The actress has enjoyed an extraordinary career in showbiz since she first showed an interest in acting at the Liverpool Youth Theatre
Alison revealed opened up on her extraordinary career to friend and co-star Ruth Jones at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre
Alison revealed opened up on her extraordinary career to friend and co-star Ruth Jones at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre(Image: BBC/James Stack Photography)
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Alison Steadman has reflected on what it was like growing up in Liverpool and how she created a dazzling career in television after attending the Liverpool Youth Theatre. The 79-year-old has enjoyed an incredible career in showbiz which has spanned over five decades.
Some of the biggest names in comedy made their way to Liverpool for the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 this week. The event, which took place on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14, welcomed huge stars including comedian Lee Mack, actor and comedian Sir Michael Palin and Gavin and Stacey stars Ruth Jones, James Corden and Alison Steadman.
The Anfield-born star has been a glimmer of light on our TV screens, from her roles as Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Beverly in Abigail’s Party to the lovable Pam Shipman in Gavin and Stacey.
In a special in-conversation session, hosted by her co-star Ruth Jones, Alison reflected on her extraordinary career. She thanked her mentor at the Liverpool Youth Theatre and gave a special "thank you" to the city itself for being the stepping stone in pursuing her dream.
Alison and Ruth
The 79-year-old thanked Liverpool for kickstarting her career after attending the Youth Theatre(Image: BBC/James Stack Photography)
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Speaking about being back in Liverpool, Alison said: "I love Liverpool. I come back as often as I can. I haven't got much family here sadly, I've only got a cousin left. But I love the city."
The 79-year-old took the audience through every step of her dazzling career in showbiz. From starting off at Liverpool Youth Theatre to making it big in London after she landed a spot at drama school, Alison acted out moments of her life. The crowd was in stitches as she recreated some iconic scenes from Gavin and Stacey as well as her most recent role as Scouse nan Sue Jessop in BBC show Here We Go.
Alison spoke to Ruth about growing up in Anfield in the 1950s and her first steps into comedy. She said: "We got a television when I was seven years old for the Coronation (of Queen Elizabeth II). Of course that was very exciting in itself, but it opened up a whole world to me."
It was during this time when a young Alison started impersonating the stars she saw on screen. She told the audience she would perform as Hilda Baker in front of her mum and dad.
She said: "Suddenly you’re in Liverpool and that’s your home and you love it, but the TV opened up doors for me and I started to impersonate people like Hilda Baker a lot for my mum and dad."
Alison had two older sisters, who both left home when she was young. They lived in a "happy household", but Alison explained she felt lonely when her two siblings got married and moved out.
Being the only child in the house, she found her own way to entertain herself and this is where her love for comedy stemmed from.
She told the crowd at the Royal Court Theatre on Thursday evening: "I had two older sisters, 10 and 12 years older than me and we had a very happy household. Then suddenly, they both got married and I was left alone in the house and I felt really lonely. I think that did instigate me impersonating people and pretending to be people because I was comforting myself."
At 19 years old, Alison made the move to London to attend East 15 Acting School. During the conversation with Ruth, she took the opportunity to give thanks to her mentor at the Liverpool Youth Theatre.
The actress wouldn't be where she is today without the support of former Brookside legend Jim Wiggins. Jim was a teacher at the theatre, and gave Alison that final push to apply for drama school in London. Jim later starred as Paul Collins in Liverpool-based soap Brookside.
Actors Doreen Sloane and Jim Wiggins in character as Annabelle Collins and Paul Collins in television soap Brookside, circa 1984.
Actors Doreen Sloane and Jim Wiggins in character as Annabelle Collins and Paul Collins in television soap Brookside, circa 1984. (Image: Getty Images)
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Speaking about her big move to London, she said: "I was in Liverpool Youth Theatre up until that point. The Youth Theatre was great, they really helped me and encouraged me.
"There was a lovely guy called Jim Wiggins who was just brilliant. He was the one who said to me- 'You’ve got to go to drama school. I can’t bear the idea that in 20 or 30 years' time you’ll be stirring up a pan of stew and think - if only' and that really encouraged me."
Alison appeared to listen to Jim's wise words and made the decision to apply for drama school. She thanked Liverpool Council for giving her a grant in order to make the move down south to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
She said: "Thank you to Liverpool City Council, I got a grant to go to drama school because my parents didn't have money and I didn't have money. I got a full grant to go and I got paid assistance allowance as well. It was just absolutely wonderful."
Ruth joked as she added: "What an investment from Liverpool City Council as well."
She added: "I went to London on the train, and I got the tube to Essex. The whole environment was so different for me and it was quite scary, I was quite nervous and excited in equal amounts."
She explained her first role in theatre paid just £10 a week. But before she knew it, the girl from Liverpool was landing huge roles on the stage and screen, as well as on radio.
Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb as Pam and Mick in Gavin and Stacey
Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb as Pam and Mick in Gavin and Stacey(Image: BBC )
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Since then, she's remained at the forefront of television and has had back-to-back jobs over the last 50 years. Some of her biggest successes include her roles as Betty Simpson in Fat Friends, Beverly in Abigail's Party, Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and most recently, Sue Jessop in Here We Go.
Alison recently underwent a full circle moment when she was asked to do a Scouse accent for her role as the grandma in Here We Go. The sitcom follows the chaotic daily lives of the Jessop family, all shown through the lens of teenage son Sam’s video camera.
She told the crowd: "I was asked by Tom Basden who writes the series if I would be prepared to play Sue from Liverpool and I said I'd be delighted."
The actress reflected on her life as she turns 80 this year, but she isn't slowing down. She told the audience: "I don't want to retire, I probably want to work a bit less. I haven't got the energy to be up at 5am for months and it's quite exhausting but I do want to carry on."
As the conversation came to a close, Ruth Jones shared an emotional message to Alison. She told her co-star and good friend: "I have always been such an admirer of your work, as is everyone in this audience. You are absolutely iconic and an inspiration to younger actors."
She added: "I'm so delighted that you and I got to work together all those years ago on Fat Friends and it's been my absolute privilege to talk to you tonight."