Born in Dundee, Lesley studied drama at the RSAMD and from there, went into The Great Northern Welly Boot Show with Billy Connolly. Lesley made her film debut in 1973 as the schoolgirl Daisy in The Wicker Man, for which she also sang the title song. She still finds it fun to be part of a cult film. 

She has worked extensively in theatre since 1974, her favourite roles being Piaf, Judy, Shirley Valentine and Miss Hannigan in Annie. as well as many appearances on television including a lead in Peter McDougall's Play for Today, Just Your Luck, and High Road. She won an Olivier award in 1986 for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the musical Judy (Strand Theatre) written by her husband, Terry Wale. Other London appearances include Bells are Ringing (Greenwich) and Brigadoon (Victoria Palace Theatre).

She has recorded 250 audio books, and in 2023, published her memoir In and Out of the Spotlight (Ups and Downs of an Actress) on Amazon.

What The Steamie means to Lesley
Over the years I've seen The Steamie a couple of times and think it's an iconic, terrific piece of work. I was asked to do it back in 1989 and 1994, but somehow it never worked out for one reason or another - once when I thought I was too young for the part! Well, although I'd still like to say the same (!), it's maybe not true any more and I've been invited to play Mrs Culfeathers in The Steamie on the Scottish National tour commencing in August in my hometown of Dundee. I know many of the actors who have been in various productions and it seems to be an experience that everyone loves and remembers fondly- actors and audiences. I've also known writer and actor Tony Roper since I was at the RSAMD in Glasgow over 50 years ago, although it's many years since our paths last crossed. If it hadn't been for Facebook and the ease with which you can get in touch with someone, I might never have had the opportunity to do this smashing play for the first time and to be directed by the writer himself! I haven't toured for many years so here's to this one, and I hope to meet many old friends and colleagues on the way.