Daughter of Howard, a builder and producer of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and Elsie (nee Short), an opera singer.
In show-business since the the age of 14, when she performed in chorus lines. She is said to have been a a descendant of Henry Condell, one of the managers of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the playing company of William Shakespeare.
Grandson is actor Daniel Fraser.
Trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.