Release Date

31 Oct, 1978

Runtime

00:30: (HH:MM)

Total Episode/Season

15/2

Synopsis

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.

Original Title

Empire Road

Photos

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Season 1

31 Oct, 1978

Season 2

23 Aug, 1979

Actors

Meg Johnson

Rudolph Walker

Joseph Marcell

Norman Beaton

Wayne Laryea

Julie Walters

Allister Bain