Michael Gambon stars as Philip Marlow in The Singing Detective, with Patrick Malahide as Mark Binney and Joanne Whalley as Nurse Mills.
Main cast
- Philip MarlowMichael GambonMain
- Mark BinneyPatrick MalahideMain
- Nurse MillsJoanne WhalleyMain
Supporting cast
- Dr. GibbonBill PatersonSupp
- Philip Marlow (as a boy)Lyndon DaviesSupp
- Lili Marlow (Philip’s mother)Alison SteadmanSupp
- Mr. Marlow (Philip’s father)Jim CarterSupp
- Nurse WhiteImelda StauntonSupp
- Reginald (the hospital patient)Ron CookSupp
- George (the hospital patient)David RyallSupp
- Ali (the hospital patient)Adrian DunbarSupp
Guest & voice
- Raymond (the singing detective’s sidekick)Bob HoskinsGuest
- Sonia (the femme fatale)Kate McKenzieGuest
- Dr. FinlayDavid GantGuest
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About this cast
The Singing Detective is a 1986 BBC television serial written by Dennis Potter. It follows Philip Marlow, a mystery writer hospitalised with a severe skin condition, who retreats into a fantasy world where he is a singing detective in a 1940s film noir, blending his past and present.
FAQs
Who plays Philip Marlow in The Singing Detective?
Michael Gambon plays the lead role of Philip Marlow, a mystery writer and the titular singing detective.
Who plays Mark Binney in The Singing Detective?
Patrick Malahide plays Mark Binney, a character from Philip Marlow’s detective novels who appears in his fantasies.
Who plays Nurse Mills in The Singing Detective?
Joanne Whalley plays Nurse Mills, a kind and attentive nurse who cares for Philip Marlow in the hospital.
What is The Singing Detective about?
The series follows Philip Marlow, a writer hospitalised with a severe skin condition, who escapes into a fantasy world where he is a singing detective in a 1940s film noir, interweaving his past traumas and present reality.
How many episodes are in The Singing Detective?
The series consists of six episodes, originally broadcast on BBC One in 1986.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026