Oh Doctor Beeching was a BBC Comedy filmed over 2 series between 1995 and 1997. The sitcom staring Sue Pollard and Paul Shane focused on the fictional branch line station Hatley in the 1960’s. In this post we take a look into where was Oh Doctor Beeching filmed?
Starting with a pilot episode recorded in 1995, the story focuses on the cuts in railway services and stations in the 1960’s led by the British Railways Chairman, Doctor Richard Beeching. Beeching produced a report famously known as ‘The Beeching Report’ which ultimately caused the loss of 6,000 miles of railway route line by the end of the 1960’s.
The series starts with a new Station Master, Cecil Parkin (Jefferey Holland) arriving at Hatley. However during his first day in charge of Hatley they staff learn of Beechings plans and wonder if their line/station is on the list to close. The series then focuses on the aftermath of ‘The Beeching Report’ publication.
Facts at the heart but a great comedy.
Although loosely based around true events, it is in fact a great comedy to watch. To be fair, with a line up including Stephen Lewis, Sue Pollard and Paul Shane, what else would you expect?
Hatley Train Station Filming Location
The external shots for the sitcom were largely filmed at Arley Station on the Severn Valley Railway which doubled as Hatley Station on the show. The Severn Valley Railway was a perfect location, not only for the age of the stations but the ability to have period Steam Trains running down the line.
Arley Station on the Severn Valley Railway
I hope you enjoyed, “Where was Oh Doctor Beeching filmed?”.I f you know of any other filming locations from the show, please comment below.
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