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Robert Lessing

The showman surgeon

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Played by
Rory Kinnear

A skillful, arrogant and quick-witted showman. His operations are quite literally ‘theatrical events’ to which awestruck doctors and members of the public flock. He can take a leg off in 92 seconds.

Robert’s becoming famous – he’s almost as good as he thinks he is. And he loves it. His desire for self-gain can make him manipulative and pompous but despite his self-regard, there is also a pioneering spirit to Robert, born out of a desire to do good. He really wants to save lives. He just wants all the credit afterwards too…