Elstree Calling

The George Lucas Stage, Elstree Studios. Photo: © Elstree Studios Ltd.

Actress Wendy Richard MBE worked on the hit soap EastEnders, at BBC Elstree from 1985 - 2006. However, Ms Richard, who has been enjoying a vast amount of TV projects that have come her way since she left Albert Square, kindly managed to take time off from her filming commitments to talk to me about her time working at Elstree Studios.

Paul: What are your memories of filming at Elstree Studios?

Wendy: I remember that I had one days filming on the film On the Buses, which was the first of three On the Buses spin-off films. I played a woman doing her washing at a laundrette, and my scene was filmed on location at a real laundrette on Manor Way in Borehamwood, not far from Elstree Studios. I recall that the other actress in the scene who played my friend in the film was actually played by Reg Varney's real-life daughter.  

Paul: What are your recollections of working on the film version of Are You Being Served? at Elstree in 1977?

Wendy: We had a great to work with and it was so nice to get together. I rememeber that Andrew Sachs (who played Manuel in the sitcom Fawlty Towers) appeared as a hotel manager in the film.

We filmed some scenes for the film version of Are you Being Served? on location at Luton Airport, and we used one of Dan Air's training planes for some of the filming.

During a break from filming, John Inman and I were sitting in the airport bar when a young man behind the bar asked John (who was dressed in this bright prink costume that he wore in the film) if he was going far? To which John replied (referring to his costume): "I think I've gone far enough!"

Paul: What are your feelings on the history of Elstree Studios?

Wendy: So many great movies have been made at Elstree over the years, and it has such a great history. But then England has always had the finest craftsmen and technicians. For instance, I remember in particular seeing a wonderful set that had been built on the back lot at Elstree which featured a large sweeping staircase that just led to no-where.

Although I am a fan of the supermarket chain Tescos, I felt really upset when part of the site at Elstree was demolished in the early 90s and one of their stores built in its place. And I felt exactly the same when the old MGM Studios in Borehamwood was demolished too.

I really enjoyed my time working at Elstree, they were great days.

My special thanks go to Wendy Richard for her time and help.

Vid. Cap.: Wendy Richard in On the Buses.

© Paul Burton 2008

Please do not use any part of this interview without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.