10 Surprising Facts About The Narrator Of Call The Midwife

Here are some 10 Surprising Facts About The Narrator of Call the Midwife, which isn't typically a focus in the series but holds some interesting backstories:

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1.🎙️ Vanessa Redgrave is More Than Just a Voice

Vanessa Redgrave, the iconic voice behind the narration of Call the Midwife, brings an esteemed presence to the series. Known for her illustrious career in theatre, film, and television, she has been nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award. Her connection to the show, however, goes beyond her voice, as she also plays the older version of Jennifer Worth, the real-life nurse-midwife whose memoirs inspired the show.

2.📽️ The Narration Was Added Post-Production

The decision to add a narrative overlay was made after the initial filming of the first season. The producers felt that Vanessa Redgrave's voice would lend an authentic and timeless quality to the storytelling, grounding the episodic events within the larger historical context of post-war Britain.

3.📚 Based on Real-Life Memoirs

The narrator's tales are drawn from the real-life memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who worked as a midwife in the East End of London during the 1950s. Worth's books, "Call the Midwife", "Shadows of the Workhouse", and "Farewell to the East End," provide the source material for the series, giving the narration an authentic voice of the era.

4.🏥 A Personal Connection

<p class="pro-note">👩‍👦 Note: Vanessa Redgrave's sister, Lynn Redgrave, also played a nurse in the film "Georgy Girl", connecting the family to medical professions on screen.</p>

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5.🔍 A Different Narrator in Reality

The narrator we hear isn't the voice of Jennifer Worth but an interpretation by Vanessa Redgrave. Jennifer Worth passed away in 2011, before the show aired, leaving her own voice behind only in her written words.

6.💌 Fan Favorite

Despite her scenes being primarily limited to voiceover, Vanessa Redgrave's contribution is highly appreciated by fans. Her soothing narration adds depth and a personal touch to the storylines, making her an unseen but essential part of the show.

7.🖋️ Creative Control

Vanessa Redgrave was given considerable creative control over her narration. She's known to edit and adapt the scripts to better fit the dramatic flow and to reflect her interpretation of Worth's experiences.

8.🔢 Limited Screen Time

Vanessa Redgrave's actual screen time in the series is minimal. She appears in the first episode as the older Jennifer Worth, with her voice being the main conduit for her character's presence throughout the series.

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9.💡 Bridging Time and Space

Her narration serves as a bridge between the present-day audience and the 1950s and 1960s London depicted in the series, giving viewers context and a sense of the era's socio-economic and cultural milieu.

10.🌍 An International Impact

While Call the Midwife has become a British staple, the impact of its storytelling, enhanced by Redgrave's narration, has extended worldwide, attracting an international audience and providing a unique perspective on British social history.

Vanessa Redgrave's contribution as the narrator of Call the Midwife has not only been crucial to the show's charm and authenticity but also to its educational value, offering viewers an insightful look into a significant period of British history. Her involvement has transformed the series into more than just a period drama; it's an enduring love letter to the past.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who is the narrator of Call the Midwife?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The narrator is the esteemed actress Vanessa Redgrave, who provides the voice for the older version of Jennifer Worth, the memoirist behind the series.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is Vanessa Redgrave known for?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Vanessa Redgrave is known for her extensive work in film, theatre, and television, having been nominated for numerous awards including an Academy Award, and being celebrated for her roles in classics like "Blow-Up," "A Man for All Seasons," and "Julia."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Jennifer Worth narrate her own story?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, Jennifer Worth passed away before the series aired. Her memoirs are brought to life by Vanessa Redgrave's narration.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the role of narration in Call the Midwife?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The narration provides historical context, personal insights, and a connection to the real-life stories that inspired the series, grounding the show in authenticity and emotional depth.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>