Maggie Service was born in Glasgow and trained with the National Youth Theatre and at the Webber Douglas School of Dramatic Art. Maggie has been part of many television comedies such as Red Dwarf XI, Man Down, Miranda, The Mimic and dramas including Three Girls, Doctor Who & Call the Midwife. She played Kerry the Floor Manager in ITV mini-series Quiz and after appearing as Sister Theresa Garralous in Good Omens will be returning for season two in a lead role as ‘Maggie’, written specifically for her by showrunner Neil Gaiman. She is prolific in audio work and is an award-winning for audiobook narrator.
Hello, Maggie! Welcome to our interview. We're very happy to see you. How are you doing?
— Hello, thank you so much, I’m happy to be here.
Traditionally, we usually start our interviews with a question about the history of the artists. You are a talented actress. Could you please tell us how you decided to connect your life with this type of profession?
— I was five years old and I went to see one of my brothers in a school production of the musical ‘Guys and Dolls’. I remember my Mum asking in the interval if I was enjoying it. I told her I loved it and I thought the funny lady who had a song about having a cold was really good. (I was describing the character of Adelaide if you don’t know the show.). Mum explained to me that she had played that part. I was confused because I just thought of my Mum as Mum so she explained that ‘just like Daddy goes to the office every day for work, that was my work’ and I thought ‘Well, I’m doing that then!’
You perform in various theatrical productions. Tell us please about your most memorable ones.
— My first job at the National Theatre was London Assurance, a comedy by Dion Boucicault and it was an absolute hoot. It was the most fantastic cast, including Simon Russell Beale, Mark Addy and what turned out to be the last onstage performance by the comic legend that was Richard Briers. We sold out every show in the Olivier theatre which holds 1200 people and the wall of laughter was immense to experience. Richard told me that in the fifty two years he’d been in the business he’d never heard laughter like it. It was quite the introduction and it really started off my career as an actor.
What do you enjoy more: theater or cinema?
— I really do love both, they’re totally different disciplines but so far I’ve probably done more stage overall and would love to continue building up my screen work. It’s a beautiful process to be part of, intimate and energising.
Your filmography includes dozens of projects. Tell us which ones you loved the most and why?
— I adored London Assurance as I’ve already mentioned and Rules for Living was another play I loved doing at the National Theatre, my dear friend Sam Holcroft wrote the part of Carrie for me so that felt very special to bring to life. On screen Quiz by James Graham was fascinating to do as it was based on a real story and it really hit the Zeitgeist when it aired and of course both seasons of Good Omens have been incredible to be part of.
You starred in the first season of Good Omens. Very soon, Season 2 is coming out, in which Neil Gaiman wrote the role of Maggie especially for you. Wow! Please share your impressions about it.
— Season one was a blast. Even with my having to wear a satanic wimple, glued on eyebrow, moustache and beard hairs and a wart I was in a joyous mood filming it. The first Season felt like a love letter from Neil Gaiman to Terry Pratchett so there was a very special atmosphere on set. I honestly thought it was a stand alone series as we’d told the entire story of the book. So to receive an email from Neil in the middle of lockdown, when I couldn’t imagine a world in which we’d get to work in the creative industry again, saying that he was writing Season two and was writing a part for me called Maggie so that there’d be no confusion in who would be playing her felt very special indeed.
Were there any behind-the-scenes stories on the set of season two that you can tell us about?
— The sets built for the show were magnificent, they built the streets of Soho in a studio in Scotland. Neil and I took a stroll on a break one day and discussed where there was probably an underground bar and what the name of our underground band would be. I reckon we should try and make that a reality one day, it would be pretty epic!
Describe your character Maggie in the new season in 3 words.
— Open. Kind. Loyal.
If you can play any existing character, which one would you like to choose and why?
— Probably Shax who you will meet in season two played by the brilliant Miranda Richardson. She’s funny, scary, silly and edgy.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any other hobbies?
— I love to swim in cold water amongst nature, I find it utterly reviving and I love the meditative qualities of embracing all things crafty too.
— When someone shows you who they are believe them the first time - Maya Angelou.
Your favorite singer/band?
— Stevie Wonder.
Your favorite song?
— Stevie Wonder – Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing.
What track might describe the pace of your life?
— Old Cape Cod-Bette Middler/Cosmic Girl-Jamiroquai.
Marvel or DC?
— Both please.
What's your Hogwarts House?
— Hufflepuff.
Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it?
— I was a huge fan of Victoria Wood, she was a pioneer who amassed so much fantastic work in her life which continues to bring joy to people’s lives even though she’s no longer with us.
