TV
Dear Ladies (BBC-2 1983-1984, George Logan, Patrick Fyffe)
Sitcom Dear Ladies detailed episodes in the lives of Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda in the “genteel” village of Stackton Tressel in Suffolk. Hinge and Bracket were in fact played by a pair of cross dressing men.
George Logan as the Dr and Patrick Fyffe as the Dame, are excellent and totally realistic in their mannerisms and funny little ways. Admittedly, they are not overly good looking women but they do fit into that whole, definitely English, music hall tradition.
In the great scheme of things not a great deal actually happens, Dr Evadne and Dame Hilda might head into town to try something they have never tried before for example, but the dialogue is very sharp, full of lots of double entendres and plenty of good old fashioned slapstick, not to mention the odd piano recitial.
In the late seventies and early eighties the duo were hugely popular and apparently met whilst both working in cabaret and Fyffe found himself without a partner one night.
production details
UK / BBC Two / 20×30 minute episodes 1×40 minute episodes / Broadcast 15 March 1983 – 16 December 1984
Creators: Patrick Fyffe, George Logan / Writers: George Logan, Patrick Fyffe, Gyles Brandreth / Theme Music: Patrick Fyffe and George Logan / Music: John Golland / Producer: Peter Ridsdale Scott / Director: Mike Stephens
cast
GEORGE LOGAN as Dr Evadne Hinge
PATRICK FYFFE as Dame Hilda Bracket