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

Redcoat on the skyline pavillion stage

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 (called their number 1's) and a new casual outfit (their number 2's) to match their additional role as children's entertainers.

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 résumé.

Redcoats At Butlins Minehead 2007

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 fulfil in any given week.

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

• http://www.butlinsmemories.com/redcoats.htm
• http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/index.cfm?page=2265&wt.svl=582345
• http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/media/studentpack2006.doc?wt.svl=588731
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4886610.stm
• http://www.thisistravel.co.uk/travel/news/Butlins-unveils-new-lookRedcoats-article.html?in_article_id=40267
• http://www.butlinsmemories.com/faq.htm

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