stories as she teams up with husband Keith Richards at the piano. Audience members will be invited to pop their burning questions and Sue will be happy to meet fans and sign autographs.

Theatre manager Glyn Doggett said: “We are very excited to have Sue with us. Earlier this year we had visits from John Challis (Boycie from Only Fools and Horses) and Frank Williams, the vicar from Dad’s Army, so this is another classic sitcom star to add that list.”

Recalling her time on the show, Sue says she was completely stunned by suddenly finding herself in the spotlight.

The Comet: Actress Sue Hodge is coming to Hitchin with a show based on her time as part of the Allo Allo teamActress Sue Hodge is coming to Hitchin with a show based on her time as part of the Allo Allo team (Image: Archant)

She said: “After months of filming I was so taken aback by the attention. Some people just shouted `Mimi` across the road, while others wanted to chat. When I saw this, I knew we had created something special that would last.”

Now, nearly 30 years later, her touring show Mimi & Me! is a witty insight into what it was like to play a part in one of the most successful British TV series ever.

“It was an absolute thrill being part of television history,” says Sue, who appeared in more than 60 episodes of the long-running farce. “We all got on so well, it was like a family, although we did play some naughty tricks on some of the cast, particularly if we were hanging around waiting to start filming.

“Mimi is just like me really. I loved doing all the stunts suggested by those genius writers, David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. I don’t think today’s BBC health and safety policy would allow us to get away with all the explosions, crushings and flying that we did back then!”

`Allo `Allo is still gaining new fans today, with regular TV repeats and a hit stage show which has toured the world and enjoyed a long run at London’s famous Palladium.

Sue is due to feature in a TV Comedy Legends cruise later before the end of the year, as well as appearing in panto.