Sonia "ran away" from her family in London to train at Bristol Old Vic Theatre Drama School as a teenager.  60 years later she was still teaching there and her last day before going into hospital was spent, as always very happily, teaching the next generation of BOVTS students.  Sadly Sonia passed away on November 12, 2013 after her struggle with breast cancer and then pancreatic cancer.  She died peacefully in her sleep.

In accordance with Sonia's wishes a scholarship fund will be set up in her memory at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School to assist students with financial hardship.  The family ask that in lieu of cards or flowers, donations are made either via this page or directly to BOVTS

Sonia enjoyed a 60+ year career in the theatre.  After graduating from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, as an actress she worked at the Bristol Old Vic; Birmingham Rep; Nottingham Playhouse; and spent two years as a member of The Royal Shakespeare Company. She was twice a member of the BBC Radio Rep. and appeared on Television in a variety of roles. 

Her work as a director began at the Mercury Theatre Colchester, where she ran the Studio Theatre, with an emphasis on contemporary and new writing. She continued to be excited by working with new writing. She has been awarded three Fringe Firsts at the Edinburgh Festival. She was awarded The Green Room Award in Sydney, Australia for “Gertrude Stein and a companion”. “Dickens Women” which she co-wrote and directed with Miriam Margolyes, received an Olivier nomination. 

Throughout her career she taught at many drama schools, including Guildhall, LAMDA and Drama Studio London.  She very much loved coming back to her "alma mater" Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she first started her career aged 16 years old. 

 

 

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