The Afternoon Play (Season 2)

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.

  • Poster for Venus and Mars

    Venus and Mars (Episode 1)

    Writer: Johanna Baldwin

    Air date: 2004-01-26

    Runtime: 60 min

    Overview: 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.

  • Poster for Sons, Daughters and Lovers

    Sons, Daughters and Lovers (Episode 2)

    Writer: Matthew Parkhill

    Air date: 2004-01-27

    Runtime: 60 min

    Overview: 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.

  • Poster for Drive

    Drive (Episode 3)

    Writer: Pete Lawson

    Air date: 2004-01-29

    Runtime: 60 min

    Overview: 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?

  • Poster for Viva Las Blackpool

    Viva Las Blackpool (Episode 4)

    Writer: Damian Fitzsimmons

    Air date: 2004-01-30

    Runtime: 60 min

    Overview: 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.

  • Poster for Glasgow Dreams

    Glasgow Dreams (Episode 5)

    Writer: Shan Khan

    Air date: 2004-02-02

    Runtime: 60 min

    Overview: 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.

The Afternoon Play

Seasons