Barbara Leigh-Hunt embarked on a theatrical journey, first training at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She then joined the esteemed Old Vic Company in London, where she honed her craft in provincial repertory theatres. Following her time in the West End, she returned to Bristol to take on the role of Rosemary in the production of 'A Severed Head', and later transferred with the play to the West End. Her subsequent appearances in 'Love's Labour's Lost' and 'Henry V' at the Bristol Old Vic solidified her reputation as a talented performer.
Leigh-Hunt's extensive touring career took her to Europe and Israel, where she continued to impress audiences with her versatility and range. She returned to Bristol once more for further productions, and then embarked on an American tour in 'Measure For Measure' and as Ophelia in 'Hamlet', opposite her husband Richard Pasco in the title role.
After her return to England, Leigh-Hunt enjoyed a significant success in the 1968 West End production of 'Mrs Mouse Are You Within'. This milestone was followed by numerous appearances at the Old Vic, the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Aldwych Theatre, and the National Theatre.
In addition to her impressive stage career, Leigh-Hunt has also made a lasting impact on television. Her debut came in 1956 with an episode of 'The Recording Angells', and she went on to appear in a wide range of series and mini-series, including 'Callan', 'Special Branch', 'Inspector Morse', 'Ruth Rendell Mysteries', 'Kavanagh QC', 'The Brontës of Haworth', 'A Perfect Hero', and 'Wives and Daughters'.
Leigh-Hunt's film debut came in 1972 with Alfred Hitchcock's 'Frenzy', followed by appearances in 'Henry VIII and His Six Wives' and 'The Nelson Affair'. Although her film appearances have been relatively few, she has continued to impress audiences with her talent and dedication, most recently in the critically acclaimed 'Billy Elliot' in 2000.
