86. The Death of Grace Archer at Hay Festival

Emma Freud presents the Archers Podcast in front of an audience packed into a tent at the Hay Festival. Six members of The Archers cast come together to re-enact one of the most famous episodes in the history of the programme: the fire that killed Grace Archer in September 1955.

Sound effects artist Ness Nuttall reveals the role a memory foam pillow plays in the recreation of the stable fire. And broadcaster and presenter of In Our Time Misha Glenny shares what he loves most about the Archers, and explores the reasons behind the decision to kill off such a significant character back in 1955. Editor of The Archers Jeremy Howe outlines the impact that Grace Archer's death still has in Ambridge over 70 years later.

The cast also take questions from the audience - have they ever been moved to tears by a scene they've recorded? And what happened when life imitated art, and did Perdita Avery - who plays Kate - enjoy the night she spent in a Hay yurt?

Cast of the 1955 re-enactment:

Dan Archer - Tim Bentinck (David)
Phil Archer - Nick Barber (Rex)
Grace Archer - Hollie Chapman (Alice)
Christine Archer/Carol Grey - Perdita Avery (Kate)
John Tregorran - Paul Venables (Jakob)
Reggie Trentham - Michael Lumsden (Alistair)

Presenter: Emma Freud
Producer: Charlotte Davey

Email: thearcherspodcast@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: 08000 289 044