Early Biography.

Yvonne Frances Joseph, born July 7, 1915, was the middle child of three daughters: Peggy, the eldest, and Clarice, the youngest. Yvonne's parents, Madge and Bertie Joseph, lived at 50 Mapesbury Road, Brondesbury, when she was born. This Plane tree-lined street in the north of London, originally farmland, began being developed for house building in 1895. Attending Battle Abbey School, she later went to St Pauls School for girls and studied painting at Heatherleys School of Fine Art. Spending time in Liverpool for a short spell in 1934-1935 she later attended the Islington-based ‘The London Theatre Studio’ in the late 1930s. Following her schooling there she joined a group of actors touring Surry. With Britain at war in 1939, working as an actress she worked under the goverments programme for art, 'The Council for Encouragement of Music and the Arts', CEMA, with the Travelling Repertory Theatre.   

In 1946 she took her mother's maiden name, Mitchell, and established herself as the writer and actress, Yvonne Mitchell.

Yvonne’s husband was Derek Monsey (1921–1979), who worked as a journalist, playwright, film and theatre critic, and novelist. The daughter of the couple, Cordelia Monsey, is a theatre director who has collaborated extensively with Sir Peter Hall, (now deceased), and Sir Trevor Nunn for many years.

Many of us know Yvonne Mitchell as an actress. Certainly, that statement holds true. Her career in theatre, film, and television is well-established. 

Beyond her acting career, Mitchell was a recognised author, having penned many books for both children and adults and receiving accolades for her playwriting. She also authored a highly praised biography about the French author Colette.