The Afternoon Play

The Afternoon Play

Ended First aired 27/Jan/2003 United Kingdom English 6 season(s) 28 episode(s)
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.

Episode Time in Your Timezone

See when new episodes air in your local time.

Improve air time

Air Time

Source: UTC · Your timezone: America/New_York

When does the episode air in United States?

The local release time is not available yet because this show has no schedule time.


Notice: Schedule time is not available yet.
Improve release time Schedule day · Air time · Original timezone

Add or correct the official timezone, weekly air day, and air time only when you know the real source schedule. EpisodeTime uses this to convert episodes into every visitor’s local time.

Add release time

Show Insights

See how viewers feel about this show before you start watching.

TimeScore 33% Skip It
Binge Meter 48% Slow Burn
Episode Pulse Quiet 40% activity score
Drop Rate 0% Very Low

Scores are based on audience votes, watchlist activity, episode progress, and viewer behavior on EpisodeTime.

Seasons & Episodes

Browse episodes by season.

Season 5 · Series 5
5 episode(s) · Air date: 22/Jan/2007
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

S5E5
The Real Deal
Air date: 26/Jan/2007 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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'?

Summary

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'?

S5E4
Pieces of a Silver Lining
Air date: 25/Jan/2007 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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?

Summary

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?

S5E3
Come Fly with Me
Air date: 24/Jan/2007 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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?

Summary

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?

S5E2
Death Becomes Him
Air date: 23/Jan/2007 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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.

Summary

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.

S5E1
Johnny Shakespeare
Air date: 22/Jan/2007 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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.

Summary

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.

Season 4 · Series 4
5 episode(s) · Air date: 16/Jan/2006
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

S4E5
Molly
Air date: 20/Jan/2006 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

To the frustration of her snobbish mother, Molly's never happier than when she's spending time with loser boyfriend Johnny, or tinkering with an engine. But when Molly discovers a self-sustaining, emission free, inexhaustible fuel, she grabs the opportunity to fulfil her dream of helping others, unintentionally leaving Johnny behind. Innocent, optimistic Molly finds herself in the lion's den of the oil industry as she contends with some dodgy characters, but will she succeed in her dream?

Summary

To the frustration of her snobbish mother, Molly's never happier than when she's spending time with loser boyfriend Johnny, or tinkering with an engine. But when Molly discovers a self-sustaining, emission free, inexhaustible fuel, she grabs the opportunity to fulfil her dream of helping others, unintentionally leaving Johnny behind. Innocent, optimistic Molly finds herself in the lion's den of the oil industry as she contends with some dodgy characters, but will she succeed in her dream?

S4E4
Are You Jim's Wife?
Air date: 19/Jan/2006 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Rachel is devastated when husband Matt insists they divorce and sell the cafe they ran together. Determined to avoid the inevitable, Rachel throws herself into helping elderly employee Charlie fulfil a promise – to deliver a message of love to the long-lost wife of a friend who died in his arms in WWII. During the race to find Jim's wife, Rachel finally finds the courage to put the past behind her.

Summary

Rachel is devastated when husband Matt insists they divorce and sell the cafe they ran together. Determined to avoid the inevitable, Rachel throws herself into helping elderly employee Charlie fulfil a promise – to deliver a message of love to the long-lost wife of a friend who died in his arms in WWII. During the race to find Jim's wife, Rachel finally finds the courage to put the past behind her.

S4E3
Your Mother Should Know
Air date: 18/Jan/2006 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

A battle of wills between Edith, a steely little old lady, and her new daughter-in-law, Jessica, ensues when hapless hunk Gary arrives on the scene. As Jessica's perfect relationship disintegrates at the hands of a seemingly helpless old woman, the courts intervene, and events take a turn for the worse.

Summary

A battle of wills between Edith, a steely little old lady, and her new daughter-in-law, Jessica, ensues when hapless hunk Gary arrives on the scene. As Jessica's perfect relationship disintegrates at the hands of a seemingly helpless old woman, the courts intervene, and events take a turn for the worse.

S4E2
The Last Will and Testament of Billy Two-Sheds
Air date: 17/Jan/2006 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Sam, an overworked young student, inherits her grandfather's allotment and finds herself taking on his ghost into the bargain. She finds herself strangely drawn to this peaceful new world, until the allotments come under threat. Sam and the allotment committee fight to save their world as they know it.

Summary

Sam, an overworked young student, inherits her grandfather's allotment and finds herself taking on his ghost into the bargain. She finds herself strangely drawn to this peaceful new world, until the allotments come under threat. Sam and the allotment committee fight to save their world as they know it.

S4E1
Tea with Betty
Air date: 16/Jan/2006 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Single mum Wendy, bringing up an autistic son and dealing with a challenging ex-husband, faces a constant struggle as she tries to encourage the residents of the housing estate where she lives to maintain some respect for their surroundings. On the 10th anniversary of the riots that nearly destroyed their home, the Queen visits the estate and meet Wendy in her own home, throwing the other residents into a rare show of community spirit.

Summary

Single mum Wendy, bringing up an autistic son and dealing with a challenging ex-husband, faces a constant struggle as she tries to encourage the residents of the housing estate where she lives to maintain some respect for their surroundings. On the 10th anniversary of the riots that nearly destroyed their home, the Queen visits the estate and meet Wendy in her own home, throwing the other residents into a rare show of community spirit.

Season 3 · Series 3
5 episode(s) · Air date: 24/Jan/2005
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

S3E5
The Singing Cactus
Air date: 28/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

14-year-old schoolboy John Reilly, suffering from his father's death, finds escape in his own world with an imaginary 'singing cactus', Native American mysticism, Morris dancers, and an ominous wolf.

Summary

14-year-old schoolboy John Reilly, suffering from his father's death, finds escape in his own world with an imaginary 'singing cactus', Native American mysticism, Morris dancers, and an ominous wolf.

S3E4
Reverse Psychology
Air date: 27/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Sonia, a very successful sexual health doctor, is unhappy about her parents' constant interference in her day-to-day life, and decides to speak out. But her father is anything less than happy about that, and tries everything to correct her life and hook her up with a man.

Summary

Sonia, a very successful sexual health doctor, is unhappy about her parents' constant interference in her day-to-day life, and decides to speak out. But her father is anything less than happy about that, and tries everything to correct her life and hook her up with a man.

S3E3
The Good Citizen
Air date: 26/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

A man enters a rural police station and announces he is seceding from Britain and starting his own republic. As he is hounded by the press, threatened by the government and exposed by his fame-seeking ex-wife, he struggles to retain the rural simplicity he thought would solve all his problems, while his growing relationship with a tabloid journalist only complicates his life further.

Summary

A man enters a rural police station and announces he is seceding from Britain and starting his own republic. As he is hounded by the press, threatened by the government and exposed by his fame-seeking ex-wife, he struggles to retain the rural simplicity he thought would solve all his problems, while his growing relationship with a tabloid journalist only complicates his life further.

S3E2
The Trouble with George
Air date: 25/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Rose Lapwood finds that marriage to her sweet-but-dull husband George is becoming intolerable, but as her friendship blooms with neighbour Donna, they soon find themselves planning ways to do away with him, collect the life insurance, and live together unhindered.

Summary

Rose Lapwood finds that marriage to her sweet-but-dull husband George is becoming intolerable, but as her friendship blooms with neighbour Donna, they soon find themselves planning ways to do away with him, collect the life insurance, and live together unhindered.

S3E1
The Hitch
Air date: 24/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Two couples learn that their ten-year marriages were not legal as the priest was a fake reflect on their lives while preparing for a new ceremony.

Summary

Two couples learn that their ten-year marriages were not legal as the priest was a fake reflect on their lives while preparing for a new ceremony.

Season 2 · Series 2
5 episode(s) · Air date: 26/Jan/2004
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

S2E5
Glasgow Dreams
Air date: 02/Feb/2004 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Yasmeela and her father, Arob, who live on an isolated, rough Glaswegian council estate, find themselves being avoided and ridiculed on a daily basis – until an unexpected encounter with their enigmatic young neighbour, Dino, whose humour and optimism brings both romance and ambition into their lives.

Summary

Yasmeela and her father, Arob, who live on an isolated, rough Glaswegian council estate, find themselves being avoided and ridiculed on a daily basis – until an unexpected encounter with their enigmatic young neighbour, Dino, whose humour and optimism brings both romance and ambition into their lives.

S2E4
Viva Las Blackpool
Air date: 30/Jan/2004 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Divorcee Kathy is not taking being separated too well, but her situation is further complicated by her ex-husband's new wife trying to bed her best friend's son, and her teenage daughter becoming increasingly difficult to handle.

Summary

Divorcee Kathy is not taking being separated too well, but her situation is further complicated by her ex-husband's new wife trying to bed her best friend's son, and her teenage daughter becoming increasingly difficult to handle.

S2E3
Drive
Air date: 29/Jan/2004 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Julie, a 29-year-old temp with a steady boyfriend, finds her life is going nowhere, but when she gets a contract at Sunshine Cars, she gets a new lease of life. Suddenly, Julie is forced to compete with the men, making changes to impress her boss. But will she have to compromise to reach the top?

Summary

Julie, a 29-year-old temp with a steady boyfriend, finds her life is going nowhere, but when she gets a contract at Sunshine Cars, she gets a new lease of life. Suddenly, Julie is forced to compete with the men, making changes to impress her boss. But will she have to compromise to reach the top?

S2E2
Sons, Daughters and Lovers
Air date: 27/Jan/2004 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Divorcee Hardy Rose finds new love with high-flyer Kate, whilst his son, Ben, falls head over heels for an older woman, Anna. But when Anna is revealed as Kate's mother, father and son realise that they have fallen for the wrong partner.

Summary

Divorcee Hardy Rose finds new love with high-flyer Kate, whilst his son, Ben, falls head over heels for an older woman, Anna. But when Anna is revealed as Kate's mother, father and son realise that they have fallen for the wrong partner.

S2E1
Venus and Mars
Air date: 26/Jan/2004 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Best friends Oliver and Grace begin to ponder why they have never taken their relationship further. After a passionate weekend in the country, they attempt to go back to their normal lives, but Oliver's new fiancé has her own agenda – and it's not long before both Oliver and Grace are forced to make life-changing decisions.

Summary

Best friends Oliver and Grace begin to ponder why they have never taken their relationship further. After a passionate weekend in the country, they attempt to go back to their normal lives, but Oliver's new fiancé has her own agenda – and it's not long before both Oliver and Grace are forced to make life-changing decisions.

Season 1 · Series 1
5 episode(s) · Air date: 27/Jan/2003
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

S1E5
Girls' Weekend
Air date: 31/Jan/2003 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Four old friends take a hen weekend by the sea, where the bride-to-be discovers that the others have all slept with her fiancé. The fiancé, meanwhile, realising something is wrong, abandons his stag weekend to go and find her.

Summary

Four old friends take a hen weekend by the sea, where the bride-to-be discovers that the others have all slept with her fiancé. The fiancé, meanwhile, realising something is wrong, abandons his stag weekend to go and find her.

S1E4
Heroes and Villains
Air date: 30/Jan/2003 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

On a deprived housing estate, down-and-out Jonny steals some dodgy leather jackets that turn out to have drugs in them. When his girlfriend Marlene sells them on to the locals, she receives a tip-off about their contents and realises they must be retrieved.

Summary

On a deprived housing estate, down-and-out Jonny steals some dodgy leather jackets that turn out to have drugs in them. When his girlfriend Marlene sells them on to the locals, she receives a tip-off about their contents and realises they must be retrieved.

S1E3
The Real Arnie Griffin
Air date: 29/Jan/2003 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

An undercover store detective, who prides himself on his disguises but longs to solve real crimes, seizes a chance to impress both his estranged wife and investigate a hit-and-run.

Summary

An undercover store detective, who prides himself on his disguises but longs to solve real crimes, seizes a chance to impress both his estranged wife and investigate a hit-and-run.

S1E2
Coming Up for Air
Air date: 28/Jan/2003 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

An overworked, unhappy widower who suffers from stress ends up with shock-related amnesia when he takes a holiday in Spain. With the help of a woman he meets out there, he then has to rediscover his old identity, meeting family and colleagues as if for the first time.

Summary

An overworked, unhappy widower who suffers from stress ends up with shock-related amnesia when he takes a holiday in Spain. With the help of a woman he meets out there, he then has to rediscover his old identity, meeting family and colleagues as if for the first time.

Season 0 · Specials
3 episode(s) · Air date: 19/Apr/2005
Improve Season
Season Overview

--

Cast

Main cast members.

Crew

Creators, directors, writers, and production crew.

Similar TV Shows

Community picks and smart matches based on genre, network, country, and language.

Smart picks

Suggest a Similar Show

Login to suggest similar TV shows.

User Reviews & Ratings

Audience score, review cards, votes, comments, and watch activity.

+ Review
0.0 0 review(s)
No ratings yet.
Watch Activity
Watching0
Completed0
Dropped0
Not Interested0
Watched Episode0
Season Rating Chart

Season Rating Chart

Average rating from all episode ratings in each season.

No episode ratings yet. Rate episodes below to build this chart.
Top Rated Episodes

Top Rated Episodes

Episodes ranked by audience rating.

No top episodes yet.
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate this show.
My Rating

My Rating

What did you think of The Afternoon Play?

Login to Review