A Very Peculiar Practice (1986–1988)

A surreal comedy series tracking the career of Stephen Daker, a young doctor who works for the health centre of a modern British university.

Stars:

Peter Davison, Graham Crowden, Barbara Flynn

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Peter Davison	...	Dr. Stephen Daker (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Graham Crowden	...	Dr. Jock McCannon (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Barbara Flynn	...	Dr. Rose Marie (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
David Troughton	...	Dr. Bob Buzzard (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Sonia Hart	...	Nun (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Elaine Turrell	...	Nun (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Lindy Whiteford	...	Maureen Gahagan (13 episodes, 1986-1988)
Amanda Hillwood	...	Lyn Turtle (8 episodes, 1986-1988)
Gillian Raine	...	Mrs. Kramer (8 episodes, 1986-1988)
John Bird	...	Vice Chancellor Ernest Hemmingway (7 episodes, 1986)
Michael Shannon	...	Vice-Chancellor Jack Daniels (7 episodes, 1988)
Joanna Kanska	...	Grete Grotowska (7 episodes, 1988)
Takashi Kawahara	...	Chen Sung Yau (7 episodes, 1986)
Clive Willbond-Hill		(7 episodes, 1986)
Colin Stinton	...	Charlie Dusenberry (6 episodes, 1988)

Storyline

A surreal comedy series tracking the career of Stephen Daker, a young doctor who works for the health centre of a modern British university.

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Plot Keywords:

university | clinic | medical

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 May 1986 (UK)

Also Known As:

Doktorn som visste för lite

Filming Locations:

University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min

Sound Mix:

Mono Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Andrew Davies originally wanted to film the series at UEA (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK). But UEA where unhappy as to how the University would be portrayed. Instead, the exterior shots we all done at either Keele or Birmingham University.

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Connections

Followed by Screen One: A Very Polish Practice (1992)

User Reviews

"They don't make them like this anymore..."

Firstly, this series is not to everyone's taste. I also wouldn't be at all surprised if it didn't travel too well.

Secondly, it is a 'high comedy', no laughter track, 60 minutes (without adverts) episodes, deliberately slow plot, complex dialogue scenes.

However, now the first series is available on DVD, many can now found out what an absolutely fantastic series this was.

It is based on a 'new' English University Campus, the type built in the 1950's and 60's which display concrete cancer out of every nook and cranny. It has a medical practice to serve students and staff, and every one is slightly mad and eccentric except for the star, Stephen 'Touch Taboo' Daker, his open relationship partner Lyn Turtle, and his roommate (Chen).

Do you like 'The Office'? Well, it is often cited that the prototype for David Brent was Basic Fawlty; but just watch this, and you will know it is Dr Bob Buzzard, what a fantastic creation!

Why is it good?

The acting, the scripts and the direction (even the set design) is fantastic; multiple viewings will be rewarded. Be prepared for a black-edged, intelligent, highly satirical look at University life, complete with a couple of nuns. Andrew (let's do another adaptation) Davies has never really topped this.

I don't think they dare to make slow moving, intelligent, character-based comedy dramas anymore - this is a big pity.

I am curious to know how other people view this, I wouldn't be surprised if there were many who didn't like it. But if you watch this, because of this, or other reviews, and you like it, you will be forever grateful!