Lilley trained with Joan Littlewood's Arts Workshop in London during the early sixties and received an early boost, which included appearing alongside Stephen Rea. She spent many years as a stage Actress throughout the UK. In 1982 she took a minor role in another local television play, Stewart Parker’s Iris in the Traffic, Ruby in the Rain, starring Frances Tomelty. Also in 1982, Lilley appeared in two other televised plays, '‘Potato Head Blues’' and the troubles rooted Billy Boy with James Ellis. Lilley was also a regular in ITV's ill-fated Albion Market.
