R4 makes new NHS comedy

Comedian and GP Phil Hammond has written a new NHS comedy for Radio 4.

Polyoaks, which airs from next month, will be set in one of the health service’s new ‘polyclinics’. It stars Nigel Planer and Tony Gardner as two sibling GPs struggling with the NHS reforms

The series, which also stars Celia Imrie, has been co-written with David Spicer, who previously collaborated with Hammond on the 2002 Radio 4 comedy 28 Minutes to Save the NHS

A Radio 4 spokesman said: ‘Anyone who wants to know what’s really happening to the nation’s health service, but can’t wade through the 367 page Health & Social Care Bill should listen to Polyoaks.’

Meanwhile, Radio 2's Comedy Showcase returns at 10pm on May 28, with Reception, an impressions show set behind the scenes at the station.

A team including Lewis McLeod, Gemma Arrowsmith, Rosalind Wright and Eve Webster will take off celebs including U2, Jo Whiley and Jools Holland.

Published: 17 May 2011