A Short Stay in Switzerland

Synopsis

Julie Walters stars in a one-off drama inspired by the true story of Dr Anne Turner, who in 2006 took her own life in a Zurich clinic having developed an incurable degenerative disease.

Having recently witnessed the death of her husband from a neurological disease, Anne Turner is diagnosed with a near-identical illness and determines to end her life once her condition has reached a critical point.

As her health deteriorates, Anne's son and two daughters struggle to reach a consensus over their mother's intentions and while they search for alternative options, silent recriminations and stubborn practicality threaten to tear the family apart. With her family at logger heads, Anne must also face the fury of her best friend, whose opposing views bring them into direct conflict.

Written by award-winning writer Frank McGuinness.

Credits

Dr Anne Turner

Julie Walters

Sophie

Liz White

Edward

Stephen Moore

Jessica

Lyndsey Marshal

Mrs Savery

Michelle Fairley

Jack

Will Knightley

Richard

Patrick Malahide

Clare

Harriet Walter

Interviewer

Fergus Walsh

Stephen

Anthony Shuster

Kedar

Sagar Arya

Director

Simon Curtis

Producer

Liz Trubridge

Broadcasts

1. Sun 25 Jan 2009
   21:00
   BBC One (except Scotland)
2. Sun 25 Jan 2009
   21:00
   BBC HD
3. Sun 25 Jan 2009
   22:00
   BBC Two (Scotland only)
4. Tue 27 Jan 2009
   02:25
   BBC One
5. Wed 28 Jan 2009
   22:00
   BBC HD
6. Mon 9 Nov 2009
   22:00
   BBC HD