Performance (1991)
A landmark BBC anthology series bringing celebrated stage plays to television, featuring some of Britain's finest dramatic talent across seven seasons.
Performance - Series Information
- Original Title: Performance
- First Air Year: 1991
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 120 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 33
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: BBC Four
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Performance - Plot
An anthology series of various plays and dramatic performances.
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Performance - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Ian Holm
- Elizabeth McGovern
- Jane Horrocks
- Ronald Pickup
- David Lyon
- John Rogan
- Paola Dionisotti
- Hugh Grant
- Susan Brown
- Adie Allen
Writers
- David Thacker
- Kevin Elyot
- Harold Pinter
- Dennis Potter
- Jim Cartwright
Executive Producers
- Simon Curtis
Performance - FAQs
What is Performance about?
Performance is a BBC anthology drama series that presents filmed adaptations of stage plays and theatrical works. Each episode offers a self-contained dramatic production, drawing on classical and contemporary theatre, with distinguished casts bringing celebrated texts to television audiences.
Who are the notable actors in Performance?
Performance boasts an exceptional roster of British talent, including Ian Holm, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Timothy Spall, Bill Nighy, Elizabeth McGovern, Jane Horrocks, Geraldine Somerville, Ronald Pickup, and Leslie Phillips, many of whom were at early or pivotal stages of their careers.
When did Performance first air on BBC?
Performance first aired in 1991 on the BBC. The anthology series ran for seven seasons, concluding in 1998, and presented 33 episodes in total across its broadcast run on BBC Four.
How many seasons and episodes does Performance have?
Performance ran for 7 seasons between 1991 and 1998, comprising 33 episodes in total. Season episode counts varied: Series 1 had 6 episodes, Series 2 through 4 had 5 each, Series 5 had 6, Series 6 had 5, and Series 7 had 1 episode.
Did Colin Firth and Hugh Grant appear in Performance?
Yes, both Colin Firth and Hugh Grant appeared in Performance. Hugh Grant played Alsemero and Colin Firth portrayed Freddie Page, joining a distinguished ensemble that also included Bill Nighy, Timothy Spall, and Ian Holm in separate productions within the anthology.
What playwrights and writers contributed to Performance?
Performance drew on a rich variety of theatrical writing. Contributors included Harold Pinter, Dennis Potter, Christopher Hampton, Jim Cartwright, Kevin Elyot, August Strindberg, Ronald Mackenzie, David Holman, and David Thacker, reflecting a broad range of classical and contemporary dramatic traditions.
Where can I watch Performance online?
Streaming availability for Performance varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription or rental platforms carrying the series, via JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming and on-demand availability for your location.
Is Performance similar to other anthology drama series?
Performance shares its anthology format with series such as Inside No. 9, Thirty-Minute Theatre, Murder Most Horrid, and Out of the Unknown. Like those shows, it presents standalone dramatic productions, though Performance distinguishes itself through its exclusive focus on filmed theatrical adaptations.
More About Performance
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