# Anna Francolini

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Anna_Francolini
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Anna_Francolini.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Francolini
> Source revision: 1350208708
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

English actress (born 1973)

Anna Francolini Born (1973-10-30) 30 October 1973 (age 52) Chertsey, England Education University of Warwick (BA) Occupation Actress Years active 1994–present

**Anna Francolini** (born 30 October 1973) is an English actress.

## Early life

Francolini was born in [Chertsey](/source/Chertsey), [Surrey](/source/Surrey), attended [Bristol Grammar School](/source/Bristol_Grammar_School) and studied theatre at the [University of Warwick](/source/University_of_Warwick).[1] She also trained as a member of the [National Youth Theatre](/source/National_Youth_Theatre).

## Career

After appearances in *[Godspell](/source/Godspell)* and *[Oliver](/source/Oliver_(musical))* during the early part of her career, Francolini appeared in two acclaimed musical productions at the [Donmar Warehouse](/source/Donmar_Warehouse) – *[Company](/source/Company_(musical))* (1995) and *[Merrily We Roll Along](/source/Merrily_We_Roll_Along_(musical))* (2000),[2] both by [Stephen Sondheim](/source/Stephen_Sondheim). She also played the Baker's Wife in the [Royal Opera House](/source/Royal_Opera_House) production of Sondheim's *[Into the Woods](/source/Into_the_Woods)* in 2007. She won the 2009 [TMA Award](/source/TMA_Awards) for Best Performance in a Play with her portrayal of Jean Brodie in [Muriel Spark](/source/Muriel_Spark)'s *[The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie](/source/The_Prime_of_Miss_Jean_Brodie_(novel))*,[3] which was staged at the [Royal & Derngate](/source/Royal_%26_Derngate) in [Northampton](/source/Northampton). During the period from December 1997 to December 2004 Anna Francolini was a mainstay of London's tiny but influential [Bridewell Theatre](/source/Bridewell_Theatre) during the latter part of its decade as a professional venue. In December 1997 to January 1998 she played lead role Helen in the historic fully staged premiere of [Stephen Sondheim's](/source/Stephen_Sondheim's) *[Saturday Night](/source/Saturday_Night_(musical))*.[4] This was to be followed in 1999 by *[Floyd Collins](/source/Floyd_Collins)* and later on during 2000-1 Anna appeared in revue shows created from the work of [Jason Robert Brown](/source/Jason_Robert_Brown), [Adam Guettel](/source/Adam_Guettel) and [John La Chiusa](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_La_Chiusa&action=edit&redlink=1), one of which, *[The Cutting Edge](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Cutting_Edge_(musical)&action=edit&redlink=1)* transferred to the [Donmar Warehouse](/source/Donmar_Warehouse) in 2002. Further [Bridewell Theatre](/source/Bridewell_Theatre) work included *[There's Always A Woman](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=There%27s_Always_A_Woman_(musical)&action=edit&redlink=1)* (2002); *[The Ballard of Little Jo](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Ballard_of_Little_Jo_(musical)&action=edit&redlink=1)* (2003) and an appearance at the venue's *[10th Anniversary Farewell Concert](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=10th_Anniversary_Farewell_Concert&action=edit&redlink=1)* on 12 December 2004. Following the demise of the [Bridewell Theatre](/source/Bridewell_Theatre) as a professional venue, Anna's other appearances included *[Caroline, or Change](/source/Caroline%2C_or_Change)* at the [National Theatre](/source/Royal_National_Theatre) (2006),[5] *[Three Sisters on Hope Street](/source/Three_Sisters_on_Hope_Street)* at the [Liverpool Everyman](/source/Liverpool_Everyman) (2008) and *[Wolves at the Window](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wolves_at_the_Window&action=edit&redlink=1)* at the [Arcola Theatre](/source/Arcola_Theatre) during the same year, which gave her a New York debut at [59E59](/source/59E59) in 2009.[6]

In 2010, she played the role of [Maria Callas](/source/Maria_Callas) in [Martin Sherman](/source/Martin_Sherman_(dramatist))'s play *[Onassis](/source/Onassis_(play))* at the [Novello Theatre](/source/Novello_Theatre).[7] During the following year, Anna played the role of Beatrice in [Arthur Miller's](/source/Arthur_Miller's) *[A View from the Bridge](/source/A_View_from_the_Bridge)* at Manchester's [Royal Exchange](/source/Royal_Exchange%2C_Manchester),[8] a venue to which she was to return in 2014 as Enid in *[That Day We Sang](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=That_Day_We_Sang_(musical)&action=edit&redlink=1)*.[9] 2012 saw her take the lead role in *[Victor/Victoria](/source/Victor%2FVictoria_(musical))* at [Southwark Playhouse](/source/Southwark_Playhouse)[10] and in February 2015 she made an appearance in [Stephen Sondheim's](/source/Stephen_Sondheim's) *[Assassins](/source/Assassins_(musical))* at the [Menier Chocolate Factory](/source/Menier_Chocolate_Factory).[11] July 2015, she was part of the premiere cast of [Damon Albarn's](/source/Damon_Albarn) new musical [Wonder.land](/source/Wonder.land) at the [Manchester International Festival](/source/Manchester_International_Festival) which transferred to the [National Theatre](/source/Royal_National_Theatre) later during the same year.[12] 25 October 2015 saw Anna make an appearance in [Stephen Sondheim's](/source/Stephen_Sondheim's) 85th Birthday Tribute *[Hey Old Friends](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hey_Old_Friends&action=edit&redlink=1)*. In 2016 she appeared as a female Captain Hook at the [National Theatre](/source/Royal_National_Theatre) in *[Peter Pan](/source/Peter_Pan_(musical))*.[13] From March to October 2018 she appeared in *[Strictly Ballroom](/source/Strictly_Ballroom_(musical))* at the [Piccadilly Theatre](/source/Piccadilly_Theatre).[14] In April 2023 she appeared in *[Tom Fool](/source/Tom_Fool)* at [Richmond's Orange Tree Theatre](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richmond%27s_Orange_Tree_Theatre&action=edit&redlink=1) and in May-June 2024 she played Olivia in *[Twelfth Night](/source/Twelfth_Night)* at [Regent's Park Open Air Theatre](/source/Regent's_Park_Open_Air_Theatre). Her screen credits include the movies *[Topsy-Turvy](/source/Topsy-Turvy)* and *[Solo: A Star Wars Story](/source/Solo%3A_A_Star_Wars_Story)* and the TV series *[Rome](/source/Rome_(TV_series))*, *[New Tricks](/source/New_Tricks_(TV_series))* and *[Vera](/source/Vera_(TV_series))*.[15] In 2019, she voiced Gina on *[Thomas & Friends](/source/Thomas_%26_Friends)* in the US/UK versions.

## Filmography

### Film

Year Title Role Notes 2013 The Christmas Candle Mrs. Clem 2015 The Dark Room Karen Short film 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story Imperial Emigration Officer Her character was identified as "Falthina Sharest" in tie-ins 2019 The Kill Team Laura Briggman 2019 Thomas & Friends: Digs and Discoveries Gina (voice) UK & US versions 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Mandy

### Television

Year Title Role Notes 1996 Company Marta Television movie 2003 Jonathan Creek Coral Episode: "The Coonskin Cap" 2004 Holby City Zoe Clarke Episode: "Truth Will Out" 2004 Lie With Me Anna Television movie 2005–2007 Rome Clarissa 8 episodes 2009 Doctors Jo Reith Episode: "Playing Away" 2011 EastEnders Dr. Faye Morrison 2 episodes 2013 Holby City Helen Levy Episode: "Break" 2019–2020 Thomas & Friends Gina (voice) UK & US versions 2020 Homeland Dr. Foley Episode: "Deception Indicated" 2020 Roadkill HJ Keane 4 Episodes 2022 The Man Who Fell to Earth Ticket Agent 1 episode 2022 The Ipcress File Mrs. Dawson 6 episodes 2023 Sweet Sue 2023 Sex Education Gloria Recurring role 2023 The Diplomat Pippa 2 episodes 2024 Call The Midwife Gladys Bell 1 episode 2024 Criminal Record DI Viv Gearing Recurring role 2024 House of the Dragon Lady Mallister 2 episodes

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["20 Questions With...Anna Francolini, Whatonstage.com, 30th June 2003"](http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8821056721252/20+Questions+With...Anna+Francolini.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110615182019/http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8821056721252/20%2BQuestions%2BWith...Anna%2BFrancolini.html) 15 June 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["20 questions with ... Anna Francolini"](https://www.whatsonstage.com/off-west-end-theatre/news/20-questions-with-anna-francolini_6194.html). WhatsOnStage.com. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["TMA Theatre Awards hat trick for Royal & Derngate and Watermill Theatre"](https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/tma-theatre-awards-hat-trick-for-royal-amp-derngate-and-watermill-theatre/). *The Stage*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Saturday Night's all right for Sondheim"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160226083500/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4711386/Saturday-Nights-all-right-for-Sondheim.html). *The Daily Telegraph*. London. Archived from [the original](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4711386/Saturday-Nights-all-right-for-Sondheim.html) on 26 February 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Caroline, or Change"](https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/oct/20/theatre). *The Guardian*. 20 October 2006. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Wolves at the Window"](https://variety.com/2009/legit/reviews/wolves-at-the-window-1200477427/). *Variety*. 16 November 2009. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Brief Encounter With ... Onassis' Anna Francolini"](https://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/brief-encounter-with-onassis-anna-francolini_11498.html). WhatsOnStage.com. 3 October 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["A View From The Bridge review at Royal Exchange Manchester"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181222083530/https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2011/a-view-from-the-bridge-review-at-royal-exchange-manchester/). *The Stage*. Archived from [the original](https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2011/a-view-from-the-bridge-review-at-royal-exchange-manchester/) on 22 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["That Day We Sang, Manchester Royal Exchange, review"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/10520495/That-Day-We-Sang-Manchester-Royal-Exchange-review.html). *The Daily Telegraph*. London. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Victor Victoria, Southwark Playhouse, review"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9659097/Victor-Victoria-Southwark-Playhouse-review.html). *The Daily Telegraph*. London. 6 November 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Michael Xavier to replace Aaron Tveit in Menier's Assassins"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181221231914/https://www.thestage.co.uk/uncategorized/2015/michael-xavier-replace-aaron-tveit-meniers-assassins/). *The Stage*. Archived from [the original](https://www.thestage.co.uk/uncategorized/2015/michael-xavier-replace-aaron-tveit-meniers-assassins/) on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["wonder.land review – occasionally dazzling, often garbled"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/05/wonderland-review-occasionally-dazzling-often-garbled). *The Guardian*. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Peter Pan review – spirited exuberance with a touch of sadness"](https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/dec/04/peter-pan-review-olivier-national-theatre-london-sally-cookson-jm-barrie). *The Guardian*. 4 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Strictly Ballroom review: Will Young steals the show in delightful Baz Luhrmann adaptation"](https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/951712/Strictly-Ballroom-theatre-review-will-young-jonny-labey-zizi-strallen). *Express*. 29 April 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Anna Francolini"](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290693/). IMDb. Retrieved 21 December 2018.

## External links

- [Anna Francolini](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290693/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier)) m

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Anna Francolini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Francolini) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Francolini?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.