Call the Midwife Star Laura Main Discusses Her New Role and Connection to Queen Elizabeth II
Actress Laura Main opens up about starring in the UK theatre tour of By Royal Appointment, portraying a royal dresser alongside Jane Asher as Queen Elizabeth II.
Published 2 November 2026
Stepping Away From Call the Midwife
While the beloved BBC drama Call the Midwife is currently on a pause with no Christmas special in the works, fan-favourite actress Laura Main is keeping busy. Known for playing Shelagh Turner in the hit series, Main has transitioned to the stage for a demanding theatrical schedule.
Describing the experience as the most civilised theatre tour schedule she has ever encountered, Main has embraced the chance to connect directly with live audiences while balancing her television background.
Exploring By Royal Appointment
Main is starring in the UK tour of the play By Royal Appointment, which explores the unique relationship between the late Queen Elizabeth II and her dresser. The character played by Main serves as a loose amalgamation of real-life dressers, most notably Angela Kelly.
The theatrical production delves into how the monarch collaborated with her staff to curate her public image and project specific moods through her wardrobe over the later years of her reign.
Jane Asher as the Monarch
Veteran actress Jane Asher takes on the monumental role of Queen Elizabeth II in the production. Asher has noted that the play depicts the monarch around the age of 46, finding her footing and mastering her royal duties with immense confidence.
The script highlights how the Queen maintained her famous discretion regarding world matters while cleverly using bright colors, black, or muted tones to communicate her inner feelings and reactions to national hardships to her people.
A Different Perspective on Royalty
Written by Daisy Goodwin—the creator of the hit ITV drama Victoria—the play offers a backstage look at the British monarch. Goodwin drew from personal knowledge to craft a narrative that showcases the private moments behind the public facade.
Main pointed out that the audience gets to witness the Queen sharing her vulnerabilities and fears with her dresser, revealing a human side that was never visible to the general public during her lifetime.
Drawing Parallels to Acting
Reflecting on the nature of the role, Laura Main noted that preparing the royal image shares similarities with the craft of acting. She drew a personal comparison to her own fifteen-year tenure on Call the Midwife.
Main explained that putting on a specific costume has a transformative effect, helping both actors and historical figures feel confident and prepared to execute their professional duties.
Tour Schedule and Future Venues
The production of By Royal Appointment is currently touring venues across the United Kingdom and is scheduled to run until 6 February. The show follows an earlier, short run that took place in the summer of 2025.
Upcoming stops on the tour include the York Theatre Royal, His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, Chichester Festival Theatre, the Edinburgh Kings Theatre, and the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.
News Overview
Call the Midwife star Laura Main is currently starring in the UK theatre tour of Daisy Goodwin's play By Royal Appointment alongside Jane Asher, who portrays Queen Elizabeth II. The production offers a backstage look at the relationship between the monarch and her dresser, exploring how the Queen used her clothing to communicate with the public.
Key facts
- Laura Main is best known for playing Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife.
- By Royal Appointment is touring across the UK this winter.
- Jane Asher stars as Queen Elizabeth II in the production.
- The play is written by Daisy Goodwin, creator of Victoria.
- The production runs until 6 February.
- The first short tour took place in summer 2025 starring Anne Reid and Caroline Quentin.