The acclaimed actress and writer Miriam Margolyes continues to defy expectations at 85 years old.
Despite facing mobility challenges, she has announced an extensive 36-date tour across the United Kingdom and Ireland scheduled for the autumn season.
During a recent interview conducted via video call, Margolyes discussed her upcoming promotional activities with characteristic candour and sharp wit.
The Oxford-born performer, who stands at just under five feet tall, employs walking aids during live appearances and keeps a wheelchair readily available as a precaution.
Her fourth literary work, titled Miriam’s Full English, is set for release by John Murray on September 3, priced at £25.
The actress, who has authored three previous memoirs, believes this latest publication may represent her final book.
Margolyes achieved worldwide recognition through her portrayal of Professor Sprout within the Harry Potter film franchise.
The performer, who studied at both Oxford and Cambridge universities, has been referred to as a national treasure, though she personally favours the alternative description of national trinket.
The entertainer acknowledges that her public profile has grown considerably in recent decades.
She attributes this late-career prominence to her appearances on talk programmes, which allowed her distinctive personality to reach wider audiences.
Television presenter Graham Norton has praised her screen presence as invaluable entertainment, and he is scheduled to conduct an interview with her at the Royal Albert Hall during the tour.
Her newest publication examines British culture and national characteristics.
The work addresses topics including queuing customs, linguistic quirks, eccentricities, meteorological preoccupations, and broader social attitudes.
The writing employs rapid humour, candid observations, and colourful language throughout.
Margolyes readily acknowledges her reputation for provocative speech, stating that profanity serves as a bridge between her privileged background and those from different circumstances.
She believes that such language helps audiences relate to her more easily.
The text carries commentary on the current state of the nation.
Margolyes expresses concern about political figures, specifically naming Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Vladimir Putin as individuals whose influence she finds troubling.
She suggests that such leaders have eroded public confidence in institutions and optimism about future prospects.
Among British politicians mentioned critically within the book are Nigel Farage, to whom she applies a dismissive epithet, and former prime minister Boris Johnson.
The performer, who identifies with left-wing politics, also directs criticism toward former Labour politicians.
Despite her willingness to discuss controversial topics, Margolyes maintains that her intention is not to cause shock.
She regards her candid approach as a useful tool for eliciting genuine responses during conversations.
Recent opportunities have included approaches to participate in reality competition programmes.
Fellow entertainer Stephen Fry attempted to convince her to join Celebrity Traitors, though she ultimately declined.
She similarly rejected substantial financial offers to appear in jungle-based reality formats and dance competition programmes.
Margolyes continues to pursue diverse creative projects.
She has recently completed travel documentary work, is preparing to film a documentary series in Australia, and a road trip feature film titled Holy Days featuring three nuns and filmed in New Zealand was released coinciding with her book’s publication.
The performer, who suffers from spinal stenosis, acknowledges that this condition may eventually necessitate permanent use of a wheelchair.
She reports mixed feelings about aging, describing occasional energetic moods alongside periods of weariness.
Audience question-and-answer sessions form part of her live events.
Common inquiries reportedly involve her professional experiences, personal relationships, and intimate details about past encounters.
Her partner, who operates outside the entertainment sector, prefers to maintain privacy.
Margolyes respects this preference and declines to discuss the relationship publicly.
The book presents suggestions for personal and social improvement, including proposals to connect with elderly neighbours, engage with unfamiliar people, reduce reliance on personal audio devices, and cultivate personal courage.
Margolyes derives satisfaction from her continued presence on stage, describing the audience response she receives as a powerful and gratifying experience.
Her tour spans multiple cities from September through December 2026.