Celia Imrie receives honorary degree
Monday November 2 2009
Celia Imrie, received an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to theatre, film and television on Monday, 2 November.
Southampton Solent University awarded Celia, the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts during a ceremony at Southampton’s Guildhall.
Celia Imrie - one of the UK’s most accomplished actresses - has recently completed filming on St Trinians II - The Legend of Fritton’s Gold and the award winning BBC series, Cranford.
Celia’s many film credits include Bridget Jones’s Diary, Calendar Girls, Highlander, Hilary and Jackie, Nanny Mcphee and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
She came to prominence in the 1970s with TV appearances in Dinnerladies and Victoria Wood as Seen on TV, and has most recently starred as Diana in three series of the BBC’s After You've Gone and as Gloria Millington in three series of ITV’s Kingdom.
An accomplished stage actress, Celia recently appeared in the West End production of Plague Over England, as Dame Sybil Thorndike, and won an Olivier Award for her performance as Miss Babs in Trevor Nunn's West End musical version of the Victoria Wood sketch series Acorn Antiques.
Her performance in The National Theatre’s production of The Sea - alongside Dame Judi Dench and directed by Sam Mendes – earned her The Clarence Derwent Award, and her one woman play by Stewart Permutt, Unsuspecting Susan, received critical acclaim both in London and New York.
Celia is currently appearing on stage in the exciting new play Mixed Up North, written by Robin Soans and directed by Max Stafford Clark.
Nearly 2000 students are graduating with degrees and professional qualifications during 10 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall from 2-6 November.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040