Alison Glennie, the daughter of British civil servants, spent her early life on Kingston Hill, Surrey. Her journey in the arts began as a child actor, discovered by an agent after she was spotted in the audience at a London production of Peter Pan. Her first featured film role was in the 1968 Children's Film Foundation production, "Escape from the Sea." She went on to appear in numerous commercials, including advertisements for Smiths Crisps and Bisto gravy.
Glennie's early years in the arts were marked by a steady stream of appearances in television shows and films. She joined the cast of the BBC's "A Little Princess" in 1973, playing the role of Lavinia. She also appeared in the Thames TV production "Horse in the House" alongside a thoroughbred stallion named Orbit.
Glennie's education in the arts continued at the Arts Educational School in London, where she honed her craft and became a full-time drama student. Her subsequent work in television included appearances in "Power" and "Cribb," as well as the series "Kessler," a sequel to the popular "Secret Army" series.
Throughout her career, Glennie has worked at various regional theaters across Britain, including the Greenwich Theatre and the Chichester Festival Theatre. She has also performed on national tours and has been involved in numerous projects as a cross-disciplinary artist and arts facilitator.
In 1993, Glennie relocated to Ireland with her Irish husband, musician Robert McKahey. She has lived in West Cork for over thirty years and has been involved in various projects, including the creation of inclusive short films featuring actors with Down syndrome. Her comedy heist film, "On the Pigs Back," screened at several film festivals.
Glennie has also worked as a voice artist for RTE Radio 1, reading titles for the "Book on One" and playing Elizabeth R in the radio drama "The Battle of Kinsale." She has recently returned to the stage, playing the role of Queen Gertrude in a production of "Hamlet" at the Cork Opera House.
Glennie's most recent film acting role sees her play Muriel in the murder-mystery "Coast Road" (2022) for Hard Bargain Pictures. The film was shot entirely on location along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, Ireland.
