Britain's Got Talent – Hyacinth Bucket vs. Patricia Routledge. It could happen…


Patricia Routledge #1Several years ago, we were extremely fortunate to have interviewed Patricia Routledge as part of The Funny Ladies of British Comedy program for PBS. Having never met, needless to say, we were probably so over prepared for the interview given that our obvious frame of reference was her portrayal of the character of Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances.

That said, without question, this was one of the highlights of all the British comedy interviews we’ve had the opportunity to conduct over the years. It was very clear that there was so much more to her career than Hyacinth as we talked of a long and successful resume in theatre, television and film, along with her talents as a singer. Routledge won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical on Broadway for her appearance in Darling of the Day. I mention this because one of my favorite recurring scenes in KUA is Hyacinth trying to impress Emmet with her singing prowess. Hearing this, there’s no way this person won a Tony. It really makes you cringe, especially the end of the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFC_ZzdOj4

However, the interview with Patricia Routledge brought everything full circle. Her comment that one has to be able to be a good singer to be able to sing off key certainly rang true when you here this long lost recording. Immediate reaction is that there’s no way this is the same person, but it definitely is. Next time you watch Keeping Up Appearances, think of the recording below and then recognize what an amazing actress and singer Patricia Routledge is. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQPv-yzvR1U


In: Actors/Actresses,Comedy

  • Harriet

    Love Patricia Routledge. She is an amazing actress. I did watch her anthology and was thrilled to see her other roles besides Hyacinth. However “Hyacinth” is by far my FAVORITE role. Can’t tell you how many times, I’ve watched every episode of Keeping up Appearances… the jokes just never get old. Funny is funny.

    Great article.

    Thanks

  • Maziyar

    Hi
    my name is maziyar and my wife Rose Shirzad
    we love your TV showed and we love to watching every Sunday at 10:30pm
    Thank you
    maziyar & Rose Shirzad
    210-416-5263
    maziyarshirzad@gmail.com

  • Joyce Luciano

    Ms. Routledge is absolutely one of the greatest!
    Like many others, I still watch Keeping Up
    Appearance, still laugh as if it were the first
    time.
    Best to Ms. Routledge!!! And I thank her for
    all her great performances.

    Warm Regards,
    Joyce

  • Ray Cray

    The one goal I have in life is to meet Ms. Patricia Routledge. A lot of people find that strange, since I’m only 20 years old, but she has always been my favorite actress, and Keeping up Appearances has always been my favorite tv show. My mom and I watch it religiously. Since I live in the United States, my chances are very slim of ever meeting her, but hopefully one day I will. If you’re reading this Ms. Routledge, know that your acting has affected so many people in such a good way.

    Keep people laughing.

    Rachel

    • Ray: I hope you get a chance to meet her someday. Having been fortunate enough to meet her twice over the years, I know you would enjoy it immensely. They say you’re not supposed to meet heroes or those you are a fan of, but I think in this case you would not be disappointed.

  • Richard collins

    I have only watched keeping up appearances since 2005 but this year i have bought the entire collection and i have watched it every time i am depressed, it really cheers me up i love mrs routledge in this role, she is fantastic 😉

  • Marie

    Why did they take the show off t-v i truly liked that show. Please bring it back.

    • @Marie: Rest assured KUA will be back on KERA. It was a simple case of just giving the series a rest after being on the air for almost 20 years straight without interruption. Keeping it in the schedule at that time eliminates our ability to bring new programs to the schedule or return other classics that haven’t been seen for awhile at an early time slot so it’s a simple case of a series just going on hiatus for a bit to make way for another series. It will be back, most likely January 2012 at the latest. Hang in there. It will be back. Glad you enjoy.

  • muriel rosenman

    After watching Patricia Routledge
    in KUA all these many years, I never tire seeing this amazing woman in the Mrs. Bucket role over and over again. She is absolutely
    hilarious and brings me much joy !
    I wish to thank her and wish her well.

  • Conchita carambano

    i never never tire of watching Hyacinth Bucket ,thankyou so much Patricia Routledge sydney australia 

  • Conchita carambano

    i never never tire of watching Hyacinth Bucket ,thankyou so much Patricia Routledge sydney australia 

  • Missinglinks

    I agree that Hyacinth Bouquet (alright – Bucket) is hilarious and brilliant, but it’s also wonderful to watch her in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.  Her depth of character is amazing to watch, plus the physical agility she still has, which would be incredible for a woman of any age, is truly remarkable.  May she keep doing what she loves to do and we love to watch for years to come – in good health and with every happiness.

  • Missinglinks

    I agree that Hyacinth Bouquet (alright – Bucket) is hilarious and brilliant, but it’s also wonderful to watch her in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.  Her depth of character is amazing to watch, plus the physical agility she still has, which would be incredible for a woman of any age, is truly remarkable.  May she keep doing what she loves to do and we love to watch for years to come – in good health and with every happiness.

  • Last Chicane

    It’s on Netflix now if you’re still interested!