Karen Dunbar

Acting

Karen Dunbar

Born April 1, 1971 · Glasgow, Scotland (age 55)

Karen Dunbar (born 1 April 1971) is a Scottish comedian, actress and writer known for her bold humour and standout performances in Chewin’ the Fat and The Karen Dunbar Show. Born in Glasgow and raised in Ayr, she began her career in theatre and radio before gaining national fame with BBC Scotland in the late 1990s. Dunbar has also starred in major stage productions, including the National Theatre …

Known For

Mary Queen of ScotsMary Queen of Scots · 2018
Mary Queen of Scots
6.52018
MovieDramaHistory
In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.
Julius CaesarJulius Caesar · 2018
Julius Caesar
8.52018
MovieHistoryAction
The first installment of Phyllida Lloyd’s groundbreaking all-female Shakespeare Trilogy sees Harriet Walter take on the role of Brutus, who wrestles with his moral conscience over the murder of Julius Caesar.
The TempestThe Tempest · 2018
The Tempest
2018
MovieDramaComedy
Phyllida Lloyd’s final installment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy concludes with an all-female version of The Tempest starring Harriet Walter as Prospero. This captivating reimagining explores themes of freedom and justice in the context of a women’s prison.
Henry IVHenry IV · 2018
Henry IV
2018
MovieHistoryDrama
Harriet Walter takes the lead in the second installment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Featuring a diverse company of women, this unique interpretation combines both parts of Shakespeare’s history plays about King Henry IV and his son Prince Hal.
The All Star Euros Sketch ShowThe All Star Euros Sketch Show · 2024
The All Star Euros Sketch Show
2024
MovieComedyTV Movie
As the hype reaches fever pitch ahead of the big kick-off in Germany, a stellar line-up work their magic in an essential selection of comic set pieces. Featuring favourite characters and brand new scenarios. Mixing running gags, quickies, send-ups and musical numbers. The top team includes Jonathan Watson, Grado, Greg Hemphill, Jack Docherty, Ford Kiernan and Karen Dunbar.
Chewin' the Fat Live!Chewin' the Fat Live! · 2000
Chewin' the Fat Live!
2000
MovieComedy
The stars of Scotland's "Chewin' the Fat" take to the stage in a live show recorded live at the King's Theater, Glasgow.
Karen Dunbar Live from AyrKaren Dunbar Live from Ayr · 2025
Karen Dunbar Live from Ayr
2025
MovieComedy
Join Karen Dunbar for an amazing night of side-splitting comedy. Karen is one of Scotland’s most recognisable comedy performers ever, from her breakthrough on Chewin’ the Fat to her success with The Karen Dunbar Show. Her stage career spans everything from Glasgow pantomime to London’s West End, and now she is taking on stand-up comedy in her hometown. This year has seen Karen out on the road with her brand new show, and she is bringing it back to Ayr for one more sold-out night. From delving through her experiences growing up in the 80s to hosting wild karaoke nights in Glasgow in her 20s and revisiting some of her favourite characters, this is Karen like you’ve never quite seen her before.
M.I. HighM.I. High · 2007
M.I. High
6.12007
SeriesAction & AdventureCrime
A team of undercover teenage spies working for the fictional British secret intelligence agency MI9 who have to balance their school life with their jobs as secret agents.

Filmography

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Chewin' the FatChewin' the Fat · 1999
Chewin' the Fat
7.61999
SeriesComedy
Chewin' the Fat is a Scottish comedy sketch show, starring Ford Kiernan, Greg Hemphill and Karen Dunbar. Comedians Paul Riley and Mark Cox also appeared regularly on the show. Chewin' the Fat first started as a radio series on BBC Radio Scotland. The later television show, which ran for four series, was first broadcast on BBC One Scotland, but series three and four, as well as highlights from the first two series, were later broadcast to the rest of the United Kingdom. Although the last series ended in February 2002, 6 Hogmanay specials were broadcast and offered on DVD when purchasing the Scottish Sun between 2000 to 2005, one every year. Chewin' the Fat gave rise to the spin-off show Still Game, a sitcom focusing on the two old male characters Jack and Victor. The series was mostly filmed in and around Glasgow and occasionally West Dunbartonshire. The English idiom to chew the fat means to chat casually, but thoroughly, about subjects of mutual interest.