Jessica Martin is a versatile English actress, singer, and illustrator whose career spans several decades and showcases her remarkable talent in various artistic fields. She began her professional journey in 1983 as a resident singer at St James’s Hotel and Club, where her passion for performance flourished. Martin quickly made a name for herself on the fringe circuit as an impressionist, gaining recognition for her captivating impressions of celebrities, which led to her becoming a regular voice cast member on the satirical puppet show Spitting Image. Her work on television included notable roles in Copy Cats and collaborations with Bobby Davro, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in British entertainment.
On stage, Martin has delivered outstanding performances in leading musical roles, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic presence. She starred in the West End production of Me and My Girl for two years and went on to portray iconic characters such as Mabel in Mack and Mabel, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Her portrayal of the werewolf Mags in the 1988 Doctor Who serial The Greatest Show in the Galaxy showcased her versatility, and she later lent her voice to the Queen in the 2007 Doctor Who Christmas special, further demonstrating her range as a performer.
In addition to her acting career, Martin has made significant contributions to the world of graphic novels. After rediscovering her passion for sketching, she created her first comic, It Girl, which was well-received in the small-press comic community. Her graphic novel, Elsie Harris Picture Palace, was shortlisted for the Myriad First Graphic Novel Prize, and her memoir, Life Drawing: A Life Under Lights, published in 2019, offers an insightful look into her life as an artist.
Jessica Martin continues to inspire audiences with her multifaceted talents, serving as a patron of the Music Hall Guild of Great Britain and America. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to seamlessly transition between acting, singing, and illustrating make her a remarkable figure in the arts, and her contributions to both stage and graphic literature are celebrated by fans and peers alike.