At 93, Patricia Routledge continues to captivate audiences with her passion for theatre, even as she embarks on a new, unexpected venture. After nearly two decades since her last appearance at the National Theatre, Routledge returns to the stage to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, reading excerpts from the historic text. Despite her long-standing career in the world of stage and screen, this return is surprising, even to her. Routledge, who has spent over 60 years in the industry, admits that she never planned on becoming an actress. “I was never stage-struck,” she shares with a smile, reflecting on how surprising it is that she’s dedicated her life to this craft.
Although she has had a diverse and distinguished career, Routledge’s portrayal of the pompous Hyacinth “It’s Bouquet!” Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances remains her most iconic role. Hyacinth, the obsessed and pretentious suburban housewife, still resonates with audiences, even years after the show ended in the early ’90s. Despite the character’s snobbish nature, Routledge’s real-life warmth and humor couldn’t be more different, with her self-deprecating wit shining through in interviews. She affectionately calls her most famous role “the dreadful Mrs. B,” yet remains endlessly proud of the impact it has had on viewers around the world.
Routledge’s return to the National Theatre is part of a broader resurgence of her dedication to language and performance. Her passion for artistic integrity is reflected in projects like Admission: One Shilling, where she honors wartime pianist Myra Hess. The show, which also features pianist Piers Lane, brings to life the historical concerts Hess gave during World War II, with Routledge reading interviews and sharing stories from her youth when she first saw Hess perform. This tribute showcases Routledge’s belief in the power of well-crafted art, whether it be in music or acting, echoing her admiration for performers who commit fully to their craft without relying on excessive theatrics.
Throughout her career, Routledge has chosen roles that highlight great writing, collaborating with writers like Alan Bennett, and remaining vocal about her distaste for the erosion of language in contemporary culture. “I’d like to start a society for the reinstatement of the letter ‘t’ and the banishment of the glottal stop,” she jokes, channeling Hyacinth’s own desire for order and precision. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Routledge felt frustrated when the BBC canceled Hetty Wainthropp Investigates in 2008, a decision she felt lacked respect for the cast. Although she didn’t initially see ageism as a factor, she now admits that, in hindsight, it might have played a role.
Despite facing challenges, Routledge remains committed to her craft and continues to engage with her fans. She regularly receives fan mail from around the world and makes a point of responding to every letter, with some of her most cherished messages coming from young boys whose fathers still enjoy her portrayal of Hyacinth. “There are people like Mrs. B everywhere,” she says, proudly acknowledging the lasting impact of her character.
Though Hyacinth remains her most iconic role, Routledge is far from burdened by it. “If a good number of people come into a theatre because they know me from the dreaded Mrs. B, I couldn’t be happier,” she says, emphasizing that the character has only helped to expand her audience and further cement her place in the world of theatre. Even at 93, Patricia Routledge’s enduring charm and dedication to the stage make it clear that her love for performance remains as strong as ever, whether she’s reading from the King James Bible or taking on a new acting challenge.
