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Pauline, and her husband Steve, opened the first Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007. PQA was created when they were unable to find the perfect activity for their son Charlie.  Pauline and Steve felt it was important than classes reflected the full performing arts spectrum covering filmmaking and comedy alongside acting, dancing and singing. 

Having both worked in the performing arts industry, Pauline and Steve knew the positive impact participation in performing arts can have on the emotional wellbeing of young people, in addition to introducing them to a world of creativity, in a space that is warm, welcoming and fun.  

When 130 young people turned up for the opening of their first academy, they knew that what they had created appealed to other families too! Today there are over 200 academies in the UK, and PQA are now bringing their offering unique performing arts classes for kids and teens to Dubai.

Meet Our Founder

Meet Our Founder

Pauline fell in love with acting when she was just 9 years old. With the choice of a drama club or country dancing, Pauline opted for drama, not knowing then how that choice would change her own life, but also many others along the way.  

Her big break came quickly—within a year, Pauline landed a role as a child arsonist in television show Dixon of Dock Green. By the time she was 15, she was hosting her very own chat show, Pauline’s People, and starring in the comedy Pauline’s Quirkes. 

Pauline’s Film and TV Roles

To many in the UK, Pauline is best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years and 127 episodes, for which she won Best TV Comedy Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards.  

There are many highlights in a long list of acting credits. She wowed audiences with her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, appeared in the hit teen drama Skins, and took on the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch—sharing the screen with David Tennant and Olivia Colman, and her own dog, Bailey. 

During a career spanning more than 50 years, Pauline has been nominated many awards awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards (NTAs).  

Pauline’s Film and TV Roles
Pauline’s Legacy

Pauline’s Legacy

In 2022 Pauline’s work with young people, her contribution to entertainment, and dedication to charity were recognised with an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours. 

In addition to her television work and building a performing arts academy with over 15000 students Pauline has always found time to give back. She’s an honorary member of the NSPCC, a patron of Rennie Grove Hospice, and supports charities like Children with Leukaemia, Children in Crisis, and Children’s Hospices UK. 

Pauline’s journey has been nothing short of amazing. From her early acting days to becoming a household name and championing important causes, she continues to inspire with her talent, humour and kindness.