Cast members from the BBC’s Call the Midwife show recently opened the Call The Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, unveiling a brand new gallery featuring Trixie Franklin’s wedding dress, new sets, costumes, props, and unique artefacts.
Created in partnership with television production company Neal Street Productions, the Dockyard’s Call The Midwife Official Location Tour is the only one of its kind in the world. Set in the East End of London, many of the outside scenes from the BBC series are actually filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent.
The newly re-vamped tour encourages visitors to walk in the footsteps of Sister Julienne, Nurse Trixie Franklin, Nancy Corrigan and Dr Turner, to explore the cobbled streets and buildings of the Dockyard which double as ‘Poplar’, plus view the iconic locations of Grosvenor Hotel and ‘Chummy’s Hill’.
Olivia Horner, Commercial Director, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said, “It’s wonderful to have Trixie’s wedding dress on display in our brand new Call the Midwife gallery here in Chatham. We know that visitors will enjoy seeing the iconic dress worn by Trixie at her wedding to Matthew; the culmination of a heartfelt romance.”
Visitors to the tour are guided through the site by their very own costumed Midwife, armed with a photograph book and tales of their ‘sisters’, before being allowed to explore the sets, costumes and props in the all-new, exclusive gallery, which is twice the size of the former gallery.
Dame Pippa Harris, Executive Producer said, “Call the Midwife has had a long and successful relationship with The Historic Dockyard Chatham from filming many of the iconic external scenes to running a wonderful tour and exhibition. Our cast and crew love filming there against such an authentic backdrop.
“Neal Street Productions are very proud to be expanding the exhibition space this year, especially with the addition of new sets and the series 12 finale wedding dress! We hope anyone visiting the new gallery and tour will feel fully immersed into the world of Call the Midwife.”
Created and written by Heidi Thomas, Call the Midwife is truly global, with millions of viewers tuning in via PBS in America to enjoy the tale of the midwives, and enjoy the backdrop of The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Olivia Horner, Commercial Director, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said, “We are excited to see the reaction to our new, exclusive gallery dedicated to Call The Midwife. We know how much visitors have enjoyed the tour over the years and with the addition of new sets, costumes, props, that include Trixie’s wedding dress, Buckle’s shop and Violet’s haberdashery, we are sure that the tour will prove even more popular in years to come.”
Click here to learn more about The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
