Dame Patricia Routledge is widely known for her iconic portrayal of the social-climbing Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, where her character’s delusional, upper-class aspirations brought joy and laughter to millions.

But what many may not realize is that before she became a household name through television, Patricia had a distinguished career as a mezzo-soprano, sharing stages with musical greats like Leonard Bernstein and performing in a wide array of operettas, Broadway musicals, and Gilbert and Sullivan productions.

Patricia Routledge’s life has truly been less ordinary—encompassing not only acting but also a rich history in music that many have forgotten, including, quite humorously, even her own memorable musical performances in Keeping Up Appearances.

Though her on-screen alter ego, Hyacinth, often pretended to be a music lover with questionable vocal abilities, Patricia Routledge was a serious singer before she ever became a star of British television. A successful mezzo-cum-contralto, Routledge’s vocal talent was integral to her early career.

Her connection to the world of classical music began at an early age, and by the time she stepped into the acting world, she had already gained a solid reputation in music, particularly in the genres of operetta and Broadway musicals. She worked with luminaries such as Leonard Bernstein, even performing in his 1988 production of Candide and having previously participated in a Broadway show, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which introduced her to the legendary composer.

The path to musical success wasn’t always smooth, and Patricia’s decision to fully embrace acting came after a year of internal turmoil over whether to pursue a career as a concert singer. As she reflects, she felt that performing on a recital platform was far more daunting than assuming a stage persona as an actor.

It was in the theater that she truly found her place, initially debuting at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952. But her musical roots never completely faded, and she continued to shine in operatic roles, including performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Savoy Operas, and even starred in Noël Coward shows.

One of Patricia’s most notable achievements as a singer was her role in the 1988 TV film of The Beggar’s Opera, in which she played Mrs. Peachum. The role required her to sing in two distinct voices, a challenge she met with her usual aplomb.

But it was her involvement with Bernstein that perhaps marked one of her most memorable intersections between musical theater and her career in acting. Routledge’s association with 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was marked by chaos and tragedy, a show whose ambition far outstripped its execution.

Despite the show’s failure, Patricia’s vocal performance and the bond she shared with Bernstein remained strong, and the two maintained a friendship after the musical closed in just a few days in New York.

Even the Vatican’s former pope, Benedict XVI, allegedly found joy in the antics of Patricia’s Hyacinth. His rumored impressions of the character during his time at the Vatican became a humorous testament to how far the reach of Keeping Up Appearances had extended. While the fame from Keeping Up Appearances did overshadow Patricia’s singing career for many, she has recently begun to talk about her past in music, reflecting on her early years as a mezzo-soprano.

Her musical taste, steeped in classical works by composers such as Schubert, Shostakovich, and Holst, is still an integral part of her life. She is a long-time admirer of fellow mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker, with whom she has shared a lasting friendship that started in 1966.

Their friendship, built on shared northern roots and a mutual respect for hard work and integrity, spans almost six decades and continues to flourish today. Patricia’s love for music runs deep, and it’s clear that her early training and performances played a significant role in shaping the multi-faceted career she later enjoyed in acting and theater.

Despite the years and her quieter life now in a Chichester retirement home, Patricia’s musical legacy still resonates. While she no longer performs actively, she has created the Patricia Routledge Foundation, which helps support classical music performances.

This initiative is a way for her to continue nurturing the musical world she has long been a part of, even as she steps back from the spotlight. Additionally, recordings of her singing “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music have gained cult status online, reflecting the ongoing admiration people have for her work.

Patricia Routledge’s career is a testament to the fact that one can successfully navigate multiple worlds of performance and artistry. From operetta stages and Broadway musicals to the world of television comedy, she has managed to remain relevant and beloved by audiences throughout the years.

Her legacy, however, stretches beyond her iconic television role—she is a versatile and accomplished performer whose impact on both the music and acting worlds will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Even now, as she resides in relative quiet, Patricia’s love for the arts endures. And as for the infamous Hyacinth Bucket, Patricia still keeps up appearances in her own way: she might request china cups and saucers with a silver teapot for her luxury item on Desert Island Discs, showing that, even off-screen, a bit of Hyacinth’s flair for the finer things lingers.