Editing Sylvia Syms (section)

==Early life and education==
Syms was born in [[Woolwich]], London, England, in 1934, the daughter of Daisy (''née'' Hale) and Edwin Syms, a trade unionist and civil servant.<ref name = Bergan>{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/27/sylvia-syms-obituary|title = Sylvia Syms obituary|last = Bergan|first = Ronald|authorlink = Ronald Bergan|newspaper = [[The Guardian]]|date = 27 January 2023|accessdate = 27 January 2023}}</ref> With the outbreak of [[World War II]], Syms was [[Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II|evacuated]] to [[Kent]] and subsequently [[Monmouthshire]].<ref name="bbcobit">{{cite news |title=Sylvia Syms: Veteran British actress dies at 89 |publisher=BBC News |date=27 January 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64426891 |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> She grew up in [[Well Hall]], [[Eltham]].<ref name="LonGaz">"Well Hall" entry of ''London Gazetteer'' by Russ Willey, ([[Chambers Harrap|Chambers]] 2006) {{ISBN|0-550-10326-0}} (online extract [http://hidden-london.com/gazetteer/well-hall/])</ref>

When Syms was 12, her mother died from a brain tumour. At 16, she suffered a nervous breakdown and contemplated taking her own life until an intervention from her stepmother.<ref name="bbcobit" /> Syms was educated at [[convent school]]s before deciding to become an actress and attending the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]], graduating in 1954. She later served on RADA's council.

Syms's career began in repertory theatre in Eastbourne and Bath.<ref name = Times>{{cite news|url = https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/sylvia-syms-british-actress-dies-aged-89-mh57xqfj0|title = Sylvia Syms, British actress, dies aged 89|date = 27 January 2023|access-date = 27 January 2023|newspaper = [[The Times]]|url-access = subscription}}</ref> She made her West End debut in ''[[The Apple Cart]]'' with [[Noël Coward]].