Imelda Staunton

Dame Imelda Staunton DBE is one of Britain's most accomplished actresses, with a career spanning theatre, film, and television over four decades. Born in London to Irish parents, she trained at RADA and has since become one of the most honoured performers in British theatrical history. On screen, Staunton is known for her BAFTA and Oscar-nominated performance in Vera Drake, her portrayal of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series (one of cinema's most memorably hateful villains), and most recently as Queen Elizabeth II in the final two seasons of The Crown. Her other film credits include Shakespeare in Love, Maleficent, Downton Abbey, and Amulet. On stage, Staunton has won four Olivier Awards — a record for any actress — for Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, and Hello, Dolly!. Her career in musical theatre is as distinguished as her work in straight drama, and she brings exceptional vocal ability to both. As an audiobook narrator, Staunton brings the precision, emotional depth, and character range of a consummate professional. Her voice is instantly recognisable — warm yet capable of steel — and her ability to shift between characters and emotional registers is honed by decades of live performance. She excels with literary fiction, period drama, and stories that require emotional complexity. Staunton was created Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2006 for services to drama. For listeners who appreciate narration from a performer at the absolute pinnacle of their craft, Dame Imelda Staunton's audiobook work is masterful.