Peggy Bryan

Although her family did not have a theatrical background, she gained considerable amateur stage experience and eventually decided on an acting career.

She applied to the London Academy of Music and Drama and was awarded a six-month scholarship.

Bryan gained her first professional acting role on 16 December 1937 as the character of Puck in a scene from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal performance in aid of King George's Actors Pension Fund.

Bryan performed at Regent's Park, London in 1938, repeating the role of Puck and also playing Ariel in The Tempest.

West End roles soon followed in April Clouds and Glorious Morning in which she succeeded Jessica Tandy.