Plays for Britain

Plays for Britain (1976)

EndedScripted showDrama

This hard-hitting anthology series continued the single-play format that had proved so successful with ITV's legendary Armchair Theatre, presenting six contemporary plays by writers at relatively early stages in their careers.

The plays are both compelling and provocative: Stephen Poliakoff's Hitting Town is an intense portrayal of siblings who find refuge from their bleak lives in one incestuous night; Roger McGough's The Lifeswappers is a darkly comic take on the theme of exchanged identities; Howard Brenton's The Paradise Run centres on an inexperienced soldier in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

These and other powerful screenplays feature strong performances from Kevin McNally, Pete Postlethwaite, Denis Lawson, Sheila Gish, Miriam Margolyes and Ray Winstone; directors include Alan Clarke, Philip Saville and Michael Apted.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06Shuttlecockmai 11, 1976
S01E05Fast Handsmai 4, 1976
S01E04Hitting Townavr. 27, 1976
S01E03Sunshine in Brixtonavr. 20, 1976
S01E02The Lifeswappersavr. 13, 1976
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Plays for Britain premiere?

Plays for Britain premiered on February 18, 1976.

Who was the director of the episode "The Black and Blue Lamp"?

Mike Leigh was the director of the "The Black and Blue Lamp" episode.

Who played the role of Sgt. Wilkins in the "The Black and Blue Lamp" episode?

David Threlfall played the role of Sgt. Wilkins in the "The Black and Blue Lamp" episode.

Emma Thompson appeared in which Plays for Britain episode?

Emma Thompson appeared in the episode "Ploughshares" from Series 2.

Who directed the episode "Bypass"?

Les Blair directed the episode "Bypass".

Which episode of Plays for Britain starred Peter Vaughan?

Peter Vaughan starred in the episode "Our Flesh and Blood".

In which episode of Plays for Britain did John Cleese have a role?

John Cleese had a role in the episode "The Odd Job Man".

Who wrote the episode "Next of Kin"?

David Leland wrote the episode "Next of Kin".

What was the name of the episode directed by Alan Clarke?

The episode directed by Alan Clarke was titled "The Firm".

Which Plays for Britain episode starred Patricia Routledge?

Patricia Routledge starred in the episode "Soldiers Talking Cleanly".

What was the title of the episode with the theme of sexual harassment?

The episode with the theme of sexual harassment was titled "Soft Targets".

In which year was Series 3 of Plays for Britain broadcast?

Series 3 of Plays for Britain was broadcast in the year 1980.

Who directed the episode "Abel Baker Charlie Dog"?

Les Blair directed the episode "Abel Baker Charlie Dog".

Which episode of Plays for Britain starred Bernard Hill?

Bernard Hill starred in the episode "The Muscle Market".

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