The Archers Live at 75: National Tour Celebrates Iconic Radio Drama

BBC Radio 4 soap opera marks 75 years with interactive live stage show

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:09am

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A striking, minimalist illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, representing the iconic characters and setting of the long-running radio drama The Archers.The Archers' 75th anniversary tour celebrates the enduring legacy of this beloved British radio drama through a dynamic, abstract visual metaphor.Today in Birmingham

The Archers, the beloved BBC Radio 4 soap opera, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a national tour that promises to blend storytelling, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes insights for loyal fans. The tour, hosted by comedian Angela Barnes, will feature a cast of four actors and the show's live sound-effects specialist, Vanessa Nuttall, performing a specially written episode set at a reimagined Ambridge Flower & Produce Show.

Why it matters

The Archers has been a staple of British radio for generations, offering a glimpse into the lives of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge and tackling topical issues. This tour is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the show in a live, interactive setting, connecting with the characters and the world of Ambridge in a new way.

The details

The tour will visit towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, including Wolverhampton, Coventry, Birmingham, and Stoke-on-Trent. The cast will feature Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter), Ben Norris (Ben Archer), Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty Miller), Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge), Ryan Kelly (Jazzer McCreary), Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin), and Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy). The tour will also include archive material from the BBC vaults, an audience Q&A, and a pub quiz inspired by the village pub, The Bull.

  • The Archers first aired on January 1, 1951.
  • The 75th anniversary tour will take place in 2026.

The players

The Archers

A beloved BBC Radio 4 soap opera that has been a staple of British radio for generations, offering a glimpse into the lives of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge.

Angela Barnes

A comedian who will host the 75th anniversary tour of The Archers.

Vanessa Nuttall

The live sound-effects specialist for The Archers, who will be part of the tour cast.

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What’s next

The tour will visit towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales throughout 2026, giving fans the opportunity to experience the show in a live, interactive setting.

The takeaway

The Archers' 75th anniversary tour is a celebration of the show's enduring appeal and cultural significance, offering fans a unique opportunity to connect with the characters and world of Ambridge in a new and immersive way. The tour's blend of storytelling, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes insights is sure to delight both longtime listeners and new audiences alike.