Laura Main is a British actress best known for her role as Benidorm’s Caitlin McCann and, more prominently, as Jane Fairley in the long-running BBC medical drama Call the Midwife. Over the years, she has established herself as a versatile performer, celebrated for her compelling screen presence, strong acting skills, and ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to her characters. Her career spans stage, television, and film, demonstrating both range and dedication to her craft.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Laura Main developed a passion for performing from a young age. She pursued formal training in drama, honing her skills in acting, movement, and voice. This strong foundation allowed her to take on a variety of stage roles before transitioning to television. Her early work included theatre productions, where she cultivated her ability to connect with audiences and develop characters with nuance and sincerity. These experiences on stage provided her with the tools to successfully transition into screen acting.
Laura Main’s breakthrough came with her casting in Call the Midwife, a critically acclaimed series set in the 1950s and 1960s that explores the lives of midwives working in London’s East End. Playing Jane Fairley, Main captured the hearts of viewers with her performance as a compassionate and dedicated midwife navigating the challenges of healthcare, social change, and personal relationships. Her portrayal combines strength, empathy, and relatability, helping the show maintain its popularity and emotional impact. Call the Midwife has earned widespread recognition, and Main’s contribution to the series has been central to its ongoing success.
Beyond television, Laura Main continues to pursue opportunities in theatre and live performance. She has appeared in various stage productions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to exploring different genres and styles. Her theatre work allows her to engage directly with audiences, demonstrating the same dedication and energy that make her television performances compelling.
Main is also recognised for her professionalism, collaborative approach, and dedication to her roles. She prepares meticulously for each performance, whether on stage or screen, to ensure that her characters are believable and fully realised. This work ethic, combined with her natural talent, has made her a respected figure among colleagues and fans alike.
Who Is Laura Main? A Full Definition
Laura Main is a Scottish actress and singer born on March 8, 1981, in Aberdeen, Scotland. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Sister Bernadette — a nun who later becomes Shelagh Turner — in Call the Midwife. Her performance has been praised for its emotional depth, realism, and versatility, making her a standout figure in television drama.
A trained musical theatre performer, Laura combines acting with strong vocal skills, allowing her to perform both on stage and on screen. Her talent has earned her roles in theatre, television, and musical recordings, highlighting her as a multifaceted performer in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Beginnings in Performance
Childhood and First Steps into Acting
Laura Main’s passion for performance began at a young age. At just 11 years old, she made her stage debut in a production of The Sound of Music, displaying an early dedication to acting and singing. This experience ignited her ambition to pursue the performing arts professionally.
Growing up in Aberdeen, she attended Hazlehead Academy, where she continued to explore drama, dance, and singing. Participation in youth theatre further strengthened her skills, giving her the foundation necessary for a professional acting career.
Education and Formal Training
After finishing secondary school, Laura studied Art History at Aberdeen University. During this time, she remained active in university drama societies, participating in various performances and honing her acting abilities.
Recognizing her potential in the performing arts, Laura attended the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Here, she received formal training in acting, musical theatre, and stage performance, preparing her for a versatile career across television, theatre, and music.
Breakthrough Role – Call the Midwife
Laura’s career breakthrough came when she was cast as Sister Bernadette in the BBC drama Call the Midwife. The show, set in East London during the late 1950s, focuses on the lives of midwives serving underprivileged communities. Laura’s performance quickly gained attention for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
Transition of Her Character
Initially, Laura portrayed Sister Bernadette, a dedicated nun committed to her religious duties. Over the series, her character experiences major life changes: leaving the convent, marrying, and becoming Shelagh Turner. This evolution showcased Laura’s ability to handle complex, emotionally rich roles, endearing her to audiences worldwide.
Impact and Longevity
Call the Midwife has become one of the UK’s most beloved period dramas. Laura’s ongoing presence provides continuity and emotional depth, making her role central to the show’s enduring success. Her performance has influenced discussions on women’s roles, community healthcare, and historical storytelling, cementing her cultural impact.
Laura Main’s Career Beyond Call the Midwife
While Laura Main is best known for her role in Call the Midwife, her career extends well beyond this iconic series. She has demonstrated remarkable versatility, performing on stage, television, and in musical recordings. Her ability to adapt to diverse roles has made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry
Stage and Theatre
Laura has an impressive theatre career, combining her acting and singing talents in a variety of productions. Some notable highlights include:
Shrek The Musical (UK Tour) – Laura starred as Princess Fiona, demonstrating her strength in musical theatre and her ability to lead major productions on tour. Her performance was praised for combining strong vocals with emotional depth.
Steel Magnolias (UK Tour) – In 2023, Laura took on the role of M’Lynn Eatenton, showcasing her dramatic acting abilities. The production allowed her to explore intense emotional themes, proving her versatility beyond musical theatre.
Sleeping Beauty (Sunderland Empire Pantomime) – Laura appeared as Fairy Snowfall during the 2025–2026 pantomime season. Her performance in this family-friendly show highlighted her ability to connect with audiences of all ages, a testament to her broad appeal as a performer.
Through these stage roles, Laura has gained acclaim for her consistent professionalism, stage presence, and emotional range, earning respect in both theatre and television circles.
Other Television Work
Although Call the Midwife remains her most iconic TV role, Laura has appeared in numerous other television series, demonstrating her range across genres:
The Mill – A historical drama in which Laura appeared in a supporting role, showcasing her ability to portray nuanced characters in period settings.
Murder City – She took part in this crime drama, expanding her experience in suspense and procedural storytelling.
Father Brown – Laura appeared in a guest role in this popular detective series, adding to her repertoire of television performances.
Monarch of the Glen and The Forsyte Saga – These series provided early career experience and helped establish her credibility as a professional actor capable of handling complex narratives.
Additionally, Laura has done voice work for children’s programming, including roles in animation series, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability across different performance mediums.
Music and Soundtrack Contributions
Laura Main’s musical talents complement her acting career. She has lent her singing abilities to the Call the Midwife soundtrack, where she contributed as a featured soloist. Her background in musical theatre allows her to combine strong vocal performances with acting, making her a standout performer in productions that require both skills.
Her singing experience also gives her a unique edge in theatre roles, particularly in musicals and family productions, further diversifying her career opportunities and audience reach.
Recognitions and Awards
While Laura has not sought the spotlight through major awards, her career achievements reflect industry recognition:
Long-term role in Call the Midwife, contributing to the show’s critical acclaim.
Leading roles in UK theatre tours and musicals, showing professional respect and trust from casting directors.
Praised for her vocal and acting performances in both recorded and live formats.
Laura’s recognition is rooted in her consistent professionalism, emotional depth, and ability to adapt to a variety of roles across different entertainment mediums.
Personal Life – What We Know
Laura Main is known for keeping her personal life relatively private, but some details have been shared publicly. She has expressed that she values maintaining a balance between her professional and personal worlds.
Relationships – Laura previously dated theatre actor Stephen McGlynn for several years. While the relationship ended in 2017, it highlighted her connections within the theatre community. She currently keeps her personal life out of the public eye, emphasizing her focus on her career and personal growth.
Family Life – Laura is close to her family and enjoys spending time with her sisters, nieces, and nephews. Her family-oriented values often influence her choices in accepting roles, particularly those that align with her personal principles and interests.
Life Beyond Acting – Laura has expressed a love for theatre and performance outside of fame. She also enjoys engaging with charitable causes and community events, reflecting her grounded and humble nature despite her public career.
Laura Main demonstrates how it is possible to remain professionally prominent while keeping a private and meaningful personal life.
Recent Trends in Laura Main’s Career (As of 2025)
As of 2025, Laura Main continues to balance television work with stage performances, reflecting a modern trend among established actors to diversify across media. This dual approach allows performers to remain creatively fulfilled while maintaining strong visibility in different sectors of the entertainment industry.
Balancing Screen and Stage
Laura’s ongoing role in Call the Midwife keeps her connected to television audiences, while her theatre work — including musicals, dramatic plays, and seasonal pantomimes — allows her to engage directly with live audiences. This combination of screen and stage performances demonstrates professional versatility and aligns with a growing trend among performers to balance filmed and live roles for broader career longevity.
Engaging with Family-Oriented Productions
Her participation in pantomimes like Sleeping Beauty reflects a trend of high-profile actors embracing family-friendly entertainment. These productions not only expand her audience but also allow her to showcase a different facet of her talent, including singing, dancing, and comedic timing.
Embracing Legacy Roles
Laura’s long-standing portrayal of Sister Bernadette / Shelagh Turner remains central to her career. The enduring popularity of Call the Midwife highlights a trend in television where actors who maintain iconic roles over time become cultural touchstones, shaping audience engagement and public perception.
Real-Life Examples of Professional Excellence
Call the Midwife – Domestic and International Appeal
Laura Main’s performance on Call the Midwife demonstrates her ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level. Her character’s journey, from convent life to marriage and professional growth, provides audiences with a nuanced portrayal of women navigating personal and societal challenges. Her consistent portrayal has made her a familiar and trusted presence on the show, contributing to its domestic and international success.
Theatre Engagements
Laura’s repeated invitations to star in UK tours and pantomimes highlight her reliability, talent, and audience appeal. For example:
Shrek The Musical – Her role as Princess Fiona combined acting and singing, requiring technical skill and emotional authenticity.
Steel Magnolias – Playing M’Lynn Eatenton allowed her to explore emotionally demanding scenes, demonstrating dramatic range.
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime – As Fairy Snowfall, Laura engaged with younger audiences, emphasizing her versatility and approachability as a performer.
These examples illustrate her professional excellence and the respect she commands in the entertainment industry.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Laura Main has made a significant impact both in television and theatre, contributing to cultural discussions on women’s experiences, healthcare, and community life through her work.
Influence on Television – Her long-term role in Call the Midwife has shaped audience understanding of post-war British healthcare and the social roles of women, making her work both entertaining and socially meaningful.
Role Model for Aspiring Actors – Laura’s career demonstrates the value of versatility, professionalism, and resilience, offering guidance to emerging performers.
Stage Contributions – By taking on varied theatre roles, from musicals to dramas and pantomimes, she has maintained a strong presence in live performance, enriching cultural life and preserving theatre traditions.
Through her performances and dedication, Laura Main continues to inspire both audiences and colleagues, leaving a legacy that extends beyond her screen and stage roles.
FAQ
What is Laura Main best known for?
Laura Main is best known for playing Sister Bernadette, later Shelagh Turner, on the BBC drama Call the Midwife. Her performance has been praised for emotional depth, realism, and versatility, making her an iconic figure in contemporary television.
Is Laura Main also a singer?
Yes. Laura is an accomplished singer, trained in musical theatre, and has contributed to the Call the Midwife soundtrack. Her singing skills complement her acting, allowing her to perform in musicals, pantomimes, and family productions.
Has Laura Main acted in theatre productions?
Absolutely. She has starred in numerous UK theatre productions, including Shrek The Musical, Steel Magnolias, and the seasonal pantomime Sleeping Beauty. Her theatre work highlights her versatility and ability to connect with live audiences.
Is Laura Main married?
No. Laura Main keeps her personal life private. She previously dated theatre actor Stephen McGlynn, but she is currently single and focuses on her career and personal growth.
What trends are shaping Laura Main’s career in 2025?
As of 2025, Laura is balancing her ongoing role in Call the Midwife with theatre performances. She is engaging in family-oriented productions, musicals, and dramatic stage roles, reflecting a trend among established actors to diversify their careers across screen and stage.
Final Thoughts
Laura Main has carved a remarkable niche in contemporary television and theatre through talent, versatility, and professionalism. From her early stage performances in Aberdeen to her iconic role on Call the Midwife, she has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and the ability to evolve with her craft.
Her career provides a blueprint for aspiring actors, emphasizing the importance of early training, diverse skill development, and balancing personal life with professional ambition. Laura’s performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, making her an enduring and influential figure in the entertainment industry. Through her screen and stage work, Laura Main exemplifies the value of passion, discipline, and adaptability, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires both viewers and fellow performers alike.
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