Poker hand has scope to produce serious drama (8,4)

I believe the answer is:

straight play

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'serious drama' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'poker hand has scope' is the wordplay.
'poker hand' becomes 'straight' (I've seen this before).
'has scope' becomes 'play' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'straight'+'play'='STRAIGHT PLAY'

'to produce' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for straight play that I've seen is " Serious drama".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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