Marjory Frobisher in To The Manor Born

Angela Thorne, who played Marjory Frobisher in the BBC sitcom To The Manor Born, has died aged 84.

The comedy – which attracted 17.8million viewers at its peak – ran from 1979 to 1981, with Frobisher the best friend of Penelope Keith’s posh lead character Audrey.

Thorne – who was born in Karachi in 1939, when India was under British rule – was also was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the stage comedy Anyone for Denis? opposite John Wells.

Her sons Rupert Penry-Jones – himself an actor – confirmed he news in a statement, saying he, his brother Laurie Penry-Jones and her four grandchildren ‘will all miss her very much’.

Thorne ’s other credits included the 1980s BBC One sitcom Three Up, Two Down, he animated 1989 film adaptation of The BFG, in which she played The Queen, and the 1989 drama series Elizabeth R, which starred the late Glenda Jackson.

In 2013, she played the unsuspecting Mrs Wilberforce in the West End adaptation of The Ladykillers alongside Ralf Little, Simon Day and John Gordon Sinclair.

To The Manor Born is currently screening on UKTV Play and Now TV.

Published: 20 Jun 2023