Blooming with laughter: Characters with floral names
It feels like the spring weather is finally about to arrive, so we're starting to think about flowers here at British Comedy Guide.
Expressing admiration and gratitude to someone with a well-chosen bouquet is of course a nice thing to do - and Flowwow UK have lots of great options to choose from - however, the best flower-related gift you could give is a DVD featuring one of these comedy characters. It's sure to generate laughs.
1. Hyacinth Bucket (Keeping Up Appearances)
Arguably the most famous flower-named character in British comedy (thanks to the worldwide love for the show she appears in), Hyacinth Bucket (don't forget, it's pronounced "Bouquet") is the social-climbing protagonist of the beloved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. Played by Patricia Routledge, Hyacinth is a middle class housewife obsessed with portraying herself as upper class. The name "Hyacinth" is derived from a fragrant and elegant flower, symbolising beauty and grace. However, Hyacinth's reality starkly contrasts with her floral name, as her attempts to impress often result in comedic disasters. Her name adds to the irony, emphasising her determination to bloom in a social circle where she clearly doesn't fit.
2. Daisy Steiner (Spaced)
Daisy Steiner, played by Jessica Hynes in the cult 1999-2001 sitcom Spaced, is a free-spirited, slightly chaotic aspiring writer who shares a flat with Tim Bisley. The name "Daisy" evokes images of simplicity, light-heartedness, and youthful energy - traits that perfectly match her character. Daisy's upbeat and somewhat scatterbrained nature brings a refreshing contrast to the more cynical and grounded Tim. Just as a daisy can pop up unexpectedly in unexpected places, Daisy's unpredictable antics often catch her friends off guard, making her a source of spontaneous humour and warmth in the show.
3. Lily Savage
Lily Savage, portrayed by the late Paul O'Grady, is an iconic comedic drag persona known for her sharp wit, bold personality, and no-nonsense attitude. She became a staple of British comedy through various shows and guest appearances, blending biting humour with a flamboyant stage presence. The name "Lily" humorously contrasts with her brash and unapologetic demeanour, making the floral reference delightfully ironic.
4. Primrose Larkin (The Darling Buds Of May)
This is a character who does fit her name. Primrose Larkin, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, is one of the vibrant Larkin family members in The Darling Buds Of May. "Primrose" reflects the fresh, youthful, and blooming nature of her character. As the spirited and beautiful daughter of Pop and Ma Larkin, Primrose embodies the carefree, rural lifestyle portrayed in the series.
5. Ivy Teasdale (You Rang, M'Lord?)
Ivy Teasdale, played by Su Pollard, is one of the maids working in the aristocratic Meldrum household in period comedy You Rang, M'Lord?. The name "Ivy" symbolises loyalty and endurance, fitting for Ivy's dedicated (if somewhat clumsy) service. Ivy is cheerful, hardworking, and hopelessly in love with footman James Twelvetrees, which often leads to comedic situations as she tries to win his affection.
So, there we go, some characters with flowers in their name. As they continue to entertain via repeats, their floral legacies remain as vibrant and enduring as ever and may even - dare we say it - bloom further.
There's a lot more floral characters out there too... Keeping Up Appearances also has a Daisy and a Rose in it for example... so keep an eye out for more!
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