24th November 1912 – 24th May 1992
Fact File
She was a well-liked British television and stage performer. Throughout numerous seasons at Stratford Upon Avon, she performed in the the roles of Goneril in King Lear, Constance in King John, and Queen Margaret in Richard III. Throughout the Second World War she trained in repertory and toured North Africa and Italy performing for the troops.
In 1948 she wedded fellow actor Gregory Moseley.
She appeared in a single season at the Old Vic in 'The Mousetrap', and in 1981 finished her stage career in the production of "Anyone for Denis" at the Whitehall Theatre in London's West End.
She was famous for her portrayal of headmistress Doris Ewell in the LWT comedy series "Please Sir!" , a few years later playing Mrs Pugh Critchley in 'All Gas and Gaiters' (1970-71), additionally as a role in the brief sitcom 'Wild, Wild Women' (1969) and she is also fondly remembered as the partially and more important selectively deaf Mrs. Richards in the 1975 episode of "Fawlty Towers" called ‘Communication Problems.
In After Henry both on the radio (1985-88), and soon after television (1988–92), playing the domineering , mother ,Eleanor of Sarah (Prunella Scales), who lives her in a flat in Sarah's big house.
Her film roles were infrequent, but she is credited in 'The Great Muppet Caper', playing John Cleese's wife, and had a small part in' Prick Up Your Ears', the film biography based on the life of playwright Joe Orton.
Related Video
In the Thames Television comedy 'After Henry' as the over powering live-in mother Eleanor Prescott. This episode from 24th August 1992, and was her last TV appearance.
As the 'Hard of hearing', troublesome' Mrs Alice Richards, in this famous episode of the BBC comedy 'Fawlty Towers' entitled 'Communication Problems' from February 19th 1979.
From 1978,in Granada's children's TV show, 'The Ghosts of Motley Hall, this episode called Skeleton in the Cupboard (Part 2) she plays Alexandra Uproar, who is snobbish towards the other ghosts
Probably her best remembered role as school mistress, Doris Ewell, set in the fictional Fenn Street Secondary Modern School. From London Weekend Television, it was one of the most watch situation comedies of the early 1970s
Credits
