Fans of The Archers have a major anniversary to look forward to. To celebrate 75 years of the world’s longest-running radio drama, a brand-new national live tour has been announced, bringing the much-loved village of Ambridge out of the studio and onto UK stages for the first time.

Produced by Fane Productions and licensed by the BBC, The Archers: Live at 75 will tour the UK from June to November 2026, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience packed with nostalgia, humour and behind-the-scenes insight.

A landmark moment for BBC Radio 4’s most iconic drama

First broadcast on 1 January 1951, The Archers has been a constant presence on BBC Radio 4, airing six times a week and clocking up more than 20,000 episodes. Over the decades, it has reflected profound social and cultural changes in Britain, tackling contemporary issues while staying rooted in the rhythms of rural life.

Today, the programme remains one of the BBC’s most popular shows and is currently the top on-demand programme on BBC Sounds, including among listeners under 35, proving that Ambridge continues to resonate with new generations.

What is The Archers: Live at 75?

This special anniversary production is a one-of-a-kind theatrical celebration blending storytelling, comedy and live performance. Set within a playful reimagining of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, each evening will include rotating cast appearances from Archers actors, on-stage interviews and insider stories, specially written scenes performed live with a professional foley sound-effects specialist, archive material from seven decades of BBC history, audience Q&As, an interactive pub-style quiz inspired by The Bull, and a sing-along to the iconic theme tune.

Whether you have been listening for decades or are completely new to Ambridge, the show promises to be accessible, entertaining and full of insight.

Hosted by Archers super-fan Angela Barnes

Each performance will be hosted by award-winning comedian and self-confessed Archers obsessive Angela Barnes, whose enthusiasm for all things Ambridge brings an added layer of warmth and humour to the evening.

Speaking about the tour, Barnes said she was “obsessed with all things Ambridge” and described hosting the show as a dream come true, comparing it to winning at the Flower and Produce Show and starring in a Lynda Snell production all at once.

UK tour dates from June to November 2026

The tour will visit major cities and regional venues across England, Scotland and Wales, including Manchester, London, Birmingham, Brighton, Oxford, Bath, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Swansea, with more dates still to be announced.

Additional performances are expected to be added due to demand, making this one of the most extensive celebrations in the programme’s history.

Ticket information

Priority booking for venue members and Fane priority bookers opens on Thursday 18 December at 10am. General sale begins on Friday 19 December at 10am, with ticket prices starting from £35.

Tickets will be available via the official Fane website.

Why this live tour matters

The Archers: Live at 75 marks a rare moment where a programme that has lived almost entirely in listeners’ imaginations steps onto the stage. The tour offers long-time fans a behind-the-scenes look at how Ambridge is created, while giving newcomers a welcoming introduction to one of Britain’s most enduring cultural institutions.

As a celebration of 75 years of storytelling, character and craft, this live show is set to be one of the standout theatre events of 2026.