Set in the small railway branch line of Hatley, Oh Doctor Beeching! was written by David Croft and Richard Spendlove. Although never as popular as earlier Croft comedies, the show ran for two series between 1995 and 1996.
I think I only watched the first and second episode myself, but the British Comedy Guide gives it a nice retrospective review:
There’s no denying that Oh Doctor Beeching! received a mixed reception when originally aired in the mid-1990s. Critics delighted in panning the show, and the public reaction was lukewarm – enough to garner a second series, but not all-embracing.
However, we’re not ashamed to say that we love it. Packed with gags and those loud, confident, occasionally outrageous performances that are such a crucial element of the Croft stable of shows, it’s infectiously joyous to watch. Sections of a modern audience who believe that comedy should “move on” beyond the unashamedly funny won’t be impressed by the programme, but it’s almost guaranteed to raise more than a smile for everyone else.
It mightn’t be the greatest Croft sitcom, but Oh Doctor Beeching! deserves far more credit and recognition than it receives. Great fun for all of the family.
Here’s a selection of clips, and the complete series is available on [amazon asin=B00264GB5Q&text=DVD]:
