Oh, Doctor Beeching! was a British television sitcom written by David Croft and Richard Spendlove, which, after a broadcast pilot on 14 August 1995, ran for two series from 8 July 1996, with the last episode being broadcast on 28 September 1997. The series was notable for being the last in a line of comedies by co-writer David Croft to use many of the same actors, starting with Hi-de-Hi!, and followed by You Rang, M'Lord?.

 

Oh, Doctor Beeching! focused on the small fictional branch line railway station of Hatley, which was threatened with closure under the Beeching Axe. The programme was filmed on the Severn Valley Railway, with the part of Hatley station being played by the Arley SVR station in Upper Arley.

 

Title and music

The title was a reference to the music hall song and Will Hay film Oh, Mr. Porter! and a modified version was sung as the end titles by Su Pollard;

Oh, Dr. Beeching what have you done?

There once were lots of trains to catch, but soon there will be none,

I'll have to buy a bike, 'cos I can't afford a car,

Oh, Dr. Beeching what a naughty man you are!

 

[edit] Cast

Paul Shane as Jack Skinner, the porter

Julia Deakin as May Skinner, buffet manageress; played by Sherrie Hewson in the original pilot

Jeffrey Holland as Cecil Parkin, the station master

Stephen Lewis as Harry Lambert, the signalman

Su Pollard as Ethel Schumann, the booking clerk

Paul Aspen as Wilfred Schumann, the junior porter

Ivor Roberts as Arnold Thomas, the engine driver

Perry Benson as Ralph, the fireman

Barbara New as Vera Plumtree of Railway Cottages

Terry John as Percy, the train guard

Lindsay Grimshaw as Gloria Skinner, daughter of May and Jack (or is it May and Cecil?)

Tara Daniels as Amy Matlock, regular train commuter and Gloria's friend (semi-regular)

The co-writer Richard Spendlove made a number of guest appearances as the Inspector, Mr. Orkindale.

Another former Hi-De-Hi! regular, Felix Bowness, also made a number of appearances as the train ticket collector Bernie Bleasdale.