The BBC’s esteemed anthology series Play for Today is being revived by Channel 5, with its new series of four productions launching tonight, starting with Never Too Late, featuring Nigel Havers and Anita Dobson, co-written by Lydia Marchant, reports BritPanorama.
Originally airing from 1970 to 1984, Play for Today is celebrated for its artistic experimentation and social commentary. The series showcased talents like Dennis Potter and Mike Leigh, although it faced criticism for alleged left-wing bias, leading to its cancellation in 1984 after Margaret Thatcher’s government intensified scrutiny of the BBC.
The revival promises to bring a more diverse range of voices to its storytelling, a significant shift from the original, which saw only 20 of its 306 plays scripted by female writers and even fewer by authors of colour. This reboot aims to resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the spirit of its predecessor.
If successful, this revival could become a long-overdue addition to the British cultural landscape. In recognition of the original series, here are seven noteworthy productions that define its legacy.
Edna, the Inebriate Woman (1971)
Written by Jeremy Sandford, this play highlights the societal neglect of the homeless, showcasing the journey of an alcoholic woman named Edna, played by Patricia Hayes. Sandford’s commitment to authentic storytelling included living as a homeless person prior to writing, and the drama received a BAFTA for its stark portrayal of poverty.
Sandford’s poignant narrative captures the character’s struggles as she transitions through various state systems, showcasing an unflinching view of societal attitudes towards addiction and homelessness.
Streaming on YouTube. Available to buy on Prime Video.
Abigail’s Party (1977)
Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party serves as a scathing social satire of 1970s British middle-class aspirations. Portrayed by Alison Steadman, Beverly emerges as a monstrous hostess, manipulating her guests amidst a backdrop of cultural tensions. The play critiques suburban pretensions with wit and sharp observation, solidifying its place in British television history.
The cultural resonance of Steadman’s performance placed this production at the forefront of British television, leaving a lasting impact on audience perceptions of middle-class life.
Available to buy on Prime Video.
The Black Stuff (1980)
Alan Bleasdale’s gripping depiction of working-class life in Liverpool, chronicling the lives of tarmac layers, became a foundation for the later series Boys from the Blackstuff. The play examines the impacts of unemployment on the characters, contrasting their harsh reality with the resilience of their spirits. The portrayal of Yosser Hughes stands out, reflecting societal attitudes toward masculinity and vulnerability.
Available to buy on Prime Video.
Blue Remembered Hills (1979)
In a unique twist, Dennis Potter’s play features adult actors portraying children during a summer’s day in 1943, encapsulating the innocence and eventual loss of childhood through a tragic lens. The play starred noted actors including Helen Mirren and John Bird, heralding a memorable examination of nostalgia and the bitter end of innocence.
Available on YouTube and Prime Video.
Sunset Across the Bay (1975)
Alan Bennett’s poignant drama focuses on an elderly couple, “Mam” and “Dad,” navigating retirement in Morecambe after their departure from Leeds. The film thoughtfully addresses themes of aging and nostalgia as they confront the disintegration of their old life, illustrating the nuances of social change and individual experiences.
Available on Prime Video.
Scum (1979)
Initially banned due to its controversial depiction of life within a borstal for young offenders, Roy Minton’s Scum explored themes of violence and survival within a punitive system, featuring a breakthrough performance by Ray Winstone. The narrative’s raw honesty ultimately led to its remaking as a film, highlighting the pervasive issues within youth incarceration.
Streaming on BFI Player and Apple TV.
Leeds – United! (1974)
This drama recreates the feminist strike of 1970, intertwining the personal and collective struggles of 30,000 Leeds clothing workers advocating for wage equality. Featuring a documentary-style approach, it exposes the exploitation within the delocalized clothing industry while also inviting scrutiny of the unions involved, making it a significant piece of political drama.
Available to buy on Prime Video.
Play for Today starts tonight at 9pm on 5 with Never Too Late.
