Handbags and Gladrags for Penelope Keith (From Croydon Guardian)

Handbags and Gladrags for Penelope Keith

5:29pm Tuesday 13th November 2007

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Penelope Keith may tire at times of Margo Leadbetter, the Surbiton house-wife she portrayed in 1970s sit-com, The Good Life.

But, kaftan or no, the 67-year-old actress is still proud to call herself a Surrey girl.

Born in Sutton and Guildford-based to this day, Keith was recently appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County, an honorary role which includes welcoming Royal visitors and leading Citizenship ceremonies, though sadly no glad rags. "Only the men get those!"

She is also Patron of the Friends of Richmond Theatre, where she returns next week as the imperious Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, surely a role she was born to play.

"I think Richmond is the theatre I've performed at more than any other," says Keith ahead of the week-long run. "So it's wonderful to be playing her here. I think you graduate into parts like Lady Bracknell just by dint of hanging on in there. Not everyone makes it this far!"

Lady Bracknell - mother to Gwendolen, aunt to Algernon and nuisance to all - is a role made famous by some truely great actesses, from Dame Edith Evans in the 1952 film to Dame Judi Dench in the 2001 remake.

While a safe bet for future Damehood herself, was Keith at all intimidated by those definitive performances? The weight of expectation (and that handbag!) must lie heavy on her shoulders.

"No," she replies. "I don't think you can talk about a definitive' performance. That's only ever the opinion of one of two people. As in all matters of art, you can only do your best. Hearing Jacqueline du Pre's definitive' Elgar cello concerto doesn't mean you can;t enjoy it performed by someone else."

She continues: "I've played a lot of ladies from that same era - Maggie Hobson in Hobson's Choice and the title role in Mrs Warren's Profession. These are both women fighting against the prevailing spirit of the times. And Lady Bracknell, too, is very much a women in a man's world."

And scripted by a man, too, of course. Speaking Oscar Wilde's lines is a constant joy, says Keith, even when most of the audience know them off-by-heart themselves. And the presence of another man, director Peter Gill, also helped enormously. Fledgling actors on the same 60s repertory circuit, this is surprisnlgy the first time the pair have worked together.

"With a classic play like this you want someone like Peter who is able to shed some fresh light on the piece," says Keith.

"You need to approach it as a new play, only unlike a new play, you already have the perfect script. In fact, many people think The Importance of Being Earnest is the perfect comedy and...," she pauses, "I have to say I agree."

The Importance of being Earnest, Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Monday, November 19 to Saturday, November 24, call 0870 060 6651, 7.45pm, Wed/Sat mat 2.30pm, £14.50-£28.50, call 0870 060 6651, visit richmondtheatre.net.

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