About this season
The Afternoon Play is a British television anthology series of standalone contemporary dramas aired during the afternoons of 2003–07 on BBC One, featuring well-known actors in one-off stories. A daytime drama strand showcasing a variety of genres, from comedy to mystery, it was part of a long tradition of afternoon plays on BBC Radio 4, which would go on to influence the television version.
Episodes (5)
1. Johnny Shakespeare
Aired 22 January 2007 • 60 min
Johnny, a confident and charismatic but illiterate young man, finds that after life on his estate, the only way is down. But when he meets a drama teacher, he finds the world opening up in a way he'd never dreamt of.
2. Death Becomes Him
Aired 23 January 2007 • 60 min
Hospital patient Frank lies silently in a coma as his family gather around him, preparing for the inevitable, until a maverick doctor decides that Frank will be his latest experiment – and that he is not going to give up without a fight.
3. Come Fly with Me
Aired 24 January 2007 • 60 min
After being dumped at the altar by text, bride Kate advertises for a man to go with her on her fully booked, all expenses paid dream honeymoon. But will anyone have the confidence to accept her offer? Or will candidates be champing at the bit?
4. Pieces of a Silver Lining
Aired 25 January 2007 • 60 min
Retired vicar Geoffrey takes a stand on his council tax and gets sent to prison for his trouble. Trapped in a cell with a lifer proves to be both a terrifying and life changing experience, but Geoffrey retract on his principles?
5. The Real Deal
Aired 26 January 2007 • 60 min
Smart and cynical solicitor Clare thinks the only place she deals with matters of the heart is at work – in the divorce court. But when she meets Tom, her whole life turns upside down. Is Clare right in thinking she has met 'The One'?