Patricia takes on regal role in gripping play

9:10am Friday 4th July 2008

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THE woman best known as Hyacinth Bucket will keep her upper lip stiff and her demeanour distinctly British when she comes to Worcestershire.

Much-loved national treasure Patricia Routledge is playing Queen Mary in a new production of Royce Ryton’s Crown Matrimonial, being staged at Malvern Theatres from Monday, July 7.

“It’s beautifully written, quite astonishing really,” said Routledge.

A compelling drama, the play is a window on the Royal Family at the turbulent time when Edward VIII declares deep love for Wallis Simpson and, unswayed by the prospect of public scandal, family upheaval and even abdication, vows to marry the woman he loves.

Some considered Edward’s mother Mary hard and cold, while others saw her as a devoted matriarch – a woman deeply troubled by her son’s abdication.

Routledge is relishing the challenge and is refreshingly passionate about the characters. “I actually saw Queen Mary when I was a small child,” she said. “She came to the north-west of England, which is my patch, to open a tunnel in Birkenhead. She came with George.

“I wasn’t with all the big cheeses, but down the road because she also came to open a library. I was with my mother and brother, on the pavement with Union Jacks. I remember it clearly.”

That royal visit was in 1934. Two years later Edward VIII chose his lover over the throne.

“It’s quite a moving play,” said Routledge.

“The way the writer paints Edward, or Davie as he was affectionately known in the family, is extremely sympathetic at times.

“What’s so gratifying is the spell it casts over the audience. They are truly gripped.”

Routledge was approached in August last year about the part. Keen to steer clear of monarchy-bashing, “which the papers are too full of most of the time”, Routledge’s first response was to read the script.

“I was so impressed by it, by the responsibility of the writer, by the ideas it contains.”

Crown Matrimonial is directed by Tony Award nominee David Grindley.

For tickets, priced from £8 for under 25s to £26.50, call the box office on 01684 892277.