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Siân Phillips

Birth Place: Bettws, Carmarthenshire, WALES

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BIO

Siân Phillips is a Welsh actress, singer, and author who has had a long and successful career in both theater and film. She was born on May 14, 1933, in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Wales, and began her acting career in the 1950s.

Phillips made her Broadway debut in 1965 in the original production of "Marat/Sade," for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She then went on to star in the 1973 revival of "A Little Night Music," playing the role of Desiree Armfeldt. Her performance earned her a second Tony nomination, this time for Best Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her work on Broadway, Phillips has also had a successful career on the West End. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Marlene Dietrich in the 1987 production of "Marlene," for which she won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She also starred in the 1997 production of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing the role of Madame de Rosemonde.

Phillips has also made numerous appearances on television and in film throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Livia in the BBC television series "I, Claudius," which aired in 1976. Her performance in the series earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. She has also appeared in films such as "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1969), "Dune" (1984), and "The Age of Innocence" (1993).

In addition to her work in acting, Phillips is also a successful singer. She has released several albums throughout her career, including "The Age of Diva" (2000) and "The Essential Siân Phillips" (2007). She has also written several books, including her autobiography "Private Faces" (1999) and a novel titled "A Proper Woman" (2004).

Most recently, Phillips appeared in the 2019 production of "The Night of the Iguana" at the Noel Coward Theatre in London's West End. She played the role of Maxine Faulk in the production, which received critical acclaim.

Siân Phillips is a true icon of the stage and screen, with a career spanning over six decades. Her talent and versatility have made her a beloved figure in the world of theater, and her contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2008
Madame de Rosemonde

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1999
Marlene Dietrich

[West End]
Original London Production, 1997
Performer

[West End]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1995
Madame Armfeldt

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1994
Sybil Birling [Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1985
Aunt Alicia

[West End]
Original London Production, 1984
Mrs. Chichester

[London Fringe]
London Revival, 1980
Vera


Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2013 - Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Sian PhillipsCabaret

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Sian Phillips, Les Liaisons Dangereuses


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Sian Phillips, Marlene Marlene

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Sian Phillips, Marlene

Olivier Awards - 1980 - Actress of the Year in a Musical

Sian Phillips, Pal Joey

News


Judi Dench and Siân Phillips Named First Female Members of the Garrick Club
by Stephi Wild - Jul 2, 2024

Judi Dench and Siân Phillips have been named as the first women members of the Garrick Club,. This comes after the private members’ club voted in May to admit women for the first time since it was founded in 1831.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Cast Recording Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Bernadette Peters- Out This Week
by Stephi Wild - Dec 6, 2023

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends: A Celebration (Live at the Sondheim Theatre) will be available as a 2-disc CD set and digital and streaming formats on Friday, December 8.
Sian Phillips Will Lead Beckett Double Bill FOOTFALLS & ROCKABY at Jermyn Street Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 13, 2021

This November, Jermyn Street Theatre continues its association with the work of Samuel Beckett with the 45th anniversary staging of his play Footfalls and the 40th of Rockaby.
Watford Palace Theatre Announces Full Cast For Patrick Hamilton's GASLIGHT
by Stephi Wild - Sep 6, 2019

Watford Palace Theatre today announce full cast for Patrick Hamilton's classic psychological thriller, Gaslight. Richard Beecham directs Hannah Hutch (Nancy), Sandra James-Young (Elizabeth), Jasmine Jones (Jack Manningham), Tricia Kelly (Inspector Rough) and Sally Tatum (Bella Manningham). The production opens on 7 October with previews from 2 October and runs until 26 October.
Photo Flash: First Look at Theatre Royal Bath's DRIVING MISS DAISY
by Julie Musbach - Sep 11, 2017

Theatre Royal Bath Productions today releases production images for Alfred Uhry's Driving Miss Daisy, directed by Richard Beecham. The play stars Dame Sian Phillips and Derek Griffiths with Teddy Kempner.  Following previews at Theatre Royal Bath from 6 to 9 September, Driving Miss Daisy is now on UK tour with press night on Tuesday 12 September at Richmond Theatre.
Photo Flash: A Handbag? Wyvern Theatre's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Star Sian Phillips Visits Swindon Designer Outlet
by BWW News Desk - Oct 28, 2015

Ahead of opening night for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at the Wyvern Theatre, multi award winning actress Sian Phillips CBE (I Claudius, Dune, The Age of Innocence) reimagined one of the play's most famous lines at the Swindon Designer Outlet. Scroll down for photos!
BWW Reviews: Shakespeare Theatre Goes Wilde as it Learns THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
by G. Blaise Hoeler - Jan 31, 2014

Seeing plays such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde reminds modern theater audiences that they can experience excellent drama even when the play is full of silly words and sillier characters. In fact, many plays, both past and present, use humor in order to communicate a possibly greater, deeper meaning than the dramas of lovelorn romantics and war-torn monarchs can graze.
Sian Phillips Leads Lovesong Plays Lyric Hammersmith
by BWW News Desk - Jan 11, 2012

Internationally renowned theatre company Frantic Assembly will present Lovesong, a brand new play by award-winning writer Abi Morgan (The Hour, BBC; Shame, Film4), in a newly extended run at the Lyric Hammersmith following the widespread acclaim of its recent national tour.
Sian Phillips Leads Lovesong Plays Lyric Hammersmith
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 14, 2011

Internationally renowned theatre company Frantic Assembly will present Lovesong, a brand new play by award-winning writer Abi Morgan (The Hour, BBC; Shame, Film4), in a newly extended run at the Lyric Hammersmith following the widespread acclaim of its recent national tour.
Sian Phillips Leads Cast of Abi Morgan's LOVESONG for Frantic Assembly Tour
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 18, 2011

Frantic Assembly today announced the full cast for their touring production of Abi Morgan's new play LOVESONG.
CALENDAR GIRLS Announces Atkinson, Baker, Brown & More In New Cast Beginning 7/28
by BWW News Desk - Jul 28, 2009

The smash-hit show continues with its new 'Calendar Girls' - from 28th July it's now starring Gemma Atkinson, Jill Baker, June Brown (aka Dot Cotton), Sara Crowe, Anita Dobson, Jill Halfpenny, Jerry Hall and Jack Ryder.
CALENDAR GIRLS Announces Atkinson, Baker, Brown & More In New Cast Beginning 7/28
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jul 20, 2009

The smash-hit show continues with its new 'Calendar Girls' - from 28th July it's now starring Gemma Atkinson, Jill Baker, June Brown (aka Dot Cotton), Sara Crowe, Anita Dobson, Jill Halfpenny, Jerry Hall and Jack Ryder.
Photo Coverage: 'LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES' After Party
by Walter McBride - May 2, 2008

Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway production of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' starring Laura Linney and Ben Daniels opened last night at the American Airlines Theatre.
Photo Coverage: 'LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES' Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - May 2, 2008

Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway production of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' starring Laura Linney and Ben Daniels opened last night at the American Airlines Theatre.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Siân Phillips been in?

Siân Phillips has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Siân Phillips been in?

Siân Phillips has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

What was Siân Phillips's first West End show?

Siân Phillips's first West End show was Peg which opened in 1984

What awards has Siân Phillips been nominated for?

Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marlene Marlene, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marlene and Actress of the Year in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Pal Joey.

What awards has Siân Phillips won?

Siân Phillips has won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in Marlene.

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