Lesley
Manville

Actor

With a career that spans four decades and boasts notable roles in theatre, television and film productions, Lesley Manville is a multi-award winning stage and screen actress and has worked extensively with film director, Mike Leigh, having worked with him in Another YearVera DrakeAll or NothingTopsy-TurveySecrets and LiesHigh Hopes and Grown-Ups. In the midst of her busy career, Lesley also found time to be a mother. She and ex-husband, Gary Oldman, have a son who also has a highly successful career in film but, unlike his parents, behind the camera rather than in front of it.

Lesley’s career still continues to blossom. Last year she appeared on our cinema screens as a fairy in Disney’s Maleficent amongst an all-star cast, with Angelina Jolie playing the title role, and as the Queen in The Theory of Everything, James Marsh’s new film about Stephen Hawking. She also starred in Sky Atlantic’s television mini-series, Fleming, as Ian Fleming’s mother. She also starred in a critically acclaimed production of Ghosts at the Trafalgar Studios. Lesley won the award for Best Actress at The Olivier Awards for her role in Ghosts.

Some of her many awards include a nomination for Best Actress at the 2012 European Film Awards, a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress and the Virtuoso Awardat the Santa Barbara International Film Festival; all for Mike Leigh’s Another Year. Her theatre accolades include the Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for Ghosts and anOlivier Awardsnomination for Best Actress for Grief.

Lesley’s captivating performances, versatility and ability to improvise earned her a variety of roles. Her full, diverse and exciting career makes her a fascinating after dinner speaker and also an excellent awards host.