Dame Patricia Routledge: From Bouffant to Broadway—The Untold Story of a Stage Legend

Dame Patricia Routledge, beloved for her portrayal of the social-climbing Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has long been associated with her iconic bouffant hairstyle. However, a recently unearthed photograph from 1962 reveals a different side of the actress—a time when her hair cascaded in long, flowing waves, and she was at the pinnacle of her theatrical career.

A Glimpse into the Past

The photograph captures Routledge backstage during a production of Little Mary Sunshine at the Brighton Hippodrome. Seated in her dressing room, she exudes the elegance and poise of a leading lady. Her long hair, styled with a bow, and her radiant smile offer a stark contrast to the meticulous coiffure of Hyacinth Bucket. This image serves as a testament to the versatility and depth of Routledge’s talent, which extended far beyond the confines of television comedy.

A Storied Career

Before becoming a household name, Routledge was a formidable force in the world of theatre. Her stage debut occurred in 1952 at the Liverpool Playhouse, setting the stage for a career that would span decades and continents. In 1966, she made her Broadway debut in How’s the World Treating You?, a performance that earned her the Whitbread Award for Best Actress.

Her most notable achievement came in 1968 when she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Darling of the Day. Despite the show’s brief run, Routledge’s performance was lauded for its charm and depth. The production, based on Arnold Bennett’s novel Buried Alive, featured music by Jule Styne and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. Routledge’s portrayal of Alice Challice, a widow who unknowingly marries a famous artist in disguise, showcased her exceptional vocal and acting abilities.

In 1979, she received the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in And a Nightingale Sang…, solidifying her status as one of the UK’s premier stage actresses. Her versatility also shone through in roles such as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and as the title character in The Beggar’s Opera.

The Hyacinth Phenomenon

In 1990, Routledge introduced audiences to Hyacinth Bucket, a character whose obsession with social status and propriety became the heart of Keeping Up Appearances. The sitcom, which ran for five series until 1995, was a massive success, earning Routledge a British Comedy Award and nominations for two BAFTA TV Awards. Hyacinth’s catchphrase, “It’s ‘Bouquet’, dear,” became emblematic of her character’s delusions of grandeur.

However, despite the show’s popularity, Routledge made the bold decision to end the series after its fifth season. In a candid interview, she explained, “I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas. And also, remembering the glorious Ronnie Barker, he always stopped when he was at the height of something and he always left with people saying, ‘Oh, aren’t you doing any more?’ Rather than people saying, ‘Is that still on?'”

A Life Beyond the Spotlight

After retiring from acting, Routledge has remained active in the arts, particularly in supporting classical music. She established the Patricia Routledge Foundation, which funds classical concerts and supports emerging artists. Her passion for music is evident in her selections for the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, where she has chosen works by composers such as Schubert, Shostakovich, and Holst.

In 2017, she was honored with a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to entertainment and charity. Despite her accolades and achievements, Routledge remains grounded and dedicated to her craft, always striving to “take on the stories of other people.”

Legacy of a Legend

Dame Patricia Routledge’s journey from a young actress with dreams of a red sports car and romances across Europe to an internationally acclaimed performer is a testament to her talent, dedication, and versatility. Her ability to seamlessly transition from the stage to television, and her commitment to supporting the arts, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

As fans continue to celebrate her work, both past and present, Dame Patricia Routledge remains a shining example of what it means to be a true artist—one who continually evolves, challenges herself, and inspires others along the way.