Laura Main


Laura Main is a Scottish actress known for her role as Sister Bernadette and, later, Nurse Shelagh Turner in the BBC One drama series Call the Midwife.

Early life and education

Laura Main was born in Aberdeen in 1977. Her father, Robert, was a fish merchant and her mother, Lorna, was a primary school teacher turned housewife. She has two older sisters, a niece, and two nephews.
Laura Main went to school at the Hazlehead Academy and took dance lessons at the Danscentre in Aberdeen. She then studied history at the University of Aberdeen, gaining an before starting drama school at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Career

Main started performing in musical theatre at the age of 13 when she landed the role of Annie with Phoenix Youth Theatre. At age 15 she debuted in the role of Louisa von Trapp in a stage production of The Sound of Music. At university she performed as part of the musical society Treading the Boards in Aberdeen. She has performed on stage in several productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2011 she appeared in the Stephen Sondheim musical Company.
In 2011 she was cast as Sister Bernadette in the hit BBC series Call the Midwife. Main features as a soloist in several tracks on the Call the Midwife album released in February 2013. In November 2015 Main won the Children in Need ''Strictly Come Dancing special with dancer Brendan Cole.
In 2017, Main was cast in the lead role of Princess Fiona, in the second UK tour of Shrek The Musical. Main shared the role with The X Factor contestant Amelia Lily. Main's first performance was on 12 December 2017, at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
From January 2023, Main starred as M'lynn in a production of Steel Magnolias at the Richmond Theatre, London. Main appeared alongside Lucy Speed, Diana Vickers, Caroline Harker and Elizabeth Ayodele. The production, going on to tour the UK, was rated 2/5 stars by What's on Stage.
In February 2024, Main was scheduled to star in Chris Chibnall’s new play, One Last Push'', at Salisbury Playhouse.

Theatre

YearPlay titleRoleNotes
1990AnnieAnnieAberdeen Arts Centre
1992The [Sound of Music]Louisa von TrappHis Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
1996Aberdeen Student Show: The Good, the Bad and the ButteryHis Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
1997Aberdeen Student Show: Scaffie SocietyJudy FreeHis Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
1998Aberdeen Student Show: From Rubislaw with LoveShauna ConneryHis Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
2001CompanyAmyAberdeen Arts Centre
2001Alice in WonderlandEdith/Eaglet Royal Shakespeare Company
2002As You Like ItPhebe, a shepherdessRegents Park Open Air Theatre
2002Romeo and JulietJulietRegents Park Open Air Theatre
2006Young WoodleyMaudeFinborough Theatre
2006Tea and SympathyLaura ReynoldsFinborough Theatre
2007All I Want For ChristmasIrina VanevskayaUpstairs at the Gatehouse
2008On the Island of AarsMorag McMacPleasance Islington and Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh
2009State FairMargy FrakeFinborough Theatre
2009Super Alice SmithCarlyTrafalgar Studios
2010State FairMargy FrakeTrafalgar Studios
2010Me and JulietJeanieFinborough Theatre
2011CompanySusanSouthwark Playhouse
2012Robin HoodMaid MarianQueen's Theatre Barnstaple
2013The Lost DragonHarlow Playhouse
2018Shrek the MusicalPrincess FionaUK tour
2019CinderellaFairy GodmotherHis Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
2023Steel Magnolias2023 UK & Ireland Tour
2024One Last PushJenSalisbury Playhouse