Glenda: Sarah Thomas

Jan 1 2000

Glenda (with Edie)

The verdict from those regular gatherings of formidable females is unanimous-young Glenda has still got a lot to learn! When her mother Edie (Thora Hird) invites Ivy, Nora and Pearl round for afternoon tea, they spend much of their time exchanging chit-chat concerning the funny little ways of husbands and menfolk in general.

Glenda, a mere novice in the age-old battle of the sexes, is there as if she was their apprentice, learning about the many pitfalls which married life has in store as the years go by. To the others, she appears so naive and trusting when talking about her husband Barry. Glenda may think she has got Barry "under the thumb" but the older women in the group reckon they know better!

Edie, prim and proper as ever, naturally expects the same high standards from her daughter especially when they have "company". If Glenda innocently makes a comment with a slightly risque connotation, Edie is most indignant as she splutters over her tea-another of those brilliant comic touches which have helped to broaden the appeal of the series in recent years.

Actress Sarah Thomas-Glenda in the series-says that while her character is the baby of the family at the moment, she is learning slowly but surely.

"Mother keeps her in her place most of the time, but she is beginning to claw her way out and into a more dominating role, says Sarah. She can see similarities with Edie developing.

"I suppose Barry is a bit like Wesley, but unlike the other men, he doesn't actually give anyone any trouble, which is one of the reasons the other ladies feel so sorry for Glenda, because they think that any minute Barry is going to turn out the same as the rest!"

The youngest member of the regular Summer Wine cast, Sarah paid her first visit to the Holme Valley about ten years ago and since then she has developed a great fondness for the area.

"The friendliness and generosity of the people around Holmfirth towards myself and the rest of the cast has been terrific," she said.

Apart from playing Glenda, Sarah has appeared in such diverse TV series as The Black Adder, Rumpole of The Bailey and Worzel Gummidge. On stage, her many credits include roles in Hamlet, When We Are Married and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.