A Broad Church Doctors

-Why did you invite them?

-I wanted to do something nice. Excuse me for trying!

Absolutely amazing. You eat for your mother every time.

Just once, for me. Just eat it!

So you thought you'd come watch the new parents struggle?

You think it'd make you feel better about your relationship?

-I want to go.

-Why?

Daniel, what have you said?

That his obsession with running is the latest manifestation of his OCD.

Any time I do manage a bit of...closeness,

-I've got to be careful of the sore bits.

-THEY LAUGH

# Upstairs in bed with my ex-boy

# He's in the place, but I can't get joy

# Thinking of you in the final throes

# This is when my buzzer goes

# Run out to meet your chips and pitter

# You say when we're married cos you're not bitter

# There'll be none of him no more

# I cried for you on the kitchen floor

# I cheated myself

# Like I knew I would... #

Can't you free anybody up? Shuffle a few appointments?

All the doctors have a full schedule, I'm sorry, Mr Bellamy.

Thanks for you help.

May I ask what the conference is concerning?

Eh? Oh, Cultural Diversity.

I'll go but I can't justify it, not with my in-tray.

Problem is, every practice in Letherbridge have to attend.

Maybe I could go.

Oh. No, no. I am just a lowly receptionist.

Full of cultural diversity, yes, but lowly nevertheless.

-Mrs Temb.

-Be, it's Tembe.

-You would be perfect.

Really?

I'll organise a temp for you, right away.

Just make sure you bring back a nice shiny certificate

so we can show the world how tolerant we are here.

Oh, Mr Bellamy. I will not let you down.

This is a great honour.

Morning.

Morning.

# I cheated myself

# Like I knew I would

# I told ya I was trouble

# You know that I'm no good

# I cheated myself

# Like I knew I would

# I told ya I... #

Mrs Tembe?

Mrs Caruthers! I can't believe it! How are you?

-Really well. Thank you.

-Good. And how is St Mary's?

Actually, I moved away. Not long after you.

-Oh.

-But I'd imagine it hasn't changed all that much.

Who are you representing here?

The Mill Health Centre.

Ah. In place of Mr Bellamy?

So what is your involvement in the seminar?

Actually, I'm running it.

-Oh.

-This is what I do now.

Wonderful.

Mr Bellamy didn't call, I'm afraid,

so if you could put your name on that.

And fill these in.

Shouldn't take too long.

Of course. Now tell me.

Is there going to be role play? I love role play.

I have been told I'm very good at it.

I hope you find the day enlightening, Mrs Tembe.

-I'll see you in a couple of weeks.

-Yeah, thank you.

-Take care. See you later.

-Bye.

Are you OK?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Do you want to go to town for lunch?

Claustrophobic, isn't it?

With Zara and Daniel.

Especially Daniel. I think I should speak to him.

What about?

He's my best mate and we walked out on him.

What do you reckon?

Should I speak to him?

No, not yet.

Not yet?

Allow me, Mrs Tembe.

Oh! Thank you.

Oh, a surgeon!

Don't be fooled. I'm very liable to drop this.

I'm here under duress. What's your excuse?

I am representing the Mill Health Centre.

I know it well. I've worked with Dr Carter.

-Oh, really?

-Before the war of course.

I imagine you two got on very well.

Oh, yes. He'd loathe this too.

No, it should be very good.

Mrs Caruthers is a wonderful woman.

You know our leader?

We have spent many happy days together at St Mary's.

In the company of our Lord.

Interesting. How would you assess her strengths? And weaknesses?

She has no weaknesses. She was our church warden.

I see.

No, it should be a wonderful course.

I hold out no hope whatsoever.

Sorry, mate.

Got to make the most of it, while you can, haven't you?

Diversity is a blessing that should be celebrated.

Today is about understanding diversity in the work place

and making it work most productively for yourself and your organisation.

And at the end of the day, assuming no disasters of course,

I'll be handing out these.

Sorry. A question.

Yes...Mr Newell.

If diversity is such a blessing,

why does the government have to shove it down our throats

with compulsory days like this?

Thank you for that interesting question.

I hope today will add to your perspective on the issue.

THEY MAKE ANIMAL NOISES

And...find your team!

SHE MAKES DONKEY NOISES

Keep listening. Tune in.

SHE MAKES DONKEY NOISES

SHE MAKES DONKEY NOISES

Oh, Mr Newell!

Donkey posse's in the house!

Ah, Cherry. Good morning. Cup of tea?

No, thanks.

You look a bit peaky. Doesn't she look a bit peaky?

-She looks fine to me.

-Really? OK. Mrs Greenslade and her cat allergy.

Right. You've all looked through the role play.

As you can see, we're starting with a script.

We'll move on to improvisation for the next one.

As today is about avoiding stereotypes,

let's have...

Mrs Tembe, would you play Mr Wilson, the male boss.

And... Lewis, would you play Jenny, the pregnant woman.

Thank you.

Oh! That's very good!

I'm pregnant, Mr Wilson.

This is a surprise, Jenny.

For me too. A happy one though.

So how long do you have to go?

Oh, I've only just had the 12 week scan.

My boyfriend reckoned I should keep quiet

but I wanted to let you know as soon as I could.

Your boyfriend?

Er. Yes.

Well, could you not wait until you were married?

I don't think that's any of your business.

Miss Jones, it is a sin in the eyes of the Lord

to consummate a relationship outside of wedlock.

Thank you for the understanding, Mr Wilson.

I'd like to take my maternity leave in five months time, please.

Watch out!

-THEY BOTH SCREAM

-Oh, Elaine, I'm so sorry!

-Are you hurt?

-You were miles away.

Oh...Immie's flying the nest.

Already?

She gets her exam results this week.

And then uni starts in September.

It was bad enough when Jack moved into halls

and that was only down the road!

She needs to stand on her own two feet, Karen.

I know.

You need to find a new interest.

-Something to distract you before she goes.

-You think?

Find something now and it's money in the bank for September.

Like what?

Amateur dramatics? Pottery? Cookery?

Well, it is all going very well.

I'm glad you think so.

A lot of people are going to benefit from this course.

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

Mrs Tembe. That role play of yours...

Oh. Yes.

Tolerance and empathy are at the heart of today.

However, I didn't see a great deal of either in that.

No. No, you wouldn't.

That's not Mr Wilson's style.

So... On a scale of one to ten,

how sensitive am I to other cultures and beliefs?

Harry. You gave yourself only a two for this question?

Can you share with us why?

I think I'm reasonably tolerant

but the point is other people clearly disagree.

Then again, doesn't diversity really mean

anything that isn't white and male?

Thank you.

And the highest point any of you awarded yourselves was 9.5.

And that... That was Mrs Tembe.

Mrs Tembe, could you explain to the group what you see

as the crucial components of cultural sensitivity?

I would be delighted. Thank you, Mrs Caruthers.

When people disagree with my beliefs,

even if they are misguided,

I sometimes get a little angry.

I do not always handle it as well as I should.

I should be more forgiving.

That is why I did not give myself ten.

Daniel! Daniel!

Either you talk to me now

or I'm going to start shouting at the top of my voice!

I feel disgusting.

I understand that.

-I'm telling Jimmi and you should tell Zara.

-I'm not going to.

It's guilt, Daniel.

I know what it is.

And the only I can deal with it is owning up to it.

You should do the same with Zara.

Let me tell you why that is such a bad idea.

Oh, here we go. Daniel Granger covering his tracks.

Why am I not surprised?

Cherry, look, I'm not the same person that I was.

I really have changed,

which is why it's so important to me to keep this quiet.

It's a little late for you to be scrambling for moral high ground,

don't you think?

As I remember, nobody forced you to do anything.

If I remember rightly, you kissed me first.

I'm telling Jimmi. And if you don't tell Zara...

Don't you dare!

Cherry. Got a minute?

Sorry to interrupt.

Sure.

It's about next month's stock.

Ready?

I'm so sorry. May I sit this one out?

I will be happy to take Mr Newell's place.

Right.

I have studied the brief.

Er, can I change the character's name to Mr Bellamy?

Fine. Ready, Lewis?

-Mr Hussein.

-Yes, Mr Bellamy.

I cannot help noticing how many breaks you take during the day.

Mr Bellamy.

Some people take cigarette breaks, some take coffee breaks. I pray.

But do you have to take so long about it?

You are also very distracted on a Friday afternoon.

That is our holy day, Mr Bellamy

And you do not want to shake hands with your colleagues,

or go for team building drinks.

One more thing.

I am very concerned about the hygiene of your beard

in the surgery.

Mr Bellamy. You have insulted me and my beliefs.

I don't think I can continue employment in here.

I understand, Mr Hussein. Thank you and goodbye.

And thank you both.

SMATTERING OF APPLAUSE

I think I went too far.

I may have gone too far, asking Mr Hussein out for drinks.

Any other issues?

As his boss, it is not practical to run a surgery

with such eccentric work patterns.

The individual must fit in.

You are a Christian, Mrs Tembe?

You know I am.

Would you be happy working on Sundays?

Or being told you could not wear a crucifix?

Would you accept being forbidden from bringing

a bible into work to refer to during the day?

Cherry!

Cherry!

Right. In this scenario, I'll play the boss Mrs Thomas.

I'd like you, Mrs Tembe, to play Sarah,

a woman of your own age, coming to me to ask for an extended holiday.

This is to marry her lesbian partner and take a honeymoon.

I...I see.

When you're ready, Mrs Tembe.

Perhaps somebody else would like to have go?

Are you finding it hard to pretend to be this woman?

Well...

OK, let's reverse it. You can be Mrs Thomas.

Fine.

Really, really try hard to think about tolerance here, Mrs Tembe.

So, Sarah, I hear you are getting married.

That is wonderful news.

Yes, Mrs Thomas.

What is her name?

Susan.

Until recently I worked with a young lady, she was...

She was also...

Her name was Freya.

Great! So you're OK with me taking all this time off?

Yes, of course. You can take as much time as you like.

Great, wonderful. Would you like to meet Susan?

She's coming in later.

Er, I am busy.

Another time maybe.

Maybe!

It would really mean a lot to me.

You know, some people would say that two women together...

that it is not natural.

Natural?

What is not natural is when certain Christians turn out to be

so narrow minded and judgmental.

Mrs Caruthers, I do not understand why you are criticising me.

You know from our time at St Mary....

Oh. St Mary's, yes. That bastion of tolerance.

When I came out and told the parish of St Mary's

that I was getting married to Susan,

they treated me like a pariah.

That place is poison. That's why I left.

And hearing you today, trying to justify all your prejudices,

brings it all back again.

You're just the same as the rest of them.

Mrs Caruthers.

I did not know that you had turned into a lesbian.

THE GROUP APPLAUD

That's it. Thanks again for coming.

I hope you found it enlightening.

Umm...

Mrs Caruthers. I fear you have forgotten someone.

Everyone who's shown a grasp of the principles of diversity

has received their award.

But, Mrs Caruthers, I have done everything you have asked of me.

I have to bring back that certificate back to the surgery.

Mr Bellamy...

I would be very disappointed if I fail.

After today you can tell Mr Bellamy

all about understanding and forgiveness.

Can I just say something?

I honestly thought that the only stuff

I was going to come away with today was a few pens.

But I've learned two important things.

-Firstly, I want to become an actor.

-THEY LAUGH

But I also learned that Mrs Tembe is a woman

with very strong convictions.

I don't agree with them, but I understand where they come from.

Now, I can't change them,

so I'm just going to have to learn to deal with them.

As we all are, right?

-No, no, no.

-Hear, hear!

Mrs Tembe.

You made the day a lot more fun than it could have been, thank you.

Mrs Caruthers?

Intolerance of intolerance is itself a kind of intolerance.

-Give this woman a certificate.

-No, no, you don't understand.

SLOW CLAPPING

APPLAUSE INCREASES

Karen, it's dead as a dodo.

It's definitely broken, Mum. You'll have to get someone in.

Have you tried holding the button down?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

Try it again.

MACHINE WHIRRS TO LIFE

It's working now.

What a relief. Oh, I've decided to enter a cookery competition.

A what competition?

Cookery. It's called Supachef, it's in the paper.

It's got loads of rounds, you get your own sous chef

and if you win you get lots of kitchen equipment.

Hello?

-You're entering a cookery competition?

-Yes.

THEY SNIGGER

What's wrong with that?

Nothing.

It's a really good idea, love.

-'I think it's a great, great idea.'

-SHE GIGGLES

Excuse me!

What are you going to burn for them?

'Can you enter takeaways?'

THEY LAUGH HYSTERICALLY

How dare you?

I really hope there's a first aider.

Who for? Your mum or the judges?

You ungrateful pair of...

Where do you think all that food comes from that you eat every night?

We don't know, we've never really dared ask, actually.

You ungrateful beggars! Will you stop laughing!

You two can make your own flipping tea tonight.

I'm never going to speak to you ever again!

To have our congregation turn against you like that

must have been a great shock.

All the love and dedication you put into St Mary's.

To think that the people I once knew and respected

could show so little feeling.

It must have hurt you a great deal.

Yes.

You must understand that today I just got carried away

with my characters.

Maybe once upon a time,

a long time ago, I used to see the world like that but not anymore.

And if you are going to lead the course again,

I would like to come back.

-I'm not sure there will be another course, Mrs Tembe.

-But...

Not for a short while anyway.

Mrs Caruthers.

People trust you.

They respect you.

That is a great gift.

Do not hide it away for too long.

Thank you.

See you later.

You were right. Let's talk.

Don't.

Did you say anything?

Not yet. What are you going to do? Tie me to that chair and gag me?

It's unforgivable.

But for me to get rid of my guilt by transferring the pain to Zara

feels like selfishness.

Zara is the love of my life.

I don't know why I betrayed her.

I honestly cannot explain it.

What I do know is how much I want it to work with her.

And how much of a worthy father I want to be to Joe.

I don't know how I'm going to look Jimmi in the eye.

It's not going to be easy. But WE did this.

So WE have to bear the guilt. This is our penance.

You forgot something.

Thanks.

This feels awkward.

No, we were just discussing Mrs Higgins. Thanks, Cherry.

Kissed and made up?

Yeah. Sort of.

If those two think we are ever going to give them

a dinner invitation ever again,

they are severely mistaken.

Oh, I've got to pick Joe up.

Is it crazy that I miss him so much?

The Ambassador returns. Did you do the Mill proud?

Good! Knew you were the right man for the job.

I bought this in anticipation.

I think you should put this up yourself.

No. I do not deserve it.

I still have a lot to learn, Mr Bellamy.

This looks amazing. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-For what?

For being patient and tolerant

and for putting up with your husband's many and varied issues.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, along came running.

It doesn't matter.

It must have felt like I had a mistress,

so, tell her I can't see her anymore, or least not as often.

OK.

I love you.

I love you too.

Right, let's eat.

Jimmi.

You don't have to say anything.

-I do.

-Just tuck in.

Jimmi, I've got to tell you something.

What?

I've done something really terrible.

It's going to hurt.

Go on.

It's about Daniel.

Yeah?

I apologised to him and Zara about the other night.

I did it from both of us.

I think I can forgive you for that.

Really?

I can't forgive you if you don't eat this, the bread's warm!

I was just passing by, and I wondered if you had my book.

SHE LAUGHS

Do you think something might be wrong with her.

Dementia or something?

I've got today's game, by the way, Great Cheese Films.

I'm going to open with East of Edam.

Nothing wrong with doing your own thing. It doesn't mean we love each other any less.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd