Best known for her portrayal of beloved nun-turned-nurse Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife, Scottish actress Laura Main first appeared on stage at the age of 13, and has played in high-profile shows including Company and Shrek the Musical.
Ahead of her upcoming York appearance in Daisy Turner’s By Royal Appointment this month, we caught up with Laura for a chat about royal fashion choices…
Hello, Laura! In By Royal Appointment, you play Queen Elizabeth II’s Dresser. Tell us about your role…
The Dresser, who is called Gigi, is loosely based on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s real Dresser, Angela Kelly, who served from the mid-90s through to her passing in 2022.
Our play spans 50 years, following Gigi from her early 20s to her 70s. She is a working-class girl from Wigan, and is from a very different background to the royals and others working in the palaces. Gigi is passionate, ambitious, and as The Dresser for the Queen, she becomes her confidant and best friend. As The Dresser grows in confidence, she becomes more protective of the Queen, takes no nonsense, and is happy to speak her mind – qualities I think the Queen likes!
How did the late Queen express herself through clothing?
The Queen had to be neutral in her views, and would always show respect to wherever she was visiting through her clothing. She had to wear bright colours so people could see her. I was lucky enough to be part of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, and the moment she came out on the balcony in the vivid green dress is something I will never forget.
Each scene in the play represents a different time in our history, so there are many colourful dresses and fashions of the time which I think audiences will recognise.
Which outfit would The Dresser choose for the Queen to wear on a trip to York?
I’m really looking forward to visiting the statue of Queen Elizabeth II dressed in her Garter robes at the front of York Minster! I would put the Queen in green to represent the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, and embroider the White Rose of York onto the garment.
You’re known for playing Nurse Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife. What do you like most about the character, and can you give fans any clues about what’s coming next?
What I like most about Nurse Shelagh Turner is her empathy. Currently, there’s a prequel to Call the Midwife set during the Blitz, called Sisters in Arms, which is due out around Christmas. I look forward to the day the gang gets back together again, and in the meantime, it’s lovely to be on stage in By Royal Appointment.
By Royal Appointment runs at York Theatre Royal from 10-14 November. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/by-royal-appointment/ to book your tickets today.
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