This book is pure heaven for fans of ‘Hi-De-Hi!’. Jeffrey Holland, who played the hopeless but loveable camp comic Spike Dixon in the legendary 1980s British situation comedy, delights readers with a sparkling account of his life and career. It is heartening to see him fulsomely embrace the part he is most strongly associated with. The title is a recurring joke, delivered by Spike’s mentor and sidekick Ted (Paul Shane), usually to pass an uncomplimentary judgment on Spike’s latest ‘funny’ costume. There’s a snappy foreword by Su Pollard, whose potty chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw was another memorable character in a strong ensemble cast.
‘The First Rule of Comedy..!’ is everything I hoped it would be. Given that it cracks along at pace with wit, warmth and wisdom, perhaps it’s also a little more. I’ve read a lot of actors’ autobiographies in my time, and this is amongst the most enjoyable. A strong sense of personality comes through, but Holland is happy to share his point of view without any hint of dogmatism. There’s just a tangible sense of getting to know what makes him tick. There is a relentless sense of optimism, determination and drive to deliver a good performance. These traits combined to turn a boy from Walsall into a dependable company member and a recognisable face on television, especially throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The book opens with ‘Hi-De-Hi!’, which is entirely appropriate. The subheading ‘Memories and Moments’ gives readers a hint that this is not going to be a chronological narrative. Rather, it is structured around rules of comedy. Holland is modest enough to share a few mishaps as well as his successes (learning the necessity of wearing his glasses on stage when audience participation is involved is particularly hilarious). But opening with his greatest hit is an effective way to establish his writing style (anecdotal, friendly and engaging) and hook fans of the show (there are plenty of us!) from page one. There were many insights that I picked up, such as Holland’s immediate camaraderie with Paul Shane, the impact of the Great Storm of 1987 on filming the final series, and how the author found out that the show’s creator already had him lined up for another part – in what would become ‘You Rang, M’Lord’.
It is easy to underrate and undervalue comedy actors. It tends to be the theatrical and cinematic legends whose memoirs receive the most attention. Holland touches upon his unique selling point when he relays the sad death of his ‘Hi-De-Hi’ co-star Ruth Madoc in late 2022, when he becomes the senior surviving cast member. The book is bursting with stories about working with stars including Ken Dodd, Bernard Bresslaw, Kenny Everett and Barbara Windsor, all of whom have now left the stage. It also personalises those behind the scenes, especially David Croft who wrote ‘Dad’s Army’, ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ and countless other best-loved sitcoms. For those of us who remain nostalgic for the golden age of the British sitcom, these people are gods. Holland’s memoirs is an invaluable insight from a leading player into an era that produced timeless entertainment.
I watched every season of ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ earlier this year, at the rate of three episodes per week, which provided welcome levity and escapism during a difficult time. I picked out my favourite ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ episodes and wrote about my trip to Honington to find David Croft’s local church, where ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ star Simon Cadell is buried. It is really only the exceptionally well-written, beautifully performed sitcoms like ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ that provide such a deep connection with viewers. As Holland sets out in explaining why ‘Oh, Doctor Beeching’ didn’t run for long (despite reuniting the dream team of Holland, Paul Shane and Su Pollard for the third time), it was felt that times they were a’changing. The edicts from the BBC’s Sixth Floor (where the executives sat) were against ‘net curtain twitching sitcoms’. Although Holland’s best-known work continues to attract new fans, the time is definitely ripe to set down for posterity the tales from this era. In that important sense, ‘The First Rule of Comedy..!’ truly satisfies.
Holland relates how he became part of David Croft’s company in the first place, after he was cast as Private Walker (following the death of original actor James Beck) for the ‘Dad’s Army’ stage show. He was later rewarded with guest appearances in several of Croft’s shows that are still adored to this day, including ‘Are You Being Served’, ‘Dad’s Army’ (perhaps the nation’s all-time favourite sitcom) and ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’. You can also find out about his childhood, overcoming the adversity of losing his father at an early age, and his own family life, which was already established by the time he received the call to play Spike Dixon in 1979. You can also find out about his regular employment in Christmas pantomimes. These sections provide plenty of theatrical anecdotes for those who are drawn to live performances. There are also poignant reminiscences about losing beloved colleagues, most especially Paul Shane, but also Barry Howard and Ruth Madoc.
By the end of the book, readers are left with the sense of a life well-lived, and a refreshing satisfaction. Showbiz memoirs tend to talk kindly about colleagues, and this is mostly true in ‘The First Rule of Comedy..!’, but there are a handful of honest recollections about less than impeccable behaviour from some very well-known names along the way! The book is a joyful collection of stories structured around a memoir narrative. It is strongly recommended for fans of classic British sitcoms as well as those who love the theatre. Younger actors will also find it useful to follow Holland’s connection between learning a craft, working hard to find regular employment, and embracing a niche that just so happens to lead to sitcom stardom.
Publisher: The History Press Publication date: 16th July 2026 Buy ‘The First Rule of Comedy..!’
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