Empire Road
Empire Road was a British television series, made by the BBC in 1978 and 1979. Written by Michael Abbensetts, the show ran for two seasons of eight episodes each. The series was the first British television series to be written, acted and directed predominantly by black artists. A soap opera, similar in format to Coronation Street, Empire Road depicted life for the African-Caribbean, East Indian and South Asian residents of a racially diverse street in the city of Birmingham. Prominent cast members included Norman Beaton, Corinne Skinner-Carter, Wayne Laryea, Joseph Marcell and Rudolph Walker. The programme also provided early TV exposure for Julie Walters who appeared in a few episodes. The series was made at BBC Pebble Mill with location work in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. The eponymously named theme song was recorded by Matumbi and also released as a single in 1978.
Cast: Meg Johnson, Rudolph Walker, Joseph Marcell
5 episodes
- 1. The Street PartyEverton Bennett rules in Empire Road but after six months away, with only Walter in charge, there are shocks in store for the 'godfather'.CC30minOct 31, 1978
- 2. GranmaGranma takes her first look at life in a big English city, and doesn’t approve of it.CC30minNov 7, 1978
- 3. The Way To Walter's HeartMiss May is on the lookout for a new husband, and Walter is number one on her list.CC30minNov 14, 1978
- 4. Royston's Day16-year-old Royston has a bleak outlook on his future, realising racial prejudice will affect the opportunities available to him.CC30minNov 21, 1978
- 5. The Big DayIt’s a day full of surprises in Empire Road, but no one will tell Everton what’s really cooking.CC30minNov 28, 1978
Empire Road
Empire Road was a British television series, made by the BBC in 1978 and 1979. Written by Michael Abbensetts, the show ran for two seasons of eight episodes each. The series was the first British television series to be written, acted and directed predominantly by black artists. A soap opera, similar in format to Coronation Street, Empire Road depicted life for the African-Caribbean, East Indian and South Asian residents of a racially diverse street in the city of Birmingham. Prominent cast members included Norman Beaton, Corinne Skinner-Carter, Wayne Laryea, Joseph Marcell and Rudolph Walker. The programme also provided early TV exposure for Julie Walters who appeared in a few episodes. The series was made at BBC Pebble Mill with location work in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. The eponymously named theme song was recorded by Matumbi and also released as a single in 1978.
Creators and cast
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
