Hello campers! Former Hi-De-Hi! star Ruth Madoc is back in Oxford, starring in a 30th anniversary run of Annie.

The Swansea-born actress, who shot to fame as Gladys Pugh in the 1980s comedy, is reprising the role of the dastardly Miss Hannigan when the tour reaches the New Theatre next week.

She is joined by David Mcalister, who plays millionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, and Louise English, who plays the delightful Grace Farrell.

With a witty script and a memorable score, including It's a Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, and the legendary Tomorrow, it's not surprising that so many people have taken the musical to their hearts.

"The world and his wife have had a go at Miss Hannigan, from Paul O'Grady down," said Ruth.

"But I love appearing in Annie - working with the kids is great. They say don't work with children or animals, but that's rubbish.

"The way I play Miss Hannigan is that she can't be too bad because the kids take the mickey out of her. She can't be too frightening.

"But she's a real 'lush', and although I don't actually reel around the stage, I have to keep topping my glass up. Unfortunately, I'm drinking watered-down Coca-Cola, not Jack Daniels!

"Annie is a real feelgood show. Like Hi-De-Hi!, which has been re-run recently on BBC2, it's a real period piece, and now I'm 64, I feel something of a period piece myself.

"I was so lucky to get the part in Hi-De-Hi! when I was in my forties, and it took me right through into my fifties.

"In those days, millions of people would watch British sitcoms, but the general public seemed to have abandoned the British stuff, which is a shame."

Ruth is no stranger to the New Theatre, having appeared in 42nd Street and Pickwick, in the days when the theatre in George Street was known as the Apollo.

When she is not touring, the Swansea-born actress likes relaxing at her home near the Brecon Beacons, where the singer Max Boyce is a friend and neighbour.

"I love being at home but I enjoy touring too," said Ruth, "especially with a show like Annie, which is always going to be a success."

Annie is at the New Theatre, Oxford, from September 18-23. Call the box office on 0870 606 3500.