Marsh, Ngaio

Had a long and distinguished career as a writer, theatrical producer and artist.

Dame Ngaio Marsh is best known internationally as a writer of detective fiction, but in Canterbury and other parts of New Zealand her Shakespearean productions with students are equally well known. Educated at St. Margaret’s College and the Canterbury University College School of Art, she toured New Zealand with the Allan Wilkie Shakespearean Company in her youth.

In 1928 she opened a decorating business in London, but was back in New Zealand at the outbreak of war to serve as a head section leader in the Red Cross Transport Service. During the 1940’s she produced some notable plays with the Canterbury University Drama Club.

She was awarded the O.B.E. in 1948. In 1962 the University of Canterbury conferred on her the honorary degree of doctor of literature. her autobiography was published in 1966.

Several UK tv shows adapted her work: Detective, The Philco Television Playhouse  and she wrote episodes for the series Crown Court, and nine of her crime novels were adapted for the BBC series The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries.

Her Kiwi Tv work included: