Masters of the Bench

Full Title: Ms Frances Barber

Category: Honorary Bencher

Bench Call Date: 01-06-2026

Bio:

Frances is an Award-winning actress in Film, Theatre & TV with a career spanning over 40 years. Her extensive Theatre credits include seasons with the RSC & National Theatre playing major classical roles in Shakespeare, Chekov, Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Pinter and Tennesse Williams.

Frances has received Olivier Award nominations for Camille (RSC ) & Uncle Vanya (Noel Coward Theatre). She won a TMA Award for Uncle Vanya, Whatson Stage Award Best Actress for Closer To Heaven, Office Award for Musik, Written by Jonathan Harvey & Pet Shop Boys.

Frances has starred in numerous plays by contemporary writers, including Hanif Kureishi, Terry Johnson, Pam Gems, Patrick Marber, Andy Nyman & Jeremy Dyson., One of her major TV roles was in the series SILK, playing barrister Caroline Warwick for which she was nominated for A Silver Dagger Award.

Other TV credits include Love in A Cold Climate, Agatha Christie’s Poirot & Miss Marple, Dr Who, Psychobitches, BAFTA nominated Funland & Emmy nominated The Street.

Film credits include Sammy & Rosie Get Laid, Prick Up Your Ears, A Zed & 2 Noughts, Film Stars don’t die in Liverpool, Mr Holmes, Trick or Treat, Hamlet, King Lear and Musik. Frances won Best Actress at the Marbella International Film Festival for Trick or Treat.

Frances has Honorary Fellowships from the Universities of North Wales & Wolverhampton.