Louise McCarthy is a Scottish actor, writer and producer working across stage and screen. Theatre includes The High Life (National Theatre of Scotland / Dundee Rep Theatre), Mamma Mia! (West End), The Steamie, Wild Rose (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), and multiple productions with the National Theatre of Scotland. She was nominated for Best Actress at the 2017 CATS Awards for Cuttin’ A Rug. Television credits include Stevens & McCarthy (creator/writer), Scot Squad, Two Doors Down, Only an Excuse?, In Plain Sight, The Scotts and Queen of the New Year. Film includes Wild Rose (Film4/BFI).
 

As a writer, Louise has contributed to BBC Comedy Unit productions including Scot Squad and Only an Excuse?, and has been commissioned to develop two new BBC comedy pilots. She is also co-writer of The DOLLS stage productions. As a writer, she has contributed to Scot Squad, Only an Excuse? and Queen of the New Year, and produces The Dolls tours and The Steamie (2026).

I’m really delighted to be returning to The Steamie, this time playing Dolly. I previously played Magrit, so it’s lovely to come back to such a special show and get the chance to explore a different character.

What The Steamie means to Louise.
The Steamie has always meant a lot to me. It’s actually what made me want to go to drama school in the first place. I remember pausing a VHS tape (which definitely shows my age) to write out Magrit’s “Isn’t it wonderful to be a woman” speech and practice it. I’d also rope my family into watching me perform all the parts on holiday, usually dressed in tablecloths as headscarves! It’s something that’s been passed down through generations in my family, from my Gran to my Mum and now to me, and that’s what makes it so special. At its heart, it’s a story about community, which feels just as important now as it ever has. Tony Roper created something really unique, a play centred around women, full of warmth, humour and brilliant characters. To be part of telling that story, alongside such a fantastic cast, is a real privilege. And with this being Tony’s final time directing The Steamie, it feels even more meaningful to be involved. It’s a show that’s loved by so many people, and I’m very proud to be part of bringing it back to the stage for a new generation.