Judi Dench and 100+ Archers Cast and Crew Urge BBC to Keep Show in Birmingham
More than 100 people, including both past and present members of The Archers' cast and crew, like Dame Judi Dench, Felicity Jones, and Kellie Bright, have voiced their disapproval regarding the BBC's choice to shift the radio drama's production away from Birmingham. This opposition comes after the BBC scrapped plans for a specific studio at their new Digbeth site due to budget cuts. The letter emphasizes that moving the recordings might affect the show's quality, comparing it to "Coronation Street leaving the north-west." It stresses Birmingham's role in the show's essence and warns that separating the cast from the production teams could hinder the whole process. BBC director general Matt Brittin acknowledged the need for budget cuts but reassured that the BBC remains committed to the show.
Key facts
- More than 100 current and former cast and crew members of The Archers signed a letter to BBC director general Matt Brittin.
- Dame Judi Dench, Felicity Jones, and Kellie Bright are among the signatories.
- The letter opposes moving recordings from Birmingham after the BBC shelved plans for a dedicated studio at its Digbeth headquarters.
- The BBC cited cost-saving measures and said alternative options are being explored.
- Signatories warn the move could affect the programme's quality and future, comparing it to Coronation Street leaving the north-west or EastEnders leaving the south-east.
- The Archers, set in the fictional village of Ambridge, celebrated its 75th anniversary earlier this year and has always been recorded in Birmingham.
- West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Equity general secretary Paul Fleming also voiced opposition.
- BBC director general Matt Brittin defended the decision, saying other studio space around the country could accommodate the programme.
Entities
Artists
- Judi Dench
- Felicity Jones
- Kellie Bright
- Matt Brittin
- Richard Parker
- Paul Fleming
Institutions
- BBC
- The Archers
- Equity
- Writers' Guild
- BBC Radio 4
- BBC Birmingham
Locations
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom
- Digbeth
- West Midlands
- Ambridge
- Worcestershire
- Inkberrow
- The Old Bull Inn
- The Bull