The complete classic 1960s comedy starring Richard Briers, the sequel to Doctor in the House

Richard Briers stars in this sparkling sixties comedy about a newly qualified young doctor and his two best friends, Taffy Evans and Tony Benskin. When Simon Sparrow (Richard Briers) lands his first job as a ship's doctor, he soon realises life on the seas is far from plain sailing. First of all, he falls in love with the chairman's daughter, Wendy, but is distracted from his affections by the discovery that he suffers from seasickness, and is expected to perform surgery with only cutlery and a hefty dose of brandy...

Once safely on land, Simon joins a rather high-class medical practice, but finds life no simpler there. Will his accidental engagement to Wendy stand? Does his X-ray mishap spell disaster? And can he complete his surgeon's exam on the biggest day of his life?

A spin-off from the 1955 novel Doctor at Large and the subsequent television series, this sitcom features guest appearances from such varied comedy actors as Miriam Margolyes, Stanley Baxter, Joan Sims and David Jason.

A light-hearted comedy perfect for fans of Brothers in Law, The Good Life, and Marriage Lines.

Cast and credits

Simon Sparrow - Richard Briers

Wendy Swithenbank - Norma Ronald

Sir Lancelot Spratt - Geoffrey Sumner

Tony Benskin/First Mate Jock Hornbeam - Ray Cooney

Taffy Evans/Colonel Smith/Waiter - Edward Cast

Mrs Muir/Mrs Travers - Dandy Nichols

Mr Smith - Bill Fraser

Easter - Peter Jones

Edna Swithenbank/Mrs Russell - Joan Sanderson

Colonel Swithenbank/Colonel Brown - Dennis Ramsden

Miss Bottomley - Patsy Rowlands

Maria - Marjorie Westbury

Matilde - Miriam Margolyes

Mrs Hawkins - Ann Murray

Rosa/Mother - Madi Hedd

Dr Hockett - Stanley Baxter

Dora - Joan Sims

Receptionist - David Jason

The Duke - Howard Marion Crawford

Sir Raymond Beecham - Richard Caldicot

Kitty Buckingham - Fenella Fielding

Butler - Garard Green

Nurse - Rosalind Adams

Anthea de Beere-Sidebotham - Alethea Charlton

Mrs de Beere-Sidebotham - Ambrosine Phillpotts

Mr de Beere-Sidebotham - Peter Williams

Ward Sister - Kathleen Helme

Lord Crutchley - Ronald Adam

Sir Mortimer Huxted - Erik Chitty

Taxi Driver - Sam Kydd

Written by Richard Gordon

Adapted by Ray Cooney

Produced by David Hatch

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 4 June - 2 September 1969