Alison
Steadman
Actor
British actress Alison Steadman OBE is a firm favourite on film, television, stage and radio. Arguably best known for taking the lead role of Beverly in Abigail’s Party and eccentric Essex mum Pam Shipman in much-loved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, her roles have made her a national treasure, evidenced by her place on the 2000 New Year Honours List for Services to Drama.
Alison starred as Mrs Bennett in the hugely popular BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice alongside Colin Firth and Emilia Fox. She also joined Michael Gambon in mini-series The Singing Detective, later appearing on the big screen as Wendy in Mike Leigh’s Life is Sweet. More recently, Alison has appeared in sitcom Boomers, Inside No. 9, and family fantasy series Yonderland; as well as mystery dramas Lewis, Inspector George Gently and Midsomer Murders.
With a theatre career spanning over 30 years, Alison has become known for her quirky roles and dazzling stage work in the likes of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, for which she won an Olivier Award, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, and The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband. In film, she has portrayed main characters in The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, A Private Function, Clockwise, and Shirley Valentine, as well as 2016 feature film Dad’s Army.
Alison’s full and varied career makes her an excellent after dinner speaker and, with her versatility and experience on stage and screen, she would be a fantastic host to any awards ceremony.