Elaine's CareerElaine Claxton started out as the class clown at school, but went on to study French at university. Later, she decided to do a one-year post-graduate course at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, but when she graduated in 1977, it was tough to get an Equity [Actors' Union] card, and even tougher to get a job without one. She tried her hand at different types of performance, like pub theatre and singing on stage, and worked on low-budget productions where, in addition to acting, she also had to sweep the stage. When she finally got her Equity card, she started doing more conventional theatre work before joining the BBC Radio Drama Company where she performed in many radio plays. She has become a familiar face on TV, appearing in series such as EastEnders, Doctors, and is best known for her roles in Wire in the Blood and Bad Girls. In Bristol Old Vic's Beasts and Beauties, Elaine's performance as the stepmother in 'The Juniper Tree' is truly memorable. She also plays the leather-clad biker North Wind in 'The Girl and the North Wind' and has supporting roles in the other tales. |  | |