‘Tales from Call the Midwife’ with Alice Watson

As part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations, LHS alumna Alice Watson (LHS 2013), who now works as a researcher in the School of Geography at the University of Oxford, has launched an exciting podcast with the BBC called Tales from Call the Midwife.  

Having been one of the few people to be awarded with AHRC funding in May to conduct public engagement research in connection with the BBC’s centenary, this podcast is the culmination of Alice’s research on Call the Midwife and its cultural impact. Made by Neal Street Productions, Call the Midwife is one of the BBC’s most celebrated TV dramas and explores Britain’s medical and social history by following the lives and work of the midwives and nuns of the fictional Nonnatus House in Poplar in the East End of London in the 1950s and 60s. The show was originally based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth and extended into storylines based on historical material. First broadcast in 2012, it recently won the title of the best show of the past 25 Years voted for by Radio Times readers.  

In the 28-part series, Alice investigates how and why this beloved show has touched the hearts of so many with its themes and storylines by interviewing fans of the show from across Britain who have been inspired by, experienced or moved by the stories of Poplar’s residents. She also reflects on the show’s ability to capture and ignite conversations on present day issues, including abortion and adoption, LGBTQ+ stories, Down’s Syndrome, alcoholism and midwifery. 

A stand-out fan for Alice was Maureen Robertson, who shares her 100th birthday with the BBC and grew up in the East End in the 1920s and 30s. Maureen remembers life in the East End both before and after the war and reflects on what health and maternity care both pre- and post the advent of the NHS in 1948. 

Alice’s enjoyment in her project particularly arose from her interviews and love for the programme:  

“I have been a fan of Call the Midwife ever since its first broadcast and feel incredibly lucky to have been able to work together with the BBC in producing a podcast which celebrates the programme and its storytelling. I hope the podcast demonstrates why audiences continue to watch Call the Midwife in their millions and offers an insight into the drama’s ‘place’ in people’s lives – its ability to speak to contemporary lived experiences, spark conversations about medical history and social change, and amplify marginalised voices. Indeed, even though the show is set in the East End of London in the 1950s and 60s, this podcast illustrates the myriad ways in which its subject matter continues to resonate with people and communities in the present day. It’s been a privilege to chat with so many wonderful fans across the country and I hope you enjoy listening to their stories just as much as I did”. 

Listen to the first 15 episodes on https://canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk/talesfromcallthemidwife/. The final 13 episodes will be released on 14th November to coincide with the anniversary of the first ever BBC broadcast.