It is still one of the best kept secrets in show business that Patricia Routledge trained not only as an actress but also as a singer and had considerable experience and success in musical theatre, both in this country and in the United States of America.

Her many awards include a Tony for her Broadway performance in the Styne-Harburg musical Darling of the Day and an Olivier Award for her performance in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. In 1998 she was honoured with the Gold Badge of Merit by the Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. 

In this fascinating encounter with the writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson she recalls this very special part of her career with access to some rare and treasured recordings. 

Writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson is Chief Classical Music Critic of The Independent newspaper and a founder member of TheArtsDesk.com.