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Tracy-Ann Oberman

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BIO

Tracy-Ann Oberman is an English actress, playwright and narrator. She is known for roles including Chrissie Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2004–2005) and Valerie Lewis or "Auntie Val" in the Channel 4 sitcom Friday Night Dinner (2011–2020).



Following training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Oberman spent four years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, before joining the National Theatre. Her theatrical experience includes appearing with Kenneth Branagh in David Mamet's Edmond (2003) and a run in the West End revival of Boeing-Boeing (2007–2008). She appeared in a production of Earthquakes in London in its 2011 run as Sarah Sullivan. Oberman has performed in more than 600 radio plays since the mid-1990s.

Oberman's TV credits have also included Doctor Who, Mistresses, Robin Hood, and Doctors. Before EastEnders, Oberman appeared in a variety of television programmes including Casualty (1997–1998), Kiss Me Kate (1998), and The Bill (2000), and carved out a comedic niche with leading roles in Bob Martin (2000–2001), Lenny Henry in Pieces (2000–2003), Big Train (2002), and Toast of London (2013–2015). She had a recurring role in the penultimate and last series of procedural comedy-drama New Tricks (2014–2015) as Fiona Kennedy, a forensic pathologist. Oberman appeared in Tracey Ullman's Show and Tracey Breaks the News from 2016 to 2018.

Oberman has contributed to several radio sketch shows and, in 2008, co-authored with Diane Samuels the play 3 Sisters on Hope Street. In 2010, she wrote and starred alongside Catherine Tate in her BBC Radio 4 play Bette and Joan and Baby Jane and in 2012 wrote the BBC Radio 4 play Rock and Doris and Elizabeth. In 2015 she wrote and starred in the third part of her Hollywood Trilogy for BBC Radio 4, Mrs. Robinson, I Presume, alongside John Simm and Kevin Bishop. Oberman was a regular columnist for The Guardian newspaper during 2007, for which she is still an occasional contributor. She was a regular contributor to The Jewish Chronicle (2009–2017) and also contributes to Red magazine.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2024
Shylock

[West End]
2023
Belinda Blair [Replacement]

[West End]
London Tenth Anniversary Celebration, 2018
Performer

[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Maxine [Replacement]

[West End]
West End Production, 2015
Isabella Blow

Productions

 
[West End, ]
Adaptation
Associate Director

Videos

News


AS LONG AS WE ARE BREATHING Comes to the Arcola Theatre in January

As Long As We Are Breathing combines physical theatre and music with audio and video to depict the extraordinary journey of Miriam Freedman who, after surviving the Holocaust, managed to find her way to forgiveness.
Interview: 'I've Always Hated the Play': Tracy-Ann Oberman on Antisemitism, Changing Attitudes and Adapting THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936

After a successful run at the Criterion Theatre earlier this year, The Merchant of Venice 1936, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s work by Brigid Larmour and Tracy-Ann Oberman, with Oberman starring as a female version of the Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Larmour and Oberman have moved the setting to London in the 1930s, when fascism was on the rise with Oswald Mosley and his Blackshirts, culminating in the Battle of Cable Street on 4 October 1936.
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Reveal New Shows For 2025

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres have announcd new productions for 2025, the first season by new Creative Director Nathan Powell. Learn more about the lineup here!
Tracy-Ann Oberman Will Join THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 in the West End

Tracy-Ann Oberman is joined by acclaimed actor Joseph Millson in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936, for its strictly limited West End season at the Trafalgar Theatre (28 December – 25 January) and subsequent UK tour in 2025. 
Marueen Lipman Will Lead New Play Reading at JW3

JW3 has announced Maureen Lipman for the exclusive first public play reading of Trudy Zeller Lives Here by Allan Leas and directed by Joe Harmston on Sunday 29 September 2024 at 7.30pm.
Further Performances Added For WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT at @sohoplace

Further performances announced for WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT by Nassim Soleimanpour. The award-winning international hit continues to captivate audiences with its unique theatrical experience.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman Will Return to the West End

Following a season at the Criterion Theatre and a sold-out UK tour, Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner), will return to the West End to reprise her starring role from as the first British actress to play Shylock in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936 from December this year.
Allie Esiri And Regents Park Open Air Theatre Present Shakespeare For EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR " LIVE!

On Monday 8th July Allie Esiri will be joined by a star-studded cast of award winning theatre and film actors including Paul Chahidi, Damian Lewis (Homeland), Derek Jacobi CBE, Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Stephen Mangan (Green Wing), Tracy Ann Oberman, Tony Robinson (Blackadder), Danny Sapani (Killing Eve, Black Panther), Samantha Spiro (Sex Education), Luke Thompson (Bridgerton), Indira Varma (Game of Thrones), Samuel West (Slow Horses), Olivia Williams (The Crown), and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes), for a hugely entertaining evening of Shakespeare based on Allie Esiri's bestselling poetry anthology: Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year. 
Damian Lewis, Luke Thompson & More to Join Shakespeare Poetry Readings at Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Former actress, bestselling author and poetry champion Allie Esiri and Regents Park Open Air Theatre will present Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live! Learn how to purchase tickets.
One-off Shakespeare Live Event Comes to Regent's Park Theatre in July

Former actress, bestselling author and poetry champion Allie Esiri and Regents Park Open Air Theatre present Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live!
Tracy-Ann Oberman, Samuel Barnett, Abigail Thorn, John Owen-Jones And More To Star In King's Head Theatre OUTINGS

The King's Head Theatre has announced the full lineup for its Pride fundraiser, OUTINGS, with performances on June 7, 9, 14, and 21.
Pride Month at the King's Head Theatre Includes OUTINGS and More

The King’s Head Theatre has announced the shows that will be playing at the theatre this June during Pride month 2024, both at the venue’s new purpose built 200-seat Main House, and the intimate and versatile 50-seat 4Below space.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Reveals Lineup of MOREoutdoor Events For 2024

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has revealed initial MOREoutdoor events showcasing drag, musical theatre and Shakespeare for Summer 2024. Learn more about the lineup here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 5, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 5, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Jewish Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman Asked Not To Leave London Theatre Due To Safety Concerns

Although security has been increased at London's Criterion Theatre, The Merchant of Venice star Tracy-Ann Oberman was still asked not to leave the venue following a performance due to pro-Palestine rallies, the actress has revealed.
London Theatre Week - See over 50 Award-Winning Musicals and Plays with Tickets from £15, £25 or £35

London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35
Dame Rosemary Squire And Sir Howard Panter Receive Freedom Of The City Of London

The City of London Corporation has announced that theatre entrepreneurs Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter have received the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of their contribution to theatre and the cultural life of London.
Now Onsale: The West End Transfer of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE-1936

Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936, direct from the RSC. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this “striking and impactful” (Guardian) new production that “makes theatre history” (The Telegraph), from acclaimed director Brigid Larmour.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936 Will Transfer to the West End

Following its critically acclaimed UK tour, The Merchant of Venice 1936 transfers to London’s West End for a limited season at the Criterion Theatre, from 15 February – 23 March.
Tracy-Ann Oberman's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Hires Security Due to Antisemitism

Security has had to be hired for a touring production of The Merchant of Venice due to fears of antisemitic attacks, Tracy-Ann Oberman has revealed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Tracy-Ann Oberman been in?

Tracy-Ann Oberman has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Tracy-Ann Oberman been in?

Tracy-Ann Oberman has appeared on London's West End in 6 shows.

What was Tracy-Ann Oberman's first West End show?

Tracy-Ann Oberman's first West End show was McQueen which opened in 2015

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