Clare Catford

Clare Catford retrained as an actor at 59, returning to the dream she first had in her twenties. Already holding a BA in Drama from Manchester University, alongside more than 30 years’ experience as a national and international radio and television host and journalist, she decided to start again.

Three years later, after training at RADA and City Lit, where she completed both the Acting Foundation and Acting Diploma, Clare is now playing lead roles on stage for the first time. She recently performed in We Love and Then We Drown by Ruth Gilligan, a production chosen to represent City Lit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2026.

Alongside acting, Clare works as a media coach and voice artist, with experience across film, television, video and theatre.

She also loves running, although she says she is regularly overtaken by small dogs and five-year-olds.

Clare has an MA in Mental Health and Pastoral Care, along with what she describes as “far too many qualifications”, prompting friends to nickname her “Clare Four Degrees Catford”.

Her podcast, So 60? So Still in the Room, reflects her belief that ageing is not something to apologise for, but something to embrace with humour, honesty and resilience.