Nightingales

Ironic, for the concept of forgotten men left deserted in an anonymous tower block, that Channel 4 should should post them to a graveyard slot with no fanfare and precious little advertising. A Pity- since this was one of the most innovative, imaginative and downright surreal comedies ever to grace the screen.

A simple concept- three men forced by time and circumstance to create their own fantasy world to alleviate the endless tedium and pointlessness of their lives- is twisted into surreal shapes and situations until it screams with laughter.

The actors are obviously enjoying themselves hugely and ground the characters so fully in the situation that wild flights of fantasy can soar while never dissolving into stupidity or falling off into pointlessness (the Curse Of Python).

Excellent ideas- King Lear, Hypnotism, Mutiny on the Bounty, Doppelgangers and a sensitive Werewolf are milked for all their comic potential- and what rich milk it is.

Maybe it is an acquired taste-the reason I only give 8- but if it hooks you, you will never find its equal.

Perhaps THE forgotten comedy gem of the 1990s.

Loved the programme Nightingales. Takes me back a few years. Off the wall. Surreal. Fantastic. Late night jewel. Ideal for insomniacs.

Well know for the phrase "there is nobody here but us chickens".

Maybe other fans were Steven Moffat famed for writing Doctor Who amongst other things. In Doctor who wrote the episode "The empty child". An episode of Doctor who from the first series...with Christopher Eccleston.

An hysterical four year old child at the door asks "Are you my mommy?". The doctor replies "No mommies here. Nobody here but us chickens". "Well this chicken".

I can only agree with the other contribution. THis was a surreal programme.

THe characters were superbly performed, especially Threfell - where did he get that outfit (too small) and that wig! I have always liked James Ellis - even in Z Cars and Robert Lindsay was his usual excellent self. Perhaps it appealed to me because I too have done my share of night shifts and remember the deranged conversations that we would have to remain awake and sane when there was absolutely nothing going on. If there is anyone anywhere reading this who has the power to put this back on or release it on DVD/Video then please do so. You will be doing the world a favour and making a deranged mind addled by years of nights very happy!

This show is a hidden classic. Most people you mentioned this show to have never heard of it. It was hidden away on Channel 4 in the U.K. for two series (1990-1993). The situations are original, from a replacement guard turning into a werewolf to murder and mayhem. All cast members are excellent, occasionally slipping into Shakespeare with ease. If you can get hold of copies or it is ever repeated watch it. I highly recommend it.

I just been on play.com and found both series on 2 DVDs. Should be able to buy it from Amazon as well. No other comedy series has me wanting to watch again. I remember sitting in bed late at night watching this amazing comedy. The acting was superb and the plots though mainly surreal were brilliant. I'll never forget the episode with the hypnotist as long as i live.

If you never watched the series just buy it as it is worth the money. The only problem you may have afterwards is that listening to Lady in Red by Chris De Burgh may have you quoting the immortal line "There is nobody here but us chickens" at the relevant space.