Guide to the Cast Announcement: ‘The Archers: Live at 75’ 2026 National Tour

Ever listened to a podcast or a story and felt like you were right there? For 75 years, one show has been doing just that for millions of people. BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, the world’s longest-running radio drama, is celebrating its massive 75th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, it’s hitting the road. The familiar voices of Ambridge are leaving the studio for a national stage tour across the UK in 2026. This isn't just about listening; it's a chance to see the magic happen live. A recent cast announcement has revealed which fan-favourites will be part of the tour, bringing a slice of country life to venues nationwide.

A trip to Ambridge, but on stage

For anyone who tunes in to follow the lives and loves of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge, this is big news. The ‘The Archers: Live at 75’ tour is more than just a performance; it's a full evening of entertainment. Produced by Fane Productions, the event promises a mix of storytelling, nostalgia, and a peek behind-the-scenes. Think of it as a live version of a director's commentary, but with the actual actors right there. The whole thing will be hosted by comedian and self-confessed Archers superfan, Angela Barnes, so expect plenty of laughs. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with a radio drama that has been a part of British culture since 1951, transitioning from radios in the living room to an on-demand favourite on BBC Sounds, even for listeners under 35.

So, who can you expect to see?

The much-anticipated cast announcement has confirmed that eight of Ambridge's most beloved voices will be taking part in the tour. But here's a clever twist: they'll be performing in two rotating casts of four, allowing the tour to reach more locations. Named with a nod to the show's famous Flower & Produce Show, the casts are:

• The Flower Cast: Featuring Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter), Ben Norris (Ben Archer), and Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty Miller).

• The Produce Cast: Featuring Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge), Ryan Kelly (Jazzer McCreary), Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin), and Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy).

This means fans will need to check the schedule to see which of the rotating casts is visiting their local venue. The organisers aimed to get a mix of characters that reflects the full scope of the iconic radio drama, from its core families to newer voices that drive the current storylines.

Charlotte Martin, who plays Susan Carter, shared her excitement:

“I’m so thrilled to be part of The Archers tour - bringing 75 magical years of Ambridge to the stage is an absolute dream come true! Can’t wait to share the laughter, tears and heart of Ambridge with fans everywhere!”

What's on the agenda for the evening?

The live show is designed to be a completely immersive experience. It’s set up to feel like a playful version of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show. Each performance will include a brand new episode, written specially for the tour by The Archers' scriptwriters, performed live on stage. But that's just the start. One of the most fascinating parts of any radio drama is how the sounds are made. The show will feature a demonstration from the programme’s foley artist, Vanessa Nuttall. A foley artist is a sound effects magician, using everyday objects to create the sounds of anything from footsteps on gravel to a crackling fire. It’s a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the craft.

The evening will also dip into the past with archive material from the BBC vaults, bringing a dose of nostalgia for long-time listeners. To make it truly interactive, there will be an audience Q&A, giving people the chance to ask the cast their burning questions. And for a bit of fun, a pub-quiz inspired by Ambridge’s local, The Bull, will test everyone’s knowledge. There may not be any actual interview time, but the audience Q&A is the next best thing.

Timothy Bentinck, the voice of David Archer, gave a hint of what to expect:

“I’m so excited to be part of the upcoming The Archers national tour of the UK. We’ll be on stage but the show will be very interactive, and Archers listeners and fans will be just as much a part of it as us. So come and join us at the Flower and Produce Show, and as an added treat get to see how the clever sound effects are achieved. Hint, it’s all done with yoghurt and ironing boards!”

Why has this radio drama lasted 75 years?

First broadcast on 1st January 1951, The Archers has clocked up more than 20,000 episodes, making it a true titan of broadcasting. The secret to its success? It has always managed to reflect the changes happening in Britain while staying true to its rural roots. It’s a comforting constant for many, a slice of life that feels both timeless and current. While it's a staple of BBC Radio 4, its popularity has surged with a new generation thanks to its availability as an on-demand programme on BBC Sounds. The national stage tour is a celebration of this incredible legacy, a way to thank the millions of listeners who tune in every week. It’s a chance for the community that has built up around the show to come together. The directors at Fane Productions, Serena Brett and James Albrecht, summed it up perfectly.

“When we put our minds to the casting for this tour, we knew it had to truly represent the world of Ambridge. We worked closely with the programme’s Editor, Jeremy Howe, and the wider team at the BBC to bring together actors whose characters span generations of village life - from the Archer family at its heart, to the Aldridges, the Horrobins and beyond. We’ve aimed to reflect the full breadth of the programme: heritage and newer voices, different ages and perspectives, and some of the most iconic characters alongside those driving its current storylines. We hope audiences feel we have done Ambridge justice - and we can’t wait to bring them together on stage!”

Dates and venues for the national tour

The ‘The Archers: Live at 75’ tour will be running from June to November 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £35. Here’s the full list of dates and which of the rotating casts will be performing at each venue.

• Sunday 7th June 2026 – Manchester, Palace Theatre – Produce Cast

• Monday 8th June 2026 – Stoke on Trent, Regent Theatre – Produce Cast

• Tuesday 9th June 2026 – Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall – Produce Cast

• Sunday 14th June 2026 – Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre – Flower Cast

• Monday 15th June 2026 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange – Flower Cast

• Tuesday 16th June 2026 – Ipswich, Regent Theatre – Flower Cast

• Wednesday 17th June 2026 – Brighton, Brighton Dome – Flower Cast

• Saturday 20th June 2026 – Truro, Hall for Cornwall – Produce Cast

• Sunday 21st June 2026 – Portsmouth, Guildhall – Produce Cast

• Thursday 3rd September 2026 – London, New Wimbledon Theatre – Flower Cast

• Friday 4th September 2026 – Oxford, New Theatre – Flower Cast

• Saturday 5th September 2026 – Guildford, G Live – Flower Cast

• Sunday 6th September 2026 – Woking, New Victoria Theatre – Flower Cast

• Wednesday 9th September 2026 – Birmingham, Symphony Hall – Produce Cast

• Thursday 10th September 2026 – Southend-on-Sea, Cliffs Pavilion – Produce Cast

• Friday 11th September 2026 – Bexhill-on-Sea, De La Warr Pavilion – Produce Cast

• Sunday 27th September 2026 – Harrogate, Convention Centre – Produce Cast

• Monday 28th September 2026 – Liverpool, Royal Philharmonic – Produce Cast

• Sunday 4th October 2026 – Glasgow, King’s Theatre – Flower Cast

• Monday 5th October 2026 – Edinburgh, Playhouse – Flower Cast

• Tuesday 6th October 2026 – Newcastle, Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Flower Cast

• Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Stockton-on-Tees, The Globe Theatre – Flower Cast

• Tuesday 3rd November 2026 – Exeter, Great Hall (University of Exeter) – Produce Cast

• Wednesday 4th November 2026 – Swansea, Swansea Arena – Produce Cast

• Thursday 5th November 2026 – Bath, Bath Forum – Produce Cast

• Thursday 19th November 2026 – Bournemouth, International Centre – Produce Cast

• Tuesday 24th November 2026 – Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre – Flower Cast

• Wednesday 25th November 2026 – Warwick, Warwick Arts Centre – Flower Cast

• Thursday 26th November 2026 – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall – Flower Cast