Introduction
Barbara Helene New (9 May 1923 – 24 May 2010) was an English character actress, well known for playing Mabel the scullery maid in the David Croft sitcom You Rang M'Lord?. Following this role, she appeared as Vera Plumtree in all twenty episodes of the BBC's final David Croft sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching!. She had previously played smaller parts in Croft's earlier sitcoms Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi!.
New had a lengthy career in British television and played many other roles including appearances in Z-Cars, Emu's Broadcasting Company, Ripping Yarns and the silent Ronnie Barker comedy By the Sea. One of her last screen appearances was as Ali G's Nan in the 2002 film Ali G Indahouse.
New also appeared in television adverts for Vicks over a twenty-year period, initially as a mother and later as a grandmother.
She was married to the actor Michael Barrington until his death in 1988.
Film and Television roles
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | The Picnic | The Aunt |
| 1975 | Porridge Series 2 Episode 4 No Peace for the Wicked | Home Office Visitor |
| 1975 | Within These Walls Series 2 Episode 3 | Prisoner |
| 1977 | The Black Panther | |
| 1973 to 1980 | The Two Ronnies | Various |
| 1981 | Happy Since I Met You | Mum |
| 1982 | By the Sea | The Aunt |
| 1986 | Bread (TV series) Series 1, Episode 2 | May's neighbour |
| 1988 to 1993 | You Rang M'Lord? | Mabel |
| 1996 | Casualty | May Davies |
| 1996 to 1997 | Oh, Doctor Beeching! | Vera Plumtree |