‘Call the Midwife’ was written as a response to an article highlighting the lack of representation of midwives in literature.
If you’re a fan of BBC One, then you’ve probably heard of ‘Call the Midwife’, but did you know it was originally a memoir?
Here are the top 30 interesting facts about Call The Midwife.
The memoir was written by Jennifer Worth.
It is the first book in a trilogy.
The other two books are ‘Shadows of the Workhouse’ (2005) and ‘Farewell to the East End’ (2009).
The trilogy is based on Worth’s experiences as a district nurse and midwife.
The books depict life in the 1950s.
By the time of Worth’s death, the books had sold over one million copies.
In 2010, Worth wrote another book called ‘In The Midst of Life’ about her time working with mental health patients.
The memoir was later adapted for television.
Worth was born on September 25, 1935 and passed away on May 31, 2011 due to oesophageal cancer.
She was born in Essex and grew up in Buckinghamshire.
Worth trained at the London Hospital in Whitechapel and assisted the poor at the Sisters of St John the Divine.
She became a ward sister at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital and later worked at the Marie Curie Hospital.
Worth retired from nursing to pursue a career in music.
She criticized the portrayal of abortions in the 2004 film ‘Vera Drake’.
‘Call the Midwife’ was written in response to an article highlighting the lack of representation of midwives in literature.
Worth hand-wrote the memoir.
The narrative is divided between the midwifery stories and incidents at the nunnery.
Many of the characters are given pseudonyms.
The main characters include Jenny, Camilla ‘Chummy’ Browne, Cynthia Miller, Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina, Sister Monica Joan, and Constable David Thompson.
After the success of the memoir, the publishers released other books with similar themes, such as ‘The Sugar Girls’ by Nuala Calvi.
The BBC commissioned the memoir for a UK drama series.
There have been two seasons (and a Christmas special) to date.
Actresses such as Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, and Vanessa Redgrave have starred in the show.
Season two was commissioned after the pilot episode attracted over ten million viewers.
‘Call the Midwife’ won TV Quick’s Best New Drama award.
Miranda Hart won the National Television Award for Best Drama Performance (Female).
FAQ
1. What is ‘Call the Midwife’?
‘Call the Midwife’ is a British period drama television series that is set in the 1950s and 1960s. It follows the lives of midwives and nuns who live and work in the poor East End of London. The show is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a midwife who worked in the area during the same period.
2. How many seasons of ‘Call the Midwife’ are there?
As of 2021, there have been ten seasons of ‘Call the Midwife’, with a total of 120 episodes. The show has been renewed for an eleventh season, which is set to air in 2022.
3. Who are the main characters in ‘Call the Midwife’?
The show has a large ensemble cast, but some of the main characters include midwives Trixie, Sister Julienne, and Lucille, as well as nurses Valerie and Phyllis. There are also several recurring characters, such as Dr. Turner and his wife Shelagh.
4. Is ‘Call the Midwife’ historically accurate?
Yes, the show is known for its attention to historical accuracy. The writers and producers work closely with historians and medical professionals to ensure that the medical procedures and social issues depicted in the show are true to the time period.
5. Where is ‘Call the Midwife’ filmed?
The show is filmed on location in London, primarily in the East End. Many of the exterior shots are filmed in the historic Docklands area, while the interior shots are filmed in a studio in south London.
6. Has ‘Call the Midwife’ won any awards?
Yes, the show has won multiple awards, including several National Television Awards and a BAFTA for Best Drama Series. It has also been nominated for several other awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards.
7. What is the cultural impact of ‘Call the Midwife’?
The show has been praised for its portrayal of women and its exploration of important social issues, such as poverty, racism, and women’s health. It has also been credited with helping to renew interest in midwifery as a profession and inspiring more young women to pursue careers in healthcare.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.