Patricia Hodge: From Stage Icon to Comedy Queen

Actress Patricia Hodge, a consistent presence on stage and screen for six decades, is experiencing a significant career renaissance in her 70s. Currently portraying the memorable Mrs. Malaprop in Richard B. Sheridan's 'The Rivals' at the Orange Tree Theatre, Hodge finds the theatrical process both challenging and energizing. Her extensive career began in theatre, but television brought her wider recognition, notably for her role in the sitcom 'Miranda'.

Hodge reflects on a period in her 50s when acting opportunities became scarce, a common challenge for women in the industry. Despite this, her commitment to her craft remained, fueled by a love for inhabiting diverse characters, often those with eccentric qualities. She draws parallels between her roles and the "gallery of grotesques" described by Maggie Smith, finding interest in portraying such individuals.

Tracing her artistic inclination back to a childhood spent in a hotel in Grimsby, Hodge developed a fascination with performance and escapism. After training as a teacher, she pursued acting, honing her skills in repertory theatre, a practice she laments has largely disappeared in the UK. Now, Hodge continues to take on roles that challenge her, embracing the