Barbara Windsor

We are delighted to announce that Barbara Windsor will receive the 2012 BIFF Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contribution to cinema.

Born in the East End in 1937 Barbara Windsor is best known for her roles as Britain’s most famous landlady, Peggy Mitchell, in EastEnders, and as an archetypal 60s ‘dolly bird’ in the Carry On films. However her screen career also encompasses a BAFTA nominated lead role in Joan Littlewood’s Sparrers Can’t Sing (1963), which developed from the ground-breaking theatre workshops held at Littlewood’s Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Windsor came to prominence in their early stage productions, joining the company soon after drama school. She also received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1965 Broadway production of, Oh What a Lovely War!

From Gloria in The Rag Trade to a raunchy landlady in the bizarre Pet Shop Boys movie It Couldn't Happen Here, a Peggy Mitchell cameo in Dr Who and the voice of the Dormouse in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, Barbara's irrepressible personality and trademark volcanic laughter have ensured this little lady has long been one of the most recognisable faces - and voices - in the country.

The Festival will show three highlights from her early films including: Carry on Spying (dir. Gerald Thomas, 1964), and Crooks in Cloisters (dir. Jeremy Summers, 1964). Barbara will be in Bradford to take part in a Screen Talk (Friday 20 April 7.30pm), before a screening of Sparrers Can’t Sing.

Screentalk: Barbara Windsor

Friday 20 April
Pictureville
Barbara will be in Bradford to take part in a Screentalk before a screening of Sparrers Can’t Sing.
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Barbara Windsor Lifetime Achievement Award supported by: