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 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?

Presenter: Emma Freud
Producer: Charlotte Davey

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

Cast:
Tim Bentinck - Dan Archer
Hollie Chapman - Grace Archer
Nick Barber - Phil Archer
Perdita Avery - Carol Grey/Christine Archer
Paul Venables - John Tregorran
Michael Lumsden - Reggie Trentham