"Peak Practice" (1993) TV series 1993-2002

User Rating:

5.2/10   

Director:

Gary Wicks

Writer:

Neil McKay (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Release Date:

10 May 1993 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Countryside | Doctor

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Esther Coles	...	Kim Beardsmore (73 episodes, 1993-1999)
Gary Mavers	...	Dr. Andrew Attwood (69 episodes, 1995-2000)
Simon Shepherd	...	Dr. Will Preston (52 episodes, 1993-2002)
Hazel Ellerby	...	Chloe White (46 episodes, 1993-1998)
Veronica Roberts	...	Laura Elliott (46 episodes, 1995-1998)
Richard Platt	...	James White (43 episodes, 1993-1998)
Saskia Wickham	...	Dr. Erica Matthews (38 episodes, 1996-1998)
Margery Mason	...	Alice North (37 episodes, 1993-2002)
Maggie O'Neill	...	Dr. Alex Redman (37 episodes, 2000-2002)
Amanda Burton	...	Dr. Beth Glover (36 episodes, 1993-1995)
Kevin Whately	...	Dr. Jack Kerruish (36 episodes, 1993-1995)
Adrian Lukis	...	Dr. David Shearer (35 episodes, 1997-1999)
Shelagh McLeod	...	Kate Preston / ... (32 episodes, 1996-2002)
Sarah Parish	...	Dawn Rudge (30 episodes, 1997-1999)

Runtime:

50 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Chestnut Bank, Fritchley, Derbyshire, England, UK

Company:

Central Independent Television

Trivia:

When the scriptwriters wrote the cliffhanger ending to Series 12, in which Alex and Claire fell (presumably to their deaths) over the side of a quarry, they expected that there would be another series. However the producers subsequently decided not to make another series feeling that Peak Practice had outlived its usefulness and leaving the fate of these two characters forever unknown.

Goofs:

Continuity: Alice North had her gall-bladder removed twice during the series: firstly in Series 1 "Peak Practice: Listening Skills (#1.7)" (1993) and then again in Series 5 "Peak Practice: Letting Go (#5.4)" (1997).

Quotes:

[to Sam]
Kerri Davidson: You've got cheeks like apples... that's OK: green really suits you!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Office: New Girl (#1.5)" (2001)

Heartwarming

I've been watching 'Peak Practice' for quite a while now and make it a point to never miss it. What I like most about this serial is its realistic and sensitive probing into the psyche of the doctors and the patients..It portrays life in all its ups and downs, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes cruel..The performances are first rate..Adrian Lukis is absolutely charming and Saskia Wickham is excellent as Errika Matthews, you can't help identifying with her character -she evokes a lot of empathy. What I like most about the serial is the balance the director has achieved in portraying life from both the doctor's and patient's perspective. The plight of the patients in each of the episodes is conveyed realistically. Though a tearjerker, 'Peak Practice' is one of the most touching serials I've seen..With it's beautiful country setting(the serial is set in Derbyshire) it makes a statement for the bitter-sweet life in a very English coutryside...but with stories that are universal and emotions common to all humanity... Check it out