At the time of filming there was a strike at the BBC, so the producers at Thames found that some actors were available who would not otherwise have been affordable with Thames' budget restrictions. Ironically, this production was delayed because the stagehands at Thames also went on strike during production.
The cast rehearsed for five weeks and actual filming took ten weeks at Thames' Teddington Studios in Middlesex.
According to co-star Patrick Mower, star Patrick Magee, who normally liked to imbibe while working, abstained from alcohol while playing Lear.
Broadcast in six twenty-minute parts, for ease of use in the classroom.