BBC Play of the Month poster

TV series

BBC Play of the Month

196516 seasons5.3 / 10

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.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

BBC Play of the Month premiered October 19, 1965. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

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.

Season 16 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 15

Episode 1

Dangerous Corner

1h 30m

An unexpected suicide prompts much speculation about honesty and theft.

Episode credits

Directed by James OrmerodWritten by J. B. PriestleyGuest stars David Robb, Susan Fleetwood, Judi Bowker, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sarah Badel, Anthony Valentine, Elvi Hale

Where to watch BBC Play of the Month

Episode 2

The Gay Lord Quex

1h 30m

A reformed philanderer attempts to embark on monogamy.

Episode credits

Directed by Claude WhathamWritten by Arthur Wing PineroGuest stars Anton Rodgers, Julian Holloway, Shaun Scott, Michael Feast, Hannah Gordon, Evelyn Laye, Rosalind Ayres, Tacy Kneale

Where to watch BBC Play of the Month

Episode 3

The Misanthrope

1h 30m

A satire of the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society, but also engages a more serious tone when pointing out the flaws that afflict all humans.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael SimpsonWritten by MolièreGuest stars Ian Holm, Cherie Lunghi, Nigel Hawthorne, Michael Kitchen, Julian Curry, Annette Crosbie, Alison Key, Christopher Good

Where to watch BBC Play of the Month

Episode 4

Infidelities

1h 30mfinale

An exploration of love, infidelity, and social class through the story of Silvia and her lover Arlequin, who are separated and tempted by a prince and a lady of the court, respectively.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael DarlowWritten by Pierre de MarivauxGuest stars Leonie Mellinger, Robin Askwith, Charlotte Rampling, Victor Spinetti, James Aubrey, Christopher Biggins, Tessa Wyatt

Where to watch BBC Play of the Month

Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026

More about BBC Play of the Month

Cast

Helen MirrenMargery Pinchwife
Anthony HopkinsAlfred Allmers
Eileen AtkinsOlga
Eric PorterMacbeth
Geoffrey BayldonDyadin
Ronald HinesRonny Heaslop
Edward FoxLysander
Stephanie BidmeadLady Capulet

Credits

Created by
James MacTaggart

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
128
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • BBC OneUnited Kingdom
  • BBCUnited Kingdom

Themes

anthologybased on play or musical