TV and stage legend Patricia Routledge showed she had a song in her heart when she entertained an appreciative audience in Facing The Music at the Palace Theatre, Newark, on Friday evening.

She was completely at ease when she appeared in conversation with writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson of The Independent.

The evening consisted of convivial chat and music from classic Routledge performances, including Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music and songs from other musicals such as Oklahoma and South Pacific. She is one of Britain's best loved actresses with a superb voice to match.

Born in 1929, Routledge has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in music and film, during which she has produced many award-winning performances.

Probably more could have been made of her triumphant performance as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, which was one of the best comedies on TV during its run from 1990-1995.

But the evening shed light on Routledge's versatile career which also included the starring role in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates as well as a succession of West End and Broadway productions.

So hats off to Patricia for living up to the expectations of her wide, attentive audience at the tender age of 82.

Congratulations are called for as she still has the easy and effortless ability to entertain and captivate a group drawn from a cross section of her fans with tales from her spectacular career.

Her enthusiasm and urge to inform and entertain show no signs of diminishing.

Long may this queen of stage and song continue to reign.