As the acclaimed BBC One period drama Call the Midwife prepares to air its emotional season finale on March 8, one of its iconic stars has unveiled a significant career shift that marks a return to her theatrical roots. Linda Bassett, who has portrayed the fan-favourite character Nurse Phyllis Crane since the show's fourth series, is set to swap the small screen for the stage in a major new production.
A Full-Circle Moment for a Veteran Actress
The 76-year-old actress, originally from Pluckley in Kent, will perform in Alexander Zeldin's family drama CARE at the prestigious Young Vic theatre in London. This move represents a poignant full-circle moment in Bassett's career, as she once worked as an usher at the Old Vic Theatre during her school years before briefly studying English at the University of Leeds.
After reportedly leaving university after just one year, Bassett became involved with a local drama group that staged productions in community centres and schools. She made her professional stage debut at the age of 32 before transitioning to television, where she appeared in numerous hit series including Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, East is East, and Lark Rise to Candleford.
From Temporary Cover to Series Staple
Bassett originally joined Call the Midwife in its fourth season as temporary cover for Sister Evangelina, portrayed by Pam Ferris. However, her character quickly resonated with audiences, transforming Nurse Crane into a beloved fixture who has remained central to the show's narrative through its current fifteenth season.
The period drama's upcoming conclusion on March 8 will not mark the end of the Call the Midwife universe. Fans can look forward to a forthcoming movie, a prequel, and confirmation of another season of the popular series.
Embracing a New Character in CARE
In the Young Vic production, Bassett will take on the role of Joan, the matriarch in a story that examines the complex realities of family life. The drama follows a single mother, two young siblings, and their grandmother through a revealing exploration of intergenerational relationships and care.
The official synopsis describes: "When Grandmother takes a fall, she is hastily moved to a care home she doesn't want to be in, surrounded by other elderly people longing for comfort and missing home. But as time passes, she comes to see what really matters in life and between loss and loneliness, we glimpse the unexpected joy in life's everyday moments."
A Star-Studded Cast Reunion
The Young Vic recently shared a promotional image on Instagram featuring Bassett as the family matriarch, which the actress also posted to her official social media accounts. The theatre announced that CARE will begin performances on May 11.
Bassett will be joined by an impressive ensemble cast that includes several actors with connections to her Call the Midwife past. Hayley Carmichael, who starred as Sadie Bulmer in the 2016 season of the medical drama, will appear alongside her, as will Rosie Cavaliero, who played Tessie Anself in the same year.
The production also features Richard Durden from Bridgerton, Aoife Gaston from Doctor Who, Llewella Gideon from Mr Loverman, and William Lawlor from Arcadia. The casting announcement generated enthusiastic responses from fellow actors, including former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite and I Hate Suzie actress Leila Farzad.
A Testament to Versatile Talent
Linda Bassett's career transition underscores the remarkable versatility of British acting talent, demonstrating how performers can successfully navigate between television institutions and prestigious theatrical productions. Her journey from theatre usher to television icon and back to the stage represents a compelling narrative of artistic evolution.
As Call the Midwife continues to air on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, Bassett's announcement provides fans with exciting insight into her next creative chapter while reassuring them that the beloved medical drama will continue in various forms beyond the current season's conclusion.
