KEEPING UP APPEARANCES -Watersplash gag.

This is one of my favourite memories of highly theatrical ladies. Arriving at the country location for this shoot, after being kitted out by wardrobe I was asked to wait on the company coach, which was empty apart from a few extras. Suddenly Patricia Routledge strode onto the coach, introduced herself (as if that was needed), said that she recognised me from my casting photo and within seconds, like old friends, we were deep in conversation; ranging through a clutch of subjects, including the health benefits of Cider Vinegar - to which she had found herself allergic. I'll not repeat her loud comment on the latter, but whilst making me roar with laughter was so out of keeping with Hyacinth Bucket that it extracted a gasp of surprise from the extras at the rear of the coach - which I strongly suspect was the lady's intention!
At the location, having got the sequence 'in one', the director had just called from behind the camera across the road that they were re-focusing for a close-up when miss Routledge came trotting along the path. In spite of my soaking wet condition, she gave me a great 'bear hug, and said, "Oh, darling, that was terribly funny. We were in the second car you know, so we saw you get both lots - and of course I hate you, as it's going to be the biggest laugh in the show!" At which point the director asked if she'd mind letting him have his actor back for a close-up. Altogether a good day as, apart from enjoying the time spent chatting to such a talented and charming lady, I've received about a dozen repeat fees from this episode.