Play of the Month (BBC television anthology series)
British BBC television anthology that presented single-play adaptations of classic and contemporary stage works on BBC1 from 1965 to 1983; 121 episodes showcased prominent stage actors.
Play of the Month was a BBC television anthology series that presented single-play productions adapted for a television audience. Launched in October 1965, the strand ran through September 1983 and comprised 121 separate broadcasts. Each instalment focused on a distinct play, ranging from established classics to more recent theatrical works, and was typically promoted as an opportunity to see stage drama in a form tailored for viewers at home.
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Format and production
Episodes were one-off productions rather than continuing stories. The series emphasised theatrical performance: scripts were drawn from stage plays or adapted from literary sources, and leading roles were often filled by actors with strong stage credentials. Productions varied in scale and presentation, sometimes preserving the feel of a theatre performance and at other times using television techniques to reshape staging and camera work for the medium.
Historical context
Play of the Month formed part of the BBC's broader commitment to making drama available to a national audience. During the 1960s through the early 1980s, televised theatre occupied an important place in public broadcasting, bridging the gap between stage and screen. The series overlapped with other BBC drama strands and contributed to a period when television companies routinely commissioned adaptations of plays as part of their schedules.
Content and significance
The repertoire presented on Play of the Month included adaptations of classical dramatists alongside contemporary playwrights. By bringing stage repertoire into living rooms, the series introduced many viewers to plays they might not otherwise have encountered and offered established actors an alternative platform to reach wider audiences. Its productions are often cited as examples of the mid-20th-century tradition of televised theatre in Britain.
Availability and legacy
Survival and accessibility of individual episodes vary. Some productions have been preserved in archives or released in home-video formats, while others are less readily available due to archival practices of the era. Researchers and enthusiasts interested in particular episodes should consult the BBC's programme listings and archive resources, for example the BBC Programme Guide, or historical schedules on BBC One.
- Series run: October 1965–September 1983.
- Total episodes: 121.
- Typical features: single-play format, stage actors, television adaptations of theatre.
Play of the Month remains a reference point when discussing the history of televised drama in the United Kingdom and the ways in which public broadcasters adapted theatrical culture for a mass audience.
Questions and answers
Q: What is Play of the Month?
A: Play of the Month is a BBC television anthology series that showcased classic and contemporary stage plays or adaptations.
Q: On which channel was Play of the Month usually broadcasted?
A: It was usually broadcasted on BBC1.
Q: What kind of actors usually played the leading roles in Play of the Month?
A: Well-known British stage actors usually played the leading roles.
Q: When did Play of the Month start and end?
A: Play of the Month started in October 1965 and ended in September 1983.
Q: How many episodes of Play of the Month were made?
A: 121 episodes were made.
Q: What was the main focus of Play of the Month?
A: The main focus of Play of the Month was to showcase classic and contemporary stage plays or adaptations.
Q: What kind of productions were aired on Play of the Month?
A: Different productions were aired on Play of the Month, and each production featured a different work.
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AlegsaOnline.com Play of the Month (BBC television anthology series) Leandro Alegsa
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