Play Away poster

Play Away

★ 7.5 84 votes 1971–1984 13 seasons · 203 episodes In Production
Rate this series

Play Away Episode Ratings Heatmap

Not enough episode ratings on IMDb yet. The heatmap and charts will appear here once more episodes get rated.

About

Play Away is a British television children's programme. A sister programme to the infants' series Play School, it was aimed at slightly older children. It ran from 1971 until 1984, and was broadcast on Saturday afternoons on BBC 2. While Play School had a more gentle, intimate feel, featuring just two presenters in a studio with the usual collection of toys, Play Away was much more lively, including songs, games and many jokes. The first eight series were shot in a studio, usually at BBC Television Centre, London, although certain episodes were recorded in Bristol or Manchester. Later episodes were recorded in front of a live studio audience. The format was a little like a music-hall variety show or 'end-of-the-pier' show. The Musical Director was Jonathan Cohen on piano, with Spike Heatley on double bass and Alan Rushton on drums, often with accomplished guest musicians such as trombonist George Chisholm.

All Seasons

Season 11971
012
Presenters throughout the thirteen-year run included familiar Play School presenters such as Brian Cant, Toni Arthur, Derek Griffiths, Floella Benjamin, Chloe Ashcroft, Johnny Ball, and Julie Stevens, as well as lesser known presenters including Janine Sharp, Roger Martin and Carol Chell. Play Away also played host to future stars such as Anita Dobson, Jeremy Irons and Tony Robinson.
Season 2
029
Season 3
017
Season 4
016
Season 5
023
Season 6
016
Season 7
015
Season 8
013
Season 9
014
Season 10
019
Season 11
011
Season 12
06
Season 13
012

Full Cast & Crew

Cast

Brian Cant Self, Richard Lovelace
Jonathan Cohen Self
Spike Heatley Self
Alan Rushton Self
Toni Arthur Self, Prudence Fairfax
Julie Stevens Self
Carol Chell Self, Granny
Chloe Ashcroft Self
Lionel Morton Self
Floella Benjamin Self

Similar Series