Doctor in the House

Richard Briers stars as student doctor Simon Sparrow who has just started at St Swithin's hospital... how hard can it be? Based on his own experiences as a medic, Richard Gordon's hospital comedy Doctor in the House was a huge hit when first published in 1952. It spawned a series of sequels, a BAFTA-winning 1954 film starring Dirk Bogarde and a spin-off TV series from 1969-1970, as well as this 1968 BBC radio series, adapted by Ray Cooney. In these 13 episodes, we follow the misadventures of hapless medical student Simon Oliver Sparrow. Having moved to London from Bradford, he decides to follow his father's footsteps and become a doctor - but, embarking on his studies at St Swithin's Hospital, he's thrown in at the deep end and finds himself floundering. From flirting with nurses and falling foul of hospital rules, to dealing with the formidable Sister Virtue and the irascible Sir Lancelot Spratt, his six years of training are always eventful. Together with pals Tony Benskin and Taffy Evans, he manages to cause medical mayhem in the operating theatre, on the antenatal ward and at the Nurses' Ball - and it's nerves and pints all round as the trio face their final exams... Starring Richard Briers, Geoffrey Sumner, Ray Cooney and Edward Cast, with guest stars including John Le Mesurier, Irene Handl, Norma Ronald, Joan Sanderson and David Jason, this funny, light-hearted sitcom is just what the doctor ordered. Adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's Doctor in the House, published in 1952 Produced by David Hatch Cast Simon Sparrow - Richard Briers Sir Lancelot Spratt - Geoffrey Sumner Tony Benskin - Ray Cooney Secretary - Erik Chitty Sister/Granny - Beth Boyd Padre - Michael Deacon/Brian Haines The Dean - John Le Mesurier/Dennis Ramsden Taffy Evans - Edward Cast Vera/Matron - Norma Ronald Mrs Robinson/Sister - Ann Murray Sister Virtue - Joan Sanderson Mrs Clark - Irene Handl Sister - Barbara Mitchell Nurse Michaels - Carol Marsh Ginger - Tanya Robinson Mrs Stevens - Gwendolyn Watts Porter - Brian Haines Nurse - Carol Mason Lady Spratt - Joan Young The Waiter - David Jason First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 25 June - 17 September 1968 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd