A POPULAR television actress will take to the stage on Easter Sunday to share her life experiences at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal.

Dame Eileen Atkins, best known for her role as Deborah Jenkyns in BBC series Cranford, will be in conversation with Richard Digby Day, world-renowned stage director and lecturer in theatre and dramatic art.

It is the last in a series of three events in aid of the Georgian Theatre’s appeal to raise more than £100,000 for the upkeep of the theatre, which also included appearances by fellow actors Geraldine McEwan and Edward Fox.

Ms Atkins has worked consistently in theatre, film and television since 1953. Film roles have included Gosford Park, from 2001 and Robin Hood, from 2010. She has just finished a run at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in her one-woman show on Ellen Terry, the 19th century Shakespearean actress.

Ms Atkins is also known for her writing talents in television with the Upstairs Downstairs series and The House of Elliot.

Her major acting awards include a BAFTA, an Emmy and three Oliviers. She was awarded a CBE in 1990 and a DBE in 2001.

The talk will start at 3.30pm on Sunday, April 20, and will be followed by tea and scones. Tickets cost from £10 to £25 and are available from the Box Office on 01748-825252 or at www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.