Josie Lawrence

Josie Lawrence is a world-renowned actress and comedian, best known for playing Manda Best in EastEnders. With over 30 years of professional industry experience behind her, Josie has become a leading authority in her field and has gained the opportunity to perform both live and on television throughout her illustrious career. Passionate to share her witty personality and remarkable professionalism with audiences globally, Josie is now appearing at a wide range of events as a comedian, events host, or keynote speaker. When looking to entertain and inspire your audience members, do not hesitate to hire Josie today!

Starting her professional career by making her acting debut in The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists at the Half Moon Theatre, Josie has since been part of a wide range of popular productions. From playing Katharine in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Taming of the Shrew to taking the lead role in Tom Stoppard's Hapgood at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, her industry knowledge and experience is unmatched. Recognising her passion for acting very quickly, Josie began guest starring on the Channel 4 improvisational comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? at its launch in 1988 and has continued to feature on the show ever since. 

In 2009, Josie was selected to play Manda Best, an old flame of Minty Peterson, in EastEnders. Soaring to fame after appearing on the show, she gained the opportunity to appear in popular shows such as Casualty, Doctors, Beat the Brain, Good Omens, and most recently Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. Admired for her versatility throughout her career, Josie has also taken to our radio stations for many years. In 2007, BBC Radio 4 aired the first series of The Lawrence Sweeny Mix and went on to release series two the next year. Other prominent roles have included starring in the comedy series Reluctant Persuaders, Just a Minute, and the radio adaptation of Good Omens for BBC Radio 4. 

An inspiration to audiences globally, Josie Lawrence is now highly sought-after to attend events internationally. In recognition of her illustrious career, Josie had been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Darlington College of Arts, an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of Wolverhampton, and a doctorate by Aston University for her ‘services to the entertainment industry’. When looking to hire a passionate entertainer to appear at your upcoming events, look no further than Josie Lawrence today!