Samantha Spiro

Samantha Spiro is an acclaimed English actress and singer whose career spans over three decades of celebrated work on stage and screen. A double Laurence Olivier Award winner, she is widely recognized for her transformative performances in musical theatre and her sharp comedic timing in some of Britain’s most beloved television series. She trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and rose to prominence with her definitive portrayal of Barbara Windsor, a role she has played to critical acclaim in both theatre and film.

On stage, Spiro has established herself as one of the most versatile leading ladies in the West End. She earned her first Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Merrily We Roll Along at the Donmar Warehouse, followed by a second win for her title performance in Hello, Dolly! at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park. Her theatrical range extends from Shakespearean roles, such as her recent lead in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (2024) and Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare's Globe (2025), to powerful dramatic turns in works like One Life (2023) and Chicken Soup with Barley.

Spiro’s screen career is equally distinguished, marked by her ability to blend humor with deep vulnerability. International audiences know her as Maureen Groff in the hit Netflix series Sex Education and Melessa Tarly in Game of Thrones. Her recent projects include the Netflix thriller Missing You (2025) and a voice role in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated The Chronicles of Narnia (2026). Whether appearing in iconic sitcoms like Grandma’s House—for which she won a British Comedy Award—or major feature films, Spiro remains one of the industry's most respected and enduring talents.

In March 2026, Samantha headlines a special children’s concert as part of the Chiswick Brass Festival. Taking the stage at St Paul’s Church, Grove Park, she serves as the narrator for Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic fairy tale, Peter and the Wolf. Performing alongside the acclaimed quintet Berkeley Brass, Samantha brings her signature storytelling flair to this classic work, helping to introduce young audiences to the distinct "voices" of the brass family. This performance is a cornerstone of the festival's second year, highlighting her commitment to engaging, accessible live performance.