Watch WPC 56

WPC 56 is a British crime drama that aired on BBC One from 2013 to 2015. The show follows the story of a female police constable, Gina Dawson, who is the first woman to join a West Midlands police station in 1956. The show depicts the struggles and challenges that Gina faces as a woman in a predominantly male world, and how she overcomes them.

The main character of Gina Dawson is played by Jennie Jacques, who portrays the character with great confidence, portraying the strength and vulnerability of a young woman trying to make her way in a world where she is often underestimated. She faces hostility from some of her male colleagues, and must constantly prove herself to be capable and deserving of her position. Despite the challenges she faces, Gina persists in her pursuit of justice, and is a role model for other women who aspire to enter the police force.

The show is set in the 1950s, a time when women in the police force were still a rarity, and faced significant barriers to advancement. At the time, there were strict gender roles in place, and women were often relegated to administrative or support roles rather than undertaking more challenging police work. However, Gina refuses to accept these limitations, and sets out to prove that she is just as capable as her male counterparts.

Charles De'Ath plays Sergeant Arthur Quilley, who is initially sceptical of Gina's abilities but comes to respect her and recognise her worth as a police officer. His character provides a counterpoint to Gina's, as someone who is initially dismissive of her abilities, but comes to appreciate her as a colleague and fellow officer.

John Bowler plays DI Jack Burns, who is the boss of the police station where Gina works. He is initially wary of Gina, but quickly comes to recognise her strengths and abilities. He is a tough but fair boss, who supports Gina in her work and helps to overcome some of the obstacles she faces.

The show is set against the backdrop of the changing social and political landscape of 1950s Britain. The country is recovering from the devastation of World War II, and is undergoing significant social and economic changes. The police force is also evolving in response to these changes, and Gina's arrival marks the beginning of a new era in policing. WPC 56 is a reminder of the struggle for gender equality in Britain, and how far women have come since the 1950s.

The show focuses on a different crime case each episode, ranging from murder to theft and fraud. The crimes are often complex, and require Gina to use her intelligence and resourcefulness to solve them. The show is well-written and well-paced, with engaging storylines and interesting characters. Each episode is a self-contained story, but there are also ongoing plot arcs that develop over the series, such as Gina's personal life and professional relationships.

Overall, WPC 56 is a thoughtful and engaging crime drama that explores the challenges faced by women in the police force in the 1950s. It is a reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality, and is a tribute to the pioneering women who paved the way for future generations. If you are a fan of crime dramas or historical dramas, WPC 56 is definitely worth checking out.

WPC 56 is a series that ran for 3 seasons (15 episodes) between March 18, 2013 and on BritBox