Also honored are fellow actors Sheila Hancock (most recently Mother Superior in the stage musical version of Sister Act at the London Palladium and a judge in the TV reality casting show "Over the Rainbow") and David Suchet (most recently seen in the West End in All My Sons), both of whom are awarded CBE's. Composer Howard Goodall, currently represented in the West End by his score to Love Story at the Duchess, is also given a CBE, while Herbert Kretzmer, a former U.K. drama critic turned lyricist whose work includes the English lyrics for Les Miserables, receives an OBE.

In a press interview, Walter has commented of her latest honor, which follows a CBE that she already has: "I have reservations about some parts of the honours system. I fear it's not very fair and I think there are lots of people not recognised who should be." But she added she was able to "square the circle" by acknowledging the award would allow her to speak up in defense of the theatre.