Spaces for Criticism: the Play for Today Viewing Group on Work, Gender and the Body in The Bevellers (1974) and Not for the Likes of Us (1980)

Katie Crosson; Tom May

doi:10.1177/17496020251336669

Spaces for Criticism: the Play for Today Viewing Group on Work, Gender and the Body in The Bevellers (1974) and Not for the Likes of Us (1980)

Katie Crosson, Tom May^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

The Play for Today Viewing Group, comprising UK and Ireland-based academics, collectively analyse two Plays for Today, The Bevellers (1974) and Not for the Likes of Us (1980). These plays reflect Play for Today’s historical tendency towards a greater inclusion of female workers alongside evolving work patterns, and from heightened studio realism, shot on video, to its use of film while critically dissecting its attractions. Analysis reveals the plays intersect thematically concerning work, gender and the body: this comparative approach reveals Play for Today as a strand of interconnected dramas within British television’s flow possessing deep social and cultural significance.

Original language	English
Number of pages	25
Journal	Critical Studies in Television
Early online date	22 Apr 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/17496020251336669
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 22 Apr 2025

Keywords

TV Drama
Labour History
Feminised Labour
Masculinity
Zoom

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10.1177/17496020251336669Licence: CC BY

Spaces for Criticism Final EditAccepted author manuscript, 734 KBLicence: CC BY
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Cite this

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abstract = "The Play for Today Viewing Group, comprising UK and Ireland-based academics, collectively analyse two Plays for Today, The Bevellers (1974) and Not for the Likes of Us (1980). These plays reflect Play for Today{\textquoteright}s historical tendency towards a greater inclusion of female workers alongside evolving work patterns, and from heightened studio realism, shot on video, to its use of film while critically dissecting its attractions. Analysis reveals the plays intersect thematically concerning work, gender and the body: this comparative approach reveals Play for Today as a strand of interconnected dramas within British television{\textquoteright}s flow possessing deep social and cultural significance.",

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