
Laura Guest attributes acting success to midwifery training
Laura Guest attributes acting success to midwifery training
- Laura Guest, an actress, transitioned to acting after working for North Norfolk District Council and reigniting her childhood passion.
- She starred in several high-profile productions, including Hamnet, where her midwifery training added authenticity to her role.
- Guest expressed gratitude for her roles and the collaborative atmosphere on set, while emphasizing the film's role in showcasing Tudor architecture.
Story
In early 2026, Laura Guest, an actress from West Runton, Norfolk, discussed her dual career as a former midwife and current actress. Despite never practicing midwifery due to emotional investment, her training allowed her to perform authentically in roles such as a midwife in the Oscar-nominated film Hamnet and other major productions like A Moment In Time and Gangs of London. Guest dedicated years to public service, working for North Norfolk District Council but later returned to her childhood passion for acting after a performance in Aladdin reignited her interest. Since making acting her profession, she has worked with renowned directors and actors, expressing gratitude for her work experiences while recently wrapping filming on her own short film, Daydreaming, which featured scenes shot in her old school and her home village. Moreover, Guest highlighted her collaborative experience on set with director Chloe Zhao, noting that the filming of Hamnet was a unique and respectful creative process. As for co-star Jessie Buckley, Guest believes her performance deserves every accolade she has received. The film Hamnet, aside from its personal narrative, has garnered attention for its depiction of Tudor architecture and living conditions, providing a window into the past, with many 16th-century homes still standing in the UK today. The film not only reveals aspects of Tudor life but has also prompted interest in historical architecture among the public, showcasing how life was lived centuries ago through home design and domestic artifacts. In addition to her acting career, Guest’s journey illustrates the importance of following one's passion, as she highlights how a pivotal moment in her late forties led her to pursue a career that was a perfect blend of her past training and newfound ambition. The community's support during her filmmaking endeavors has been significant, especially with the involvement of students from Sheringham High School, who had the opportunity to witness a professional film being made, further bridging the gap between professional filmmaking and local engagement. This intersection of experiences not only paints a picture of Guest's professional development but also reflects her personal growth and the ongoing relevance of historical narratives in contemporary life.