The Archers Live Tour Yorkshire Dates

Get ready for something pretty special. For the first time ever, the world of Ambridge is leaving the radio waves and heading for the stage. That’s right, The Archers, the iconic BBC Radio 4 show, is celebrating its massive 75th anniversary with a huge national live tour across the UK. After decades of being created in a recording studio, this beloved radio drama is finally being brought to life in front of a live audience. Fane Productions is making it happen, promising a night that will let fans see – and hear – the village like never before. It's a massive moment for what is officially the world's longest-running drama.

What’s all the fuss about The Archers?

So, what’s the big deal? Well, The Archers is more than just a radio show; it’s a proper British institution. It started way back on 1st January 1951, and for 75 years, it has been a constant companion for millions, broadcasting six times a week. The show follows the everyday goings-on, the dramas, and the gossip of the people living in a fictional village called Ambridge. It’s a snapshot of rural life.

But it's not all about farming and village fairs. Over more than 20,000 episodes, the programme has become a mirror to the UK's changing cultural landscape. It’s tackled some really complex, modern issues, mixing them in with the gentle rhythm of country life. This clever mix is why it’s stuck around for so long. And it’s not just for older listeners; it's a massive hit on BBC Sounds, often topping the charts as the most popular on-demand show for listeners of all ages, including those under 35. It shows that good stories about people, no matter where they are, never go out of style. The Archers is a massive part of British culture.

So, what actually happens at this live show?

Imagine stepping into the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show. That’s the fun, playful setting for this unique theatre experience. The whole evening is a blend of comedy, nostalgia, and a proper behind-the-scenes peek at how the magic is made. It’s hosted by comedian and massive Archers fan, Angela Barnes, who is sure to bring plenty of laughs. She's chuffed to be involved, saying:

"I am not just an Archers superfan, I am obsessed with all things Ambridge. So to be asked to host The Archers: Live at 75 is like winning a prize at the Flower and Produce Show and being cast as the lead in a Lynda Snell production, all rolled into one. I can’t wait to hang out with all of my favourite characters and really immerse myself in Borsetshire life."

Each night will feature different actors from the show – the full list of cast appearances will be announced in early 2026, but it’s set to include old favourites and newer voices. There will also be a BBC archivist on hand to dig up some gems from the show's long history, showcasing fascinating archive material. And for anyone who's ever wondered how they create those farm sounds, a live sound-effects specialist will be on stage demonstrating the artistry of it all. This is a rare chance to see how the fields, kitchens, and barns of Ambridge are brought to life. There will be lots of audience interaction too, with a pub quiz straight from The Bull, Q&As, and, of course, a big sing-along to that famous theme tune. It’s a chance to see the radio drama live on various stages around the country.

Who’s behind this big national live tour?

The whole tour is being put together by Fane Productions, a company known for creating brilliant live events with some of the biggest names around, including bestselling authors and cultural icons. They know how to put on a good show. The directors of Fane, James Albrecht and Serena Brett, commented on the project:

"Marking 75 years of The Archers is a rare privilege, and we’re thrilled to work with the BBC to create a live experience that honours the programme’s extraordinary legacy... Taking one of the BBC’s most precious and established brands, which has lived almost entirely in listeners’ imaginations, and working so closely with Angela, the editorial team, and the cast to make it leap out of the studio and onto the stage is a wonderfully fun creative challenge. We can’t wait to share this special experience with the audiences who’ve loved The Archers for generations."

The BBC is also excited about this celebration. Alison Hindell, Drama and Fiction Commissioner for BBC Radio 4, added:

“The Archers is one of the BBC’s most-loved programmes and we are tremendously proud of it as it reaches the astonishing broadcasting milestone of its 75th year. We hope that The Archers live show will give fans even more of what they love, joining in the celebrations with an extra slice of Ambridge life.”

When and where can you see The Archers live?

The Archers: Live at 75 will be touring all over the UK from June to November 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 19th December at 10am, with a priority sale for venue members and Fane priority bookers on Thursday 18th December at 10am. Here are the dates and locations announced so far:

Date	City	Venue
June 2026
Sunday 7th	Manchester	Palace Theatre
Monday 8th	Stoke on Trent	Regent Theatre
Tuesday 9th	Nottingham	Royal Concert Hall
Sunday 14th	Canterbury	The Marlowe Theatre
Monday 15th	Cambridge	Corn Exchange
Tuesday 16th	Ipswich	Regent Theatre
Wednesday 17th	Brighton	Brighton Dome
Saturday 20th	Truro	Hall for Cornwall
Sunday 21st	Portsmouth	Guildhall
September 2026
Thursday 3rd	London	New Wimbledon Theatre
Friday 4th	Oxford	New Theatre
Saturday 5th	Guildford	G Live
Sunday 6th	Woking	New Victoria Theatre
Wednesday 9th	Birmingham	Symphony Hall
Thursday 10th	Southend-on-Sea	Cliffs Pavilion
Friday 11th	Bexhill-on-Sea	De La Warr Pavilion
Sunday 27th	Harrogate	Convention Centre
Monday 28th	Liverpool	Royal Philharmonic
October 2026
Sunday 4th	Glasgow	King’s Theatre
Monday 5th	Edinburgh	Playhouse
Tuesday 6th	Newcastle	Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Wednesday 7th	Stockton-on-Tees	The Globe Theatre
November 2026
Tuesday 3rd	Exeter	Great Hall (University of Exeter)
Wednesday 4th	Swansea	Swansea Arena
Thursday 5th	Bath	Bath Forum
Thursday 19th	Bournemouth	International Centre
Tuesday 24th	Aylesbury	Waterside Theatre
Wednesday 25th	Warwick	Warwick Arts Centre
Thursday 26th	Wolverhampton	Civic Hall

More dates are expected to be announced, so keep an eye out if a local venue isn't listed yet. This tour is a fantastic way to celebrate a true broadcasting legend.