The uncertain days ahead of us occupy our thoughts and conversations frequently currently.. A few moments of escapism are therefore welcoming. Many of you will already know that I am a loyal fan of the BBC Radio 4 programme The Archers. It is particularly relaxing at the moment because having been recorded well in advance there has been no mention of Coronavirus. This is unusual, topical news items are frequently slotted in at a later date.
My niece who is also a fan requested a trip to Ambridge for her Christmas present so in February we arrived at BBC Birmingham to learn a little about how the programme is produced.
Our tour gave us a great insight into how Ambridge (the fictional village where The Archers is set) ticks. We had the opportunity to read original scripts, still distributed on paper to ensure no leaks. The scripts are generally read but a certain amount of acting is expected along the way to ensure the correct voices. A bed scene would be acted on a bed or a car would be created in the studio. There are different floors, stairs etc to give the correct ambience. Some characters do real kisses others improvise!
A map on the wall of Ambridge and Borsetshire in the production room is used for reference to ensure that scripts are realistic for example a character moving from one place to another has to be a feasible.
Sound effects are a key element to the programme. There are recordings for background sounds of everything imaginable in an extensive digital library. There are different bird songs for each season, tractor and car sounds for each character's vehicle. When they don't have the correct sound they will go out and record it.
Each scene is acted out as a whole with specific sound effects played out by the sounds effects team as they perform. Riding scenes are done with the characters actually sat on a saddle while the reins are shaken and yes horse hooves are indeed coconut shells! When a baby is involved the doll is held to give the correct depth of voice. The eyelids are taped to prevent incorrect sounds. The only actors not in the studio are the children. They come in at a different time and their lines then inserted. On any occasion when a distressing scene is involved the child would record his lines in a different order to prevent them understanding what is happening.
The ironing board is a creaking gate. The tape hay and straw.
This scruffy box is the bar in The Bull. The hinge no longer works so there is no moving from one bar to the other. Dominoes tipped into a glass are the sound of ice. The board on the right contains all the different doorbells for each house.
Then there is of course Jill's aga. There is different quality china for each household. Every detail is thought of. Rob was stabbed in the kitchen using a water melon to give the right sounds.
Outside scenes are recorded in the dead room where there no echoes due to the foam insulation. Those who listen will recall the death of Nigel Pargetter when he fell off the roof of his stately home. Below is the very spot where it happened!!
We were given an opportunity to record a scene. They chose a very early episode from the 50s. I played Grace Archer and have the recording to prove it. Finally there was a quiz to test our knowledge. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and I now listen avidly to all the sounds. Lets just hope that the dreaded virus bypasses Ambridge.
