Pooky was born in Eccles. With a Trinidadian father, Bristolian mother and five siblings she didn’t have the most conventional Mancunian upbringing.   Educated at state school, she was amazed to win a place at Oxford University to read English Literature where she did just about anything other than reading English Literature – acting, singing, playing in orchestras, costume design etc etc. She was asked to join Humphrey Carpenter’s big swing band ‘Vile Bodies’ as lead vocalist and enjoyed six years on the jazz circuit – including broadcasts and recordings for the BBC and a 5 year residency at London’s Ritz Hotel.

Her energies turned to acting when she was spotted in a fringe theatre production of The Dutch Courtesan at The Man In The Moon Theatre – and invited to join the National Theatre’s productions of A School For Scandal, Racing Demon and Sunday in The Park With George.

She then worked with Shared Experience Theatre, helping develop the characteristic house style – playing in Sweet Sessions, Anna Karenina, Jane Eyre and has since played various leads – more recently, Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.

Her TV career began with leading roles in Cardiac Arrest, Finney and Thief Takers. She continues to play strong dramatic roles in series such as The Confessions of Frannie Langton, The Guilty & Criminal Justice and is most widely known for her leading role as Louise in returning series The A Word and its spin off Ralph & Katie.

She has appeared in the films – The Hawk, Great Expectations and Jane Austen spoof – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

She is also a writer – commissions include the National Theatre Studio, Carnival Productions, Family Affairs, Holby City, over 40 Episodes for BBC’s Doctors and more recently she has been writing for BBC Casualty.

When not acting or writing, Pooky enjoys surfing, climbing, swimming, practicing yoga and Tai Chi. She won a bronze medal at the BCCMA 2017 British Tai Chi Championships in the Open Weapon category for her Wudang long sword, short form.