An extraordinary life in cinema and literature

Sarah Miles arrived in the world six weeks ahead of schedule on New Year's Eve 1941 or 1942, because no one was wearing a watch… disrupting her parents' annual party. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was spotted by Sir John Gielgud, who immediately cast her at the West End's Globe Theatre (now the Gielgud Theatre) opposite Margaret Rutherford in Dazzling Prospect. She then honed her craft at Worthing's weekly repertory company, which she recalls as the happiest acting days of her life.

Her big break came at eighteen when she starred opposite Laurence Olivier in her first film, Peter Glenville's Term of Trial (1962), winning a BAFTA. This led to Joseph Losey's The Servant with Dirk Bogarde, followed by Michelangelo Antonioni's Blowup. In 1965, she joined Olivier's National Theatre at the Old Vic, performing in The Crucible (directed by Olivier), Hay Fever (directed by Noël Coward) and The Recruiting Officer (directed by William Gaskill).

David Lean's Ryan's Daughter (1970) brought her international recognition and an Academy Award nomination. Her marriage to playwright Robert Bolt, who wrote Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, connected her to the heart of British cultural life. She starred as Mary, Queen of Scots in his play Vivat! Vivat Regina!, took the title role in Saint Joan at LA's Music Center, and appeared in his film Lady Caroline Lamb.

Her distinguished filmography includes winning Best Actress at Cannes for The Hireling (1973), working again with Joseph Losey on Steaming, and films with Robert Mitchum, Burt Reynolds and Max von Sydow.

At the end of an epiphany Sarah experienced in 1975, while filming The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea opposite Kris Kristofferson, a voice spoke to her, whispering: "Your life is your message - sing it, dance it, write it." Sarah couldn't write for toffees, couldn't dance too well, and had no tone, tune, rhythm or pitch — vital attributes for a singer, wouldn't you say? But she was given no choice but to obey. Ever since her spiritual awakening, which changed her life completely, Sarah has authored seven books and two screenplays, written and performed solo musicals, composed over thirty songs, and returned to the stage in Lisa Kron's Well (2008–09) opposite Natalie Casey at the Trafalgar Studios.