About
Born 1945 and raised in North of England (Lancashire and Yorkshire) but attended public school in Cambridge from age 13 to 18. BA (hons) in English and Fine Art Combined from University of Leeds (1967) Lectured in General Studies, English and Art at College of Further Education for eight years. Won first prize in two consecutive New Writer competitions for BBC (one Radio and one TV). Entered RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) as Acting Student on scholarship (1975). Left RADA as Ronson Award Winner (Most Promising Actor of Year)(1977). 1977-1980: Member of RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company). 1980-1990: mainly leading roles in major regional theatres with occasional minor TV appearances. 1990 onwards: mainly television and film appearances with some London theatre work (primarily letting loose as dame or villain in the famous Stratford Theatre Royal's traditional pantomimes).
Known for
Midsomer MurdersSeries • 1997
The CrownSeries • 2016
Silent WitnessSeries • 1996
Sherlock HolmesSeries • 1984
Peak PracticeSeries • 1993
The BillSeries • 1984
A Touch of FrostSeries • 1992
GraceSeries • 2021
The ProfessionalsSeries • 1977
Foyle's WarSeries • 2002
Inspector MorseSeries • 1987
Pie in the SkySeries • 1994
LovejoySeries • 1986
The Da Vinci CodeMovie • 2006
StrangersSeries • 1978
Murphy's LawSeries • 2001
Joking ApartSeries • 1993
The Worst Week of My LifeSeries • 2004
TraffikSeries • 1989
MessiahSeries • 2001
Oliver TwistSeries • 1999
The Lost WorldMovie • 2001
Doctor Who: The Next DoctorMovie • 2008
Paper MaskMovie • 1990