Get Well Soon (BBC-1 1997, Matthew Cottle, Eddie Marsan)

Period sitcom Get Well Soon took us back to 1947 when two young lads, Roy Osborne and Brian Clapton share a room in a TB Sanitarium in Surrey. Roy is newly admitted and thinks he won’t be there long, he quickly has his eyes opened that it could be years before he leaves.

Regular visits include Roy and Brian’s mums as well as Jilly Howell who is the widow of the man who used to be in Roy’s bed. Meanwhile Sister Shelley rules the hospital with a rod of iron.

The series is based on the real life meeting between Ray Galton and Alan Simpson (who would go on to create Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe and Son amongst many others).

production details
UK / BBC One / 6×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 2 November – 7 December 1997 Sundays at 6.40pm/6.30pm

Writers: Ray Galton, John Antrobus / Theme Sung by Aled Jones / Producer: Philip Kampff / Director: Christine Gernon

cast
Matthew Cottle as Roy Osborne
Eddie Marsan as Brian Clapton
Anita Dobson as Ivy Osborne
Samantha Beckinsale as Jilly Howell
Robert Bathurst as Sqdn Ldr Harry ‘Gribble’ Fielding
Patsy Rowlands as Mrs Clapton
Kate O’Toole as Sister Shelley
William Osborne as Jeffry
Michael Troughton as Padre Donald Peters
Hugh Bonneville as Norman Tucker
Neil Stacy as Bernard Walpole

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.