For many British families, the Call the Midwife Christmas special is as much a festive staple as mince pies. Now, one of the show's own stars has revealed her own heartfelt tradition to watch the broadcast, even if it means a dramatic dash from the stage.
A Festive Scheduling Conflict
Laura Main, the Aberdeen-born actress who has played Sister Shelagh Turner in all 14 series of the beloved BBC drama, is currently starring in the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Sunderland Empire theatre. This year, a unique scheduling clash arose. While the cast had Christmas Day off, they were due back on stage for a Boxing Day performance – the very same evening the new Call the Midwife special was scheduled to air.
For Main, who has made watching the show live with her family a cherished ritual, this posed a delightful dilemma. "I do like to watch it live," she confessed in an interview with Living North. "There’s something about tuning in as everybody else is experiencing it."
A Mother-Daughter Dash to the Sofa
Thankfully, a perfect solution was found. Main revealed that her mother, Lorna, would be travelling from Aberdeen to see the Boxing Day matinee in Sunderland. Once the final curtain falls, the pair plan to rush home together to ensure they are settled in time for the television event.
"We’ve got an earlier show so I will get back in time to watch it, and I’ve had to make sure we had to factor that in when my mum comes to see the show!" Main explained. "That feels really, really special." The 48-year-old actress has often spoken of the unwavering support from her family, including her mother, sisters, and late father.
Feeling at Home on the Panto Stage
While her festive schedule is hectic, Main is no stranger to pantomime, having previously starred in productions of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast in her hometown. Despite being away from Aberdeen this season, she feels a strong connection to her Sunderland audience.
"I genuinely feel really at home in Sunderland," she said. "I love that interaction – you have it in theatre where you feel the audience – but to be really speaking to an audience. You learn from everything you do, and I’ve come back to do [panto] because I love it." For Main, the joy of performance and the warmth of family tradition are the true highlights of her Christmas season.
