AS former nun turned doctor’s wife Sheila Turner, Laura Main has had her fair share of family dramas on the BBC’s Sunday night must watch Call the Midwife.
And now as she heads out on a national tour of Steel Magnolias, there are no signs of those family troubles going away.
Laura plays M’Lynn Eaterton, Sally Field’s character in the 1989 film version of Robert Harling’s play. She’s mum to the wilful Shelby, with Accrington-born Diana Vickers making a return to the stage in the role.
A veritable all-star female cast also includes former EastEnders’ and The Bill star Lucy Speed as salon owner Truvy Jones; Caroline Harker and Harriet Thorpe from Absolutely Fabulous. Set in Louisiana it revolves around a group of feisty women who meet every week at the town beauty salon and put the world – and each other’s lives – to rights.
The tour – which brings Steel Magnolias to The Lowry later this month – is only the second national tour Laura has been involved in. She previously starred in Shrek the Musical in 2018.
“You know, I actually quite like the touring,” said Laura. “There’s something to be said for turning up on a Tuesday and having five days of intensively performing seven shows and then getting a couple of days to yourself – I think it’s quite civilised really. I’m enjoying. It gives you time to get back to the reality of doing the washing and then it’s back to the hotel, eating out and seeing different parts of the country.”
What also helps to make the tour enjoyable is the clear affection the whole cast have for each other.
“It’s so great to have six women of all ages in this show,” said Laura. “That’s actually something I have with Call the Midwife too. Occasionally pieces are made which have all sorts of women in them and I’m fortunate to be in two of them.
It was fantastic to welcome BBC One’s #callthemidwife star, and University of Aberdeen Alumna, Laura Main back to the…
Slået op af University of Aberdeen i Mandag den 10. februar 2020
Call the Midwife-ster over het geheim achter het succes https://t.co/wfboKseV5g
— My Main Squeeze (@maintreasure) January 28, 2020
Call The Midwife star Laura Main is making dreams come true in her role as the Fairy Godmother this Christmas.
But the popular actor has already had her own wishes granted for the festive season.
The 38-year-old, who plays former nun Shelagh Turner in the BBC Sunday night drama, is back in Aberdeen for an extended two-month stay while she appears in panto at His Majesty’s, the theatre where her career began.
Being able to spend so much time in her home city, while also doing what she loves, is the perfect scenario for the star.
“I’m always on the move, going wherever the work is, but I live in London,” Laura explained.
“That’s where we film Call The Midwife, and although I get up the road as much as I can to see everybody, it’s never been for a period as long as this.
“It’s been that way ever since I left home to go to drama school. I come up often, but there’s always something pulling me back.
“I always hope to be home for Christmas, but last year I was in Leeds with Shrek The Musical. The year before I was in Edinburgh, again with Shrek, so I was able to go home for Christmas Day.
“This year, though, I was back in Aberdeen before the decorations were up and it’s been really lovely.
“I’m staying at my mum and dad’s and being well looked after.
“It’s quite a unique set-up for me, to be with the people I love and also getting to do what I love.
“I’m always very envious of folk who can pop round to their parents’ place for Sunday lunch, because I don’t get to do that, so this is pretty special.”
Janice Forsyth speaks to Jay Glennie and Catherine Steadman about their new books and hears about some Christmas TV treats including The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Call The Midwife.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000ck46
