Episodes

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20110114 (BBC7)'

Ben's in trouble. He's free of a coma, but not of the past. Stars Neil Pearson, Josie Lawrence, Robert Webb and Fiona Allen.

Ben's in trouble. He's free of a coma, but not of the past. Stars Neil Pearson.

20110115 (BBC7)Ben's in trouble. He's free of a coma, but not of the past. Stars Neil Pearson.
0101Wake Me Up Before You Go-go2006071120100625 (BBC7)
20110517 (BBC7)
20130512 (BBC7)
20141118 (BBC7)
20160426 (BBC7)
20190507 (BBC7)
20210203 (BBC7)
20230107 (BBC7)
20070621 (R4)
Ben doesn't get out much, but he has a loving and attentive family, an active imagination and a comfortable bed, so he can't complain.

Because he's in a coma, Mary and Mum wonder whether some of his favourite music will wake him up, while his own thoughts are occupied with visons of Sue Lawley, Robbie Williams - and an unconventional seduction technique.

Ben is in a coma. While his family wonder how to wake him up, his mind is busy elsewhere.

\Ben is in a coma. While his family wonder how to wake him up, his mind is busy elsewhere.

0102Don't Bet On It2006071820100702 (BBC7)
20110524 (BBC7)
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20141125 (BBC7)
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20210210 (BBC7)
20230114 (BBC7)
20070628 (R4)
As Ben lies on a ventilator in hospital, Mary and Mum put the racing on to try to bring him out of his coma.

It doesn't work, but Ben does somehow seem to have developed a knack for predicting the winners, if only he could think of a way of telling anyone.

Meanwhile John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's own fortune teller, appears in Ben's brain, with some unhelpful observations about what the future might hold.

TV racing can't bring Ben out of his coma, so what use is his predicting the winners?

TV racing can't bring Ben out of his coma - so what use is his predicting the winners?

0103Wouldn't You Like To Get Away2006072520100709 (BBC7)
20110531 (BBC7)
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20141202 (BBC7)
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20190521 (BBC7)
20210217 (BBC7)
20230121 (BBC7)
20070705 (R4)
Mary and Mum have a break when Ben's unconscious body gets driven to a medical conference in Birmingham.

But they can't quite bring themselves to leave the hospital.

Meanwhile, Ben's mind also takes a trip. Unfortunately, it's a trip back to the hotel in Paris, where he had the most miserable night of his life.

\

Comatose Ben is taken to a medical conference in Birmingham, but his mind travels to Paris

Comatose Ben is taken to a medical conference in Birmingham, but his mind travels to Paris.

Comatose Ben is taken to a medical conference in Birmingham but his mind travels to Paris.

0104Switching Off2006080120100716 (BBC7)
20110607 (BBC7)
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20141209 (BBC7)
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20190528 (BBC7)
20210224 (BBC7)
20230128 (BBC7)
20070712 (R4)
Ben's doctors wonder if lying in a coma might be making him depressed and they send in the hospital psychiatrist to see him. This has a surprising effect on Ben, Mary and Mum.

Meanwhile Ben's unconscious mind takes him back to his previous experience of therapy - having a row with Mary about their marriage guidance counsellor.

With:

Lucy Montgomery

Nicola Walker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.

Comatose Ben's doctors bring in a psychiatrist, as he recalls his therapy from the past.

Comatose Ben's doctors bring in a psychiatrist, as he recalls his therapy from the past. Stars Neil Pearson. From August 2006.

0105Gravity Gets You Down2006080820100723 (BBC7)
20110614 (BBC7)
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20141216 (BBC7)
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20190604 (BBC7)
20210303 (BBC7)
20230204 (BBC7)
20070719 (R4)
Ben's physiotherapy seems to be working miracles when he gets far enough out of his coma to punch his physiotherapist.

And what are a tough-as-nails agent, a giant winged angel and Elvis doing in his unconscious mind?

With:

Lucy Montgomery

Nicola Walker

Tim Whitnall

Sue Vincent

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.

Comatose Ben punches his physiotherapist, while Elvis drops in on his unconscious mind.

Comatose Ben punches his physiotherapist - while Elvis drops in on his unconscious mind. Stars Neil Pearson. From August 2006.

Comatose Ben punches his physiotherapist, while Elvis drops in on his unconscious mind. Stars Neil Pearson. From August 2006.

0106 LASTSwitching Off2006081520100730 (BBC7)
20110621 (BBC7)
20130616 (BBC7)
20141223 (BBC7)
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20210310 (BBC7)
20230211 (BBC7)
20070726 (R4)
As he lies unconscious in intensive care, Ben's mind takes him on the most difficult journey yet.

Travelling through the landscape of his own chaotic brain, it looks surprisingly like Mordor.

In the real world, it's time to see if Ben can breathe on his own.

Comatose Ben journeys across his brain's landscape, reminding him of Tolkien's Mordor.

Comatose Ben journeys across his brain's landscape - reminding him of Tolkien's Mordor. Stars Neil Pearson. From August 2006.

Comatose Ben journeys across his brain's landscape, reminding him of Tolkien's Mordor. Stars Neil Pearson. From August 2006.

With:

Tim Whitnall

Scarlett Milburn-Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.

0201Mary's Girl Child2007092520100909 (BBC7)
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Comatose Ben celebrates Christmas, as the nativity plays out in his unconscious mind.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Mary - Fiona Allen

With:

Nicholas Hutchison

Jo Martin

Mark Perry

Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Jeremy Paxman

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient written by Nigel Smith.

Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.

With Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin, Mark Perry, Scarlett Milburn-Smith and Jeremy Paxman.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Comatose Ben celebrates Christmas, as the nativity plays out in his unconscious mind. Stars Neil Pearson. From September 2007.

0202Things To Do Before You Die2007100220100916 (BBC7)
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As Mary and Mum read him a lifestyle magazine, Ben's unconscious mind takes him back to 1973 to find a 'life coach' who will motivate him out of his coma.

Unfortunately, this mostly involves pointing a gun at his head...

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Mary - Fiona Allen

With:

Nicholas Hutchison

Jo Martin

Mark Perry

John Kay Steel

James Lynch

Tim Whitnall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.

Comatose Ben travels back to 1973 to find a 'life coach' to motivate him out of his coma.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient written by Nigel Smith.

Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.

With Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin, Mark Perry, John Kay Steel, James Lynch and Tim Whitnall.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Comatose Ben travels back to 1973 to find a 'life coach' to motivate him out of his coma. Stars Neil Pearson. From October 2007.

0203I Want You2007100920100923 (BBC7)
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Ben's unconscious mind puts him in a compromising situation with a fellow patient at a familiar Torquay hotel of the 1970s.

He slides in and out of his coma, but every time he wakes, Mary is asleep.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient written by Nigel Smith.

Ben Smith

Mary - Fiona Allen

With:

Nicholas Hutchison

Jo Martin

Mark Perry

Tim Whitnall

Hils Barker

Clare Grogan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

Ben's unconscious mind puts him in a compromising situation with a fellow coma patient.

CAST:

with Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin, Mark Perry, Tim Whitnall, Hils Barker and Clare Grogan.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Ben's unconscious mind puts him in a compromising situation with a fellow coma patient. Stars Neil Pearson. From October 2007.

0204Wednesday Morning 3am2007101620100930 (BBC7)
20111202 (BBC7)
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20230527 (BBC7)
A journey through the thoughts and feelings of every character in turn at the darkest hour of the night.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of comatose patient Ben

Written by Nigel Smith.

Mary - Fiona Allen

With Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin and Mark Perry.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

Comatose Ben shares his thoughts with those awake at the darkest hour of the night.

Comatose Ben - and those awake - share their thoughts at the darkest hour of the night. From October 2007. Stars Neil Pearson. From October 2007.

Comatose Ben shares his thoughts with those awake at the darkest hour of the night. Stars Neil Pearson. From October 2007.

0205Alternatives2007102320101007 (BBC7)
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20230603 (BBC7)
What would comatose Ben's life be like if it was a Hollywood movie?

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of comatose patient Ben.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Mary - Fiona Allen

With:

Nicholas Hutchison

Jo Martin

Mark Perry

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

What would comatose Ben's life be like if it was a Hollywood movie?

0206 LASTArrival2007103020101014 (BBC7)
20111216 (BBC7)
20131208 (BBC7)
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20230610 (BBC7)
Comatose Ben takes a final trip around the safe fantasy world of his subconscious.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of comatose patient Ben

Written by Nigel Smith.

Ben Smith

Mary - Fiona Allen

With:

Nicholas Hutchison

Jo Martin

Mark Perry

Laura Aikman

Tim Whitnall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

Comatose Ben takes a final trip around the safe fantasy world of his subconscious. Stars Neil Pearson. From October 2007.

0301Ladies And Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space2009112420120323 (BBC7)
20140126 (BBC7)
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Ben makes the ambulance journey home to begin life in a wheelchair.

On the way he remembers an argument about cheesecake, invents a panel game and meets Buzz Aldrin.

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley - Spencer Brown

Chairman - Robert Webb

Buzz - Peter Banks

Announcer - Bruce Alexander

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Director: Nigel Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

As Ben leaves hospital to start a new life, he invents a panel game and meets Buzz Aldrin.

As Ben leaves hospital to start a new life, he invents a panel game and meets Buzz Aldrin. With Neil Pearson. From 2009

Ben makes the ambulance journey home to begin life in a wheelchair. On the way he remembers an argument about cheesecake, invents a panel game and meets Buzz Aldrin.

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Ben . Neil Pearson

Mary . Fiona Allen

Mum . Josie Lawrence

Blitz . Leslie Ash

Nurse . Jo Martin

Derek . Stephen Frost

Marley . Spencer Brown

Chairman . Robert Webb

Buzz . Peter Banks

Announcer . Bruce Alexander

Bea . Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Comedy series by Nigel Smith about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Directed by Nigel Smith.

Ben....Neil Pearson

Mary....Fiona Allen

Mum....Josie Lawrence

Blitz....Leslie Ash

Nurse....Jo Martin

Derek....Stephen Frost

Marley....Spencer Brown

Chairman....Robert Webb

Buzz....Peter Banks

Announcer....Bruce Alexander

Bea....Scarlett Milburn-Smith

0302Loneliness Is A Crowded Head2009120120120330 (BBC7)
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20171031 (BBC7)
20191231 (BBC7)
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20240120 (BBC7)
Ben's life is full of well-meaning people trying to do everything for him. Everything, that is, except leave him alone.

He begins to wonder if Robinson Crusoe might have been on to a good thing.

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley - Spencer Brown

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Castaway - John Kay-Steel

Waiter - Bruce Alexander

Director: Nigel Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Life outside hospital is a little fraught for Ben. Luckily he finds an island refuge.

Life outside hospital is a little fraught for Ben. Luckily he finds an island refuge. Comatose comedy with Neil Pearson. From December 2009.

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Comedy series by Nigel Smith about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Ben's life is full of well-meaning people trying to do everything for him. Everything, that is, except leave him alone. He begins to wonder if Robinson Crusoe might have been on to a good thing.

Directed by Nigel Smith.

Ben Neil Pearson

Mary Fiona Allen

Mum Josie Lawrence

Blitz Leslie Ash

Nurse Jo Martin

Derek Stephen Frost

Marley Spencer Brown

Bea Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Castaway John Kay-Steel

Waiter Bruce Alexander

Ben....Neil Pearson

Mary....Fiona Allen

Mum....Josie Lawrence

Blitz....Leslie Ash

Nurse....Jo Martin

Derek....Stephen Frost

Marley....Spencer Brown

Bea....Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Castaway....John Kay-Steel

Waiter....Bruce Alexander

0303Stirrings In The Night2009120820120406 (BBC7)
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Ben and Mary's love life is in jeopardy, so Blitz recruits Lord Byron to offer the couple some useful relationship advice.

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley/Lord Byron - Spencer Brown

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Director: Nigel Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

In Ben's mind, Byron offers sweet texts of love. In reality, Mary ponders their marriage.

In Ben's mind, Byron offers sweet texts of love. In reality, Mary ponders their marriage. With Neil Pearson. From December 2009.

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

In Ben's mind, Byron offers sweet texts of love. In reality, Mary ponders their marriage. Comatose comedy with Neil Pearson. From December 2009.

0304Victoria2009121520120413 (BBC7)
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Ben begins to resent being pushed around, and imagines a different life back in Victorian times when he might have got things his own way a bit more often.

But then he gets into an argument with Benjamin Disraeli...

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley - Spencer Brown

Disraeli - Matthew Kelly

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Grocer - Nigel Hastings

Director: Nigel Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Disraeli arrives to deconstruct the characters and folk in Ben's life.

Ben begins to resent being pushed around.

He imagines a different life back in Victorian times when he might have got things his own way a bit more often.

Disraeli arrives to deconstruct the characters and folk in Ben's life. Starring Neil Pearson and Matthew Kelly. From December 2009.

Ben begins to resent being pushed around, and imagines a different life back in Victorian times when he might have got things his own way a bit more often - until he gets into an argument with Benjamin Disraeli...

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Disraeli arrives to deconstruct the characters and folk in Ben's life. Comatose comedy with Neil Pearson and Matthew Kelly. From December 2009.

Disraeli arrives to deconstruct the characters and folk in Ben's life. Stars Neil Pearson.

0305When Was The Last Time You Saw Your Godfather?2009122220120420 (BBC7)
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Ben is invited to be a godfather to an ex-girlfriend's baby, which doesn't impress Mary and there's a showdown on the stairlift.

Meanwhile, St Paul gives him some tips on responsibility and where to get the best olives.

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley - Spencer Brown

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Karl - Matthew Kelly

Sophie - Abigail Burdess

Priest - Richard Johnson

Director: Nigel Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Ben is set to be a godfather, but Mary is not happy about it at all.

Ben is set to be a godfather, but Mary isn't happy about it at all. Stars Neil Pearson and Matthew Kelly. From December 2009.

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma

Ben is set to be a godfather, but Mary isn't happy about it at all. Comatose comedy with Neil Pearson and Matthew Kelly. From December 2009.

Ben is set to be a godfather, but Mary isn't happy about it at all. Stars Neil Pearson.

Ben is set to be a godfather, but Mary is not happy about it at all. Comatose comedy with Neil Pearson and Matthew Kelly. From December 2009.

0306 LASTThe Stand-in2009122920120427 (BBC7)
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Ben vows to do something alone but buying an envelope at the post office is not that easy.

Mary - Fiona Allen

Blitz - Leslie Ash

Nurse - Jo Martin

Derek - Stephen Frost

Marley - Spencer Brown

Bea - Scarlett Milburn-Smith

Mr Shah - Bruce Alexander

Director: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Ben vows to do something alone but buying an envelope is not that easy.

Ben vows to do something alone but buying an envelope is not that easy. Stars Neil Pearson and Fiona Allen. From December 2009.

Ben vows to do something alone, but buying an envelope isn't that easy. Stars Neil Pearson and Fiona Allen. From December 2009.

Nigel Smith’s dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

CAST:

Director: Nigel Smith

Dark comedy about a man living a fantasy life while lying in hospital in a coma