A new exhibition pulls back the curtain on The Archers

A brand new exhibition about The Archers allows fans to delve into the world of Ambridge and get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes of the world’s longest running continuing drama.

The display showcases the history, milestone moments and celebrity fans of the soap opera that has become a radio institution. Visitors can learn fascinating facts about the production process, which celebrities have had cameos in The Archers, and understand the secrets of radio sound effects.

Huw Kennair-Jones Editor of The Archers said: “Ever since the first episode was broadcast in 1951 from a studio in Birmingham, The Archers has been part of the soundtrack of the UK, sparking many national and international conversations over the last 66 years. We can’t wait to invite audiences into BBC Birmingham to see how this radio programme about a village called Ambridge has become the world’s most talked about drama.”

The exhibits include the script for The Archers’ 1950 pilot episode, Archers jigsaws and games from the 1960s, and some of the real-life objects used to create the drama’s special soundscape. Visitors can take a virtual reality tour of The Archers studio and take a selfie of themselves in Ambridge!

The exhibition opens at BBC Birmingham, the home of The Archers, on 23 September 2017 and will be a permanent feature of the BBC Birmingham Visitor Centre.