Polyoaks
- Radio sitcom
- BBC Radio 4
- 2011 - 2017
- 26 episodes (5 series)
Radio 4 sitcom about two sibling doctors who are struggling with the NHS reforms. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. Also features Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall, David Westhead, Polly Frame, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and more.
Key details
- Genre
- Sitcom
- Broadcast
- 2011 - 2017
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Episodes
- 26 (5 series)
- Stars
- Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall, David Westhead, Polly Frame, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Phil Cornwell, Jane Whittenshaw, Celia Imrie and more
- Writers
- Phil Hammond and David Spicer
- Director
- Frank Stirling
- Producers
- Frank Stirling and David Spicer
- Companies
Satire on the NHS, set in the bewildering new world of Coalition healthcare. The show is set around a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate.
The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, 'eight day weeks', privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently.
The dysfunctional Bristol surgery - which is run by warring doctors, brothers Roy and Hugh Thornton - alternates between embracing and collapsing under reforms. The brothers also has to deal with the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate - TV's Dr. Jeremy - who is juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments.
Additional details
- Production
- Studio
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Friday 3rd June 2011 at 11:30am on BBC Radio 4
- Most recent repeats
-
- Wednesday 17th November 2021 at 5:00am on Radio 4 Extra - Series 5, Episode 6
- Tuesday 16th November 2021 at 5:00pm on Radio 4 Extra - Series 5, Episode 6
- Tuesday 16th November 2021 at 7:00am on Radio 4 Extra - Series 5, Episode 6