HUGH LLOYD

1923 - 2008

Hugh Lloyd was born and educated in Chester. His first job was as a reporter on the "Chester Chronicle" where he stayed for two years.

He made his debut on the professional stage with ENSA. His television credits include "Hancock's Half Hour" (25 episodes from 1957-61, including the classic "Blood Donor"); the six-year run of "Hugh and I" and "The Gnomes of Dulwich" with Terry Scott; "Lollipop Loves Mr. Mole", with Peggy Mount; "Jury" and "You Rang M'Lord". He also starred in the series that he devised "Lord Trump"

Hugh has appeared in numerous television light entertainment shows, including Victoria Wood, Jimmy Cricket and "Babble Quiz". He also has many prestigious television plays to his credit, including "She's Been Away Too Long" (starring Peggy Ashcroft); "The Dunroamin Rising"; and "A Matter Of Will" (with Brenda Bruce).

He appeared in Alan Bennett's "A Visit From Miss Protheroe" (a Play of the Week on BBC-2 TV, with Patricia Routledge); "Say Something Happened" (with Julie Walters and Thora Hird) and "I'm Afraid Of Virginia Woolf". His work ranges from "Doctor Who" ("Delta and the Bannerman") to "The Ruth Rendell Mystery"

Hugh's pantomime roles include an Ugly Sister at the London Palladium (with Cliff Richard), the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard Of Oz", Baron Hardup at Brighton and Hayes and about 20 more!

In the West End, Hugh appeared at the Windmill Theatre for three seasons, in "When We Are Married" (for one year) and "No Sex Please, We're British" (two years) at the Strand Theatre; and "Tonight at 8.30" at the Lyric Theatre. He was in Ian McKellan's company at the Royal National Theatre, in "The Critic", "The Cherry Orchard" and "The Duchess Of Malfi" (in repertory for one year, including tours to Chicago, Paris and Aberdeen). Following his highly-acclaimed performance in "Thark" at the Lyric Hammersmith, Hugh was set to transfer to the Savoy Theatre, but never did because the theatre burned down!

On tour, Hugh has appeared in "Boeing, Boeing", "Birds Of Paradise", "Dandy Dick", "Rattle Of A Simple Man" and "Bit Between The Teeth". In 1993, he was in "Sailor Beware!" and "Watch It, Sailor" at Theatr Clwyd.

Recent cinema credits include "August", on which he spent seven weeks filming, followed by a stage version and then on to play pantomime dame at Bromley - indeed a varied career! His recent television appearances include "Lee Evans - So What Now" and an episode of "Foyle's War" But we will always remember him in "The Blood Donor" with Tony Hancock discussing wine gums.

Hugh passed away on the 14th July 2008 at his home in Worthing, West Sussex at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Shan.