**Helen Lederer Declares Retirement Is Not On Her Agenda As She Embraces New Theatrical Role**
Veteran comedian and actress Helen Lederer has made it abundantly clear that the concept of retirement simply does not register with her. At the age of 70, Lederer—well remembered for her distinctive roles on British television—remains energetically committed to her craft, recently joining the illustrious cast of *Fawlty Towers – The Play* in London’s West End.
In a candid interview with the *Metro* newspaper, Lederer admitted, “I don’t know what that means,” when asked about retiring. Her perspective is shaped by the ongoing passion and vitality she sees in her peers, particularly citing her co-star Paul Nicholas, who she notes is slightly older and still radiates enthusiasm on stage. “If you’ve got it in the brain, and in the body, then you just do it,” Lederer explained, suggesting that for her, age is no barrier to performance.
Taking on the role of Mrs Richards—the notoriously demanding hotel guest in the stage adaptation of John Cleese’s classic sitcom—Lederer has found fresh excitement in treading new theatrical ground. She described the experience as “liberating”, noting the contrast between her character’s grumpy demeanour and her own history of striving to please in a competitive industry. “It’s actually liberating to be such a cow,” she said, reflecting on the freedom and fun inherent in playing a character so different from herself.
Despite her longstanding presence in British comedy, Lederer has openly discussed her frustrations over not having landed her own sitcom. This disappointment, she revealed, played a significant role in shaping her recently published memoir, *Not That I’m Bitter*. “I put everything in because I’m that kind of person. The book is a window into how I navigated that world and my own family history,” she shared. To Lederer, the humour in her story comes from its honesty, remarking that simply recounting successes does not connect in the same way as exploring life’s setbacks and complexities.
While John Cleese has at times been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the direction of British comedy, Lederer takes a notably more positive stance. She commented, “I think new comedy is very exciting and I embrace how comedy moves and reflects the society we’re in now. I’m not a person who despairs.” This optimism reflects her belief in the ever-evolving nature of the comedic arts and the importance of embracing change.
Reflecting on the enduring appeal of *Fawlty Towers*, which first aired in the 1970s, Lederer suggested its themes are as resonant now as they were decades ago. “What’s fascinating about it now is that I don’t think it has aged and that’s so unique when you think about a piece of comedy. It’s about class and pretension, and all the stuff that still makes British people laugh – because we’re so class aware, even though we say we’re not,” she explained.
Earlier in the year, Lederer joined the BBC series *Pilgrimage*, where she formed bonds with The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and Harry Clark from *The Traitors*. Despite differing backgrounds and ages, she found unexpected camaraderie, underscoring the universal value of connection. “You can forget about age and background. The liberation of connecting with other people and finding things in common is irreplaceable,” she said.
As Lederer maintains her lively presence on stage and screen, her story serves as a reminder that enthusiasm for one’s passion need not diminish with age. Her spirited approach to both performance and life is a testament to the value of persistence and genuine connection in an unpredictable industry. For someone who claims not even to understand the notion of retirement, Helen Lederer appears ready for many more curtain calls ahead.