Haydn Gwynne

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Haydn Gwynne BIO

Haydn Gwynne is a British actress known for her versatile range on both stage and screen. Born on February 1, 1957, in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, Gwynne began her acting career in the 1980s after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Gwynne made her Broadway debut in 1992 in the musical "City of Angels," for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She later returned to Broadway in 2015 to star in "Threepenny Opera" as Mrs. Peachum, for which she received critical acclaim.
In addition to her success on Broadway, Gwynne has an extensive list of stage credits in the UK. She has performed at the National Theatre in London in productions such as "The Recruiting Officer," "The Crucible," and "Billy Elliot the Musical." She also starred in the West End productions of "The Audience" and "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown."
Gwynne's talent extends beyond the stage and into television and film. She is best known for her role as Lady Portia Featherington in the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton." Her portrayal of the manipulative and cunning Lady Featherington earned her critical acclaim and a legion of fans. Gwynne has also appeared in popular television series such as "Doctor Who," "Peak Practice," and "Black Mirror."
In film, Gwynne has appeared in a number of notable productions. She played the role of Mrs. Wilkinson in the film adaptation of "Billy Elliot," and starred alongside Hugh Grant in "Notting Hill." She also appeared in the 2019 film "The Elephant Man" as Princess Alexandra.
Gwynne's talent extends beyond acting as well. She has lent her voice to several audiobooks, including "The Girl on the Train" and "The Cuckoo's Calling." She also performed in the 2014 BBC Proms, singing songs from "My Fair Lady" and "West Side Story."
Gwynne's success in the entertainment industry has not gone unnoticed. In addition to her Tony Award nomination, she has been nominated for several Olivier Awards for her work on stage. She was also awarded the Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1986 for her performance in "The Way of the World."
Offstage, Gwynne is known for her charitable work. She is a patron of the charity Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional support to theatre workers in times of need. She is also a patron of the charity The Passage, which provides resources and support to homeless individuals in London.
In her personal life, Gwynne is married to Jason Morell, a theatre director and producer. The couple has two children together.

Haydn Gwynne Photos

Haydn Gwynne STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2023
Pam Lee [Replacement]

[West End]
2013
Margaret Thatcher

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Mrs. Wilkinson

[West End]
Original London Production, 2005
Mrs. Wilkinson

[West End]
London Production, 1993
Oolie/Donna


Haydn Gwynne Movies

[1986]Car Trouble Ticket Girl

[1991]The Pleasure Principle Judith

[1997]Remember Me? Jamie's Wife

[2006]These Foolish Things Aunt Ada Fitzgerald

[2011]Hunky Dory Miss Valentine

[2013]The Audience Margaret Thatcher

[2016]The Threepenny Opera: National Theatre Live Mrs. Celia Peachum

[2017]Beauty and the Beast Clothilde

[2018]Royal Shakespeare Company: Coriolanus Volumnia


Haydn Gwynne TV Shows

Drop the Dead Donkey Alex Pates

Merseybeat Supt. Susan Blake

Midsomer Murders Maggie Viviani, Jennifer Carter

Peak Practice Dr. Joanna Graham

Poirot Miss Battersby, Coco Courtenay

Rome Calpurnia

The Windsors Camilla

Haydn Gwynne Videos

Haydn Gwynne News


Haydn Gwynne Dies Aged 66

BroadwayWorld is very sad to report that actor Haydn Gwynne, who starred in Billy Elliot the Musical on stage, has died aged 66.

Clare Burt Replaces Haydn Gwynne in STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

Clare Burt will join the company of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre when the show begins performances on 21 September. Learn more about Clare and find out how to get tickets here!

First Performance of STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Delayed and Haydn Gwynne Withdraws

Due to 'sudden personal circumstances', Haydn Gwynne has been forced to withdraw from STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS. Due to this, the first preview has been delayed. Learn more here.

Video: First Look at Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, and More in a New Trailer For STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

An all new trailer has been released for Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, which will run at the Gielgud Theatre in London for 16 weeks only from 16 September 2023 – 6 January 2024. 

Photos: First Look at WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS at the Donmar Warehouse

All new production photos have been released from the upcoming new play by Jack Thorne, When Winston Went to War with the Wireless, directed by Katy Rudd. The production opens at the Donmar Warehouse tomorrow, 13 June and runs until 29 July.

Gavin Lee, Bradley Jaden, and More Join STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS at the Gielgud Theatre

Full casting has been announced for Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. Learn more about who is joining the cast here!

Which Broadway Shows Have Received the Most Tony Nominations Ever?

While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.

Full Cast Revealed For The World Premiere of Jack Thorne's WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS at Donmar Warehouse

With Noël Coward's Private Lives currently running until 27 May, Donmar Warehouse Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch have announced full casting for the world première of Jack Thorne's play When Winston Went to War with the Wireless. 

Gareth Valentine Brings TALES OF A MUSICAL DIRECTOR to Crazy Coqs

Gareth Valentine has announced a three night residency at Crazy Coqs Live at Zedel with special guests two time Olivier Award winners Joanna Riding, Janie Dee and BAFTA nominated, Tony Award and US Drama Desk winner Haydn Gwynne.

STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live Album

The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Review Roundup: THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF MUSICAL Opens at the Noël Coward Theatre

Read the reviews for The Great British Bake Off Musical at the Noël Coward Theatre.

Review: THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL, Noël Coward Theatre

The trend for stage adaptations of already popular material shows no sign of relenting, as a musical version of everyone’s favourite autumn comfort watching comes to the West End. It transfers following a successful run at the Cheltenham Everyman last summer, and stars Haydn Gwynne and John Owen-Jones as judges Pam Lee and Phil Hollinghurst (although we know who they’re really supposed to be). Welcome to The Great British Bake Off Musical!

STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Broadcast Date and Time Confirmed

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends will be broadcast on BBC Two on 31 December at 5.35pm and then available on the BBC iPlayer. Performances will include Bernadette Peters singing 'Losing My Mind' from Follies and Imelda Staunton singing 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' from Gypsy.

VIDEO: Watch Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, and More in SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Concert Trailer

Watch the trailer for the New Year's Eve BBC and iPlayer broadcast of the star-studded SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS concert starring Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, Michael Ball, and many more.

Full Cast Announced For THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF MUSICAL, Including Haydn Gwynne, Zoe Birkett, and More

Mark Goucher Productions has announced the full cast for The Great British Bake Off Musical for its transfer to London's West End, opening at the Noël Coward Theatre for a limited twelve-week run from 25 February to 13 May 2023.  

SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Concert Will be Broadcast on BBC This Holiday Season

The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will be broadcast on BBC this holiday season! Dates and times for the BBC Two broadcast and iPlayer release have yet to be announced.

VIDEO: Watch Highlights from OLD FRIENDS, Celebrating Stephen Sondheim!

An all-star cast came together in London's West End for a thrilling, joyous celebration of the extraordinary talents and legacy of composer & lyricist Stephen Sondheim at the theatre which was gloriously rebuilt and renamed in his honor. Watch video highlights now including performances of 'Being Alive,' 'Old Friends' and 'Our Time' below!

Photos: Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball, Judi Dench, and More Celebrate Sondheim in SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

An all-star cast came together last evening (Tuesday, May 3) in London’s West End for a thrilling, joyous celebration of the extraordinary talents and legacy of composer & lyricist Stephen Sondheim at the theatre which was gloriously rebuilt and renamed in his honor. View photos from the special concert.

VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Starring Michael Ball, Hannah Waddingham, Judi Dench & More

Cameron Mackintosh has invited Stephen Sondheim’s old friends to join him in celebrating his extraordinary talents and legacy at the Sondheim Theatre which was recently gloriously rebuilt in Sondheim’s honour and thanks the cast and company and everyone involved for agreeing to a special screening which will allow over 2,500 to see the performance.

Denzel Westley-Sanderson Wins The RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award 2021

The Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) and English Touring Theatre (ETT) have announced Denzel Westley-Sanderson as the winner of the 2021 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award and Nathan Crossan-Smith as the runner-up.

Haydn Gwynne FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Haydn Gwynne has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Haydn Gwynne has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

Haydn Gwynne's first West End show was City of Angels which opened in 1993

Haydn Gwynne has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for her performance in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown". She also received a nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for her role in "Billy Elliot". Additionally, she was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and received a Performance nomination at the Theatre World Awards, both for her work in "Billy Elliot the Musical". Gwynne's performance in "Billy Elliot" also earned her a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards. She was further recognized with a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards. Gwynne has also been nominated for Best Actress in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for her roles in "Billy Elliot" and "City Of Angels".

Haydn Gwynne has won several awards for her performances in the musical "Billy Elliot." She won the Best Featured Actress in a Musical award at the BroadwayWorld Awards, the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards, and the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards.

Haydn Gwynne's next show will be Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends which opens on 9/16/2023 on West End.

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