Redcoats (Butlins)

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Redcoats is the name given to the entertainment staff at Butlins holiday camps.

Redcoat on Centre Stage

1 Uniform
2 Recruitment And Training
3 Roles
4 Famous Redcoats
5 Trivia
6 References

[edit] Uniform

When Billy Butlin opened his first camp, he realised that the entertainment was the very heart of Butlins. In order to make the camp entertainers stand out he ordered them to wear red blazers and the famous Redcoat uniform was born. The uniform changed over the years but retained its original 1936 style of red blazer and white trousers or skirt. Over the years, braid and badges were added to the blazers. Famous designers such as Jeff Banks and Zandra Rhodes have redesigned the uniforms. The current uniform retains the trademark red jacket (no longer a blazer) and was redesigned and launched in 2004. Redcoats now have two uniforms, the traditional formal uniform and a new casual outfit to match their additional role as children's entertainers.

[edit] Recruitment And Training

The Redcoats are viewed as the elite of the entertainment staff and have to undergo a rigorous selection and training process. Recruitment roadshows are held nationally and prospective redcoats have to show potential in a range of fields including dancing and singing. Successful candidates attend the Butlins ‘Academies of Excellence’ and receive rigorous entertainment training. Training includes aspects of direction and production and success usually leads to membership of Equity. Attendance at a Butlins academy is an achievement that enhances a showbusiness CV.

[edit] Roles

Redcoats provide virtually all the in house entertainment on the camps. They perform on the Centre Stage and have their very own venue called Reds. Reds is also home to 'Reds TV' which showcases the talents of the Redcoats. Redcoats also run the various children's clubs which provide sporting activities, competitions and arts and crafts. Each redcoat will have many different roles to fulfill in any given week.

[edit] Famous Redcoats

Many famous entertainers have made their career breakthroughs as a result of their careeres as Redcoats and becoming a Redcoat is still seen as a step onto the showbusiness ladder.

[edit] Trivia

The word ‘Redcoat’ appears in the English dictionary and on computer spellchecks.
The role of the Redcoat was highlighted in the 2003 television documentary series 'Redcoats'.