Messages for Posterity: The Complete Dennis Potter, BFI Southbank

The BFI is screening the complete canon of television writer Dennis Potter to observe the twentieth anniversary of his death. 

Those who say that television is currently undergoing a golden age are forgetting that sophisticated TV drama is by no means a new thing. Dennis Potter, arguably Britain's greatest ever TV writer, was producing intelligent, political, sexually daring and aesthetically cutting edge television since way back in the 60s. 

This new season celebrates his work and commemorates the twentieth anniversary of his death. Being screened over this year's and next year's seasons (next year's takes place during June and July as well) is the entire Dennis Potter canon. 

This June, the focus is on his political works, with classics such as Vote, Vote, Vote for Nigel Barton and The Bonegrinder being screened, and in July the focus turns to the theme of The Outsider in his work, looking at shows like Pennies from Heaven and Lipstick on your Collar. (I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next year for his shows about faith and sex). 

This is a comprehensive and well-curated season and is a much needed insight into television during its first golden age, led by Dennis Potter.