Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is a British television period drama series based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. The series was created by Heidi Thomas and produced by Neal Street Productions for the BBC. It first aired on BBC One on 15 January 2012.

Overview

Call the Midwife is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s in the East End of London, focusing on a group of nurse midwives working in the poor and underprivileged Poplar district. The series depicts the lives of the midwives and the families they care for, addressing social, cultural, and medical issues of the time.

Plot

The series begins with the arrival of Jenny Lee, a newly qualified midwife, at Nonnatus House, a nursing convent. The story follows her and her colleagues as they navigate the challenges of midwifery and the changing social landscape of post-war Britain. Each episode typically features a self-contained story about a particular birth or medical case, while also developing ongoing storylines about the characters' personal lives.

Characters

• Jenny Lee – A young midwife and the initial protagonist of the series.
• Sister Julienne – The wise and compassionate leader of Nonnatus House.
• Sister Monica Joan – An elderly nun with a love for cake and a penchant for quoting literature.
• Trixie Franklin – A glamorous and outgoing midwife.
• Chummy Noakes – A tall, clumsy, but endearing midwife.

Themes

Call the Midwife explores themes such as poverty, healthcare, women's rights, and social change. It highlights the role of midwives in providing essential healthcare services and the impact of medical advancements on childbirth and maternal care.

Production

The series is filmed in various locations, including Chatham Dockyard in Kent, which stands in for the East End of London. The production team works to authentically recreate the period setting, using vintage costumes, props, and vehicles.

Reception

Call the Midwife has been praised for its storytelling, historical accuracy, and strong performances. It has received numerous awards and nominations, including BAFTA awards and National Television Awards.

Also see

• Midwifery
• History of midwifery
• East End of London
• BBC television drama