Where Is Call The Midwife Filmed

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about that delightful period drama, Call the Midwife. You know, the one that makes us laugh, cry, and wish we had a Sister Julienne in our lives. Now, you might be wondering, where on Earth (or should I say, when on Earth) is this little gem filmed? Well, buckle up, because it's not quite as straightforward as you'd think.

Welcome to the 1950s... sort of

So, you'd be forgiven for assuming that Call the Midwife is filmed in some quaint, post-war London street, with gas lamps flickering and ration books rustling in the breeze. I mean, that's what we're led to believe, right? Wrong! Well, not entirely wrong, but you'll see.

You see, the show is actually filmed in the 21st century. I know, I know, it's a shocker. But fear not, dear viewers, the producers have a secret weapon: the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Now, this place is no ordinary filming location. It's a time-traveling hotspot, transforming into 1950s London with a wave of a wand (or a well-placed prop, at least).

Chatham: The Time-Traveling Dockyard

Picture this: a sprawling, 80-acre site, filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and even a few ships thrown in for good measure. It's like a real-life Pirates of the Caribbean, but with less Johnny Depp and more nuns. The best part? It's all tucked away in the unassuming town of Chatham, Kent. Not quite the East End of London, but it'll do in a pinch.

Now, I've been there, and let me tell you, it's like stepping into a time machine. One minute you're walking down a modern high street, and the next, you're in the 1950s. It's all thanks to the dedicated team of set designers, who've turned this historic dockyard into a period-perfect playground for our favorite midwives.

From Slum to Studio: The Magic of TV

But here's where it gets really interesting. You remember Poplar, the fictional East End slum where our midwives ply their trade? Well, it's not so fictional after all. You see, the show's creators took inspiration from the real-life slums of the East End, and even used old photographs and maps to bring Poplar to life. But here's the kicker: they didn't film there. No, no, that would be too easy.

Instead, they built a replica of Poplar right there in the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Yep, you heard it here first. It's like a giant film set, complete with terraced houses, cobblestone streets, and even a few strategically placed chimneys for that authentic, smoggy London feel. It's like a real-life Pleasantville, but with fewer aliens and more nuns.

Call The Midwife Set Tours: Visit The Docks Which Double Up As 1960s

The Great Midwife Hunt

But wait, you might be thinking, what about all those exterior shots? The ones where our midwives are cycling through the streets of London, or walking past the iconic Tower of London? Well, that's where things get a little... creative.

You see, the show's producers are nothing if not resourceful. They've been known to film exterior shots in various locations around London, from the historic streets of Greenwich to the charming alleyways of Shad Thames. But here's the thing: they often film these scenes at dawn or dusk, when the streets are quiet and the lighting is just so. It's like a well-choreographed dance, with the crew tiptoeing around the city, capturing their shots before the real world wakes up.

And if that wasn't enough, they've even been known to use green screen to add a little extra magic to their shots. I mean, have you ever tried to film a scene with a towering landmark in the background, only to have a tour bus full of tourists photobomb your shot? It's a nightmare, I tell you. So, the green screen comes in handy, allowing the crew to add in the iconic London landmarks later, without any unwanted interruptions.

The Midwife's Secret Weapon

But perhaps the most impressive feat of all is the show's use of CGI. Now, I know what you're thinking: "CGI? In Call the Midwife? Surely not!" But bear with me, folks, because this is where things get really interesting.

Call The Midwife Set Tour _ Call The Midwife Tour – WFOT

You see, the show's producers have used CGI to enhance their period-accurate sets, adding in little details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Like, for instance, the smog that hangs heavy in the air of post-war London. It's not just a clever use of filters; it's actual, honest-to-goodness CGI. I know, I know, it's mind-blowing.

And that's not all. They've also used CGI to add in a few extra chimneys here and there, just to give the set that extra touch of authenticity. It's like a real-life game of SimCity, but with nuns and babies instead of pixelated people and power plants.

The Midwife's Legacy

So there you have it, folks. The secret behind the filming of Call the Midwife. It's a tale of time-traveling dockyards, secret film sets, and a whole lot of CGI. But here's the thing: it works. It works because the show's creators have gone to great lengths to ensure that their period drama is as authentic as possible. And in doing so, they've not only brought the 1950s to life, but they've also given us a little glimpse into our own history.

So next time you're watching Call the Midwife, take a moment to appreciate the magic that goes into bringing this show to life. From the historic streets of Chatham to the iconic landmarks of London, it's a true testament to the power of storytelling and the art of filmmaking. And who knows? You might just spot a few hidden secrets along the way.

Until next time, folks. Keep watching, and keep laughing. And remember: if you ever find yourself in need of a midwife, you know where to call.