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This hard-hitting anthology series continued the single-play format that had proved so successful with ITV's legendary Armchair Theatre, presenting six contemporary plays by writers at relatively early stages in their careers.

The keynote is a provocative realism: Stephen Poliakoff's Hitting Town is an intense portrayal of siblings who find refuge from their bleak lives in one incestuous night; Roger McGough's The Life Swappers is a darkly comic take on the theme of exchanged identities; Howard Brenton's The Paradise Run centres on an inexperienced soldier in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles.

These and other powerful screenplays are made available here for the first time in any format. Among noted performers are Kevin McNally, Pete Postlethwaite, Denis Lawson, Sheila Gish, Miriam Margolyes and Ray Winstone; directors include Alan Clarke, Philip Savile and Michael Apted.

THE PARADISE RUN Written by Howard Brenton Directed by Michael Apted
A young soldier finds he is ill-prepared for life in a strife-torn city.

THE LIFE SWAPPERS Written by Roger McGough Directed by Jim Goddard
Trevor answers an unusual ad in the local paper. Is a change really as good as a rest?

SUNSHINE IN BRIXTON Written by Brian Glover Directed by Leslie Blair
Sixteen-year-old Otis hates school - but a new sports teacher offers him a little hope.

HITTING TOWN Written by Stephen Poliakoff Directed by Peter Gill
Ralph tries to cheer up his sister by suggesting a night on the town...

FAST HANDS Written by Roy Minton Directed by Alan Clarke
Jimmy is a gifted young boxer, but neither parents nor girlfriend share his enthusiasm.

SHUTTLECOCK Written by Henry Livings Directed by Philip Savile
Sam likes his children to be grown-up chaps; that proves difficult for nine-year-old Harry.