Frances Barber

Biography

Frances Barber (née Brookes, born 13 May 1958) is an English actress. She received Olivier Award nominations for her work in the plays Camille (1985), and Uncle Vanya (1997). Her film appearances include three collaborations with Gary Oldman in Prick Up Your Ears (1987), We Think the World of You (1988) and Dead Fish (2005); as well as Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987); Soft Top Hard Shoulder (1992); and latterly Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017). Barber's numerous television credits include The Street (2009), Doctor Who (2011), Silk (2012–2014), and Whitstable Pearl (2021–2022).

Known For

Doctor Who

as Madame Kovarian

Doctor Who

as Eye Patch Lady

Mr. Holmes

as Matinee "Madame Schirmer"

The IT Crowd

as Doctor Mendall

The IT Crowd

as Herself

Goal!

as Carol Harmison

Goal II: Living the Dream

as Carol Harmison

Agatha Christie's Poirot

as Lady Millicent

Agatha Christie's Poirot

as Merlina Rival

The Bookshop

as Jessie Welford