Imelda Staunton
Audra McDonald and More Lead National Theatre at Home's New Streaming Productions (Mar 3, 2026)
Cast Set For Matthew Warchus' PRIDE at the National Theatre (Jan 20, 2026)
Interview: Daphne Rubin-Vega on Her 'Profound' Shakespeare in the Park Debut in TWELFTH NIGHT (Nov 14, 2025)
BIO
Stanton, an accomplished stage and screen star, recently performed on stage in the West End in Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Follies. Prior to that, she delivered an Olivier Award-winning performance as Mama Rose in Gypsy. Amongst her many other theatre credits, notable performances include Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, for which she won an Olivier Award, Circle, Mirror, Transformation for the Royal Court and the role of Claire in Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance at The Almeida Theatre. In total, Staunton has been nominated for eleven Olivier Awards, winning four. On film Staunton is perhaps best known for playing the title role in Vera Drake, for which she received the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and for the role of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films.
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1986 ] Betsy Loveless
[ 1990 ] Louie
[ 1992 ] Bridget Bennet
[ 1992 ] Mary Anderson
[ 1993 ] Bridget Bennet
[ 1993 ] Margaret
[ 1994 ] Beth Greenwood
[ 1994 ] - Voice
[ 1994 ] Edna
[ 1995 ] Mrs. Burakov
[ 1995 ] Charlotte Palmer
[ 1995 ] - Voice
[ 1995 ] Ivy / Angorra - Voice
[ 1996 ] - Voice
[ 1996 ] Elspeth / Rowena - Voice
[ 1996 ] Maria
[ 1997 ] Lorna
[ 1997 ] Scruffy - Voice
[ 1998 ] Nurse
[ 2000 ] Bunty - Voice
[ 2000 ] Conchita Flynn
[ 2001 ] Ethel Graydon
[ 2001 ] Janine
[ 2003 ] Bridget
[ 2003 ] Lady Brown
[ 2003 ] Dr. Bridget
[ 2003 ] Sylvia Conlon
[ 2004 ] Vera
[ 2005 ] Mother
[ 2005 ] Mrs Blatherwick
[ 2006 ] Naomi
[ 2006 ] Barge Lady
[ 2007 ] Margaret Campbell
[ 2007 ] Dolores Umbridge
[ 2007 ] Hazel Nightingale
[ 2008 ] Mary
[ 2008 ] Mary Doonan
[ 2008 ] Rosemary Cassidy
[ 2009 ] Sonia Teichberg
[ 2010 ] Tall Flower Faces - Voice
[ 2010 ] Janet
[ 2010 ] Dolores Umbridge
[ 2011 ] Mrs Santa - Voice
[ 2011 ] Maud Hill
[ 2012 ] Alma Reville Hitchcock
[ 2012 ] Queen Victoria - Voice
[ 2013 ] Shrew - Voice
[ 2014 ] Knotgrass
[ 2014 ] Aunt Lucy - Voice
[ 2014 ] Hefina
[ 2014 ] Enid
[ 2015 ] Rose
[ 2017 ] Sandra Abbott
[ 2017 ] Sally Durant Plummer
[ 2017 ] Martha
[ 2017 ] Aunt Lucy - Voice
[ 2019 ] Maud Bagshaw
[ 2019 ] Knotgrass
[ 2020 ] Sister Claire
[ 2022 ] Maud Bagshaw
[ 2023 ] Bunty - Voice
[ 2024 ] Aunt Lucy
[ 2025 ] Isabel Platt
[ 2025 ]
TV Shows
[ 2025-0 ] Aunt Ada
Mary Price
Edith
Staff Nurse White
Polly Flinders
Stephanie, Jane Hartman
Cheryl Newman
The Producer
Jenny Beales
Muriel Spry
[ 1990-1993 ] Izzy
Susan
Storyteller
Councillor Johnson
Sarah
[ 1995-1998 ] Stella Phelps
Mrs. Micawber
Christine Cooper
[ 1998-2000 ] The Prioress
DCI Billie Dory
The Queen
Reverend Mary Truegood
Mrs. Sucksby
Mrs. Mead
Polly
Gwen Gregson
Nurse
Mother
[ 2008-2009 ] Ruby, Twiba
[ 2007-2009 ] Miss Pole
Janet
Interface
[ 2010-2011 ] Grace Andrews
Knotgrass
Karen Edwards
Irene Ruddock
Mary
[ 2020-2021 ] Penny Wootton
Queen Elizabeth II
Awards and Nominations
Imelda Staunton, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
Imelda Staunton , Follies
winner
Imelda StauntonGypsy
winner
Imelda StauntonGypsy
Imelda StauntonGood People
winner
Imelda StauntonSweeney Todd
Imelda StauntonEntertaining Mr Sloane
Imelda Staunton, Guys And Dolls
winner
Imelda Staunton, Into The Woods
Imelda StauntonUncle Vanya
Imelda StauntonThe Wizard Of Oz
winner
Imelda StauntonA Chorus Of Disapproval at the National
Imelda StauntonThe Beggar's Opera
Imelda StauntonThe Beggar's Opera
Videos
Video: Watch the Final Trailer For THE CROWN With Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II
by Michael Major - 2023-12-01 11:12:05
Video: Watch Imelda Staunton In THE CROWN Final Season Teaser; Two-Part Season Will Premiere This Year
by Michael Major - 2023-10-09 11:14:35
VIDEO: Watch Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, and More in SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Concert Trailer
by Blair Ingenthron - 2022-12-24 09:34:34
VIDEO: Netflix Debuts THE CROWN Season Five Trailer Starring Imelda Staunton
by Michael Major - 2022-10-20 10:10:29
VIDEO: Watch Highlights from OLD FRIENDS, Celebrating Stephen Sondheim!
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-05-04 09:16:27
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Starring Michael Ball, Hannah Waddingham, Judi Dench & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-04-27 12:13:54
VIDEO: THE CROWN's Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin Discuss How They Met, Other Roles They'd Like to Play, and More!
by Stephi Wild - 2020-11-22 19:14:23
Bebe Rexha Unveils Single for Disney's MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL
by Abigail Charpentier - 2019-09-20 10:43:49
VIDEO: Watch a Sneak Peek of the DOWNTON ABBEY Film in New Featurette
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-08-20 14:12:40
VIDEO: Angelina Jolie Returns in the Trailer for MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-05-14 09:47:25
VIDEO: The Crawley Family Returns in the DOWNTON ABBEY Film Teaser
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-12-14 12:33:33
Third Rail Brings National Theatre Live's FOLLIES and PETER PAN to the World Trade Center This Weekend!
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-12-12 23:08:05
VIDEO: First Look - Trailer for National Theatre's Live Broadcast of FOLLIES
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-10-04 11:19:07
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes with FOLLIES - What Is Sondheim's Classic Musical About?
by BWW News Desk - 2017-09-18 13:33:50
VIDEO: Imelda Staunton & More Get Ready for National Theatre's FOLLIES
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-07-14 09:30:49
STAGE TUBE: Imelda Staunton's Olivier-Nominated 'Rose's Turn' In GYPSY!
by Carrie Dunn - 2016-04-01 15:41:54
STAGE TUBE: GYPSY's Imelda Staunton On Her Best Actress In A Musical Olivier Nod!
by Carrie Dunn - 2016-03-01 16:33:41
News
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026
National Theatre has announced four productions will be available to stream on National Theatre at Home, the NT's pioneering theatre streaming platform, continuing to expand its world-class digital catalogue for audiences around the globe.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Full casting has been announced for Pride, a brand-new musical based on the award-winning film, reuniting director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and writer Stephen Beresford (The Last of the Haussmans).
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 14, 2025
Ahead of the PBS airing of Twelfth Night, we caught up with performer Daphne Rubin-Vega, who made her Shakespeare in the Park debut in the production, and spoke about her experience in the show, working with director Saheem Ali, and her relationship with the work of Shakespeare.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2025
Pentabus has named writer and performer Sid Sagar as the new 2025 Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus. Recruitment for the 2026 Writer in Residence continues.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025
A dependable haven for artists in isolation, Theater Resources Unlimited will present an upcoming town hall, Queery: Is Theater As Gay-Friendly As We Think?. Learn more and see how to attend.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 12, 2025
Since the early 1970s, Penelope Wilton has established herself as a major player on the British stage, and we are taking a look back at her expansive theatrical career, just in time for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2025
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham has confirmed the first casting for its 2025/26 pantomime spectacular, Robin Hood and His Merry Men, which will run from Friday 28 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 20, 2025
Antonia Thomas, Josh Dylan, and Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton will star in Agatha Christie’s Tommy & Tuppence a six-part contemporary adaptation of the Agatha Christie novels and short stories.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 15, 2025
Harris Center for The Arts will present entertainment legend Rita Rudner in September. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to the upcoming performance here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 29, 2025
Returning to Nottingham Playhouse after appearing as Piaf in 2021, Jenna will play Suzanne, a parent of children who attend the progressive Eureka Day School and a member of the parents' ‘Executive Committee'.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
A dependable haven for artists in isolation, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is celebrating its fifth year of non-stop weekly Community Gatherings. Up next is a Free Introduction to their Producer Development & Mentorship Program.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2025
Up In One Productions will present Gypsy, often considered the greatest American musical, live, onstage at The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Learn more!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 10, 2025
The Crown's Ed McVey and Eastenders alum and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith will star as Ripley and Marge respectively in the first ever UK tour of THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, opening at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 2, 2025
National Theatre Live has announced a landmark slate of theatre broadcasting to cinemas around the world led by a roster of award-winning talent. Learn more about the lineup here!
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 19, 2025
In “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” playwright George Bernard Shaw tells the provocative story of a former prostitute turned madam who struggles to find peace with her disapproving daughter and prove that working as a prostitute is not the result of questionable morals, but rather a profession chosen out of economic necessity.
by Aliya Al-Hassan - May 23, 2025
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Estranged from her wealthy mother, she delights in a glass of whisky, a good detective story, and is determined to carve herself a sparkling legal career in an age ruled by men. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune and paid for her daughter’s expensive education – but at what cost?
by Alexander Cohen - May 22, 2025
Imelda Staunton leads a blistering revival
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025
All new photos have been released for the major revival of Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession. The production is currently in previews at the Garrick Theatre and opens on 22 May.
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2025
The Olivier Awards 2025 were held on Sunday, April 6 at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. Watch videos of acceptance speeches from Imelda Staunton, Layton Williams, Christopher Wheeldon, Lesley Manville, and more!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2025
The Olivier Awards 2025 were held at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. We have the full list of winners here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Imelda Staunton has not appeared on Broadway.
Imelda Staunton has appeared on London's West End in 12 shows.
Imelda Staunton's first West End show was Guys and Dolls which opened in 1982
Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Best Actress In A Musical (Olivier Awards) for Follies, Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Gypsy, Best Musical Performance (Evening Standard Awards) for Gypsy, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Good People, Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Entertaining Mr Sloane, Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Guys And Dolls, Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Into The Woods, Actress of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Wizard Of Oz, Outstanding Performance of the Year in a Supporting Role (Olivier Awards) for A Chorus Of Disapproval at the National, Actress of the Year in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Beggar's Opera and Most Promising Newcomer of the Year in Theatre (Olivier Awards) for The Beggar's Opera.
Imelda Staunton has won several prestigious awards, including Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Gypsy, Best Musical Performance (Evening Standard Awards) for Gypsy, Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Into The Woods, and Outstanding Performance of the Year in a Supporting Role (Olivier Awards) for A Chorus of Disapproval at the National Theatre.
Videos