Because it’s a glorious reminder that magic is often made with what you already have. The production team didn’t fly to Asia; they built a whole 1950s London neighborhood in a parking lot. That’s scrappy, inventive, and honestly, a little bit inspiring for the rest of us.
Imagine applying that same creative problem-solving to your own life. You want a vacation vibe? You don’t need Bali—maybe your local park at sunrise works. You want a cozy night in? Build a blanket fort like a Nonnatus House set. See what I mean?
Even the nuns had a sense of place—and you can too.
The show’s power comes from its authenticity of spirit, not its passport. The costumes, the props, the weather (you can practically feel the damp chill) all tell the truth of Poplar, London. That’s a lesson: your own neighborhood has stories waiting to be discovered.
Call the Midwife creator reveals show was hit by typhoon in Hong Kong
Next time you walk your block, pretend you’re a location scout. Notice the distinct brickwork. The old lamppost. The way a certain garden gate creaks. Suddenly, your daily walk becomes a miniature adventure—just like the show’s production team did for millions of viewers.
And here’s the delicious irony: for a few episodes, the show did use some clever digital effects to add period touches. But the streets are real, the actors are real, and the heart is real. That’s the secret sauce.
I once spent an hour looking up “Poplar 1950s map” after a binge-watch. I discovered that the actual streets the show portrays had terrible poverty, but also fierce community. Learning that made me call my own grandmother, who grew up in a similar row house. Don’t underestimate where a curious question can lead you.
So, to recap: No, it wasn’t filmed in Hong Kong. But the truth is far more charming. It was filmed with grit, love, and a masterclass in set design in a corner of England that probably never expected to become famous for midwives and bicycles.
BBC's Call The Midwife Christmas special hit by typhoon while filming
