Although Coronation Street and The Bill have done some live shows (not to mention ER!), most TV drama today is pre-recorded, and edited resulting in blemish free performances, slick picture editing and a highly polished production. The first TV dramas, by contrast, had to get it right 'live on the night' and it didn't always go to plan.
Much of the early TV Drama was in the form of televised theatre but in 1954 Britain's first TV soap opera The Grove Family was transmitted and ran for 3 years. The pressure on the actors was immense, including last minute script changes from the floor manager to keep the production to time and so it's not surprising they fluffed the odd line. But the UK forgave any imperfections and The Grove Family even got Royal approval when the Queen Mother visited the studio in 1957.
Dixon of Dock Green followed in 1955 and again the live performances didn't always go to plan. Actor Peter Byrne recalls how an actor had to pretend to punch him but unfortunately on the live broadcast he actually caught him hard on the jaw, and he landed the deck!
When ITV launched they challenged the BBC dramas with Armchair Theatre, and the beeb followed up with Z Cars. As technology developed, more and more programmes were recorded but the buzz created by the red light going on has started to make a comeback.
Time Shift tells the story of how television today is rediscovering the power of live drama. The programme is narrated by award winning actor Bill Nighy and features rare and early TV drama clips and behind-the-scenes footage. Viewers can also see the first episode of The Grove Family, which transmits to accompany the series.
