Art imitated life when an Accrington hairdresser appeared as a character in a television sitcom played by her former customer Jane Horrocks.
Patricia Winder, who now works at Ian Henderson Hair Studio on Avenue Parade, was delighted to discover she was to be featured in the show as part of a fictional look back at the actress’s childhood.
In one of the scenes in the Sky 1 series, Rawtenstall-born actress Jane plays Patricia as she works at Antony and Patricia’s salon, on Bank Street in Rawtenstall, where Jane used to have her hair cut.
Patricia is portrayed giving a haircut to the 13-year-old Jane who is played by actress Sophie Wright.
The programme, seen on TV screens over Christmas, takes viewers back in time to recreate moments from celebrities’ childhoods. A scene in episode three features the story of when the then-Fearns pupil Jane asked Patricia to perm her hair in the style of Barbra Streisand.
Mum-of-two Patricia said the most amusing part about the story is that Jane’s mum Barbara Horrocks also asked her for the same perm at around that time.
Patricia, a mum-of three, said: “Barbara asked for the perm too, but I wouldn’t do it. The film is an interesting connection for me. Barbara and I still joke about what
happened at that time. She said to me back then, ‘you never do what I want’.” She added: “But the film is brilliant. It brings out the true meaning of that time.
“It’s a good light-hearted play. I thought it was really well done, the young actress looked so much like Jane, and so many people have said they saw the programme and
how much they enjoyed it.”
Viewers saw Sophie playing Jane in the school dining hall where she was desperately seeking a date for a party.
The drama then moved into the studio set of a salon from her hometown – Antony and Patricia’s – where the real Jane took on the role of hairdresser Patricia.
Jane Horrocks’ mum Barbara, 75, who lives in Helmshore, said: “I thought it was a really good little film. It featured how Jane was at school and the scenes in the salon.
“I was 43 when I asked Patricia for the haircut but she wouldn’t do it. But she did Jane’s. Looking back I think Pat knew what she was talking about. She’s seen me through many haircuts over the years.”
Liz Yates, senior stylist at Antony and Patricia, watched the film and said it was very funny.
The acclaimed first series of Little Crackers has featured stars such as Stephen Fry, Victoria Wood and Kathy Burke.
The show was aired on Sky1. To watch it visit Sky1HD Little Crackers.
