Watch The Wednesday Play: Ken Loach at the BBC

The Wednesday Play: Ken Loach at the BBC is a documentary series directed by Ken Loach and produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation. The series covers Loach's work at the BBC during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly his contributions to The Wednesday Play, a popular anthology series that showcased new writing and emerging talent in British theatre.

The series comprises six episodes, each examining a different aspect of Loach's work at the BBC. Using interviews and archival material, it charts Loach's journey from his early days as a director on Z Cars, a gritty police drama on which he made his name, to his seven-year tenure at The Wednesday Play, where he directed some of the most groundbreaking and controversial dramas of the era.

The first episode, "The Early Years," explores Loach's background and early influences, including his time as a trainee manager in a factory and his experience as a member of the Communist Party. It also examines his early work at the BBC, including his collaborations with writer Troy Kennedy Martin on dramas such as Diary of a Young Man and Up the Junction.

The second episode, "The Wednesday Play," is a more in-depth look at Loach's contributions to the famous anthology series. The episode includes interviews with many of the actors and writers who worked with Loach during this time, including David Mercer, Jeremy Sandford, and Nell Dunn. It also highlights some of the most memorable dramas Loach directed for the series, including Cathy Come Home, The Big Flame, and The Rank and File.

The third episode, "Against the Grain," explores Loach's efforts to push the boundaries of television drama and challenge the status quo. Through his work on The Wednesday Play and other series such as The Sporting Life and Days of Hope, Loach introduced a new realism to British television, tackling controversial topics such as homelessness, poverty, and political unrest.

The fourth episode, "Controversy," delves deeper into the controversies that surrounded many of Loach's dramas at the time. The episode covers the backlash against Cathy Come Home when it was first broadcast, as well as the controversy surrounding The Big Flame, which depicted a group of striking Liverpool dockworkers taking control of the port.

The fifth episode, "After The Wednesday Play," examines Loach's work after he left the BBC, including his feature films Kes and Family Life. It also looks at his collaborations with writer Jim Allen, with whom he made a series of powerful dramas such as The Spongers and Days of Hope.

The final episode, "Legacy," reflects on Loach's lasting impact on British television and his continued relevance as a filmmaker today. The episode includes interviews with many of Loach's collaborators and admirers, including Paul Laverty, Emily Watson, and Barry Hines.

Overall, The Wednesday Play: Ken Loach at the BBC is a fascinating insight into one of the most important and influential filmmakers in British history. Through Loach's own words and the words of his collaborators, it offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in British television and society as a whole. Whether you are a fan of Loach's work or simply interested in the history of British drama, this series is a must-watch.