Formidable classical stage actress whose theatrical career began as a dancer and singer in pantomime, vaudeville, cabaret and musical revues.
Has written a number of novels including Cow and Cow Parsley (1985), Fishcakes at the Ritz (1989), The Seventh Sunrise (1994) and Fear and Favour (1996).
Her grandmother was music hall singer, Sarah Bonner.
Loves mythology and incorporates it into her novels.
The London-born actress grew up in England where she attended a convent school, before moving to Australia where her parents, Darcy Nigel Barry and Irene McCullen Cornwell, emigrated.