The former Taggart star on new play James IV, royalty and turning 60.
What was your experience of appearing in the James Plays trilogy, Rona Munro’s acclaimed stories of three generations of Stewart kings?
It was brilliant. We were the hot ticket at festivals and that made you feel incredible. We toured it to Australia, New Zealand and finished in Canada, where we performed in an extraordinary venue – an old power station that had been gutted since the 1980s, where they had erected a theatre within it.
You’re back for James IV?
It’s nice that (co-star) Dan Cahill and I can continue our association with the piece, because we put a lot of our heart and soul into it. I was involved in the workshops last summer but I didn’t know if I would be part of this because I thought I could have been back down in London working on Harry Potter.
What was it like playing Minerva McGonagall in the West End production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child?
I had a brilliant time. I left London as the country was about to shut down with Covid and thought I’d be going back that summer, but that didn’t happen.
The cast was asked if we wanted to come back and it felt like quite a big upheaval to move back to London and set up home again. It helped to know James IV would probably be coming along, and had I gone to London I would have missed out on it.
What’s it like working with Rona Munro?
We’ve had her in the room during rehearsals and it was so helpful. We respect each other’s work and she writes brilliantly for women.
It’s important people come into theatre at this point in life and have a bit of humour, and Rona does that so well, but the audience will also come away having reflected and thought about certain things that aren’t as nice in our lives.
What’s it been like rehearsing in Edinburgh since the Queen’s passing?
It’s been extraordinary. Scotland was important to the Queen and I don’t think it was any strange design that she died here. Scotland dealt with it well.
There are those who have their own thoughts on the monarchy and where it sits, but I get the feeling the Queen transcends it. The audience will be up to speed with pageantry and how the royal family works, so they will be coming to us with a lot more knowledge.
What’s your character, Dame Phemy, like?
My character is the only one who knew James IV when he was a young boy. She maybe manipulates him, and uses everything in her toolbox. She’s not a very nice character. I have to find her humility and why she speaks the way she does.
What was the Tales Of The Tribe project you were involved with earlier in the year?
I met Tommy Smith, conductor of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, at a Princes’ Trust event at Holyrood. He asked me if I’d like to get involved with Tales Of The Tribe – the merging of traditional music with jazz.
I occasionally do jobs with orchestras; there’s something joyous about it. I don’t read music, so he had to bring me in when it was my time to speak. Some conductors pointedly give you a nod but Tommy would glance over and give me a slight wink.
You’re having a special birthday in November?
I turn 60. I think my husband, Tom, would like us to go off into the sunset in a caravan but I don’t know if that’ll happen any time soon. Tom has been with me on recent projects and it means we can set up home wherever we go.
He’s retired, so can skip about with me and it makes it feel like an adventure. You realise the ages of 60 to 70 are important, and you make sure you get the chance to do everything. I’m already planning my birthday; it’s going to be a celebration.
James IV: Queen Of The Fight opens at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, on Friday
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