Young Hyacinth

Young Hyacinth is a British television comedy drama film first aired in 2016. This is a prequel to the already popular series, "Keeping Up Appearances." It delivers an intriguing backstory to one of television’s most famous characters, Hyacinth.

Set in the late 1950s, Young Hyacinth reinvents the character Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced 'bouquet') for a new generation of audiences, giving them the opportunity to experience and comprehend the formative years of this emblematic character. English actress Kerry Howard brilliantly assumes the role of young Hyacinth, accompanied by Debra Stephenson and Tony Gardner.

The film sketches the journey of young Hyacinth working as a maid for the considerably well-off Mrs. Cooper - a character remarkably rendered by Debra Stephenson. This employment provides Hyacinth her first brush with the facade of affluence, sparking her dream of escaping the life she was born into and her dysfunctional family. Here, she attempts to dodge out of the dilemmas of her complex familial life and seeks a future replete with elegance, grace, and respect.

The story carefully integrates elements of Hyacinth’s life that later become core plot themes in "Keeping Up Appearances". Each of these situations throws light on the various aspects of her character, how she is from time to time ashamed by her family's lower income, and yearns for a world filled with pomp and luxury.

Alongside Hyacinth, the film breathes life into youthful versions of Hyacinth’s sisters: Daisy, Rose, and Violet. Daisy, the loveable though slightly naive one, is portrayed by Katherine Pearce, providing a lovable and tender character whose aspirations revolve around boys and love rather than social climbing. Rosie Cavaliero also gives a commendably humorous presentation of Rose, highlighting a wild side of her that viewers of "Keeping Up Appearances" would immediately recognize.

Kerry Howard splendidly preserves the droll pretentiousness of Hyacinth, while also portraying a certain vulnerability, that can be attributed to her circumstances. She perfectly recreates Patricia Routledge’s famous character's mannerisms and vocal inflections, even though her portrayal is distinctly original.

Tony Gardner is introduced as the character of Hyacinth's father, a carefree and often tipsy gentleman who spends most of his time at the pub rather than at home, caring for his family. Forever in pursuit of the next pint, he remains mostly oblivious to Hyacinth's lofty aspirations.

Young Hyacinth greatly benefits from writer Roy Clarke's sharp wit and clever storyline. Despite its historical setting, the film evokes a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans of "Keeping Up Appearances". Clarke's creation, while effectively grounded in the pre-set character sketches from the original series, subtly introduces new characteristics for each one.

The film employs 1950s Britain as a hazy, nostalgic backdrop, resulting in a spectacularly beautiful production. The set portraying the pre-war home and the post-war destruction is quite impressive, and at the same time radiates a quintessential charm.

In terms of genre, Young Hyacinth is essentially a comedy that blends elements of drama fittingly for a television sitcom. It narrates a familiar familial saga injected with a touch of humour every now and then, with several light-hearted moments to keep the audience entertained and laughing. The underlying narrative about social aspiration, however, gives the series a depth that underscores the comedy.

Without a doubt, Young Hyacinth is a precious piece for those who love British television classics, as it offers a fresh perspective on a beloved character. The film is a wonderful watch for anyone seeking cleverly-crafted humor and an inside peek into the protagonist Hyacinth's backstory, offering a playful, poignant, and powerful exploration of her early life. It’s a chance to understand how Hyacinth became the woman viewers later see in "Keeping Up Appearances". The film leaves space for its characters to grow and evolve, thereby setting up the stage for what the audience knows will come, making it an engaging and pleasant experience, whether you're a fan of the original series or not.