A heartfelt letter has shed new light on the life of the celebrated actor Prunella Scales, revealing her profound talent for poetry and a deeply compassionate friendship with the late Poet Laureate, John Betjeman.
A Gifted Reader and a Barnes Neighbour
In the 1960s, Prunella Scales, best known to many for her iconic television roles, was a neighbour in the south-west London community of Barnes. The letter fondly remembers her not just as a performer, but as a superb reader of poetry. Her skill was so remarkable that she was chosen to participate in a cherished 1977 BBC television production.
She joined forces with other esteemed actors Michael Hordern, Richard Pasco, and Janet Suzman for The Queen's Realm: A Prospect of England. This 'aerial anthology', presented by John Betjeman, featured readings of poems celebrating the English landscape. Betjeman, a masterful reader himself, held Scales in particularly high regard for her 'unactorish' rendering of Philip Larkin's work.
A Compassionate Friend in Times of Need
The letter also unveils a touching chapter of personal devotion. When John Betjeman later suffered a stroke that left him incapacitated and unable to speak, Prunella Scales demonstrated extraordinary kindness. She made regular visits to his bedside to read aloud to him.
This act of quiet generosity went far beyond the professional world, highlighting the character of a warm-hearted and generous woman. It was a final, personal connection to the world of poetry she so beautifully interpreted.
Remembering a Multifaceted Talent
While the public knew Prunella Scales for her comedy and drama, this tribute firmly establishes her legacy within the literary and poetic sphere. Her ability to connect with verse on a profound level, praised by one of the greatest poets of the age, and her subsequent loyalty to a friend in need, paint a complete and admirable picture of the artist.
This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the often-hidden depths of public figures and the lasting impact of simple, human kindness.
