“Keeping Up Appearances” Comes to Life on Stage in Burnham-On-Sea: A Hilarious Homage to British Sitcom Royalty

Burnham-On-Sea is about to be turned upside down—as Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced ‘Bouquet’, of course) storms the stage with her floral hats, social ambitions, and bone-china teacups in tow. The classic British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances has been resurrected in glorious theatrical fashion at the Princess Theatre, promising a laugh-out-loud celebration of eccentricity, class anxiety, and comedic chaos.

This local stage adaptation of Keeping Up Appearances, penned by the sitcom’s original creator Roy Clarke, is being brought to life by the talented cast and crew of Project Play. The production runs from Tuesday, June 28 to Saturday, July 2, with nightly performances at 7:30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm. For fans of the iconic BBC show—and for those discovering Hyacinth’s world for the first time—this promises to be an unmissable experience.

A Sitcom Legacy Reimagined

Originally airing between 1990 and 1995, Keeping Up Appearances carved out a permanent place in British television history. Its genius lay in creator Roy Clarke’s ability to elevate the banal struggles of social climbing into high comedy. At the center was the indomitable Hyacinth Bucket—a woman so determined to appear posh, she regularly humiliated herself and those around her. Her obsession with appearances, manners, and middle-class aspirations clashed hilariously with the reality of her down-to-earth family, to whom she clung with one hand while pushing away with the other.

The Princess Theatre production takes all the essence of the beloved series and magnifies it for the stage, breathing new life into familiar faces and situations. While rooted in comedy, the show also captures the underlying tensions of identity, class, and self-worth, themes that continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Hyacinth’s World: A Symphony of Social Delusion

In this laugh-out-loud adaptation, the audience is once again swept into the perfectly chaotic world of Hyacinth Bucket, whose every word and gesture is crafted to project elegance and superiority—whether or not the world around her cooperates. Played with precision and flair by Samantha Nicol, this Hyacinth is as formidable as ever. Nicol captures not just the absurdity of Hyacinth’s pretensions but also her undying optimism and ironclad belief in her own myth.

Her long-suffering husband Richard, portrayed by an unseen actor in this synopsis but ever present in spirit, remains the weary voice of reason, caught in the storm of Hyacinth’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Paul Williams steps into the shoes of Emmet, the tormented musician and neighbor whose peaceful life is regularly upended by Hyacinth’s relentless insistence on joining his local dramatic society.

Comic Chaos and Character Chemistry

At the heart of the show’s appeal—on television and now on stage—is the vibrant and chaotic supporting cast, each character a foil to Hyacinth’s delusions.

George Clement’s portrayal of Onslow, the slovenly, beer-loving brother-in-law with a surprising intellectual side, brings belly laughs and grounded warmth to the production. Dressed in his trademark vest and ever-unbothered by social pretensions, Onslow is the ultimate counterpoint to Hyacinth’s prim fussiness.

Katy Bridgewater plays Daisy, Onslow’s ever-romantic and loyal wife, whose love for her husband is both touching and comic gold. Her flirtatious nature, endless optimism, and devotion to Onslow add emotional depth beneath the gags.

Sarah Martin’s Rose is as bold and colorful as her wardrobe. With her unapologetic pursuit of love and a penchant for drama, Rose’s presence guarantees a stir—especially for Hyacinth, who lives in fear of being associated with such “impropriety.”

Adele Gomm brings a delightful nervous energy to Elizabeth, the jittery next-door neighbor who can barely hold a teacup in Hyacinth’s presence without spilling it. Her brother Emmet’s growing frustration and disbelief serve as the voice of the audience, perfectly voiced through Williams’ performance.

Also rounding out the cast is Carol Roberts as the officious Mrs. Debden, Andy Boult as the enigmatic Milly, and John Burnham as Hyacinth’s senile father—an unpredictable wild card in every scene he enters.

Drama Within the Drama

In true Keeping Up Appearances fashion, this stage adaptation layers farce upon farce. The central plot revolves around Hyacinth’s latest and most outlandish scheme yet: to secure a starring role in a local theatrical production in order to bolster her social credentials. While Richard is relieved to have a temporary reprieve from her schemes, the rest of the neighborhood finds itself dragged into a whirlwind of rehearsals, rivalries, and cringe-worthy public spectacles.

Hyacinth’s relentless meddling and unsolicited “talent” once again wreak havoc on the lives of those around her, especially poor Emmet, who wishes nothing more than to produce a quiet community play without operatic interjections and unsolicited auditions.

But in classic fashion, it’s Hyacinth’s extended family that refuses to stay politely hidden in the wings. With Rose’s scandals, Daisy’s flirtations, Onslow’s indifference, and Daddy’s unpredictable antics, her carefully constructed world threatens to unravel at every turn. The result is a collision of social farce and heartfelt hilarity that leaves the audience roaring with laughter.

A Production Made with Love and Laughter

Behind the scenes, this adaptation has been a labor of love for the Burnham-On-Sea community. Under the sharp direction of Debbie Birkett, with Simone Lynch as assistant director and Luke Adams serving as executive stage manager, the show balances tight comedic timing with a keen understanding of its source material.

Project Play, known for fostering local talent and bringing classic scripts to life, has once again struck gold. Their commitment to quality, character, and comedic integrity shines through in every scene.

An Invitation to Laugh Again

For longtime fans of Keeping Up Appearances, this production is more than nostalgia—it’s a joyful reunion with characters who have become cultural icons. For newcomers, it’s a perfect introduction to one of Britain’s finest sitcoms, elevated by theatrical energy and performed with genuine heart.

With final tickets now available, don’t miss the chance to witness Hyacinth’s operatic ambitions, Onslow’s laid-back genius, and one community’s delightful homage to a comedy classic.

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the memories, or simply to see what all the fuss is about—this production promises an unforgettable evening at the theatre.

Catch the magic of “Keeping Up Appearances” at the Princess Theatre, Burnham-On-Sea. Curtain rises nightly at 7:30pm through Saturday, July 2, with a special Saturday matinee at 2:30pm. Final tickets are going fast. Don’t keep up—get ahead and book yours now.