An actor who has appeared in iconic shows on British TV including Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon has received an alumni award from Lancaster University.
Lucy Briers, who graduated from Lancaster University in 1988, most recently appeared as Lady Ceira Lannister in House of the Dragon on Sky.
The daughter of well known actors Richard Briers and Ann Davies, Lucy has also appeared in comedies Red Dwarf, Twenty Twelve and The Thick of It; crime dramas Endeavour, Midsomer Murders and Silent Witness; and drama including BBC’s Pride & Prejudice.
Her on-stage success includes work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and she won Equity’s Clarence Derwent Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ibsen’s Rosmersholm in 2019. Her recent credits include on stage as Virginia/Elizabeth 1st in Orlando at the Garrick Theatre.
Lucy studied Theatre and Sculpture Studies at Lancaster, where she was exposed to experimental theatre for the first time.
She said: “Lancaster’s drama department really did have a pioneering feel.”
After graduating with a degree in Independent Studies in 1988, Lucy won a place on a three-year course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Lucy feels an enormous debt of gratitude towards Lancaster University, without which she is convinced she would never have gained a place at drama school.
“As an actor, you have to have an inner core of steel because there is so much rejection in that industry," she said.
"I had a struggle during my time at Lancaster, but going through it taught me to be tough and to look at the flip side of things. There is an obvious way of doing something and then there is a more interesting way. That is an invaluable lesson, not only in how to approach a new role but also in how to approach life itself.”
One way she is helping young talent is by supporting a new playwriting prize for Lancaster Arts - an aspect of theatre which is close to her heart.
“New writing provides essential life blood into the theatre," she said.
"There’s something magical about being the first person to speak those lines. It’s a massive liberation.”
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
