Campbell, Judy – Grantham actress created a showbiz dynasty

Judy Campbell (1916 – 2004)

BORN in Welby Gardens, Grantham, film, stage and television actress Judy Campbell made her name as leading lady in many of Noel Coward’s West End plays, and as a film actress of the 1940s.

Her real name was Mary Gamble, but was always known as Judy and she took her father’s professional name. Both her parents had been on the stage; her father was also the author of several plays under his professional name of J.A. Campbell and owned The Picture House and Theatre Royal/Empire in town.

She was educated at St Michael’s Convent in East Grinstead, Surrey.

Judy was the first performer to sing Eric Maschwitz’s A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square – in the London revue New Faces in 1940.

She made her stage debut in 1935 at the Theatre Royal, Grantham, in The Last of Mrs Cheyney. After that she joined several repertory companies and made her West End debut in 1937. Her films include Green For Danger, Convoy and East of Piccadilly.

She was greatly admired by Noel Coward, who having heard her sing said: “I takes great talent to put over a number when you don’t have a voice.”

She toured with him in 1942-43 in Present Laughte, Blithe Spirit and This Happy Breed. They toured the UK and Europe in troop concerts.

Judy also appeared in her own ENSA shows with Leslie Henson, Vivien Leigh and Bea Lillie.

Her TV credits include Nanny, Casualty, The Upper Hand and the remake of The Forsyte Saga.

And in 2001, at the age of 85, she made her Broadway stage debut.

It was in the wake of the World Trade Centre disaster, at a rallying cabaret convention. She again sang Nightingale.

The New York Backstage review declared her to be ‘simply spectacular’ in awarding her the Best Moments accolade.

Judy said: “I had a wonderful time. I closed the first half and got a standing ovation. And at the interval so many people came up to me and shook my hand and thanked me for coming over to perform.

“It’s amazing I am still singing that song over 60 years after I first did it in London.

“I am a good trained actress, not a singer, yet I’m remembered for one song.”

Judy returned to her Grantham roots on many occasions, including one to officially name Campbell Close, and another to open GIFTS Hospice housed in her parents former home, Summer End, Barrowby Road. She also regularly visited old friends.

She also unveiled a plaque in memory of her father, who received one of the elite 100 British Cinema plaques. On that 1996 occasion Judy came with her actress/singer daughter Jane Birkin – who had a number one hit record with Serge Gainsbourg Je T’aime and starred in many films both in the UK and in France, including Blow Up.

She married Lt Commander David Birkin, DSC, RNVR but was widowed in 1991.

Her grandchildren include actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, actor Lou Doillon, the poet Anno Birkin, the artist David Birkin and the photographer Kate Barry.

Judy was also cousin to philosopher Bertram Russell.