Patricia Routledge - Climb Ev'ry Mountain

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 3:36pm

Hyacinth Bucket can actually sing!

 

I knew Patricia Routledge had done musical theatre, winning a Tony in 1968, but I never knew she was such a talented singer. I've been on a bit of a Keeping Up Appearances kick recently and after coming across this on YouTube thought it was worth sharing.

 

Anybody care to share any memories of actually seeing her onstage?

 

 

 

Updated On: 9/12/15 at 03:36 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 3:58pm

She had a strangely hard luck stage career on this side of the Atlantic, with the quick Broadway closers Darling of the Day and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as Love Match and Say Hello to Harvey, which died on the road.  She was also in the Delacorte production of Pirates of Penzance but didn't do the move to Broadway.  Do yourself a favor and do a YouTube search to hear her perform "Not on Your Nellie" from Darling, and "Duet for One" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Or you can watch her in the video version of Pirates that was taped in Central Park.  She's also on the London cast recording of Little Mary Sunshine, and I think the TV musical, "Androcles and the Lion" as well.  

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 4:12pm

Do yourself a favor and do a YouTube search to hear her perform "Not on Your Nellie" from Darling, and "Duet for One" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  

Thanks - I will!

 

[beilis32]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 4:26pm

Hope this is the same person, but I only know Patricia Routledge from the comedy show Keeping Up Appearances where part of the joke was that she was a terrible singer! Guess she was singing badly on purpose; I am very impressed!

[enjoyable2]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 4:37pm

Lovely and beautifully placed for her voice. It really is a magnificent song. 

Posted: 9/12/15 at 4:53pm

She also took over as Nettie in the National Theatre production of 'Carousel' in London.

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 5:09pm

This thread makes me so happy you don't even know...I love Patricia and Keeping Up Appearances is one of my all-time favorite television shows. I actually workshopped a musical adaptation of KUA in my hometown two years ago, and as we progress with the show, it's a relief to know it might find an audience on this side of the pond.

Here is a photo from our reading. 

[Joviedamian]

Posted: 9/12/15 at 7:16pm

This is a great fine. I've read many articles and watched many biopic specials on her, to know she was a fine singer. But, never she was this good. I heard her sing elsewhere, but in London she was a triple threat. Fine actress; loved all her shoes including KUA!

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/13/15 at 7:36pm

Here she is accepting her Tony from Groucho Marx! I love how her co-winner Leslie Uggams didn't let Groucho rob Patricia of her moment. 

 

From about 04.40...

 

 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 9/14/15 at 5:21pm

Hi saw her in Darling of the Day and thought that she was wonderful.  A big, warm performance and beautiful singing of a greatly under appreciated score.  I was really happy when she won the Tony, figuring she'd be back for more.  I wonder how many super talented performers have had as much AWFUL luck.

[Scripps2]

Posted: 9/20/15 at 5:35pm

One of the greatest calamities of my theatregoing career was missing her performance in The Corn is Green, twenty-odd years ago, due to car problems whilst driving to the theatre.

Updated On: 9/20/15 at 05:35 PM