Carl Roberts 
The next wave of films as part of 5’s Play For Today has been announced. This follows the success of the revived series.
Following the successful launch of the revived Play for Today strand, 5 today confirms the next wave of films. Six brand-new one-off films have been announced. They are working with the two production companies from the first series. The wave includes 3×45’ films from Vertigo Films and 3×60’ films from LA Productions. Moreover, the productions will all have a limited theatrical release.
The strand remains a key pillar of 5’s commitment to nurturing new creative voices. It provides opportunities for people from low-income backgrounds to break into the television industry. Each film places emerging talent at the centre of its writing, directing, and production teams.
The new wave of projects follows a successful first run, which delivered first credits for new writers, first-time directors, and early-career crew across departments from make-up to set design, reaffirming Play for Today as a launchpad for the next generation of British talent, and 5 as a major home of original British drama.
PAUL TESTAR
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5, said:
“The response to the first series of Play for Today was extraordinary not only from audiences but from talent across the industry. This strand is about opening doors to new offscreen talent, taking creative risks, and giving new voices the space to thrive. We’re incredibly proud to expand the strand and discover the next wave of brilliant storytellers.”
THE SIX NEW PLAYS
WILD
Wild is a survival dramedy set in the breathtaking yet unforgiving Scottish Highlands. Lou, Dev, and Alistair are three old friends clinging to their annual wild camping tradition. They begin with banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging. However, they soon unravel into a battle of egos, secrets, and survival. This happens when they get lost, food runs short, and friendships fracture. At once funny, poignant, and unsettling, Wild explores the line between adventure and recklessness. It also examines how toxic masculinity has become a massive part of the epidemic decline in men’s mental health. It’s written by Lewis Wren and directed by Brick.
THE QUIET HOUR
The Quiet Hour is a gripping, intimate drama set over one relentless night shift in an NHS hospital. Here, overworked nurse Riya battles exhaustion, guilt, and the ghosts of past mistakes as she cares for her patients. She juggles a collapsing system, an understaffed ward, and a stream of emergencies. These range from dying patients to Fred, a combative amputee, and a medical error that nearly costs a life. Her professional composure begins to fracture under this pressure. Haunted by the memory of a young girl she couldn’t save and the growing distance from her teenage daughter, Riya’s night spirals. It becomes a raw reckoning with compassion, burnout, and the quiet heroism that holds the health service together. Directed by Margo Roe and written by Sarah Louise Madden.
VILLAGE IDIOT
Village Idiot is a sharp, heartfelt comedy-drama. It centres on a stubborn English grandmother, Barbara, who chains herself to her cottage to resist eviction by high-speed train developers. She then discovers that the company’s liaison sent to remove her is her estranged grandson, Peter. What follows is a clash between generations, class, and values. Barbara’s fierce attachment to home and identity meets Peter’s desperate need to hold onto his corporate job. As their battle becomes public, it turns into a small-town spectacle of protest, press, and community chaos. Both are forced to confront what “home” really means. Moreover, they explore how love, pride, and belonging can both bind and divide a family. Witty, warm, and deeply human, Village Idiot captures rural England on the brink of change with equal parts humour and heartbreak. Written by Samson Hawkins, directed by Rhys Aaron Lewis.
CLOSING TIME (W/T)
Closing Time (w/t) sees Mo, a gifted but undocumented migrant. He works in his uncle’s kebab shop, keeping his culinary ambitions hidden until he meets Laila, a thoughtful lawyer trapped in a stagnant engagement. Their connection grows over late-night conversations and cooking sessions. During these, Laila encourages Mo to pursue his dreams, and he gently challenges her to confront the life she’s settled for. Written by Mina Barber and directed by Dan Sloan.
TATTERS (W/T)
Tatters (w/t) sees 64-year-old Norma Greves confronted by her daughter Jess. This happens after Norma’s extreme political views and connection to a violent far-right incident push their relationship to the breaking point. As Jess challenges her mother in a last-ditch attempt to save their relationship, Norma is forced to confront the tragic reality. This reality pushed her to such violent extremes. Ultimately, Norma must make a choice: Beth and her family, or her loyalty to her core political beliefs. Written by Matthew Greenhough and directed by Harry Machray.
THE CASTLE
The Castle follows three siblings left to fend for themselves after their mother suddenly disappears. Connor, Jamie, and Mia try to keep their lives afloat, transforming their suburban house into a makeshift fortress as they wait for her return. Told through the eyes of wildly imaginative middle-brother Connor, The Castle traces fraying sibling relationships, survival strategies, and the grand stories children tell each other to feel safe. A tender, soulful tale about growing up too soon, and rescuing yourself before it’s too late. Written by Jack Bradfield and directed by Emma Turner.
Wild, The Quiet Hour and Village Idiot are produced by Vertigo Films, and Closing Time (w/t), Tatters (w/t) and The Castle are produced by LA Productions.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
