It was a pleasure and privilege to catch up with writer, performer and alumna, Lorna Watson, who took time from her busy schedule to share her memories of The Tiffin Girls' School, her inspirations, and her acting career.

Lorna has just wrapped up filming the fourth series of Sister Boniface for Britbox and UKDrama earlier this year, and her journey from school plays to prime-time television is certainly inspiring.

Fond Memories of Tiffin Girls’

Lorna speaks warmly of her school days. “I had such a lovely time and have very fond memories,” she says noting how much laughter marked her time at Tiffin. “We worked incredibly hard, but we had so much laughter too. Some of my closest friends today are the ones I made at school.”

Her connection to the school remains strong; she has visited several times, including returning with comedy partner Ingrid Oliver to speak at a Celebration Evening for students. Most recently, she attended the TOGA reunion in June after which she met up with her form teacher and French teacher, Janice Kent, who went to meet her on the set while she was filming last summer. “It was great. We chatted for about 5 hours non-stop! I think we had a sandwich to eat – but I don’t think I even took a mouthful!”

Comedy Beginnings with Ingrid Oliver

One of Lorna’s enduring school friendships is with Ingrid Oliver, her co-creator and co-star of the 2012 TV sketch series Watson & Oliver. Ingrid joined Tiffin Girls’ in Year 9 from the German School nearby, and the two bonded over a shared sense of humour. “We weren’t in the same form, but we took the same subjects and hit it off.” Ingrid lived just up the road from school, so we spent a lot of time together going to her house. Both pursued languages at university, with Ingrid studying Italian and German at Oxford, while Lorna took French and German at Edinburgh.

Drama Days at Tiffin

Drama was always a passion for Lorna. She vividly recalls GCSE Drama classes with Miss Flatly and throwing herself into school productions. “I tried to get in them all,” she laughs. “Katherine Parkinson [actress, The IT Crowd, Doc Martin, Rivals] was in my class,” Lorna reminisces. “We both played zombies in a school production of Dracula. Neither of us had any lines—we just made zombie noises. When it was time for the curtain call and our bow, we realised we were so far out we were actually in the wings offstage!” Lorna recently reached out to congratulate Katherine on her stellar performance in Jilly Cooper’s Rivals. “She was brilliant.” Katherine, like Ingrid, went to Oxford, so their paths often cross.

A Thriving Acting Career

From those early zombie roles, Lorna’s career has flourished. In addition to Watson & Oliver, her credits include Rush Hour, The Wrong Door, and The Catherine Tate Show. She’s also danced to Ravel’s Bolero on Let’s Dance for Sport Relief and played Boudicca on Horrible Histories. Most recently, she has embraced the role of Sister Boniface in the BBC’s 1960s-set cosy mystery series.

The character of Sister Boniface—a Catholic nun, scooter rider, wine maker, and part-time forensic advisor—was originally a minor figure in Father Brown. “I thought it was a one-off,” says Lorna, “but 10 years later, I got a call saying they wanted to create a whole series around her. It came at just the right time.”

Although the role requires scientific dialogue, Lorna laughs about her lack of expertise. “I’m scientifically challenged! I have no idea what I’m saying, but I love the lab I get to work in on set. It’s full of Bunsen burners and I do feel like I’m learning something!” Filming in the Cotswolds has also become a much enjoyed and eagerly anticipated aspect of her life. “I really look forward to it every year. I love the cast, crew, and whole production team. Also, playing a group of nuns I think helps to create a very calm set. It’s such a joy.”