Miriam Margolyes – a national treasure, or trinket, as one Scottish man once dubbed her. Either way, it’s a title she quite enjoys, although one she will never take for granted.
She’s happy to celebrate the many highs of her career but never takes what she has for granted or allows herself to become too big headed about the many successful films and productions she’s appeared in. Unlike some other notable stars she mentioned in the interview which didn’t make the cut…
Many moments of our lovely 40 minute gossip didn’t make the cut because, quite frankly, it’s Miriam and you know she loves a swear word and the odd shock comment, but I was shocked at how well behaved she was!
Funny, warm and fascinating, with a naughty twinkle in her eye is the Miriam I met and our entire crew were blown away by how charming and engaging she was.
The 83-year-old star joined me at the Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel in Edinburgh ahead of her run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – her first show at the festival in 12 years.
Speaking of Margolyes and Dickens: The Best Bits, she said: “Everybody feels kind of excited and terrified when doing the Fringe.”
Miriam’s nerves are alleviated however because she has Dickens on her side – her favourite author and a subject she’s extremely passionate about. She’s also passionate about connecting with her audience so when it comes to the Q&A section of the show, nothing, as you would imagine, is off limits!
“For me, being open to an audience and gathering them, embracing them, is such a thrill. I can be truly myself.”
One what she’s often asked, she added: “It can be about what’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me or who’s the best (insert awkward pause). “Lover?”, I interjected. “Who makes the best lovers? The best actors? The best kissers. I am surprised by the way people have taken to me but I’m grateful and I am humble.”
Throughout the interview, Miriam showcased an impressive Glaswegian accent, mimicking her Scottish father. “He was a Glaswegian. he came from the Gorbals. Allison Street. He was a doctor and he was 96 when he died so I hope I might last out a bit longer.”
This was apt as I wanted to ask Miriam about the recent headlines in the newspapers saying she had said she only had five or six years left to live.
“I know but if you’re 83 you can’t expect to live much longer!” On the quote that had seemingly grown arms and legs in the press, she said: “It’s as if they were longing for me to pop my clogs! I am still here and I am still working and doing it and that’s what I have to remember and that’s what the papers should be talking about!” So, there you go.”
In something that rarely happens in an interview, Miriam then turned the questions on me.
“Have you got children?”, she enquired.
I told her the story of how my little girl was born via surrogacy and tears welled up in her eyes, making me emotional as well. “That makes me cry. It’s so beautiful,” she said.
Miriam was so interested and moved by this and it was a really special moment I’ll treasure forever. A side I had never seen to her before and a clip that I will also show to my daughter when she’s older. Pretty cool to have Professor Sprout know your story.
Miriam continued to ask if I had written about that experience, which I have, and she said it was good to share because it will inspire others.
“That’s why I talk about being a lesbian because I think some people are frightened of being lesbians or disgusted by it and I think, ‘look I’m one and I’ve made a living’.”
I was quick to point out she’s a poster girl for lesbians and relationships as a whole having been with her partner, Heather, for 57 years!
She sweetly said: “We don’t live together but our hearts are together.”
We discussed her amazing career, from working with numerous comedians, to Call the Midwife and Harry Potter, before landing on her cover shoot for Vogue, which she couldn’t quite believe happened.
“It was honestly the most surprising thing that’s ever happened to me. A brilliant photographer, Tim Walker, said ‘would you do a nude shot?’ In fact, it wasn’t strictly nude because my breasts were covered by Greggs buns. I would never eat such a thing. I gave them to the crew!”
She had the crew in stitches. She had me like that throughout. I asked her if she had stayed in the campervan she travelled in with Alan Cumming for their series Lost in Scotland to which she replied: “Don’t be ridiculous! Of course not! I don’t stay in luxury, but I stay in an ordinary hotel.”
There is nothing ordinary about Miriam though. She has that ability to make you both laugh and cry and lose you in stories of her fascinating life, with the odd outrageous comment thrown in for good measure. It was a pleasure to meet her and I hope I get to do so again. There’s something marvellous about Miriam.
You can see Miriam Margolyes at the Fringe from August 7 – 15 Peasance at EICC 4pm each day.
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