Our take
A bomb under the streets just before Christmas gives this special a ticking clock, and it uses it well: a whole community camped out in a working men's club, making the best of it. Underneath is the show's usual mix of a difficult birth, a man broken by war and a family wedding in jeopardy. It is one of the more cinematic specials, and Sandi Toksvig's cameo is a treat for anyone paying attention.
What happens
It is the end of 1958 and Poplar is getting ready for Christmas when an unexploded wartime bomb is found close to Nonnatus House. The streets are evacuated a few days before Christmas, and the midwives are put in charge of the rescue centre, a cramped working men's club, until the bomb is made safe. Jenny Lee is drawn into the lives of Yvonne and Alan Bridges, a young couple expecting their first child; Alan has been left with post-traumatic stress after fighting in Korea, and Trixie, drawing on her own father's war, helps him face his fears, though it costs her dearly. Shelagh, the former Sister Bernadette, and Dr Turner are planning a quiet wedding, but Shelagh feels guilty about leaving the order, and then Timothy falls dangerously ill with polio and their plans are put on hold while they keep vigil at his bedside. Timothy pulls through, Shelagh finds peace with the sisters, and the wedding goes ahead.
Can the kids watch it?
No BBFC rating found. It was a Christmas Day family-time drama, but it includes births, illness and some sad stories, so best for older children watching with a grown-up.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Jessica Raine as Jenny Lee
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Pam Ferris as Sister Evangelina
- Miranda Hart as Chummy Noakes
- Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan
- Helen George as Trixie Franklin
- Bryony Hannah as Cynthia Miller
- Laura Main as Shelagh Turner
Guest stars
- Ben Caplan as PC Peter Noakes
- Stephen McGann as Dr Patrick Turner
- Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle
- Leo Staar as Alec Jesmond
- Victoria Bewick as Yvonne Bridges
- Sam Swainsbury as Alan Bridges
- Raymond Coulthard as Captain Goodacre
- Simon Armstrong as Major Fawcett
- Nancy Carroll as Linda Buck
- Sandi Toksvig as Sister Gibbs
- Vanessa Redgrave as Voice of Mature Jenny
Writer
- Heidi Thomas
Director
- Thea Sharrock