Thorpe trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama.
She is known for her roles in the Channel 4 sitcoms Desmond's (1989–1994)[1] and Porkpie (1995–1996), and Sick Note (2017–2018) for Sky One.
[3] Thorpe's television appearances include Amanda in Gems (1986), Narrator in Pinny's House (1986), Friend in Murder Most Horrid (1991), Jane in The Upper Hand (1992), Mandy Mosgrove in Desmond's (1989–1994), Mandy Ambrose in Porkpie (1995–1996), Mother in How to Be a Little Sod (1995), Keeping Mum (1997), Barbara Robertson in The Jump (1998), Sarah Johnson in Casualty (1998), Personnel Officer in Wonderful You (1999), Inspector Shaw in Bad Girls (2002), Marcia Heyman in Holby City (2003), Marianne Wild in Doctors (2004), Sue Jenner in The Bill (2005), Receptionist in Rosemary & Thyme (2006), Mary in Robin Hood (2006) and Rupert Grint's mother, Claire Glass in two series of Sick Note (2017–18).
[4][5] Her film roles include Nina in One Life (2023), Aunt Melody (Back to Black 2024) Queen of Hearts (1989), Stationer in Crush (2001), and Andrea in Not Another Happy Ending (2013).
Emma in Way Upstream - Alan Ayckbourn at the New Vic Theatre, Stoke on Trent, (1989) Pauline in Golden Girls at Leeds Playhouse, (1985) Olive in Joking Apart - Alan Ayckbourn at The Mill at Sonning Theatre, (1994) Shutters Triple Bill at the Park Theatre, Finsbury Park, (2014) was a member of the 'Dogs on Holiday' comedy improvisation team at the Hurricane Club in London's West End for 10 years, who famously performed alongside Robin Williams, among others.