'The Archers'.

Estimate

2,500 - 3,500 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

script of the first episode of the world's long-running radio drama
ink on paper

typescript, used by the actress Gwen Berryman (Doris Archer), underlinings in blue ink to title page, 11 pages, folio, housed in a red folder, nicks and tears to title page

[with:] press cuttings related to Berryman, loose press photographs (Gwen Berryman, Princess Anne at a recording of The Archers), copy of Radio Times (21-27 September 1958)

Provenance

Gwen Berryman ('Doris Archer'); Charles Collingwood ('Brian Aldridge', married to Doris's grand-daughter Jennifer)

Catalogue Note

"ANNOUNCER: The Archers. An everyday story of country folk..."

The beginning of a truly remarkable institution, which passed its 60th anniversary in January 2011. This first episode begins with the family at Brookfield Farm, headed by Dan and Doris Archer, bringing in the New Year. At its dramatic centre is their younger son Phil, who in the course of the episode kisses the neighbour Grace Fairborough, spats with his brother Jack, and at the end of the episode is about to go for a job interview (if the car keys can be found in time...) It was the kiss that had the greatest implications: Phil went on to marry Grace but five years later, in what is still the show's most famous plot-line, she died suddenly in a stable fire - on the opening night of the BBC's commercial rival ITV.