In 1981, Hale played the leading role of Josie in Nell Dunn's play, "Steaming", at the Comedy Theatre in London and received a 1981 Olivier Award nomination for her performance. In 1982, she appeared with Annette Crosbie and Richard O'Callaghan in a production of Noël Coward's "Star Quality" at the Theatre Royal, Bath. In April 1983 she starred opposite Glenda Jackson and Gary Oldman in "Summit Conference" at the Lyric Theatre, London, playing Benito Mussolini's mistress Clara Petacci. Later that same year she starred alongside Colin Blakely, Jane Carr and Paul Eddington in the play "Lovers Dancing", directed by Donald McWhinnie, at the Noël Coward Theatre. She followed this with roles in two productions at The Old Vic: Aricia in "Phédre" (1984), again opposite Glenda Jackson, and Crystal Allen in "The Women" (1985), alongside Susannah York and Diana Quick.