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Summary

In 1984 Kenith Trodd joined BBC team responding to Channel 4 releases, leading to transition from BBC studio plays to Screen One/Two anthology series. Trodd oversaw first group of titles in these series in 1985.

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The Absence of War

Summary

John Thaw stars in David Hare's political drama based on his stage play about a Labour MP who finds himself campaigning against his own party. First broadcast 18 May 1995

Review

Michael Hogan

David Hare’s behind-the-scenes political drama might have premiered as part of the Screen Two strand as part of the Screen Two strand 30 years ago, but it remains almost eerie in its parallels to the Labour Party today. Written after playwright Hare was granted access by Neil Kinnock to attend Labour strategy meetings in the run-up to the disastrous 1992 election, it follows a thoroughly decent party leader who is so constricted by his cautious clique of advisers that his talents are no longer visible to voters. Remind you of anyone?

John Thaw stars as the embattled George Jones, clashing with his own party on the campaign trail. This timely rerun is introduced at 10pm by Hare himself, who discusses its contemporary relevance.

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Colour

Credits

Cast

rolenameGeorge JonesJohn ThawMalcolm PryceRichard PascoCharles KendrickNicholas DayBrydenMichael BryantMarySaskia WickhamGwendaBarbara Leigh-HuntLindsayClare HigginsAndrewPaul MoriartyColinGeorge HarrisOliverOliver Ford DaviesBruceAlastair GalbraithTrevorTyrone HugginsCaroleJudith CokeLinusMartin JarvisWaitressJudy Damas

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Crew

rolenameWriterDavid HareProducerSimon CurtisDirectorRichard Eyre

How to watch

Next showing

There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming providers below.

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