BBC Play of the Month (1965)
A landmark BBC anthology series bringing classic and contemporary stage plays to British television audiences from 1965 to 1983.
BBC Play of the Month - Series Information
- Original Title: BBC Play of the Month
- First Air Year: 1965
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Created by: James MacTaggart
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 16
- Number of Episodes: 128
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: BBC Play of the Month (CA), BBC Play of the Month (ID), プレイ・オブ・ザ・マンス (JP), BBC Play of the Month (US), Η Παράσταση του Μήνα (GR)
BBC Play of the Month - Plot
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
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BBC Play of the Month - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- James MacTaggart
Main Cast
- Charles Gray
- Eric Porter
- Donald Pickering
- Jeremy Brett
- John Gielgud
- Lally Bowers
- Stephanie Bidmead
- Michael Hordern
- Celia Johnson
- Robert Stephens
Writers
- George Bernard Shaw
- Terence Rattigan
- Oscar Wilde
- J. B. Priestley
- Henrik Ibsen
BBC Play of the Month - FAQs
What is BBC Play of the Month about?
BBC Play of the Month is a British television anthology series that brought celebrated stage plays — both classic and contemporary — to BBC One audiences. Each episode presented a self-contained production, frequently starring distinguished British stage and screen actors in leading roles, running from October 1965 to September 1983.
Who are the notable actors in BBC Play of the Month?
The series featured an exceptional roster of British talent, including John Gielgud, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Celia Johnson, Robert Stephens, Eric Porter, Jeremy Brett, Michael Hordern, Eileen Atkins, and Alan Badel, among many other distinguished stage and screen performers.
When did BBC Play of the Month first air?
BBC Play of the Month first aired in October 1965 on BBC One. The series ran for nearly two decades, concluding in September 1983 after 16 seasons and 128 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anthology drama series in British television history.
How many seasons and episodes does BBC Play of the Month have?
BBC Play of the Month ran for 16 seasons and 128 episodes in total. Season sizes varied, ranging from 4 episodes in the final season to 11 episodes in seasons 3 and 7. The series spanned nearly 18 years of continuous broadcast on BBC One.
Who created BBC Play of the Month?
BBC Play of the Month was created by James MacTaggart, a highly influential Scottish television producer and director at the BBC. MacTaggart is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in British television drama, and his legacy is honoured annually at the Edinburgh International Television Festival.
Which playwrights' works were featured in the series?
The series drew from an impressive range of playwrights, including George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Henrik Ibsen, Terence Rattigan, J. B. Priestley, John Osborne, John Galsworthy, Arthur Wing Pinero, George Farquhar, and Hugh Whitemore, representing both the classical canon and mid-twentieth-century theatrical writing.
Where can I watch BBC Play of the Month?
Streaming availability for BBC Play of the Month is limited given its vintage. You can check current viewing options and regional availability via JustWatch, which aggregates streaming, rental, and purchase options across major platforms. Some episodes may also be accessible through BBC archive resources or physical media.
What similar anthology drama series are comparable to BBC Play of the Month?
Viewers who enjoyed BBC Play of the Month may also appreciate similar anthology drama series such as Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965), Somerset Maugham Hour (1960), Inside No. 9 (2014), The Dick Powell Show (1961), and Kraft Suspense Theatre (1963), all of which share the anthology format and a commitment to quality dramatic writing.
More About BBC Play of the Month
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