Scene is a British television anthology drama series made by the BBC for teenagers. Featuring plays on topical issues, sometimes of a controversial nature, and by leading contemporary playwrights[1], programs were originally broadcast to a school audience as part of the BBC Schools strand. Dramas from the series were also regularly broadcast for a wider adult audience. The series ran episodically from 1968 to 2002 and some of the dramas went on to receive critical acclaim, nominations and awards including five in 1996-7 and a Prix Jeunesse in 1998 under series producer Andy Rowley (see below).
Scene was originally conceived as a series of 30 minute dramas and documentaries suitable for showing to teenage schoolchildren as part of the English and Humanities curriculum. It was envisaged that the dramas shown would stimulate discussion in the classroom about various contemporary issues relevant to teenagers (such as race, drugs, sex, disability etc.). Critical reaction was positive with praise for the high production standards.[2][3] Some of the actors featured in Scene went onto achieve varying degrees of mainstream success. e.g.: Jemima Rooper (Junk, 1999), Sarah Jane Potts, Jack Deam, Lucy Davis (Alison, 1996), Adrian Lester (Teaching Matthew, 1993), Sean Maguire (A Man of Letters, 1994), Peter Howitt (Stone Cold)
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Junk (1999): Bafta-winning drama. Following difficulties with her parents, teenager Gemma Brogan leaves home. She falls under the spell of a young woman who introduce her to the world of alternative youth culture and drugs. Initially her new life seems glamorous and exciting but she soon discovers its dark side as she slides uncontrollably into heroin addiction.[5]. Starring Jemima Rooper.
Alison (1996): BAFTA-nominated Comedy-drama. Terry Kennett decides to return to his home town after a ten year absence. He bumps into old mates and his former girlfriend Alison who shows him around their old haunts. They reminisce about their teenage romance, first sexual experience and the reasons for their eventual breakup. Terry is shocked to find that Alison is now a young single mother, but decides to rekindle their relationship in the hope that former mistakes are behind them. Written and directed by Al Hunter Ashton and produced by Andy Rowley. Starring Sarah Jane Potts and Jack Deam.
Loved Up (1994). BAFTA-winning drama. A young woman leaves home to live with her boyfriend and discovers the "Rave" scene and drugs. Series producer Andy Rowley.
Terraces (1993). The residents of a street of terraced houses decide to paint them all in the colours of their local football team - all except one man who refuses to conform to mob rule. Written by Willy Russell.
Stone Cold (1997) Starring Peter Howitt. Threat to runaway boy Link who becomes homeless after abuse at home and is prey to a street killer. Directed by Stephen Whittaker and produced by Andy Rowley. BAFTA nominated