 McLane founded the Live Theatre Company in Newcastle in 1973 with director Geoff Gillham.She has appeared in numerous television roles, including "When the Boat Comes In", "Behind the Bike Sheds", and some Catherine Cookson adaptations for Tyne Tees Television.She appeared as Norma, Dennis' (Tim Healy) sister in the second series of "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet".