At 77, Alexandra Pickford continues to defy expectations, touring and performing while running her own theatre company. Reflecting on her career, she describes it as “wonderful” to still achieve success in her profession despite her age.
Pickford discovered ballet at the age of 11 at the Bristol School of Dancing and went on to study at the Royal Ballet School in London, part of the Royal Academy of Dancing. After graduation, she joined a touring company and performed worldwide as a soloist, eventually transitioning to a career as a fitness instructor before retiring at 60.
However, Pickford soon realized she missed the theatre. During the Covid lockdown, she founded her own theatre company, which has staged successful productions at the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as in Bristol and Somerset. Their next play, exploring the life of historical figure Vesta Tilly, is set to tour across the south west in March 2026.
“Older people have so much to give,” Pickford says, “our life experience, wisdom, and still so much to learn.” Despite the physical challenges of performing at her age, she continues to push herself, acknowledging that her body does not recover as easily as it once did. “I get up and do it again. It’s wonderful to succeed in my profession at this age,” she adds.
Chris Harris-Beechey, an actor who has worked with Pickford for years, praises her dedication. “There are fewer roles for older women, but this play proves that you never have to stop. Passion and enjoyment don’t have an expiration date.”
For Pickford, age is no barrier. Her ongoing success reminds audiences that creativity, talent, and determination can flourish at any stage of life.
