TV series
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
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.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A naive young woman falls for a handsome young man who her emotionally abusive father suspects is a fortune hunter.
Directed by Terence DudleyGuest stars Vincent Price, Eileen Atkins, John Stride, Lally Bowers, David Allister, Jessica Spencer, Elizabeth Proud, Marigold Sharman
Episode 2
Charley and Jack pressure classmate Fancourt to pose as Charley's aunt Donna Lucia. Their purpose is to have a chaperone for their amorous visits with Amy and Kitty, niece and ward of crusty Stephen Spettigue. Complications begin when Fancourt, in drag, becomes the love object of not only old Spettigue but also Jack's grandfather.
Directed by John GorrieGuest stars Dinsdale Landen, John Standing, Danny La Rue, Ronnie Barker, Robert Coote, Coral Browne, Sarah Taunton, Cheryl Kennedy
Episode 3
Directed by Alan GibsonWritten by Noël CowardGuest stars Celia Johnson, Philip Latham, Richard Vernon, David Griffin, Ciaran Madden, Nigel Terry, Wensley Pithey, Alan MacNaughtan
Episode 4
In a small Russian town at the turn of the century, Olga, Irina, Masha, and their brother Andrei live but dream daily of their return to Moscow, where life is charming and stimulating meaningful. But for now, they exist in a malaise of dissatisfaction. Soldiers from the local military post provide them some companionship and society, but nothing can suffice to replace Moscow in their hopes. Andrei marries provincial Natasha and begins to settle into a life of much less meaning than he'd hoped. Natasha begins to run the family her way. Masha, though married, yearns for the sophisticated life and begins a dalliance with Vershinin, an army officer with a sick and suicidal wife. Even Irina, the freshest, most optimistic of the sisters, begins to waver in her dreams until, finally, tragedy strikes.
Written by Moura BudbergGuest stars Anthony Hopkins, Eileen Atkins, Joss Ackland, Janet Suzman, Michele Dotrice, Michael Bryant, Sarah Badel, Ronald Hines
Episode 5
Directed by Basil ColemanGuest stars Elisabeth Bergner, Joan Greenwood, Barbara Jefford, John Gielgud, Michael Craig, Corin Redgrave, Maurice Denham, Derek Godfrey
Episode 6
The stories of several people are told as they stay at a seaside hotel in Bournemouth.
Directed by Alan CookeGuest stars Geraldine McEwan, Eric Porter, Annette Crosbie, Laurence Carter, Hazel Hughes, Peter Bathurst, Pauline Jameson, Cathleen Nesbitt
Episode 7
A businessman thwarts his wife's bequest of an estate to another woman.
Directed by Donald McWhinnieGuest stars Leo Genn, Rachel Kempson, Kenneth Fortescue, Hermione Boulton, Ian Ricketts, Glenda Jackson, Sarah-Jane Gwillim, Gwen Nelson
Episode 8
A glittering "fancy-dress" comedy that bubbles over with the wit and humour of Richard Sheridan, and characters like Mrs Malaprop and Sir Anthony Absolute, "the very pineapple of perfection".
Directed by Basil ColemanWritten by Richard B. SheridanGuest stars T. P. McKenna, Jennie Linden, Beryl Reid, Jeremy Brett, Andrew Cruickshank, John Alderton, Lynn Farleigh, Peter Egan
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
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Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Helen MirrenMargery Pinchwife
Anthony HopkinsAlfred Allmers
Eileen AtkinsOlga
Eric PorterMacbeth
Geoffrey BayldonDyadin
Ronald HinesRonny Heaslop
Edward FoxLysander
Stephanie BidmeadLady Capulet
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited Kingdom