Satirical television has a way of breathing new life into classic shows, and the Dutch comedy program De TV-Kantine did just that with its hilarious parody of Keeping Up Appearances. Bringing the iconic Hyacinth Bucket (or “Bouquet,” as she insists) to Dutch audiences, the skit perfectly captures the character’s desperate social-climbing antics, complete with exaggerated facial expressions and impeccable comedic timing.
At the center of the parody is Carlo Boszhard, a well-known Dutch TV personality and impersonator, who fully transforms into Hyacinth. From the prim and proper mannerisms to the unmistakable air of superiority, Boszhard channels Patricia Routledge’s original performance with impressive accuracy.
Though the portrayal is intentionally over-the-top, it remains faithful to the spirit of the beloved BBC sitcom, poking fun at Hyacinth’s relentless pursuit of refinement while chaos ensues around her.
One of the standout moments in the parody is the arrival of Dutch singer Frans Bauer, who finds himself at the mercy of Hyacinth’s hospitality. Just like in the original series, where Hyacinth desperately wishes to impress high society, you can almost see in her eyes the hope that Mrs. Councillor Nugent—or another influential figure—will happen to witness a famous celebrity stepping through her front door. It’s the ultimate social validation she craves.
Hyacinth’s interactions with her next-door neighbor, Elizabeth Warden, also remain true to form. Elizabeth, often the unwilling participant in Hyacinth’s world of exaggerated propriety, is portrayed with an equally spot-on performance.
The nervous tea-sipping, the cautious politeness—everything is in place to replicate the classic dynamic of the show.
Though Keeping Up Appearances originally aired from 1990 to 1995, its humor remains as sharp as ever. Hyacinth’s obsessive attempts to maintain a false image of wealth and refinement, only to be constantly undermined by her family and neighbors, is a universal comedic theme that transcends generations and cultures.
The Dutch parody highlights just how timeless the show’s humor is, proving that Hyacinth’s brand of social-climbing absurdity can be appreciated anywhere in the world.
Parodies like this remind audiences why Keeping Up Appearances became a staple of British comedy. The mix of physical comedy, sharp dialogue, and an unforgettable lead character created a series that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original run.
The Dutch version, while exaggerated, taps into that same comedic magic, celebrating everything that made the original show so brilliant.
The De TV-Kantine parody aired in 2010, a testament to how Keeping Up Appearances had left an impression far beyond the UK. More than 15 years after the show ended, audiences were still eager to see Hyacinth’s world recreated, even in a comedic tribute.
Boszhard’s performance, along with the careful attention to detail in set design and costume choices, shows just how much effort went into making the parody feel authentic. The famous floral dresses, the dramatic expressions, the overly polite yet painfully awkward interactions—it all comes together in a way that Keeping Up Appearances fans would instantly recognize.
From the UK to the Netherlands, Hyacinth Bucket remains one of the most memorable sitcom characters of all time. Her relentless ambition, unwavering belief in her own superiority, and complete lack of self-awareness make her a character that audiences love to watch—even if they wouldn’t want to live next door to her.
With the Dutch parody adding another layer of comedic homage to the series, it’s clear that Keeping Up Appearances has secured its place in television history. Whether through reruns, adaptations, or tributes like this, Hyacinth Bucket will always find a way to demand our attention—just as she always wanted.
