Sister of Andy de la Tour

She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1984 (1983 season) for Best Actress in a Revival for "Moon for the Misbegotten, The".

She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1992 (1991 season) for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "When She Danced".

Had her scenes from 'Love Actually' (2003) cut from the final film, they feature in the DVD extras. She played the lesbian lover of the school Headmistress played by Anne Reid.

She was awarded the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Alan Bennett's "The History Boys" on Broadway in New York City.

Won a Tony award in 2006 for her role as Mrs. Lintott in "The History Boys."