St John & St Elizabeth Hospital consultant portrayed by Olivia Colman in new film Elsinore

Professor Margaret Johnson, a Consultant Respiratory Physician at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, is portrayed by Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman in Elsinore, which celebrated its European premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

The film, which opened the 70th BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall, tells the moving true story of acclaimed Scottish actor Ian Charleson, played by Andrew Scott, as he prepared to perform Hamlet at the National Theatre while living with AIDS.

Professor Johnson was Charleson’s doctor during the final stages of his life and is portrayed by Olivia Colman in the film, which explores the relationships, resilience and compassionate care surrounding the actor during his final performance.

A pioneer in HIV medicine

Professor Johnson is widely recognised for her pioneering work in HIV and respiratory medicine. During the late 1980s, at a time when HIV and AIDS were poorly understood and patients frequently faced significant stigma, she helped establish the UK’s first open-access HIV clinic at the Royal Free Hospital.

Her work helped transform access to specialist care for people living with HIV, and she went on to become a leading figure in HIV research, treatment and clinical education.

The Ian Charleson Day Centre at the Royal Free Hospital, which Professor Johnson helped establish, was named in memory of the actor and continues to provide specialist HIV care.

Alongside her work in HIV medicine, Professor Johnson has made significant contributions to respiratory medicine and clinical research. She has held several senior medical leadership positions, including Medical Director of the Royal Free Hospital and Chair of the British HIV Association, and was appointed Professor of Medicine at University College London in 2005.

Celebrating an extraordinary contribution to medicine

At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, Professor Johnson provides specialist respiratory care, supporting patients with conditions including asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, bronchiectasis and persistent cough.

We are incredibly proud to have Professor Johnson practising at our hospital and to see her remarkable contribution to medicine recognised in a major film.

Elsinore, directed by Simon Stone, will be released in UK cinemas on 29 January 2027.

Find out more about Professor Margaret Johnson