Theatre circles were recently abuzz when Patricia Hodge, the celebrated actress currently starring in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “The Rivals” at the Orange Tree Theatre, was unexpectedly sidelined due to laryngitis. The production faced a potential crisis as Hodge, 79, known for her portrayal of the character Mrs. Malaprop, was advised to rest her voice. The challenge? The production had no understudy readily available, raising the spectre of cancelling performances and disappointing theatregoers.
Fortunately, fellow actress Miranda Foster, a veteran of the stage and screen, stepped up to the plate. Foster, recognised for her work with Shakespeare’s Globe and other prestigious venues, took on the role, script in hand, and ensured the show could go on. Her willingness to jump in at the last minute was reportedly met with a warm reception from the audience.
The Orange Tree Theatre has been contacted for comment regarding the situation.
It appears that Hodge, despite her illness, was determined to participate in preview performances of “The Rivals.” According to reports, she was reluctant to let her health prevent her from appearing on stage. Tom Littler, the artistic director at the Orange Tree Theatre, acknowledged Hodge’s dedication, stating that her strained delivery was “not a peculiar vocal choice but a remarkable actor refusing to take a show off.”
Patricia Hodge is a highly regarded figure in British acting, with a career spanning decades and encompassing roles in iconic television series such as “Rumpole Of The Bailey,” “Miranda,” and “A Very English Scandal,” where she played Jeremy Thorpe’s mother.
Hodge has previously spoken about the influence of her upbringing on her professional success. Her parents, who ran hotels, instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and attention to detail from a young age.
“As a child I was provided with an interesting blueprint for life because my parents were hoteliers,” she explained. “They worked seven days a week, 50 weeks of the year. They were always on show, which meant always maintaining a high level of discipline.”
She believes that these early lessons unconsciously shaped her approach to her career.
“I didn’t realise it at the time, but I think I absorbed all of that by osmosis. And, without necessarily being conscious of it, I must have passed some of it on to my sons.”
She recounted an anecdote about her eldest son, Alex, who referenced her meticulous nature in his wedding speech.
“The elder of the two, Alex, got married earlier this year. In his speech, he started talking about the flowers and how it had always been drummed into him — presumably by me — that you don’t simply accept what’s on offer; you stipulate precisely what you want and then make sure that’s what you get.”
Hodge added, “‘The devil’s in the detail, he said. I stood there, smiling, as it became clear I’d taught him this by example.”
This attention to detail extends to her personal life as well.
“My discipline extends to the home. I’m a very tidy person. ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is my mantra (but hopefully not my obsession.)”
She values order and planning, preferring to have a clear understanding of what the future holds.
“I do like order, and I’m a great forward planner. I like to know how the coming weeks are going to unfold so that nothing takes me by surprise.”
Miranda Foster, the actress who stepped in for Hodge, has an impressive resume of her own. The daughter of the late actor Barry Foster and singer Judith Shergold, she made her mark early in her career with a significant role as Anne Page in the BBC adaptation of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
Since then, she has performed at the National Theatre, playing Cordelia opposite Anthony Hopkins’ King Lear, and has worked extensively with Shakespeare’s Globe, including a world tour of “Hamlet.”
Foster’s television credits include appearances in popular series such as “The Bill,” “Rosemary & Thyme,” “Casualty,” and “Holby City.” She is married to actor Jonathan Guy Lewis.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by theatre productions when unforeseen circumstances arise and the importance of resourceful and dedicated actors who are willing to go the extra mile.
