Sally Phillips

Sally Phillips is an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer and comedian, who co-created the groundbreaking sketch show Smack the Pony and became a household name through roles in 'Miranda', 'I'm Alan Partridge', and as Shazzer in the 'Bridget Jones' films. Beyond her extensive screen work, Sally is co-founder of Captain Dolly Productions and a passionate advocate for Down syndrome awareness, bringing authenticity and heart to conversations around inclusivity and representation.

Making audiences laugh while making them think is a rare skill in comedy, but it's one that Sally Phillips has mastered throughout her decades-long career. As an award-winning actor, writer, and producer, Sally is instantly recognisable for her roles in some of Britain's most beloved comedies, from playing the unforgettable Shazzer in the Bridget Jones films to co-creating and starring in the groundbreaking sketch show Smack the Pony. Listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, she brings intelligence, warmth, and razor-sharp wit to every project, whether on screen, on stage, or behind the camera. Her ability to blend humour with humanity has made her a household name and a sought-after presence at corporate events, awards ceremonies, and speaking engagements where authenticity and entertainment matter equally.

Sally's credentials span writing, performing, and producing across television, film, and radio. She co-created Smack the Pony, the influential female-led sketch show that won two international Emmys and changed the landscape for women in comedy during its run from 1998 to 2002. Her screen work includes memorable roles in I'm Alan Partridge, Miranda, Veep, and most recently Channel 4's Big Mood and BBC's We Might Regret This. On film, she has appeared in all four Bridget Jones instalments, with the latest, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, released in 2025. Her upcoming projects include Virginia Woolf's Night and Day, where she plays Joan Denham, demonstrating her continued range and relevance in both comedy and drama. As a writer, Sally penned The Decoy Bride and continues to develop new work through Captain Dolly, the production company she co-founded in 2020 with Ronni Ancona and producer Nick Hamson. She is also a regular on QI, a curator for BBC Radio 4's Museum of Curiosity, and has delighted audiences with her appearance on Taskmaster. A First Class graduate in Italian from Oxford, Sally honed her craft performing at nine consecutive Edinburgh Fringe festivals, building the foundation for a career defined by originality and fearless creativity.

Sally brings more than laughter to her audiences. She offers perspective, purpose, and the courage to challenge assumptions. As a mother to three neurodivergent children, including her son Olly who has Down syndrome and autism, she created the acclaimed documentary A World Without Down's Syndrome?, which sparked vital conversations about ethics, inclusion, and the value of every life. Her advocacy work continues to shift perceptions and inspire organisations to think differently about diversity and representation. Whether hosting awards, delivering keynote speeches, or engaging audiences in conversation, Sally combines comic timing with genuine insight, leaving people entertained, energised, and equipped with ideas they can apply long after the event ends. Her warmth, intelligence, and ability to connect on a human level make her the perfect choice for events that value substance as much as style.