Only When I Laugh
Only When I Laugh is a British television sitcom. It is set in the ward of an NHS hospital. The title is the answer to the question, "Does it hurt?"
Seasons
1. A Bed With A View
Air Date: 1979-10-29
Norman arrives at the ward and is given the bed next to the window. A game of musical beds ensues as Figgis and Archie want it too...
2. Operation Norman
Air Date: 1979-11-05
Norman's due for his appendix operation and is rather upset about it. He turns to Figgis for comfort in his hour of need...
3. The Rumour
Air Date: 1979-11-12
Thorpe is waiting for an important call from his wife as Victor, their dog, is seriously ill. Gupte misunderstands, thinking Victor is the Thorpes' son (actually named Tarquin); Figgis, smoking in a lavatory cubicle, overhears the resultant conversation and assumes that they are talking about him and that he is going to die. As the situation develops, both Norman and then Glover think they are under the shadow of death. When Gupte tells Glover he may be sent home at the end of the week, Glover decides to phone his hated boss and tell him exactly what he thinks of him.
4. The Man With The Face
Air Date: 1979-11-19
Archie's lothario-like tendencies are coming back to haunt him when he's convinced he's being stalked by a Greek madman for besmirching his fiancée...
5. Let Them Eat Cake
Air Date: 1979-11-26
There's a lot of disatisfaction with the food being served in the hospital. The trio can stand the daily menu no longer and go on hunger strike. What they hadn't bargained for, however, was how hungry they would get...
6. Tangled Web
Air Date: 1979-12-03
Norman is reading a book about a pretty nurse when one actually comes onto the ward.
7. Is There A Doctor In The House?
Air Date: 1979-12-10
Fed up with lying in bed all day, Figgis gets hold of his outdoor clothes and sets off for a wander around the hospital. Naturally, he is mistaken for a doctor.
1. Whatever Happened To Gloria Robbins?
Air Date: 1980-04-29
The trio get into a lather when a glamorous film star arrives on the ward.
2. Where There's A Will
Air Date: 1980-05-06
A dirty old farmer is an unwelcome patient until it is realized he is very rich and about to make his will.
3. It Can Damage Your Health
Air Date: 1980-05-13
Despite being warned on a frequent basis, the patients are undeterred by the risks of smoking.
4. The Cosmic Influence
Air Date: 1980-05-20
Much to the despair of the others, Figgis becomes preoccupied with signs & portents.
5. The Visitors
Air Date: 1980-05-27
It's visiting day and Norman's mother has another dreary girl lined up for him, much to the others' amusement!
6. The Lost Sheep
Air Date: 1980-06-03
Figgis admits he's not been christened but sees the light when he meets a vicar.
7. Last Tango
Air Date: 1980-06-10
The "regulars" plan a party, but unexpected guests turn up...
1. A Day In The Life Of
Air Date: 1981-09-02
When a TV crew arrives to make a programme about the hospital, the patients fight for stardom.
2. The Right Honourable Gentleman
Air Date: 1981-09-09
An MP concerned with the spiralling costs of the NHS is admitted for treatment, but refuses to sign a petition to save the hospital.
3. Adam's Rib
Air Date: 1981-09-16
The new young female doctor on the ward gets a mixed reception...
4. Postman's Knock
Air Date: 1981-09-23
Agony Aunt Clare Butterfield receives a letter from Worried of Ward 3, but her reply only confuses things...
5. Accident
Air Date: 1981-09-30
Norman has to decide whether to testify against Dr. Thorpe about an accident he witnessed.
6. Dear Diary
Air Date: 1981-10-07
When Norman keeps a diary about life on the ward, everyone is anxious to get their hands on it.
7. These You Have Loved
Air Date: 1981-10-14
Fed up with hospital radio, the patients try to do better themselves.
8. Away for Christmas
Air Date: 1981-12-24
A new patient arrives as the ward is decorated for Christmas.
1. Blood Brothers
Air Date: 1982-11-04
Glover refuses to have a blood transfusion. He's worried that the donor will be from a lower social class.
2. Conduct Unbecoming
Air Date: 1982-11-11
Dr Thorpe examines a female patient without a nurse being present. Figgis, Glover and Norman try to make sure he doesn't take advantage
3. All In The Mind
Air Date: 1982-11-18
Figgis becomes interested in psychiatry and sets about psychoanalysing Glover and Norman.
4. In Sickness And In Health
Air Date: 1982-11-25
Norman is planning to marry Deirdre. He wonders if three years is long enough to be engaged.
5. Escape
Air Date: 1982-12-02
A convicted prisoner is moved into the ward. Glover, Figgis and Norman worry in case he tries to escape.
6. When Did You Last See Your Father?
Air Date: 1982-12-09
A scruffy old drunkard comes to the hospital looking for his son. Could the son be Figgis, Glover or Norman?
7. The Reunion
Air Date: 1982-12-16
Figgis, Glover and Norman are about to be discharged from hospital. They consider holding a reunion.
Select an episode to start watching
Rating
6.7/10
Release Date
1979-10-29
Episodes
29 (4 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Production Companies
Yorkshire Television