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Imelda Staunton

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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

STAGE CREDITS

Hello, Dolly! Hello, Dolly!
[West End]
2024
Hello, Dolly! Hello, Dolly!
[West End]
West End Revival, 2020
Dolly Gallagher Levi
Follies Follies
[West End]
National Theatre Premiere, 2017
Sally Durrant Plummer
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
[West End]
West End Revival, 2017
Martha [Replacement]
Gypsy Gypsy
[West End]
West End Revival Production, 2015
Mama Rose
Good People Good People
[West End]
West End Transfer, 2014
Margaret
Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd
[West End]
Chichester Festival Theatre Production, 2012
Mrs Lovett
Guys and Dolls
[West End]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1996
Miss Adelaide
Into the Woods
[West End]
London Production, 1990
Baker's Wife
Guys and Dolls
[West End]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1982
Mimi
The Beggar's Opera
[London Fringe]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1982
Performer

Movies

Comrades
[ 1986 ] Betsy Loveless
The Heat of the Day
[ 1990 ] Louie
A Masculine Ending
[ 1992 ] Bridget Bennet
Peter's Friends
[ 1992 ] Mary Anderson
Don't Leave Me This Way
[ 1993 ] Bridget Bennet
Much Ado About Nothing
[ 1993 ] Margaret
Deadly Advice
[ 1994 ] Beth Greenwood
Mole's Christmas
[ 1994 ] - Voice
Woodcock
[ 1994 ] Edna
Citizen X
[ 1995 ] Mrs. Burakov
Sense and Sensibility
[ 1995 ] Charlotte Palmer
The Adventures of Mole
[ 1995 ] - Voice
The Snow Queen
[ 1995 ] Ivy / Angorra - Voice
The Adventures of Toad
[ 1996 ] - Voice
The Snow Queen's Revenge
[ 1996 ] Elspeth / Rowena - Voice
Twelfth Night
[ 1996 ] Maria
Remember Me?
[ 1997 ] Lorna
The Ugly Duckling
[ 1997 ] Scruffy - Voice
Shakespeare in Love
[ 1998 ] Nurse
Chicken Run
[ 2000 ] Bunty - Voice
Rat
[ 2000 ] Conchita Flynn
Another Life
[ 2001 ] Ethel Graydon
Crush
[ 2001 ] Janine
Blackball
[ 2003 ] Bridget
Bright Young Things
[ 2003 ] Lady Brown
I'll Be There
[ 2003 ] Dr. Bridget
The Virgin of Liverpool
[ 2003 ] Sylvia Conlon
Vera Drake
[ 2004 ] Vera
My Family and Other Animals
[ 2005 ] Mother
Nanny McPhee
[ 2005 ] Mrs Blatherwick
Guilty Hearts
[ 2006 ] Naomi
The Wind in the Willows
[ 2006 ] Barge Lady
Freedom Writers
[ 2007 ] Margaret Campbell
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
[ 2007 ] Dolores Umbridge
How About You...
[ 2007 ] Hazel Nightingale
A Bunch of Amateurs
[ 2008 ] Mary
Clay
[ 2008 ] Mary Doonan
Three and Out
[ 2008 ] Rosemary Cassidy
Taking Woodstock
[ 2009 ] Sonia Teichberg
Alice in Wonderland
[ 2010 ] Tall Flower Faces - Voice
Another Year
[ 2010 ] Janet
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
[ 2010 ] Dolores Umbridge
Arthur Christmas
[ 2011 ] Mrs Santa - Voice
The Awakening
[ 2011 ] Maud Hill
The Girl
[ 2012 ] Alma Reville Hitchcock
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!
[ 2012 ] Queen Victoria - Voice
Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time
[ 2013 ] Shrew - Voice
Maleficent
[ 2014 ] Knotgrass
Paddington
[ 2014 ] Aunt Lucy - Voice
Pride
[ 2014 ] Hefina
That Day We Sang
[ 2014 ] Enid
Gypsy: Live from the Savoy Theatre
[ 2015 ] Rose
Finding Your Feet
[ 2017 ] Sandra Abbott
National Theatre Live: Follies
[ 2017 ] Sally Durant Plummer
National Theatre Live: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
[ 2017 ] Martha
Paddington 2
[ 2017 ] Aunt Lucy - Voice
Downton Abbey
[ 2019 ] Maud Bagshaw
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
[ 2019 ] Knotgrass
Amulet
[ 2020 ] Sister Claire
Downton Abbey: A New Era
[ 2022 ] Maud Bagshaw
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
[ 2023 ] Bunty - Voice
Paddington in Peru
[ 2024 ] Aunt Lucy

TV Shows

BBC2 Playhouse
Mary Price
Ladies in Charge
Edith
The Singing Detective
Staff Nurse White
Thompson
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries
Polly Flinders
Screenplay
Stephanie, Jane Hartman
The Play on One
Cheryl Newman
Screen Two
The Producer
Performance
Jenny Beales
If You See God, Tell Him
Muriel Spry
Up the Garden Path
[ 1990-1993 ] Izzy
Frank Stubbs
Susan
Jackanory
Storyteller
Look at the State We're in!
Councillor Johnson
Tales from the Crypt
Sarah
Is It Legal?
[ 1995-1998 ] Stella Phelps
David Copperfield
Mrs. Micawber
Midsomer Murders
Christine Cooper
The Canterbury Tales
[ 1998-2000 ] The Prioress
Murder
DCI Billie Dory
Cambridge Spies
The Queen
Strange
Reverend Mary Truegood
Fingersmith
Mrs. Sucksby
Little Britain
Mrs. Mead
ShakespeaRe-Told
Polly
Dogtown
Gwen Gregson
60/90
Nurse
Coming Up
Mother
Big and Small
[ 2008-2009 ] Ruby, Twiba
Cranford
[ 2007-2009 ] Miss Pole
Breakfast
Janet
Doctor Who
Interface
Psychoville
[ 2010-2011 ] Grace Andrews
Honest Trailers
Knotgrass
A Confession
Karen Edwards
Alan Bennett's Talking Heads 3
Irene Ruddock
Flesh and Blood
Mary
Trying
[ 2020-2021 ] Penny Wootton
The Crown
Queen Elizabeth II

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress

Imelda Staunton, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress In A Musical

Imelda Staunton , Follies


winner
Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Actress in a Musical

Imelda StauntonGypsy


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2015 - Best Musical Performance

Imelda StauntonGypsy

Olivier Awards - 2015 - Best Actress

Imelda StauntonGood People


winner
Olivier Awards - 2013 - Best Actress in a Musical

Imelda StauntonSweeney Todd

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actress

Imelda StauntonEntertaining Mr Sloane

Olivier Awards - 1997 - Best Actress in a Musical

Imelda Staunton, Guys And Dolls


winner
Olivier Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical

Imelda Staunton, Into The Woods

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Actress of the Year in a Revival

Imelda StauntonUncle Vanya

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical

Imelda StauntonThe Wizard Of Oz


winner
Olivier Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Performance of the Year in a Supporting Role

Imelda StauntonA Chorus Of Disapproval at the National

Olivier Awards - 1982 - Actress of the Year in a Musical

Imelda StauntonThe Beggar's Opera

Olivier Awards - 1982 - Most Promising Newcomer of the Year in Theatre

Imelda StauntonThe Beggar's Opera

Videos

More Videos

News


Videos: Imelda Staunton, Christopher Wheeldon, and More Accept 2025 Olivier Awards Photo
Videos: Imelda Staunton, Christopher Wheeldon, and More Accept 2025 Olivier Awards
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!
Olivier Awards 2025- All the Winners! Photo
Olivier Awards 2025- All the Winners!
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!
BroadwayWorld UK's Olivier Awards 2025 Predictions Photo
BroadwayWorld UK's Olivier Awards 2025 Predictions
by BWW UK Critics - Apr 4, 2025

Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. Leading the way this year is Tom Scutt's Fiddler on the Roof which matches Hamilton's record-breaking 13 nominations, represented in every acting and creative category.
PADDINGTON IN PERU to Debut on Digital Platforms Tomorrow Photo
PADDINGTON IN PERU to Debut on Digital Platforms Tomorrow
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 31, 2025

Paddington in Peru, the third installment of the fan-favorite franchise, will debut on digital platforms tomorrow, April 1, alongside new special features. The Blu-ray and DVD release will hit shelves on April 29th.
Photo: Take a Look at the First Poster for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE Photo
Photo: Take a Look at the First Poster for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2025

Focus Features has debuted the teaser poster for the third and final Downton Abbey film. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will be released in theaters globally on September 12, 2025.
Full Cast Set For Imelda Staunton-Led MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION Photo
Full Cast Set For Imelda Staunton-Led MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025

Full principal casting has been announced for the upcoming major revival of George Bernard Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession, directed by Dominic Cooke.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; F Photo
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Booking Open For Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter in MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION Photo
Booking Open For Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter in MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025

General booking is now open for the upcoming revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession starring Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter, directed by Dominic Cooke.
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Now On Sale At Island City Stage Photo
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Now On Sale At Island City Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2025

Tickets are selling fast for Island City Stage's milestone production of Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Delicate Balance. In response to popular demand, an additional show has been added on Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 10, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 10, 2025
by - Jan 10, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 10, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Imelda Staunton and Daughter Bessie Carter Will Lead MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION Photo
Imelda Staunton and Daughter Bessie Carter Will Lead MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2025

Mother and daughter Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter will appear onstage together for the first time as Mrs Kitty Warren and Vivie Warren in a new production of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession.
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024 Photo
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2025

44 Broadway shows opened in 2024, and while not all of them were loved by the critics, there were plenty of standouts all year long. We're breaking down the best Broadway shows of 2024 by month.
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her Photo
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2024

Gypsy is back on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Mama Rose. BroadwayWorld is looking back on some of the performers who have taken on the musical's lead role, from Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and more.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Announced At Island City Stage Photo
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Announced At Island City Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

Family secrets, friendship and loyalties drive the heart of Island City Stage's milestone production of Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Delicate Balance, running January 16 – February 9.
Review Roundup: GYPSY On Broadway Starring Audra McDonald Photo
Review Roundup: GYPSY On Broadway Starring Audra McDonald
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

Curtain up! Light the lights! Six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald takes on the role of a lifetime, playing 'Mama' Rose Hovick in the classic musical, Gypsy, is now running on Broadway at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Read the reviews!
Critics' Choice: Aliya Al-Hassan's Women of the Year 2024 Photo
Critics' Choice: Aliya Al-Hassan's Women of the Year 2024
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 19, 2024

Who run the world? Well in 2024, the women certainly showed what they could do.
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards; BURLESQUE Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favourite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Critics' Choice: Cheryl Markosky's Best Shows of 2024 Photo
Critics' Choice: Cheryl Markosky's Best Shows of 2024
by Cheryl Markosky - Dec 12, 2024

Grand dame Sian Phillips stealing the show, Adam Cooper giving an unexpected twirl and smaller theatre spaces punching above their weight. These are some of BroadwayWorld reviewer Cheryl Markosky's favourite theatre moments of 2024.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Imelda Staunton been in?

Imelda Staunton has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Imelda Staunton been in?

Imelda Staunton has appeared on London's West End in 10 shows.

What was Imelda Staunton's first West End show?

Imelda Staunton's first West End show was Guys and Dolls which opened in 1982

What awards has Imelda Staunton been nominated for?

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.

What awards has Imelda Staunton won?

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.

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