Nightingales

One of those programmes no-one else seems to have heard about. Every carefully scripted episode justifies the expense of buying a television. The fact that this hasn't been rerun since its first transmission is a crime against sitcom.

UK TV comedy is woeful and a re-showing of this to all potential writers is a must. All production companies seem afraid of taking on anything that doesn't scream "Mainstream". Whoever agreed to green-light this series deserves a special "Services To The Comedy Industry".

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!

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.

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.

This is true British comedy following in the footsteps of the Goons or Monty Python. You wouldn't think that a sitcom about 3 security guards and an empty building would yield much in the way of laughs but this comedy did using a combination of off-the-wall plots and fantastic characterisation by Lyndsey, Thewlis and Allison.

If you like Nightingales, check out The High Life and Joking Apart.

"Anyone here?" "There's nobody here but us chickens"