Watch Play For Today

Play For Today was a British television series that ran on BBC from 1970 to 1984. It was a groundbreaking series that presented drama, social commentary, and topical plays, which garnered national acclaim. The show featured some of the most talented actors of their generation and tackled some of the most controversial and thought-provoking issues of the day.

One of the most popular episodes of the series was the play called "Nuts in May" that aired in 1976. The play follows a couple, Keith (played by Roger Sloman) and Candice Marie (Alison Steadman), as they go on a camping trip in Dorset. They are enthusiastic about their trip and are filled with holier-than-thou attitudes, but their naivete and self-absorption create problems with other campers. The show is a hilarious take on the rise of the middle class in Britain, set against the backdrop of camping culture.

Another popular episode of the series was "The Tuesday Club Murders" which aired in 1975. The show follows Inspector Japp (Nigel Hawthorne) as he investigates the bizarre murder of a woman while playing bridge with her friends. The show is a classic whodunit with its twists and turns and clever dialogue. The ensemble cast of the show, including Tony Caunter, delivers some of the most skillful performances of their careers.

The show had a longstanding legacy and was a launchpad for various actors, writers, and directors who went on to become legendary in the world of television and film. The show was a cultural phenomenon and helped to shape the social and political landscape of Britain in the '70s and '80s.

One of the reasons the show was so popular was its ability to tackle the difficult issues of the day. The series has no issue with providing social commentary or offering political opinions, which led to controversy, criticism, and praise amongst the public. The show covered a wide range of issues from addiction, poverty, race relations, gender roles, homosexuality, and economic hardship. "Abigail's Party," which was written by Mike Leigh, dealt with the thorny topics of middle-class values, suburban snobbery, and alcoholism, and is still considered one of the best plays ever produced on British TV.

In the 1980s, the show continued to experiment with new forms of storytelling, including the use of the supernatural, science-fiction, and horror. "Threads," which aired in 1984, is still considered one of the most terrifying dramas ever produced on British TV. The show is set in Sheffield and examines the aftermath of a nuclear attack and how people would react to such a catastrophic event. The show is a bleak and harrowing depiction of the possibility of nuclear war, and it left audiences with a sense of horror and despair.

Overall, Play For Today was an extraordinary example of television that entertained, challenged, and educated audiences. The series was a cultural phenomenon and helped shape British television for decades. Shows like "Nuts in May," "The Tuesday Club Murders," and "Threads" still resonate with audiences, and the legacy of the series continues to inspire and inform new generations of storytellers.