Archive on 4 – Play for Today

50 years ago, the BBC launched a series of original television plays that changed the nature and ambition of drama on TV and offered radical, funny and provocative statements about contemporary Britain. It was called Play for Today.

Alison Steadman who starred in 2 of the best loved plays in the series – Abigail’s Party (above) and Nuts in May – assesses the legacy of Play for Today and asks some questions about whether the single drama has a discipline and a beauty that today’s 6 part TV series and box sets can only dream of.

Produced by Michael Umney and Susan Marling.   

Broadcast:  Saturday 17th October    on BBC Radio 4