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Shaun Alfred Graham Sutton, a talented individual with a rich theatrical heritage, was born in the vibrant neighborhood of Hammersmith, London, England, to parents who were both deeply rooted in the world of drama. As a young man, Sutton pursued his passion for the performing arts by studying drama at the esteemed Embassy School. His early years in the industry were marked by a successful stint as an actor in various London productions, showcasing his impressive range and versatility on stage.
In 1966, he took on the esteemed position of head of serials for the British Broadcasting Corporation, overseeing a substantial and impressive output of top-notch drama productions, with "The Forsyte Saga" being a notable highlight of his tenure.
This remarkable serial, which aired in 1967, played a pivotal role in establishing BBC2 as a major player in the television landscape, drawing in a massive audience of six million viewers on Sunday evenings. The program's enduring popularity was further underscored by its repeat broadcast on BBC1 a year later, which attracted an astonishing 18 million viewers.
Moreover, "The Forsyte Saga" made history by becoming the first-ever serial to be sold to the Soviet Union, a testament to its universal appeal and groundbreaking storytelling. The serial's success was not limited to the UK, as it was also purchased by television stations across America, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.
It was the year 1969 that marked a significant milestone in the career of the individual in question, as he was elevated to the prestigious position of head of drama, an era that would later be remembered as the golden age of British television drama.
During his tenure at the BBC, he oversaw the production of an astonishing number of plays, exceeding 120 annually, and worked closely with a plethora of talented writers, including the renowned Joe Orton, David Storey, and the esteemed Sir Alan Ayckbourn.
Under his visionary leadership, he championed a diverse range of productions, including controversial and thought-provoking dramas that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, such as the gritty prison drama "Scum" and several of the innovative works of the acclaimed playwright Dennis Potter.
Noted television producer and executive, he held a prestigious position as the executive producer of the BBC Shakespeare anthology, a remarkable series that aired from 1978 to 1985, featuring an esteemed cast of actors, including the illustrious Sir Anthony Hopkins, the renowned Sir Derek Jacobi, the accomplished Timothy West CBE, and the revered Sir John Gielgud.
Upon the completion of the Shakespeare cycle, he went on to collaborate on Theatre Night, a notable BBC2 season, which showcased six plays annually, all adapted from stage productions.
