Wodehouse Playhouse appeared on our screens in the late 1970’s and offered the British television viewers something of a little diversion in terms of style in comedy series. Based on a number of short stories from the pen of PG Wodehouse, best known for his classic Jeeves and Wooster escapades, the programmes starred John Alderton in various guises with Judy joining him in an episode entitled The Smile That Wins.

Set in the late roaring 20’s she portrays the role of Lady Millicent Shipton Bellinger, a well-to-do young lady who discovers her knight in shining armour (metaphorically speaking) when her adventurous pet dog is returned following an expedition into the great outdoors, by the hapless Detective Adrian Mulliner played by John Alderton. It’s love at first sight but there is the small matter of Millicent’s betrothal to a much older fiancé and which has been arranged by her father. Finding the stress hard to bear, Mulliner visits his doctor for advice on how to cope with his resulting debilitating dyspepsia and is surprisingly instructed to smile, an occupation he has hitherto neglected. Developing what is best described as an unnerving grimace, Mulliner is astonished at the curious outcomes which ultimately see him achieve his hearts desires.

Giving an immaculate performance in a role she clearly relishes, wide eyed and outwardly innocent yet emphasising enough womanly wiles to establish credibility amid a cast of delightfully caricatured creations, Judy openly admits to being a huge fan of the writer. The humour may be tongue-in-cheek but the acting potential it unleashes is unsurpassable and it has to be said, is executed to perfection throughout. Not only that, Judy confesses to a particular love of the period in which this work is set, from the fashions and mode of hairdressing through to the opulent lifestyle. She also feels a great sense of affection for Lady Millicent whom she believes played a major role in her being accepted into The Royal Shakespeare Company. “I was called for an audition at the RSC with very little advance notice”, Judy explains. “As such, I had very little prepared and having just filmed the role, I gave John Barton, director and founding member, my rendition of Lady Millicent. I think he must have really liked her as I went on to spend three very happy years there”, she laughs.