Anna Maxwell-Martin

Both of her parents were scientists. Auditioned for a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1998, but did not get in. Specialised in the First World War at university. Added her grandfather's name, Maxwell, to her surname to distinguish herself from someone else with the same name when she joined Equity, the trade union for actors. Appeared in the original 2003 production of His Dark Materials, opposite Timothy Dalton and Dominic Copper, at the National Theatre in London. Starred in the 2006 West End production of Cabaret as Sally Bowles. Played Regan, opposite Simon Russell Beale, in the Sam Mendes-directed 2014 production of King Lear.