Roy Hudd's archive project at Suffolk New College launched
- Published
Roy Hudd has amassed a collection of more than 20,000 items
A £70,000 project to archive the vast collection of music hall songs of veteran actor and comedian Roy Hudd has been officially started.
Mr Hudd, 75, who lives in Suffolk, has donated more than 20,000 song sheets, acts, programmes and posters to Suffolk New College in Ipswich.
The Hudd Music Hall Archive Project will be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the college.
The college aims to catalogue and organise the collection.
'Unique story'
Mr Hudd said: "I have been collecting the archive for over 50 years.
"Each item, each song sheet or poster tells a unique story which is as relevant today as when it was performed.
"I want the archive to live and to be enjoyed; this project will make that happen."
Suffolk New College has brought in consultants Oakmere Solutions to manage the project, which will involve students from the college and volunteers.
Project leader Dr Peter Funnell, director at Oakmere Solutions, said: "The Hudd archive has enormous potential to help people understand the importance of the Music Hall in current popular culture and its key role in the everyday lives of people during its heyday between 1830-1930.
"We will do this by drawing on Roy's encyclopaedic knowledge of the music hall and his passion to make the magic and excitement of the Music Hall available to a new generation."
The project runs until 31 August 2013 and is based at Suffolk New College, Ipswich.
Radio comedy show
The lottery fund is providing £49,000 and the rest of the funding will come from the college.
Mr Hudd, appointed an OBE in 2003, hosted popular radio comedy show The News Huddlines from 1975 to 2001.
He has also starred in his own television series and West End revues, as well as Coronation Street and dramas including Dennis Potter's Lipstick on Your Collar and Karaoke, and Ashes to Ashes.
Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with the project can contact Oakmere Solutions through its website.