Samantha Bond to run acting master-class at Bath Spa University

The actress who has played Miss Moneypenny in four James Bond films is to give an acting masterclass to students in Bath.

Samantha Bond has accepted an invitation from Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts to take part in its masterclass series for up to 100 final year drama and dance students - reports This is Bath.

She will be guest speaker at a two-hour session in the University Theatre on Monday, talking about her acting career and how she progressed from training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School to stardom on stage and screen.

Her first appearance as the famous super-secretary came in GoldenEye in 1995. She followed it up by taking the part again in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day – all with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.

Ms Bond is a regular member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre and starred opposite Dame Judi Dench in David Hare's award-winning play Amy's View in London's West End.

She has also appeared in many TV series, including Emma, Mansfield Park, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Poirot, Midsomer Murders and Distant Shores. She starred in the BBC's recent hit sitcom Outnumbered as Auntie Angela and in the series NCS: Manhunt as Detective Sergeant Maureen Picasso .

Her visit to Bath Spa results from her long-standing friendship with drama lecturer and fellow actor Chris Jury, who played Eric Catchpole in more than 50 episodes of the popular BBC drama Lovejoy. Although they have never worked together, the pair and their families have known each other for more than 20 years, ever since they lived in neighbouring flats in London.

Mr Jury, who is joint organiser of Bath Spa's masterclass series, said: "I asked her if she would do it and she said yes – simple as that. I'm delighted for the students to have someone who is so prominent in the industry to pass on her experiences. The students are very excited about it."

The talk is one of more than 20 masterclasses at the university up to the end of March, featuring actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and other industry professionals.

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