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Play for Today

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
British television anthology series
This article is about the television series. For other uses, seePlay for Today (disambiguation).

Play for Today
Logo as seen in the opening title sequence from 1976
GenreDrama,television plays,anthology,social realism,kitchen-sink drama
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes306 (28 missing, 1 incomplete)
Production
Running timeVarious
Original release
NetworkBBC1
Release15 October 1970 (1970-10-15) –
28 August 1984 (1984-08-28)
Related

Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by theBBC and transmitted onBBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring originaltelevision plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were (with a few exceptions noted below) between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration. A handful of these plays, includingRumpole of the Bailey, subsequently became television series in their own right.

History

[edit]

The strand was a successor toThe Wednesday Play, the 1960s anthology series, the title being changed when the day of transmission moved to Thursday to make way for a sport programme. Some works, screened in anthology series onBBC2, likeWilly Russell'sOur Day Out (1977), were repeated on BBC1 in the series. The producers ofThe Wednesday Play,Graeme MacDonald andIrene Shubik, transferred to the new series. Shubik continued with the series until 1973[1] while MacDonald remained with the series until 1977 when he was promoted. Later producers includedKenith Trodd (1973–1982),David Rose (1972–1980),Innes Lloyd (1975–1982), Margaret Matheson (1977–1979), SirRichard Eyre (1978–1980), and Pharic MacLaren (1974–1982).

Plays covered all genres. In its time,Play for Today featured contemporarysocial realist dramas, historical pieces, fantasies, biopics and occasionally science-fiction[2] (The Flipside of Dominick Hide, 1980). Most pieces were written directly for television, but there were also occasional adaptations from other narrative forms, such as novels and stage plays.

Writers who contributed plays to the series includedIan McEwan,John Osborne,Dennis Potter,Stephen Poliakoff, SirDavid Hare,Willy Russell,Alan Bleasdale,Arthur Hopcraft,Alan Plater,Graham Reid,David Storey,Andrew Davies,Rhys Adrian andJohn Hopkins.

Several prominent directors also featured, includingStephen Frears,Alan Clarke,Michael Apted,Mike Newell,Roland Joffé,Ken Loach,Lindsay Anderson, andMike Leigh. Some of the best remembered plays broadcast in the strand includeEdna, the Inebriate Woman (1971),The Foxtrot (1971),Home (1972),The Fishing Party (1972),Bar Mitzvah Boy (1976),The Other Woman (1976),Abigail's Party (1977),Blue Remembered Hills (1979) andJust a Boys' Game (1979). Certain other plays, includingPenda's Fen (1974) andNuts in May (1976), were commissioned byDavid Rose of the BBC's English Regions Drama department based in Pebble Mill Studios inBirmingham.

Some installments in the series were spun off into full-blown series, includingRumpole of the Bailey, which was produced as a one-off in thePlay for Today strand in 1975 and three years later became a series forThames Television, again withLeo McKern.Alan Bleasdale'sThe Black Stuff, was a single play broadcast on BBC2 in January 1980, which was developed intoBoys from the Blackstuff. It was never part of thePlay For Today strand, although it was repeated on BBC1 later that year as a single play.[3][4]

Other offshoots wereGangsters,Headmaster, and a single series of science fiction-based plays styled asPlay for Tomorrow. Towards the end of the run, three plays set inNorthern Ireland were written byGraham Reid. Known as the Billy Plays, they starredKenneth Branagh as Billy Martin in his first acting role following his graduation fromRADA.

There were also some groups of plays transmitted that – for various reasons – did not go out under thePlay for Today banner, but which were funded from the same department, used much the same production team and are generally regarded in episode guides and analysis as being part of thePlay for Today canon.

Several plays were BAFTA award winners.John Le Mesurier andPatricia Hayes were named Best Actor and Actress, respectively, for their roles in the 1971 seriesTraitor andEdna, The Inebriate Woman, the latter also being named Best Drama Production. DameCelia Johnson was named Best Actress forMrs. Palfrey At The Claremont, broadcast in 1973.Stocker's Copper (1972),Kisses At Fifty (1973),Bar Mitzvah Boy (1976),Spend, Spend, Spend! (1977),Licking Hitler (1978), andBlue Remembered Hills (1979) were all named Best Single Play by BAFTA.

Videotapes of thirty-seven of the episodes produced between 1970 and 1975 werewiped after transmission, and no copies of many of them are known to exist.[5][6]

Two plays were controversially pulled from transmission shortly before broadcast due to concerns over their content: these were Dennis Potter'sBrimstone & Treacle in 1976 and Roy Minton'sScum the following year. In the case ofBrimstone & Treacle it was due to concerns over the play's depiction of a disabled woman's rape at the hands of a man who may possibly have been thedevil, and withScum the worry was its supposedsensationalism of life in aborstal.Scum andBrimstone & Treacle were eventually transmitted, although in the meantime both had circumvented their withdrawal by being re-made as cinema films. Another playPillion recorded in 1979 was never broadcast.

One play,The Other Woman, generated some mild controversy for its "graphic depiction" of lesbianism, and for the onscreen kiss betweenJane Lapotaire andLynne Frederick.[7][8]

Demise and legacy

[edit]

After fourteen series and numerous repeats of individual productions, the programme officially ended in August 1984, although two series of single dramas withoutPlay for Today billing were broadcast on BBC1 in a similar time slot from July to December 1983 and from November 1984 to February 1985. Thereafter the strand of single dramas becameScreen Two on BBC2 from January 1985, and later alsoScreen One on BBC1 from September 1989. The general trend in 1980s television production was away from one-off plays and towards a greater concentration on series and serials. When one-offs were produced, such asFilm on Four onChannel 4, they tended to be made with a cinematic approach rather than betraying television drama's roots in the theatre thatPlay for Today and earlier series on both the BBC and ITV had often demonstrated.

Nonetheless, the series is generally remembered as a benchmark of high-quality British television drama, and has become a byword for what many continue to argue was a golden age of British television. In 2000, theBritish Film Institute produced a poll of industry professionals to determine the100 Greatest British Television Programmes of the 20th century, and five of the programmes included in the final tally were fromPlay for Today.

A new programme publicised as a return ofPlay for Today, but under the working title ofThe Evening Play, was announced at the beginning of March 2006,[9] but nothing has been heard from it since.Kevin Spacey, film star and director of theOld Vic, in March 2008 toldBBC News that he would like to see the return of the show,[10]but the journalistsMichael Gove andMark Lawson expressed disagreement, Gove (by then aConservativeMP) describing them as "exercises in viewer patronisation".[11][12]Jan Moir inThe Daily Telegraph wrote in support of Spacey, saying "the British lovedPlay for Today once, and would do so again. A good piece of drama looks at the human condition, and tells us something we should know about ourselves."[13]

A book detailing the origins of the series,Play for Today: The First Year bySimon Farquhar, was published in 2021.

Productions

[edit]

The following list was sourced according to theBBC Genome archive ofRadio Times magazines.[14] Titles that carried the tagPlay For Today on the BBC listings for their first or subsequent transmission are included, along with some repeats such as the repeat of theDays of Hope quartet, where the initial broadcast was not brandedPlay for Today, but the repeat was. Repeats of the individual productions are excluded. All episodes were broadcast on BBC1, except for the delayed broadcast ofScum in 1991 which was broadcast on BBC2.

Some early episodesare missing or no longer exist in colour.

Original air dateTitleAuthorsProducerDirectorLead actor(s)Home mediaNotes
Series 1
15 Oct 1970The Long Distance Piano PlayerAlan SharpIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleRay DaviesRepeated 13 April 1972. 16 mm b&w print
22 Oct 1970The Right ProspectusJohn OsborneAlan CookeGeorge Cole,Elvi HaleRepeated 16 December 1971
29 Oct 1970The LieIngmar Bergman &Paul Britten AustinGraeme McDonaldAlan BridgesFrank FinlayIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]Written by Ingmar Bergman, translated by Paul Britten Austin. A production forThe Largest Theatre in the World project of theEBU. Winner of the SFTA award for best drama production of 1970. Repeated on BBC2 31 March 1971, and on BBC1 16 March 1972.
5 Nov 1970Angels Are So FewDennis PotterGareth DaviesTom Bell
12 Nov 1970The Write-OffGeorge SalversonRudi DorinCec LinderCanadian production. Missing.
19 Nov 1970I Can't See My Little WillieDouglas LivingstoneIrene ShubikAlan ClarkeNigel StockRepeated 18 May 1972. Missing except for domestic audio recording.
26 Nov 1970A Distant ThunderMaurice EdelmanJames FermanAdrienne CorriMissing.
3 Dec 1970Hearts and FlowersPeter NicholsChristopher MorahanAnthony HopkinsRepeated 9 March 1972. 16 mm b&w print
10 Dec 1970Robin RedbreastJohn BowenGraeme McDonaldJames MacTaggartAnna CropperDVD release by the BFI[16]Due to a power cut, the ending of this episode was blacked out in many areas, necessitating a repeat of the full episode on 25 February 1971.[17] 16mm b&w print
17 Dec 1970The Hallelujah HandshakeColin WellandAlan ClarkeTony CalvinIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]Repeated 23 December 1971.
7 Jan 1971Alma MaterDavid HodsonIrene ShubikJames FermanIan CarmichaelRepeated 4 May 1972. Missing.
14 Jan 1971Circle LineW. Stephen GilbertGraeme McDonaldClaude WhathamMichael FeastThe Winner of the BBCtv Student Play Competition. Missing.
21 Jan 1971Hell's AngelDavid AgnewAlan CookeKatharine BlakeDavid Agnew is a BBC in-house pen name typically used when multiple writers contributed to a script.Anthony Read was the author commissioned to write the play. Repeated 25 May 1972. Missing.
28 Jan 1971The PianoJulia JonesJames Cellan JonesGlyn OwenRepeated 10 August 1972.
4 Feb 1971Billy's Last StandBarry HinesJohn GlenisterDudley FosterRepeated 20 April 1972. Missing.
11 Feb 1971The RainbirdsClive ExtonIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleMadge RyanA production forThe Largest Theatre in the World project of theEBU.
18 Feb 1971ReddickMunroe ScottMervyn RosenzveigDonald HarronCanadian production. Missing.
11 Mar 1971No Trams to Lime StreetAlun Owen (Book),Marty Wilde &Ronnie Scott (Music & Lyrics)Harry MoorePiers HaggardAnthony MayMusical. First shown underThe Wednesday Play, 18 March 1970.[19]
18 Mar 1971Mad JackTom ClarkeGraeme McDonaldJack GoldMichael JaystonFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 4 February 1970.[19] Winner of the first prize and the silver Dore Catholic Prize at the 1971 Monte Carlo International Television Festival.
25 Mar 1971Scenes from Family LifeBarry BermangeRonald TraversNaomi CaponDenholm ElliottFirst shown underPlays of Today on BBC2, 25 September 1969.[19]
1 Apr 1971Wind Versus PolygamyObi EgbunaMichael BakewellEarl CameronFirst shown underTheatre 625 15 July 1968 and thenThe Wednesday Play, 27 May 1970.[19]
8 Apr 1971PlaymatesJohnny SpeightGraeme McDonaldJohn McGrathMarty FeldmanFirst shown withinDouble Bill ofThe Wednesday Play on 26 November 1969.[19]
15 Apr 1971Sovereign's CompanyDon ShawIrene ShubikAlan ClarkeRoland CulverIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]First shown underThe Wednesday Play, 22 April 1970.[19]
22 Apr 1971Season of the WitchDesmond McCarthy &Johnny ByrneAnne HeadDesmond McCarthyJulie DriscollFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 7 January 1970.[19]
29 Apr 1971The FoxtrotRhys AdrianIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleDonald PleasenceRepeated 30 March 1972. 16 mm b&w print
6 May 1971When The Bough BreaksTony ParkerJames FermanHannah GordonRepeated 11 May 1972.
13 May 1971OrkneyGeorge Mackay Brown &John McGrathGraeme McDonaldJames MacTaggartMaurice RoëvesThree stories by George Mackay Brown, adapted by John McGrath:A Time to Keep,The Whaler's Return andCelia. Repeated 27 April 1972.
20 May 1971The Rank And FileJim AllenKen LoachPeter KerriganIncluded on theKen Loach at the BBC DVD boxset[20]
27 May 1971The Man in the SidecarSimon GrayJames MacTaggartGemma JonesRepeated 24 August 1972. Missing.
3 Jun 1971Everybody Say CheeseDouglas LivingstoneIrene ShubikAlan ClarkeRoy KinnearMissing.
10 Jun 1971The Cellar and the Almond TreeDavid MercerGraeme McDonaldAlan BridgesCelia JohnsonFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 4 March 1970. Repeated on BBC2 on 13 December 1980 and on BBC1 on 14 July 1988.
17 Jun 1971The Italian TableWilliam TrevorIrene ShubikHerbert WiseLeonard RossiterFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 18 February 1970.
24 Jun 1971There Is Also TomorrowHugo CharterisGraeme McDonaldJohn MackenzieGlyn HoustonFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 19 November 1969.
1 Jul 1971Chariot of FireTony ParkerIrene ShubikJames FermanRosemary LeachFirst shown underThe Wednesday Play, 20 May 1970.
Series 2
14 Oct 1971TraitorDennis PotterGraeme McDonaldAlan BridgesJohn Le MesurierBAFTA Best Actor (John Le Mesurier). Repeated on BBC2 on 27 February 1973 and on BBC1 on 21 July 1987.
21 Oct 1971Edna, the Inebriate WomanJeremy SandfordIrene ShubikTed KotcheffPatricia HayesIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21]BAFTA Best Actress (Patricia Hayes) & Drama Production. Repeated 2 Mar 1972, on BBC2 on 20 August 1977 and on BBC2 on 3 November 1986.
28 Oct 1971EvelynRhys AdrianGraeme McDonaldPiers HaggardEdward WoodwardRepeated 27 July 1972 and on BBC2 20 February 1973.
4 Nov 1971O Fat White WomanWilliam TrevorIrene ShubikPhilip SavillePeter JeffreyRepeated 16 July 1973.
11 Nov 1971Thank You Very MuchN. F. SimpsonGraeme McDonaldClaude WhathamJulian HollowayDuration 40 minutes. 16 mm b&w print.
18 Nov 1971Michael ReganRobert HollesIrene ShubikJohn GorrieDavid BurkeRepeated 17 August 1972.
25 Nov 1971Skin DeepMichael O'Neill &Jeremy SeabrookGraeme McDonaldMichael Lindsay-HoggDonald PleasenceMissing.
2 Dec 1971PalAlun OwenIrene ShubikSilvio NarizzanoRobin Phillips
9 Dec 1971The Pigeon FancierPeter HankinJames FermanBert Palmer16mm b&w print
6 Jan 1972HomeDavid StoreyJac VenzaLindsay AndersonJohn GielgudDVD release by Metrodome[22]A NET/CBC production. Adapted by the playwright from his original stage play. Repeated on BBC2 6 February 1973.
13 Jan 1972Still WatersJulia JonesGraeme McDonaldJames MacTaggartMargery MasonRepeated 3 August 1972.
20 Jan 1972Stocker's CopperTom ClarkeJack GoldBryan MarshallIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set[23]BAFTA Best Single Play.Writers' Guild Awards 1972: Best British Original Teleplay. Repeated 18 December 1972 and 31 August 1982. Shown in the USA on 23 July 1977 as aPiccadilly Circus episode.
27 Jan 1972The House On Highbury HillPiers Paul ReadJohn GlenisterColin FarrellMissing.
3 Feb 1972In the Beautiful CaribbeanBarry ReckordIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleCalvin Lockhart
10 Feb 1972Ackerman, Dougall and HarkerDon ShawTed KotcheffMartin C. ThurleyRepeated 6 August 1973.
17 Feb 1972The Villa MarocWillis HallHerbert WiseThora HirdRepeated 30 July 1973.
24 Feb 1972CowsHoward BarkerGraeme McDonaldJohn GorrieAlison LeggattMissing.
1 Jun 1972The Fishing PartyPeter TersonDavid RoseMichael SimpsonBrian GloverDVD release by Simply Media[24]From BBC Birmingham. Repeated 9 July 1973 and on BBC2 4 August 1993.
Series 3
9 Oct 1972The ReportersArthur HopcraftGraeme McDonaldMichael AptedRobert UrquhartRepeated 3 January 1974 and 18 April 1974.
16 Oct 1972A Life Is For EverTony ParkerIrene ShubikAlan ClarkeMaurice O'ConnellRepeated 11 July 1974. Missing.
23 Oct 1972Carson CountryDominic BehanGraeme McDonaldPiers HaggardJ. G. Devlin
30 Oct 1972Man FridayAdrian MitchellJames MacTaggartColin BlakelyMissing.
6 Nov 1972Triple ExposureDavid HalliwellIrene ShubikAlan CookeAlec McCowen
13 Nov 1972Better Than the MoviesJohn ElliotGraeme McDonaldRoy BattersbyBryan MarshallMissing.
20 Nov 1972The General's DayWilliam TrevorIrene ShubikJohn GorrieAlistair Sim
27 Nov 1972The BankruptDavid MercerGraeme McDonaldChristopher MorahanJoss Ackland
4 Dec 1972Just Your LuckPeter McDougallMike NewellLesley MackieBBC DVD[25]Repeated 18 July 1974.
11 Dec 1972The Bouncing BoyJohn McGrathMaurice HattonNorman EshleyRepeated 25 April 1974.
8 Jan 1973Shakespeare or BustPeter TersonDavid RoseBrian ParkerJanet SuzmanIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]From BBC Birmingham. Repeated 4 April 1974.
15 Jan 1973Land of Green GingerAlan PlaterGwen TaylorFrom BBC Birmingham. Repeated 24 January 1974 and on BBC4 26 March 2005.
22 Jan 1973Kisses at FiftyColin WellandGraeme McDonaldMichael AptedBill MaynardBAFTA Best Single Play. Repeated 20 December 1973 and on BBC2 11 August 1993.
29 Jan 1973Highway RobberyMichael O'Neill &Jeremy SeabrookJohn CollinMissing.
5 Feb 1973Song at TwilightWillis HallIrene ShubikHerbert WiseColin Blakely
12 Feb 1973Only Make BelieveDennis PotterGraeme McDonaldRobert KnightsKeith BarronRepeated 2 May 1974.
19 Feb 1973For Sylvia, or the Air ShowJohn Burrows & John HardingKenith TroddBarry DavisJohn BurrowsMissing.
26 Feb 1973The OperationRoger SmithRoy BattersbyGeorge Lazenby
5 Mar 1973Access to the ChildrenWilliam TrevorIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleJoss AcklandRepeated 9 May 1974.
12 Mar 1973Hard LabourMike LeighTony GarnettMike LeighLiz SmithIncluded on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]Repeated 30 May 1974, on BBC2 18 August 1993, and on BBC4 14 July 2008 and 7 December 2021.
19 Mar 1973Man Above MenDavid HareMark ShivasAlan ClarkeGwen WatfordMissing.
26 Mar 1973Speech DayBarry HinesGraeme McDonaldJohn GoldschmidtDavid SmithRepeated 10 January 1974.
14 May 1973Steps BackDavid HalliwellDavid RoseBrian ParkerDavid Hill
4 Jun 1973Three's OnePenelope MortimerGraeme McDonaldAlastair ReidHywel BennettMissing.
11 Jun 1973Edward G - Like the FilmstarJohn Harvey-FlintJames FermanRobert Lang
18 Jun 1973Blooming YouthLeslie BlairTony GarnettLeslie BlairPhilip JacksonRepeated 16 May 1974.
25 Jun 1973The StretchJulia JonesGraeme McDonaldPeter DewsJune EllisMissing.
2 Jul 1973Making the PlayTerence Brady &Charlotte BinghamKenith TroddMichael HayesJames Bolam
Series 4
18 Oct 1973Mrs. Palfrey at the ClaremontElizabeth TaylorGraeme McDonaldMichael Lindsay-HoggCelia JohnsonAdapted from thenovel. BAFTA Best Actress (Celia Johnson). Repeated 20 March 1975.
25 Oct 1973Her Majesty's PleasureJimmy O'ConnorKenith TroddBarry DavisJohn Bindon
1 Nov 1973Jack PointColin WellandMichael AptedStephen MurrayRepeated 3 April 1975.
8 Nov 1973The Emergency ChannelJohn BowenGraeme McDonaldRobert KnightsRichard PascoeMissing.
15 Nov 1973Mummy and DaddyDouglas LivingstoneKenith TroddBarry DavisNeil WilsonIncomplete.
22 Nov 1973Private PracticePeter HankinMark ShivasPeter CregeenPriscilla MorganMissing.
29 Nov 1973ShutdownTony PerrinKenith TroddJohn MackenzieFreddie FletcherRepeated 19 June 1975.
6 Dec 1973Baby BluesNemone LethbridgeJames MacTaggartZena Walker
13 Dec 1973Jingle BellsArthur HopcraftGraeme McDonaldClaude WhathamColin FarrellMissing.
17 Jan 1974The Lonely Man's LoverBarry CollinsDavid RoseBrian ParkerJan FrancisFrom BBC Birmingham. Repeated 6 February 1975.
31 Jan 1974All Good MenTrevor GriffithsGraeme McDonaldMichael Lindsay-HoggBill Fraser
14 Feb 1974Joe's ArkDennis PotterAlan BridgesFreddie JonesRepeated 19 December 1974, 7 July 1987, and on BBC4 30 January 2005.
21 Feb 1974Hot FatJack RosenthalDerek BennettRichard O'CallaghanMissing.
7 Mar 1974Easy GoBrian Clark & Ronnie King, Cliff Norris, Peter French, Paul Stuart, Tony Ali, Paul Bishop, Deirdre Walsh, Janice ReevesGraeme McDonaldMichael TuchnerAlun ArmstrongPostponed from 7 February 1974.
14 Mar 1974HeadmasterJohn ChallenGraeme McDonaldAnthony PageFrank WindsorRepeated 12 June 1975. Spun off as a series in 1977.
21 Mar 1974Penda's FenDavid RudkinDavid RoseAlan ClarkeSpencer BanksBlu-ray and DVD by the BFI;[27] also included in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]From BBC Birmingham. Repeated 13 February 1975.
28 Mar 1974Pidgeon - Hawk or Dove?Michael SadlerDavid RoseIain Cuthbertson
11 Apr 1974Three for the FancyPeter TersonMatthew RobinsonBrian GloverRepeated 28 August 1974.
6 Jun 1974The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black OilJohn McGrathGraeme McDonaldJohn MackenzieCharles KearneyBlu-ray & DVD releases by Panamint Cinema[28]Adapted from thestage play. Repeated 17 April 1975.
20 Jun 1974SchmoedipusDennis PotterKenith TroddBarry DavisAnna CropperRepeated 10 April 1975.
27 Jun 1974The Childhood FriendPiers Paul ReadGraeme McDonaldMike NewellAnthony Hopkins
4 Jul 1974A Follower for EmilyBrian ClarkGraeme McDonaldAlan ClarkeHerbert RamskillIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]
Series 5
31 Oct 1974Leeds — United!Colin WellandKenith TroddRoy BattersbyLynne PerrieDuration 115 minutes. Repeated 12 August 1976. Repeated on BBC4 3 November 2020.
7 Nov 1974Baby LoveDavid EdgarBarry DavisPatti LoveAdapted from the play.
14 Nov 1974Back of BeyondJulia JonesGraeme McDonaldDesmond DavisRachel RobertsIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]Repeated 5 August 1976.
21 Nov 1974The BevellersRoddy McMillanPharic MacLarenMoira ArmstrongRoddy McMillanFrom BBC Scotland
28 Nov 1974Taking LeaveJoyce NearyKenith TroddJohn MackenzieGeorge Sewell
5 Dec 1974FugitiveSean WalshPeter GillStephen Rea
12 Dec 1974EleanorWilliam TrevorIrene ShubikBarry DavisColin Douglas
9 Jan 1975GangstersPhilip MartinBarry HansonPhilip SavilleMaurice ColbourneIncluded on theGangsters DVD set[29]From BBC Birmingham. Duration 110 minutes. Repeated 2 September 1976. Spun off as aseries.
16 Jan 1975The After Dinner GameMalcolm Bradbury &Christopher BigsbyDavid RoseRobert KnightsTimothy WestFrom BBC Birmingham
23 Jan 1975BreathElaine FeinsteinMatthew RobinsonAngela Pleasence
30 Jan 1975The Death of a Young Young ManWilly RussellViktors RitelisGary Brown
20 Feb 1975Sunset Across the BayAlan BennettInnes LloydStephen FrearsGabrielle Daye, Harry MarkhamIncluded on theAlan Bennett at the BBC DVD boxset[30]Repeated 19 August 1976 and on BBC2 26 July 1992.
27 Feb 1975Funny FarmRoy MintonMark ShivasAlan ClarkeTim PreeceIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]
6 Mar 1975GoodbyeHugh WhitemoreKenith TroddGavin MillarJeremy KempFrom the novel byWilliam Sansom.
13 Mar 1975Just Another SaturdayPeter McDougallGraeme McDonaldJohn MackenzieJohn MorrisonIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21] &The Peter McDougall Collection DVD set[31]Winner of the 1975 Italia Prize for Television Drama Programmes. Repeated on BBC2 7 November 1975, on BBC1 26 August 1976 and on BBC2 24 August 1977.
24 Apr 1975Child of HopeJohn ElliotGraham EvansLeon GluckmanBased on Joel Carlson's bookNo Neutral Ground.
1 May 1975The Saturday PartyBrian ClarkMark ShivasBarry DavisPeter BarkworthRepeated 25 April 1977, the day before its sequel,The Country Party.
8 May 1975Wednesday LoveArthur HopcraftGraeme McDonaldMichael AptedLois Daine
15 May 1975The Dandelion ClockWilson John HaireAnn ScottJohn BruceVerona O'HaraMissing.
22 May 1975BrassneckHoward Brenton &David HareGraeme McDonaldMike NewellJeremy KempAdapted from the play.
29 May 1975The FloaterPeter PrinceBarry DavisRichard Beckinsale
5 June 1975By Common ConsentPaul ThompsonKenith TroddRon Daniels, John RobinsMichelle AbrahamsAdapted from the play. Not billed as aPlay for Today in theRadio Times.[32]
Series 6
14 Oct 1975Plaintiffs and DefendantsSimon GrayKenith TroddMichael Lindsay-HoggAlan BatesShown in the USA on 16 July 1977 as aPiccadilly Circus episode.
21 Oct 1975Two SundaysRepeated 1 Sep 1977.
28 Oct 1975MossBernard KopsIrene ShubikPhilip SavilleWarren Mitchell
4 Nov 197584, Charing Cross RoadHelene Hanff &Hugh WhitemoreMark ShivasMark CullinghamFrank FinlayAdapted from thebook. Repeated 21 July 1977.
11 Nov 1975Keep an Eye on AlbertBrian GloverAnn ScottMichael TuchnerSusan Tracy
18 Nov 1975Children of the SunMichael O'Neill &Jeremy SeabrookViktors RitelisGodfrey JamesMissing. Final missing episode.
25 Nov 1975After the SoloJohn ChallenMoira ArmstrongLeonard Rossiter
2 Dec 1975Through the NightTrevor GriffithsMichael Lindsay-HoggAlison SteadmanRepeated 4 August 1977.
9 Dec 1975A Passage to EnglandLeon GriffithsKenith TroddJohn MackenzieColin WellandIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]Repeated 25 August 1977.
16 Dec 1975Rumpole of the BaileyJohn MortimerIrene ShubikJohn GorrieLeo McKernDVD release by Acorn[33]Repeated 16 May 1993, and on BBC4 18 and 19 January 2009. Spun off as a long-runningseries on ITV (Thames Television).[34]
6 Jan 1976The Other WomanWatson GouldDavid RoseMichael SimpsonJane LapotaireFrom BBC Birmingham
13 Jan 1976Nuts in MayMike LeighMike LeighRoger SlomanIncluded on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]From BBC Birmingham. Repeated 11 August 1977, on BBC2 5 September 1982 and 27 December 1993, and on BBC4 19 April 2009, 20 July 2010, 6 May 2012 and 1 December 2014.
20 Jan 1976Doran's BoxEric ColtartMatthew RobinsonPeter EyreFrom BBC Birmingham. Exists only as a domestic video recording.
27 Jan 1976Packman's BarnAlick RoweChris MenaulJohn BarrettFrom BBC Birmingham
3 Feb 1976A Story to Frighten the ChildrenJohn HopkinsGraeme McDonaldHerbert WiseGeoffrey Palmer
10 Feb 1976The Happy Hunting GroundTom HadawayAnne HeadBrian ParkerNeil Phillips
17 Feb 1976Jumping Bean BagRobin ChapmanRosemary HillAlan CookeDavid Dixon
24 Feb 1976Clay, Smeddum and GreendenLewis Grassic Gibbon &Bill CraigPharic MacLarenMoira ArmstrongFulton MackayTrilogy by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, dramatised by Bill Craig; from BBC Scotland. Repeated 18 August 1977.
2 Mar 1976Love Letters on Blue PaperArnold WeskerGraeme McDonaldWaris HusseinPatrick Troughton
9 Mar 1976Willie RoughBill BrydenPharic MacLarenBob McIntoshJames GrantAdapted from thestage play.
16 Mar 1976Tiptoe Through the TulipsBeryl BainbridgeKenith TroddClaude WhathamRosemary Leach
23 Mar 1976The PeddlerE. A. WhiteheadGraeme McDonaldJohn Hurt
30 Mar 1976Early StrugglesPeter PrinceStephen FrearsPaul Nicholas
6 Apr 1976Double DareDennis PotterKenith TroddJohn MackenzieAlan DobieRepeated 28 July 1977, and on BBC4 6 February 2005.
Series 7
14 Sep 1976Bar Mitzvah BoyJack RosenthalGraeme McDonaldMichael TuchnerJeremy SteynIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21] & theJack Rosenthal at the BBC DVD set.[35]BAFTA Best Single Play and Best Writer awards, 1976. Repeated 6 May 1977, 28 February 1978 and 23 June 1997, and on BBC4 18 July 2004 and 17 March 2005.
21 Sep 1976Bet Your LifeLeslie BlairLeslie BlairReginald Stewart
28 Sep 1976Rocky Marciano Is DeadBernard KopsGraham EvansRon Moody
12 Oct 1976The Elephants' GraveyardPeter McDougallJohn MackenzieBilly Connolly, Jon MorrisonIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol .2 BFI Blu-ray set[23] &

The Peter McDougall Collection DVD set

Repeated 25 Jul 1978.
19 Oct 1976Housewives' ChoiceRoy KendallKenith TroddChris ThomsonFrances de la Tour
26 Oct 1976Your Man from Six CountiesColin WellandBarry DavisDonal McCannIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]
2 Nov 1976BuffetRhys AdrianGraeme McDonaldMike NewellTony Britton
4 Jan 1977Love on a GunboatMalcolm BradburyDavid RoseRobert KnightsStephen MooreFrom BBC Birmingham
11 Jan 1977The Kiss of DeathMike LeighMike LeighDavid ThrelfallIncluded on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]
18 Jan 1977Our Flesh and BloodMike StottPedr JamesBernard HillIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]From BBC Birmingham. Repeated 29 August 1978.
25 Jan 1977Do As I SayCharles WoodGraeme McDonaldBarry DavisAngela Down
15 Mar 1977Spend, Spend, Spend!Jack RosenthalJohn GoldschmidtSusan LittlerIncluded on theJack Rosenthal at the BBC DVD set[35]Based on the book byVivian Nicholson and Stephen Smith. BAFTA Best Single Play. Repeated 1 June 1978.
22 Mar 1977A PhotographJohn BowenJohn GlenisterJohn StrideIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 1 BFI Blu-ray set[15]
12 Apr 1977GotchaBarrie KeeffeMargaret MathesonBarry DavisPhilip DavisIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set[23]Double bill. Repeated 15 August 1978.
Campion's InterviewBrian ClarkJulian CurryIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set[23]
19 Apr 1977A Choice of EvilsJim AllenJane HowellStephen Murray
26 Apr 1977The Country PartyBrian ClarkMark ShivasBarry DavisPeter BarkworthSequel toThe Saturday Party.
Series 8
18 Oct 1977Stronger Than the SunStephen PoliakoffMargaret MathesonMichael AptedFrancesca AnnisRepeated 21 February 1978, and on BBC4 21 January 2003, 14 May 2003 and 5 March 2006.
25 Oct 1977Come the RevolutionRobin ChapmanRosemary HillMichael DarlowVivian Pickles
1 Nov 1977Abigail's PartyMike LeighMargaret MathesonMike LeighAlison SteadmanDVD release by BBC;[36] also included on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]Adapted from the stage play. Repeated 7 August 1979, on BBC2 6 September 1982, 5 July 1992 and 1 November 1997, and on BBC4 26 June 2002, 11 August 2002, 28 October 2007, 17 December 2007, 7 November 2010, 21 March 2013, 24 November 2014, 14 October 2020 and 1 June 2022.
8 Nov 1977Oy Vay MariaMary O'MalleyRichard LoncraineCheryl Hall
15 Nov 1977NipperBarrie KeeffeBrian FarnhamCoral Atkins
22 Nov 1977One Day at a TimeDenis CannanInnes LloydRonald WilsonStephanie Cole
29 Nov 1977The Mayor's CharityHenry LivingsRichard BrokeMike NewellThora HirdIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21]
5 Dec 1977Catchpenny TwistStewart ParkerRobert KnightsSam DaleRepeated 21 August 1979.
13 Dec 1977CharadesAntonia FraserPharic MacLarenRoderick GrahamJennifer HilaryFrom BBC Scotland
20 Dec 1977The Thin End of the WedgeSean McCarthyJohn BlackTom Marshall
3 Jan 1978Scully's New Year's EveAlan BleasdaleDavid RoseMichael SimpsonAndrew SchofieldFrom BBC Birmingham
10 Jan 1978Licking HitlerDavid HareDavid HareKate NelliganFrom BBC Birmingham. BAFTA Best Single Play. Repeated 31 July 1979.
17 Jan 1978Red ShiftAlan GarnerJohn MackenzieStephen PetcherBFI DVD[37]From BBC Birmingham. Adapted from the novel.
24 Jan 1978The SpongersJim AllenTony GarnettRoland JofféChristine HargreavesIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set[23]Duration 105 minutes. Prix Italia 1978, Golden Award and Best Script at Prague 1978. Repeated 6 September 1979, and on BBC2 25 August 1993 and 17 July 1999.
31 Jan 1978DestinyDavid EdgarMargaret MathesonMike NewellColin JeavonsAdapted from the play. Duration 105 minutes. Repeated 14 August 1979.
7 Feb 1978Our Day OutWilly RussellDavid RosePedr JamesAlun ArmstrongDVD release by Simply Media[38]First shown as aPlay of the Week on BBC2, 28 December 1977. Repeated on BBC2 26 December 1979, and in 3 instalments underScene, 14, 21 & 28 January 1994, and on BBC4 22 August 2008.
14 Feb 1978The After Dinner JokeCaryl ChurchillMargaret MathesonColin BuckseyPaula Wilcox
18 Apr 1978Days of Hope: 1916 - Joining UpJim AllenTony GarnettKen LoachPaul CopleyIncluded on theKen Loach at the BBC DVD boxset[20]First shown 11 September 1975.
25 Apr 1978Days of Hope: 1921 – Every Pit in Britain Is IdleFirst shown 18 September 1975.
2 May 1978Days Of Hope: 1924 - A MiracleFirst shown 25 September 1975.
9 May 1978Days Of Hope: 1926 - General StrikeFirst shown 2 October 1975.
1 Aug 1978The Price of Coal: Meet the PeopleBarry HinesBobby KnuttIncluded on theKen Loach at the BBC DVD boxset[20]First shown 29 March 1977.
8 Aug 1978The Price of Coal: Back to RealityFirst shown 5 April 1977.
22 Aug 1978The Legion Hall BombingCaryl ChurchillMargaret MathesonRoland JofféDavid Kelly
Series 9
17 Oct 1978NinaJehane MarkhamMargaret MathesonAlan ClarkeJack ShepherdIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]
24 Oct 1978Victims of ApartheidTom ClarkeRichard EyreStuart BurgeJohn KaniIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set[23]
31 Oct 1978A Touch of the Tiny HackettsJohn Esmonde & Bob LarbeyJames Cellan JonesRay Brooks
7 Nov 1978Dinner at the Sporting ClubLeon GriffithsKenith TroddBrian GibsonJohn ThawDVD release by Simply Media[39]
14 Nov 1978Donal and SallyJames DuthieAnne HeadBrian ParkerGerard Kelly,Sylvestra Le TouzelBest Direction, 1979 Prague International Television Festival. Repeated 8 July 1980.
21 Nov 1978Sorry…Václav Havel & Vera BlackwellInnes LloydClaude WhathamMichael CrawfordAdapted and translated by Vera Blackwell from theVaněk playsPrivate View (a.k.a.Unveiling) andAudience. Repeated 6 January 1990.
28 Nov 1978Butterflies Don't CountWally K. DalyKenneth IvesFrank Mills
5 Dec 1978Soldiers Talking, CleanlyMike StottRichard EyreAlan DossorBob Mason
12 Dec 1978One Bummer News DayAndy McSmithRichard EyreMichael DarlowSimon Rouse
2 Jan 1979The Out of Town BoysRon HutchinsonDavid RoseRobert KnightsJoe LynchFrom BBC Birmingham
9 Jan 1979VampiresDixie WilliamsTara PremJohn GoldschmidtPeter Moran
16 Jan 1979The Chief MournerJohn ElliotDavid RoseRichard Pasco
23 Jan 1979Waterloo SunsetBarrie KeeffeRichard EyreQueenie WattsRepeated 5 August 1980.
30 Jan 1979Blue Remembered HillsDennis PotterKenith TroddBrian GibsonColin WellandIncluded on theHelen Mirren at the BBC DVD set[40]BAFTA Best Single Play and Best Director 1979. Repeated on BBC2 30 May 1980 and 6 November 1986, and on BBC4 5 June 2008.
5 Feb 1979Who's WhoMike LeighMargaret MathesonMike LeighSimon ChandlerIncluded on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]Repeated on BBC2 7 September 1982.
13 Feb 1979The Last Window CleanerRon HutchinsonKenith TroddBill CraskePatrick Magee
27 Feb 1979Ploughman's ShareDouglas DunnPharic MacLarenFiona CummingDuncan BrewsterFrom BBC Scotland
6 Mar 1979Degree of UncertaintyAlma CullenPaul AnnettJennie Linden
13 Mar 1979LightTony PerrinRichard EyreJane HowellJim Norton
10 Apr 1979Coming OutJames Andrew HallKenith TroddCarol WisemanAnton RodgersIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21]Repeated on BBC2 13 June 1980.
24 Jul 1979Don't Be SillyRachel BillingtonInnes LloydKenneth IvesSusan FleetwoodRepeated 12 August 1980. Repeated on BBC4 10 November 2020.
Series 10
11 Oct 1979Long Distance InformationNeville SmithRichard EyreStephen FrearsNeville SmithRepeated on BBC2 4 October 1980.
18 Oct 1979Cries from a WatchtowerStephen LoweGiles FosterPaul Copley
25 Oct 1979ComediansTrevor GriffithsRichard EyreBill FraserAdapted from thestage play. Repeated 19 August 1980, and on BBC2 9 May 1993.
1 Nov 1979Even SolomonAndrew TaylorAnne HeadRoger BamfordPaul Henley
8 Nov 1979Just a Boys' GamePeter McDougallRichard EyreJohn MackenzieFrankie Miller,Ken HutchisonIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 2 BFI Blu-ray set;[23]The Peter McDougall Collection DVD setRepeated 26 August 1980. Repeated on BBC4 27 October 2020.
13 Nov 1979BillyG. F. NewmanKenith TroddCharles StewartJason PlenderleithRepeated 10 November 1981.
29 Nov 1979A Hole in BabylonJim Hawkins &Horace OvéGraham BensonHorace OvéT-Bone WilsonIncluded on thePlay for Today Vol. 3 BFI Blu-ray set[21]Based on events of the 1975Spaghetti House siege. Repeated on BBC2 27 June 1992. Repeated on BBC4 20 October 2020.
6 Dec 1979The Slab BoysJohn ByrnePharic MacLarenBob HirdGerard KellyDVD release by John Williams Productions[41]Adapted from the play.
13 Dec 1979Katie: The Year of a ChildIan Cullen & John NortonJohn NortonBarry DavisMargaret Kelly
20 Dec 1979The NetworkStephen FaganAnne HeadDerek ListerAnthony Bate
2 Jan 1980The Black StuffAlan BleasdaleDavid RoseJim GoddardBernard HillIncluded on theBoys from the Black Stuff DVD set[42]The Black Stuff was commissioned and produced for thePlay for Today strand in 1978, but not broadcast until 1980, as a one-off play on BBC2 (not billed as aPlay for Today).[3] However BBC sources today generally do refer to it as a Play for Today.[43] Repeated on BBC1 30 July 1981, and on BBC4 19 September 2010 and 17 November 2020.
3 Jan 1980Chance of a LifetimeRobert HolmanRichard EyreGiles FosterDavid DakerRepeated 3 September 1981.
10 Jan 1980Keep SmilingPaul JoyceDavid RosePaul JoyceStephen MooreFrom BBC Birmingham
17 Jan 1980Dreams of LeavingDavid HareDavid HareBill Nighy
24 Jan 1980Thicker Than WaterBrian GloverTara PremAlan GrintColin Douglas
31 Jan 1980Murder RapMichael HastingsRichard EyrePeter DuffellArthur LovegroveRepeated 13 August 1981.
7 Feb 1980Instant Enlightenment Including VATAndrew CarrInnes LloydJohn BruceSimon CallowPostponed from 22 November 1979.
14 Feb 1980No DefenceChris KewbankClive HallsIllona Linthwaite
21 Feb 1980That Crazy WomanDavid HopkinsJohn NortonBill CraskeZena Walker
28 Feb 1980A Gift from NessusWilliam McIlvanney &Bill CraigPharic MacLarenJames OrmerodKen HutchisonNovel by William McIlvanney, dramatised by Bill Craig; from BBC Scotland.
6 Mar 1980Kate, the Good NeighbourPeter RansleyRichard BrokeJohn BruceRachel KempsonRepeated 27 August 1981.
13 Mar 1980BusesGeoffrey CaseTerry ColesTim KingSebastian Abineri
20 Mar 1980Shadows on Our SkinJennifer Johnston &Derek MahonKenith TroddJim O'BrienMacRea ClarkeScreenplay by Derek Mahon from the novel by Jennifer Johnston. Repeated 20 August 1981.
27 Mar 1980LadiesCarol BunyanDurmuid LawrencePatsy Rowlands
3 Apr 1980The Vanishing ArmyRobert HollesInnes LloydRichard LoncraineBill PatersonFirst shown as aPlay of the Week on BBC2 29 November 1978, and repeated on BBC1 28 August 1979.
10 Apr 1980Not for the Likes of UsGilly FraserW. Stephen GilbertTim KingPam St ClementFrom BBC Bristol
17 Apr 1980The ExecutionerLionel GoldsteinInnes LloydKenneth IvesPaul Rogers
24 Apr 1980The Imitation GameIan McEwanRichard EyreHarriet WalterDVD release by Simply Media[44]Repeated on BBC2 8 September 1981 and 12 May 1993.
14 May 1980A Walk in the ForestJeremy PaulCarol RobertsonJack GoldJohn AldertonRepeated on BBC2 6 July 1980.
24 Jun 1980On Giant's ShouldersMarjorie Wallace, Michael Robson, William Humble &Anthony SimmonsMark ShivasAnthony SimmonsJudi DenchBased on the book by Marjorie Wallace and Michael Robson, dramatised by William Humble and Anthony Simmons. First shown as aPlay of the Week on BBC2, 28 March 1979. Repeated on BBC2 4 November 1986.
1 Jul 1980Fearless FrankAndrew DaviesLouis MarksColin BuckseyLeonard RossiterFirst shown as aPlay of the Week on BBC2, 4 October 1978.
Series 11
21 Oct 1980PasmoreRichard Eyre &David StoreyAnn ScottRichard EyrePhilip JacksonScreenplay by Richard Eyre from the novel by David Storey. Repeated 10 August 1982.
28 Oct 1980C2H5OHDavid TurnerInnes LloydJames Cellan JonesDinsdale LandenTitle is the chemical formula forethanol (alcohol).
4 Nov 1980The Adventures of Frank: 1 – Everybody's Fiddling SomethingJohn McGrath, Mark Brown, Mike O'Neill &Si CoweRichard EyreJohn McGrathMick FordA musical play in two parts by John McGrath, with music by Mark Brown and additional songs by Mike O'Neill and Si Cowe.
11 Nov 1980The Adventures of Frank: 2 – Seeds of Ice
18 Nov 1980Minor ComplicationsPeter RansleyRichard BrokeMoira ArmstrongPaola DionisottiRepeated 3 August 1982.
2 Dec 1980JudeLesley BruceJune RobertsBill CraskeDorian Ford
9 Dec 1980The Flipside of Dominick HideJeremy Paul &Alan GibsonChris CherryAlan GibsonPeter FirthDVD release by BBC[45]Repeated 7 December 1982, and on BBC4 26 February 2006, 20 May 2006 and 26 July 2008.
16 Dec 1980Name for the DayColin Haydn EvansAnne HeadBill BainRichard O'Callaghan
23 Dec 1980JessieBryan ForbesNeil ZeigerBryan ForbesNanette NewmanRepeated 11 December 1982.
6 Jan 1981Beyond the PaleLes BlairJohn NortonLes BlairMichael Maynard
13 Jan 1981The Muscle MarketAlan BleasdaleMichael WearingAlan DossorPete PostlethwaiteFrom BBC Birmingham
20 Jan 1981A Brush with Mr. Porter on the Road to El DoradoDon HaworthBaz TaylorChristopher Benjamin
3 Feb 1981The CauseDerek ListerTerry ColesBarry DavisJimmy Jewel
10 Feb 1981Beloved EnemyDavid Leland & Charles LevinsonKeith WilliamsAlan ClarkeGraham CrowdenIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]Derived from the bookVodka Cola by Charles Levinson.
17 Feb 1981The Kamikaze Ground Staff Reunion DinnerStewart ParkerNeil ZeigerBaz TaylorPeter Sallis
24 Feb 1981The UnionTony PerrinInnes LloydRonald WilsonIan Hogg
3 Mar 1981SorryCarol BunyanJohn NortonAlistair ClarkNicholas BallRepeated 17 August 1982.
10 Mar 1981Shai Mala Khani
The Garland		H. O. Nazareth &Horace OvéPeter AnsorgeHorace OvéTariq YunusFrom BBC Birmingham
17 Mar 1981The Sin BinTony ParkerJune RobertsJohn GorrieKenneth Cranham
24 Mar 1981Before Water LiliesRobert MarshallChris CherryAlan CharlesworthColin Bruce
31 Mar 1981Bavarian NightAndrew DaviesLouis MarksJack GoldGawn Grainger
7 Apr 1981The Good Time GirlsAlan ClewsPharic MacLarenGareth DaviesAnne KristenFrom BBC Scotland. Repeated 27 July 1982.
21 Apr 1981Baby TalkNigel WilliamsAnne HeadDerek ListerSusan Littler
28 Apr 1981A Turn for the WorseJohn BillJohn NortonBill HaysBernard Hill
12 May 1981Psy-WarriorsDavid LelandJune RobertsAlan ClarkeRosalind AyresIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]Adapted from the play.
Series 12
20 Oct 1981CountryTrevor GriffithsAnn ScottRichard EyreLeo McKernRepeated on BBC2 26 May 1993. Repeated on BBC4 12 October 2020.
27 Oct 1981London Is DrowningGraham WilliamsChris CherryMartyn FriendDavid Neal
3 Nov 1981A Room for the WinterRose TremainJune RobertsJim GoddardJack Shepherd
17 Nov 1981No Visible ScarRosemary DaviesInnes LloydMoira ArmstrongBarbara Flynn
24 Nov 1981Iris in the Traffic, Ruby in the RainStewart ParkerJune RobertsJohn BruceFrances TomeltyRepeated on BBC2 15 February 1989.
1 Dec 1981ProtestVáclav Havel & Vera BlackwellInnes LloydAlistair ClarkNigel HawthorneTranslated and adapted by Vera Blackwell from theplay.
8 Dec 1981United KingdomJim AllenKenith TroddRoland JofféColin Welland
15 Dec 1981P.Q. 17Roger Milner &Captain Jack BroomeInnes LloydFrank CoxRichard BriersFrom the bookConvoy Is to Scatter by Captain Jack Broome.
22 Dec 1981The FactoryDavid HopkinsGerald BlakeLeonard Rossiter
5 Jan 1982England's Greens and Peasant LandRita MayJohn NortonJim HillRon Delta
12 Jan 1982A Cotswold DeathTony BicatMichael WearingTony BicatIan Richardson
19 Jan 1982Under the SkinJaney PregerPeter AnsorgeTony SmithJacqueline Tong
26 Jan 1982CommitmentsDusty HughesAnn ScottRichard WilsonKevin McNallyAdapted from the play. Exists only as a domestic video recording.
2 Feb 1982Life After DeathRachel BillingtonInnes LloydAnthony SimmonsDorothy Tutin
9 Feb 1982The Silly SeasonStephen MulrinePharic MacLarenAlex MarshallDerek AndersFrom BBC Scotland
16 Feb 1982Too Late to Talk to BillyJ. Graham ReidNeil Zeiger and Chris ParrPaul SeedJames EllisFirst of theBilly trilogy. Repeated 3 May 1983.Repeated on BBC4 5 October 2022.
23 Feb 1982Willie's Last StandJim AllenAlan SeymourBrian ParkerPaul Freeman
9 Mar 1982TishooBrian ThompsonJohn NortonGerald BlakePaul Daneman
16 Mar 1982Home, Sweet HomeMike LeighLouis MarksMike LeighTimothy SpallIncluded on theMike Leigh at the BBC DVD set[26]
23 Mar 1982A Sudden WrenchPaula MilneAlan ShallcrossJon AmielRosemary MartinRepeated on BBC2 18 March 1983.
30 Mar 1982Eve Set the Balls of Corruption RollingMarcella EvaristiBob McIntoshDavid MaloneyDebbie WheelerFrom BBC Scotland. Pye Award for Best Writer New to Television, 1982
6 Apr 1982Whistling WallyWally K. DalyInnes LloydGerald BlakeKenneth Farrington
Series 13
19 Oct 1982Soft TargetsStephen PoliakoffKenith TroddCharles SturridgeHelen MirrenIncluded on theHelen Mirren at the BBC DVD set[40]Repeated on BBC4 25 Jan 2003.
26 Oct 19823 Minute HeroesLeslie StewartColin RogersMichael CustancePhilip FreemanFrom BBC Birmingham
2 Nov 1982The Remainder ManPhilip MartinAnn ScottRichard WilsonSheila Hancock
9 Nov 1982Intensive CareAlan BennettInnes LloydGavin MillarAlan BennettRepeated on BBC2 9 August 1992.
16 Nov 1982A Mother Like HimFrances GalleymoreAlan ShallcrossBaz TaylorPerry Fenwick
23 Nov 1982John DavidPaula MilneBrenda ReidRodney BennettGwen Watford
30 Nov 1982AliensAlan ClewsBob McIntoshDavid MaloneyAnthony HigginsFrom BBC Scotland
14 Dec 1982Another Flip for DominickJeremy Paul &Alan GibsonChris CherryAlan GibsonPeter FirthBBC DVD release[45]Repeated on BBC4 27 May 2006 and 2 August 2008.
1 Mar 1983Last LoveReg GadneyAlan ShallcrossNicholas RentonElizabeth Sellars
8 Mar 1983Gates of GoldMaurice LeitchChris ParrJon AmielPeter Bayliss
15 Mar 1983Wayne and AlbertDavid HopkinsAlan ShallcrossSarah Pia AndersonArthur English
29 Mar 1983AtlantisPeter TersonColin RogersLes ChatfieldFrank MiddlemassFrom BBC Birmingham
5 Apr 1983The Last TermRaymond HitchcockRosemary HillPhilip Bonham-CarterChristopher Villiers
12 Apr 1983Reluctant ChickensDavid CreganRoger GregoryGareth DaviesPatrick TroughtonFrom BBC Birmingham
19 Apr 1983Shall I Be Mother?Peter RansleyAnne HeadRonald WilsonEva Griffith
26 Apr 1983The Falklands FactorDon ShawLouis MarksColin BuckseyDonald Pleasence
10 May 1983A Matter of Choice for BillyGraham ReidNeil ZeigerPaul SeedKenneth BranaghSecond of theBilly trilogy.Repeated on BBC4 5 October 2022.
Series 14
14 Feb 1984Young ShouldersJohn Wain & Robert SmithBernard KrichefskiSilvio NarizzanoDavid HorovitchScreenplay by Robert Smith and John Wain of thenovel.
21 Feb 1984A Coming to Terms for BillyGraham ReidChris ParrPaul SeedKenneth BranaghThird of theBilly trilogy. From BBC Northern Ireland. Repeated on BBC4 12 October 2022.
28 Feb 1984Z for ZachariahAnthony GarnerNeil ZeigerAnthony GarnerAnthony AndrewsAdapted from thenovel. Duration 120 minutes.
6 Mar 1984Moving on the EdgeRose TremainRosemary HillAnthony GarnerEleanor Bron
13 Mar 1984Desert of LiesHoward BrentonMichael WearingPiers HaggardCherie Lunghi
20 Mar 1984Hard FeelingsDoug LucieMichael BradwellFrances BarberAdapted from the play.
27 Mar 1984Under the HammerStephen FaganRichard WilsonPeter Vaughan
3 Apr 1984KingBarrie KeeffeTony SmithThomas Baptiste
10 Apr 1984Rainy Day WomenDavid PirieBen BoltCharles DanceRepeated on BBC2 8 September 1990.
17 Jul 1984Dog EndsRichard HarrisAndrée MolyneuxCarol WisemanLeonard Rossiter
24 Jul 1984The Groundling and the KiteLeonard PrestonColin RogersPeter JefferiesJohn DuttineFrom BBC Birmingham
31 Jul 1984The CryDerek Mahon &Chris Menaul from a story byJohn MontagueChris ParrChris MenaulAdrian DunbarAdapted from a story by John Montague.
14 Aug 1984It Could Happen to AnybodyHugh McManusBob McIntoshLaurence MoodyAnn Scott-JonesFrom BBC Scotland
21 Aug 1984Only ChildrenJudy ForrestAlan ShallcrossMichael RolfeCharlotte Cornwell
28 Aug 1984The Amazing Miss Stella EstelleLeslie StewartRob WalkerJohn DavisElaine Lordan
Postponed broadcasts
25 Aug 1987Brimstone & TreacleDennis PotterKenith TroddBarry DavisDenholm ElliottBBC DVD release[46]Postponed from 6 April 1976. Repeated on BBC2 5 September 1998 and on BBC4 2 January 2005.
27 Jul 1991ScumRoy MintonMargaret MathesonAlan ClarkeRay WinstoneIncluded in theDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC Blu-ray set[18]Postponed from 8 November 1977.
UnbroadcastPillionPaul CopleyRichard EyreKeith EvansRecorded in 1979 but never transmitted.

Home media

[edit]

TheBFI have released three box sets of the series on Blu-ray, each consisting of various plays from throughout the show's run. Volume 1 contains seven plays broadcast between 1970 and 77;The Lie (1970),Shakespeare or Bust (1973),Back of Beyond (1974),Passage to England (1975),Your Man from Six Counties (1976),Our Flesh and Blood (1977), andA Photograph (1977). Five of the productions were remastered using the original 16mm film negatives which still exist in the BBC Archives.

Volume 2 contains six plays broadcast between 1972 and 79;Stocker's Copper (1972),The Elephants' Graveyard (1976),Gotcha / Campion's Interview (1977),The Spongers (1978),Victims of Apartheid (1978), andJust a Boys' Game (1979).

Volume 3, released on 21 March 2022, contains six plays broadcast between 1971 and 79;Edna, the Inebriate Woman (1971),Just Another Saturday (1975),Bar Mitzvah Boy (1976),The Mayor's Charity (1977),Coming Out (1979), andA Hole in Babylon (1979).

Robin Redbreast,Penda's Fen,Abigail's Party,Our Day Out,The Imitation Game and several others have received standalone releases on DVD and Blu-ray, whilst others have been released on compilation DVDs with the creators' other works.

References

[edit]
  1. ^Irene Shubik"Letters: Eclectic roster on Play for Today",The Guardian, 5 April 2008
  2. ^Richard HewettFlipside of Dominick Hide, The (1980), screenonline.org.uk. Accessed 8 December 2022.
  3. ^ab"The Black Stuff". 2 January 1980. p. 89 – via BBC Genome.
  4. ^"The Black Stuff". 30 July 1981. p. 58 – via BBC Genome.
  5. ^"Play for Today".TV Brain. Retrieved23 October 2020.
  6. ^Drama out of a Crisis: A Celebration of Play for Today.BBC Television. 12 October 2020. Retrieved23 October 2020.
  7. ^Farquhar, Simon (5 June 2017)."Savage Ms-Siah".Dreams Gathering Dust. Retrieved20 August 2020.
  8. ^Isaacs, David (31 December 1975). "Another side of the triangle".Coventry Evening Telegraph: 17.
  9. ^Gibson, Owen (1 March 2006)."BBC to revive the drama slot that helped Loach and Leigh to fame".The Guardian. Retrieved31 March 2008.
  10. ^"Spacey complains over BBC shows".BBC News. 31 March 2008. Retrieved31 March 2008.
  11. ^Gove, Michael (7 April 2006)."Take our quiz to find out whether your partner is Just Tory Enough".The Times. Retrieved10 April 2008.[dead link‍]
  12. ^Lawson, Mark (2 April 2008)."One-hit wonders".The Guardian. Retrieved9 April 2008.
  13. ^Moir, Jan (2 April 2008)."Proper plays, please".The Daily Telegraph. Archived fromthe original on 5 April 2008. Retrieved10 April 2008.
  14. ^"BBC Genome".genome.ch.bbc.co.uk.
  15. ^abcdefgPlay for Today Volume 1 4-disc Blu-ray set, BFI BFIB1393, 2020
  16. ^Robin Redbreast DVD, BFI BFIVD997, 2013
  17. ^"Play for Today: Robin Redbreast". 25 February 1971. p. 41 – via BBC Genome.
  18. ^abcdefghiDissent & Disruption: Alan Clarke at the BBC (1969–1989) 13-disc Blu-ray set, BFI BFIB1250, 2016. Also 11-disc edition, BFI BFIB1466, 2022
  19. ^abcdefgPlay for Today: Seven Selected Plays repeat season, 11 March - 22 April 1971.
  20. ^abcKen Loach at the BBC 6-disc DVD boxset, BBC / 2|Entertain BBCDVD3395, 2011
  21. ^abcdefPlay for Today Volume 3 3-disc Blu-ray set, BFI BFIB1443, 2022
  22. ^Home – the television adaption of David Storey's acclaimed play DVD, Metrodome, 2004
  23. ^abcdefgPlay for Today Volume 2 3-disc Blu-ray set, BFI BFIB1394, 2021
  24. ^The Fishing Party - A Play for Today DVD, Simply Media 188002, 2018
  25. ^Just Your Luck DVD, BBC, 2008
  26. ^abcdefMike Leigh at the BBC 6-disc DVD set, BBC / 2|Entertain, 2009
  27. ^Penda's Fen BFI BFIV2070 (DVD) / BFIB1222 (Blu-ray), 2016
  28. ^The Cheviot the Stag and the Black Black Oil, Panamint Cinema BLU1013 (Blu-ray) / PCM6013 (DVD) / BLU2013 (Dual Format), 2017
  29. ^Gangsters – the complete series 4 DVD set, BBC / 2|Entertain CCTV30272, 2006
  30. ^Alan Bennett at the BBC, 4-disc DVD boxset, BBC / 2|Entertain BBCDVD3041, 2009
  31. ^The Peter McDougall Collection 5-disc DVD set, BBC, 2007
  32. ^"By Common Consent". 5 June 1975. pp. 45–49 – via BBC Genome.
  33. ^The Classic Drama: Rumpole of the Bailey - Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt DVD, Acorn Media, 2007
  34. ^Shubik 2000, p. 177
  35. ^abJack Rosenthal at the BBC 5-disc DVD set, Acorn Media AV9975, 2011
  36. ^Abigail's Party DVD, BBC BBCDVD1181, 2003
  37. ^Red Shift DVD, BFI BFIV2007, 2014[dead link‍]
  38. ^'Our Day Out - A Play of the Week' DVD, Simply Media 188000, 2018https://simplymedia.tv/product/188000/
  39. ^Dinner at the Sporting Club DVD, Simply Media 106813, 2003
  40. ^abHelen Mirren at the BBC 6-disc DVD set, BBC / 2|Entertain, 2008
  41. ^The Slab Boys DVD, John Williams Productions Ltd JW472. 2008
  42. ^Boys from the Black Stuff 3-disc DVD set, BBC BBCDVD1178, 2003
  43. ^"BBC One – Play for Today, Series 10 - The Black Stuff". Retrieved3 February 2020.
  44. ^The Imitation Game - A Play for Today DVD, Simply Media 188001, 2018
  45. ^abThe Flipside of Dominick Hide & Another Flip for Dominick DVD, BBC / 2|Entertain, 2005
  46. ^Brimstone and Treacle DVD, BBC / 2|Entertain, 2004

Bibliography

[edit]

External links

[edit]
Associated

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