Thora Hird, a British Institution Quiz

Answer: Two months

Born into a theatrical family, her mother was an actress and her father was a stage manager, she made her first appearance in her mother's arms. This took place at the Royalty Theatre, Morecombe.

Answer: Nearest and Dearest

In 'Meet the Wife' she played a domineering wife opposite Freddie Frinton. In 'In Loving Memory' her co star was Christopher Beeny and in 'Hallelujah' she played opposite Patsy Rowlands. 'Nearest and Dearest' starred Hilda Baker.

Answer: Praise Be!

There is very little to be found about the programme. It was, however, a spin off from the regular Sunday evening religious programme on the BBC called 'Songs of Praise'. Thora did make several appearances as host of this, but was the regular presenter of 'Praise Be!'.

The difference between the two was that 'Songs of Praise' was a church service broadcast from a different location each time, 'Praise Be!' was studio based and a request programme where viewers wrote in to ask to hear their favourite piece of music.

Answer: George Formby

Sometime around 1940/41, the date isn't really known, Thora was on stage in a play called 'As You Are'. Sat in the audience was George Formby, Britain's highest paid entertainer of the time. He was so impressed by her performance that he asked to meet her backstage. Following a disastrous audition for the same part in a film version, she was still offered a seven year contract by Ealing Studios.

Answer: Local shop

Thora worked at her local Co-op until she was old enough to take to the stage on a full time basis. Throughout her career she drew on memories of working there for her characterisations. Initially her father was against her going on the stage, in the end he became her sternest critic.

Answer: Talking Heads

'Talking Heads' was a series of monologues written for television by Alan Bennett.Thora and Bennett worked together on several occasions, the first being in 1978. Her first BAFTA came for 'A Cream Cracker Under The Settee' in 1988 and the second came 10 years later for 'Waiting for the Telegram'.

Her third award came in 1999 for a piece entitled 'Lost for Words' written by Deric Longden about his own mother's declining health.

Answer: In Loving Memory

'In Loving Memory' , as with most of Thora's television work, was set in the north of England. In it she played Ivy Unsworth who had inherited an Undertakers business. She was helped and hindered by her nephew played by Christopher Beeny. It ran from 1979 until 1986.

It was during the run of this series that Thora was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire). All the other works mentioned were also vehicles for Thora's talents. Only 'The Boys and Mrs B' was not a series.

Answer: Nurse

At first Thora kept turning down the role. The producer and director persisted until she finally agreed. The production was a great success. The part of Rosaline is only ever referred to, she is never seen.

Answer: Sister

When the character of Seymour Utterthwaite was brought in to replace Foggy Dewhurst Thora was offered the part of his sister, Edie Pegden. The show was aired on New Year's Day 1986 and attracted 18 million viewers. The character of Edie was firmly established.

Answer: The Salvation Army

The show was Hallelujah and aired between 1983 and 1984. In it she played a Salvation Army Captain, Emily Ridley, who was being forced into an unwanted retirement.
In 1992 Thora underwent a heart bypass and in 1993 was created a Dame. Thora continued to work, despite arthritis and needing a wheelchair until she was into her nineties. She finally passed away on March 15th 2003. Her agent, Felix De Wolfe, writing her obituary in The Stage newspaper said "Her death leaves a void in the entertainment industry, one that will never be filled. It has been both a privilege and a unique opportunity to share and enjoy her life."
A sentiment that many people share.