At 95, Dame Patricia Routledge remains a beloved figure in British entertainment, a star whose career has spanned over seven decades across theatre, television, and film. Best known for her iconic role as the ever-aspirational Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, Routledge continues to cherish the experiences and accolades that have marked her extraordinary journey in show business.
Now mostly retired, she still delights audiences with her touring conversation piece, Facing the Music, where she shares anecdotes about her career and the world of theatre. From her home in Chichester, UK, she looks back fondly on a life spent performing, reminiscing about everything from her humble beginnings to the royal seal of approval her most famous role received.
Despite originally aspiring to be a schoolteacher—one who, as she cheekily imagined, would drive a flashy red sports car and enjoy romances across Europe—acting soon became her true calling. “I began performing while at university,” she recalls, “and in 1952, I was fortunate to start work at the Liverpool Playhouse.”
Her early days in theatre were far from glamorous. “I did everything from sweeping the floor to ensuring the actors made it to the stage on time,” she says with a chuckle. But those years laid the foundation for an illustrious career that would take her to the heights of both British and international theatre.
Routledge made her professional stage debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Liverpool Playhouse, and from there, she flourished. Over the years, she garnered numerous accolades, including an Olivier Award in the UK and a Tony Award for her performance on Broadway.
Though she found immense success in television and film, she insists, “The theatre is my first love.”
While theatre remained her greatest passion, it was television that cemented her place in popular culture. In 1990, she was cast as Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”), the relentless social climber at the heart of Keeping Up Appearances.
“Hyacinth leapt from the page,” she recalls. “I started to read that first script at 1 a.m. and couldn’t put it down. Her delusions of grandeur were outrageous. She sparked my imagination, and I drew on memories of several ladies I remembered as a young girl.”
The show became an instant hit, with Hyacinth’s desperate attempts to maintain an air of upper-class sophistication—despite her working-class background—providing endless comedic moments. Routledge, with her impeccable timing and theatrical flair, turned Hyacinth into one of the most memorable sitcom characters in British television history.
The series ran until 1995, after which Routledge decided it was time to move on. “I always think it’s better to go out on a high,” she says. “Leave viewers wanting more rather than lingering too long.”
Keeping Up Appearances became an international sensation, watched by millions around the world. Among its many fans were members of the British Royal Family. “It was one of the Queen Mother’s favorite sitcoms,” Routledge reveals.
“And the late Queen Elizabeth liked it too. Hyacinth would be flattered beyond words!”
For Routledge, who has been recognized for her immense contributions to British culture, this royal endorsement was another testament to the show’s lasting impact. Even today, Hyacinth’s catchphrases—whether it’s her insistence on her surname’s pronunciation or her obsession with her “Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles”—remain part of the public consciousness.
Beyond Keeping Up Appearances, Routledge continued to enjoy a rich and varied career. In 2017, she was made a Dame for her services to theatre and charity, a moment she describes as “one of the highest highlights of my life.”
She fondly recalls the moment Prince Charles, now King Charles, bestowed the honor upon her. “He had a word in my ear,” she recalls with a smile. “You know what he said? ‘At last, they have noticed!’”
Her career also took her to Australia, a country she grew to love deeply. In 2000, she traveled Down Under to star in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the following year, she returned for a holiday, exploring the Great Barrier Reef and traveling across the country by train.
“I loved Australia so much,” she says. “The audiences there are wonderful.” In 2014, she made another trip to perform, further cementing her connection to the country and its theatre lovers.
Though she has largely stepped away from acting, Routledge remains active with her touring conversation show, Facing the Music, where she reflects on her remarkable life and career. “You know,” she says, “to still be working is such a thrill, as is getting out of bed each morning,” she adds with a laugh.
With a legacy that spans stage and screen, and a character as unforgettable as Hyacinth Bucket, Dame Patricia Routledge remains one of Britain’s most cherished performers. Though time has passed, her impact endures—her voice, her performances, and the laughter she brought to millions will forever remain a part of television history.
