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Haywire at The Barn Theatre: The Comedy Behind the Creation of The Archers

World Premiere of BBC-Licensed Comedy Celebrating 75 Years of The Archers at The Barn Theatre

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester is set to premiere Haywire – A Not-So-Everyday Story Of How The Archers Was Born, a brand-new BBC-licensed comedy by Tim Stimpson running from 1 September to 11 October 2025. Directed by Joseph O’Malley, the production commemorates the 75th anniversary of The Archers, the world’s longest-running drama series, with its official birthday in January 2026.

“A new comedy to celebrate 75 years of The Archers”, the play brings to life the hilarious and heart-warming tale of how a small group of creatives in 1950s Birmingham changed British broadcasting forever. From a studio above a used car showroom, a phenomenon was born. Haywire pays tribute not just to The Archers but to the golden age of radio drama that continues to capture hearts across generations.

The creative team for this world premiere includes:

Tim Stimpson – Writer
Joseph O’Malley – Director
Alfie Heywood – Set & Costume Designer
Adam Foley – Lighting Designer
Amanda Priestley – Composer & Sound Designer
Emily Jones & Anthony Houghton – Casting Directors

Casting will be announced shortly.

BOOK NOW
https://barntheatre.org.uk/haywire

Iwan Lewis (CEO & Artistic Director) and Liam McMullan (Executive Director) expressed their gratitude to the BBC and writer Tim Stimpson for entrusting them with one of the broadcaster’s most iconic creations. “We’re hugely excited to bring this play to life. It’s a love letter to storytelling, radio, and a national treasure,” they shared.

Tim Stimpson added, “It’s a long-standing ambition of mine to tell this extraordinary story. I couldn’t be more delighted to be working with The Barn – after all, where else would a play about The Archers go but The Barn?”

Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, echoed the enthusiasm: “Haywire is a love song to the early years of Britain’s best-loved drama. I cannot wait to be in the front row on opening night.”

This heart-warming comedy is a must-see for fans of British radio, theatre lovers, and anyone who enjoys a glimpse behind the mic into the world of creative chaos and brilliance that birthed a cultural icon.

Explore Gloucestershire
12 June 2025

For further information.