User Reviews

Robert Lindsay is one of my all time favourite actors, not just as an actor but also as a comic. 'Get Some In' and 'Citizen Smith' proved that he could more than handle his own in sitcom, however in my opinion he really excelled himself here in this sadly forgotten Channel 4 sitcom from 1990, written by Paul Makin.

The first episode of 'Nightingales' - 'Moonlight Becomes You' - sets the scene for what few viewers who kept tuning in would come to expect. A new lad, Eric, has come to work with security men Sarge, Bell and Carter. He seems intimidated by both Bell and Carter, who keep staring at him in fascination.

It later becomes clear that Eric is not all he seems. At the stroke of midnight on every night of a full moon, he transforms into a flesh hungry werewolf, as Bell finds out to his cost. Worse matters to come, an inspector calls to check up on the lads....

If this episode is anything to go by, it looks as though had it not have been timetabled so sloppily by Channel 4, 'Nightingales' could have been one of the station's best sitcoms for many years. Ian Sears makes for a likeable Eric and he seems to gel with the rest of the cast. Also funny is the late Edward Burnham as frail cleaner Piper, who often suffered at the cruelty of Bell. Unfortunately, he left after episode two. A pity as he was a good character. Incidentally, Eric is never seen as a werewolf, though he is heard and it does not one bit hinder the quality of the show, if anything it benefits the show a great deal.

The late Bert Parnaby, who has also appeared in 'Last Of The Summer Wine' and 'Blackadder' plays the ill-fated inspector.

Funniest bit - Bell punching Piper in the stomach!

Second funniest bit - Bell being mauled by Eric after his transformation into a werewolf!