
Mary grew up in Zimbabwe and came to London to train. She has been acting in film, television and theatre since 1980, and teaching alongside her acting work for 10 years. Recent acting with the acclaimed film directors Mike Leigh and Joanna Hogg led to Mary teaching improvisation for film at several drama schools in London. Film work includes – Testament of Youth (James Kent), The Riot Club (Lone Scherfig), Paddington (Paul King), Woman in Black Angel of Death (Tom Harper) Exhibition (Joanna Hogg), Les Miserables (Tom Hooper), Suspension of Disbelief (Mike Figgis), Chatroom (Hideo Nakata), Unrelated (Joanna Hogg – Guardian & Evening Standard award for best first film, Independent Film Critic’s Award for best film), Topsy Turvy (Mike Leigh). TV work includes – War & Peace, Partners in Crime, The Casual Vacancy, Whitechapel, Holby City, Great Expectations, The Crimson Petal and the White, Canoe Man, Antiques Rogue Show, The Thieving Headmistress, George Orwell A Life in Pictures, The Rector’s Wife, Frank Stubbs, Lovejoy, Sorry! Theatre includes playing lead roles in Repertory Theatres all over UK. London work includes “Aunt Dan & Lemon” Royal Court, Olive Oyl in “Popeye” Arts Theatre, Maria in “Twelfth Night” for Regents Park, “Trilby & Svengali” for Shared Experience at Lyric Hammersmith, 2 years of work for Mike Alfreds at Sadlers Wells, and experimental improvised work with David Gale & David Glass Ensemble.

Alison
2026
Mrs. Whitley
2012
Julie Higgins
2020
Traffic Warden
1986
Cynthia
2017
Grace Whitting
2020
Master Gruber's Aunt
2014
Maria Bogdanovna
2016
Ensemble Factory Women
2012
Hannah
2011
Miss Carlyle
1999
Joan
1993
Monica the Librarian
2015
Psychiatrist
2010
Woman in Tube
2014
George's Mother
2014
Martha
2022
Aunt Kate
2004
Fergus's Wife
1994
Teacher
2003
Lady Whitby
2003
Verena
2008
Neighbour Guest
2013
Solicitor
2010
Maureen Stapley
2006
Eileen Blair
2003
Kyla Meeks (voice)
2012
Linda Moore
2024