The BBC's groundbreaking single-drama anthology series, "Play for Today," which aired from 1970 to 1984, is being revived by Channel 5 for a new generation. The original series was renowned for its social commentary, artistic experimentation, and platform for prominent writers. It faced cancellation in 1984 due to accusations of left-wing bias.
The revival begins with "Never Too Late," starring Nigel Havers and Anita Dobson, and highlights a more diverse authorship compared to the original, which had a limited number of female writers and even fewer authors of color. The article then details seven of the best original "Play for Today" productions.
These include "Edna, the Inebriate Woman" (1971), a Bafta-winning tale about homelessness and alcoholism; "Abigail's Party" (1977), a satirical look at the new middle class; "The Black Stuff" (1980), a gritty drama about tarmac-layers that spawned the series "Boys from the Blackstuff"; "Blue Remembered Hills" (1979), a poignant drama about childhood played by adults; "Sunset Across the Bay" (1975), a poignant script about the elderly by Alan Bennett; "Scum" (1979), a controversial depiction of borstal life that was ... download the app to read more
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