Surgical Spirit

Most hospital dramas are about situations of life and death. "Surgical Spirit" deals with the equally dramatic issues of ruptures and piles.

The heroine, Dr. Sheila Sabatini (Nicola McAuliffe), is a consultant surgeon. In addition to dealing with the everyday crises of the wards, she has also to deal with a slightly wayward son, an Italian husband whom she is divorcing, an anaesthetist boyfriend who is slightly in awe of her and a scatterbrained administrator.

Most of the humour arises from the relations between Sabatini and her fellow-doctors, who are pretentious, idle or callow. Her suitor, Dr. Haslam, earnestly rushes in where angels fear to tread and provides a natural foil to Sabatini's irascibility.

As one might expect from a character in McAuliffe's high-powered role, the dialog is very sharp and naturally delivered. Think of Sir Lancelot Sprat in drag. Awkward, mumbling explanations to her about embarrassing medical conditions are cut short with almost an Australian relish for bluntness.

Very few lines are delivered with obvious intentional humour, a process made easier by most scenes being shot with all the characters wearing surgical masks. Extracting humour from the mundane is a difficult feat, and this series probably succeeded better than most.

Having watch 95% of British Comedy shows over the years, this has got to be one of my favourites. I can't believe "Simon Rodgers from Birmingham, United Kingdom", thinks it is rubbish, obviously no sense of humour in Birmingham. The casting of Nichola McAuliffe as Sheila Sabatini was brilliant and Duncan Preston as Jonathan Haslam was the perfect balance. I have seen every episode of this wonderful series numerous times. With a bit of luck it will be released on DVD in the not too distant future. Anyone who likes British Comedy should try and catch this show next time it is on. One of the best scripts revolves around an escaped lunatic, who manages to gain access to the theatres. The Inspector in charge (Halliwell) is having an argument with Sheila and says, "I don't think you caught my name, its Halliwell no Plod." Later in the show when the lunatic takes hostages, Sheila says, "Well Inspector Halliwell spelt P-L-O-D......". Other episodes worthy of mention are:- The where Sheila's mother dies The wedding day when everyone in theatre staff think they have won the lottery and Sheila must remind everyone that they decided not to participate in the syndicate of another department. The other department however was not informed of the decision, so they think the theatre staff are still members. In the end they only get about £40 each. Some of the staff were planning on buying islands and retiring etc. all the usual stuff only to find out they could ever buy a flight to anywhere. There are many more brilliant episodes in this wonderful series. Come on ITV release it on DVD asap.

I have fond memories of this comedy series, with the ferociously funny one-liners of chief surgeon Sheila Sabatini keeping everyone on their toes. She could make me laugh out loud, which is rare indeed for me when watching so-called comedies (especially US sitcoms). Nichola McAuliffe portrayed wonderfully the acid-tongued Sheila, a woman of intelligence, skill and just the right touch of arrogance. She was part of an ensemble cast who all appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. The focus was on a few staff of the hospital, the patients being almost an afterthought. Surgical Spirit was cleverly-written & well-acted, a pleasant half hour of light relief. If it's repeated on your local station, give it a go, you might enjoy it.

Seldom do you see a TV show prepared not to dumb down the comedy, and keep it so very cutting as is found in Surgical Spirit.

I was hooked from the very first episode when the show first aired in 1989 and I find the humour as fresh today as ever.

The characters are rich and the casting places very talented artists in roles where they can make the most of a carefully constructed script, that delivers some of the most memorable lines I've ever heard.

It has the guts to tackle such fundamental questions like the nature of the dying process, with intelligence, sensitivity and great humour, without trivialising or dodging the realities.

Surgical Spirit clearly won't be to everyone's taste, but it has a huge amount to offer anyone who likes their wit sharp, their delivery punchy and their comedy not at all watered down.

I had completely forgotten about Surgical Spirit, bought the box set and binge watched it, it's a terrific show, great humour, cutting wit, wonderful characters, and some awesome performances. A few moments of slapstick fun, but apart from a few episodes it doesn't get silly. My favourite episodes are Wanderlust and Sammy Eldridge, both are brilliant.

The casting was perfect, Nicola McAuliffe is dazzling as Sheila Sabatini, she's caustic, cutting, but compassionate and great at her job, Duncan Preston is the perfect balance to her, great also, he's mild mannered and genuine. Everyone is great, Marji Campi often makes it as nosy unit manager Joyce, her scenes with Sister are a scream.

Series four is my favourite, but there never comes a point where it dips in quality, although the show is littered with classic episodes. It's a shame it ended.

I would definitely recommend it. 9/10