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.

Drama

Seasons

1. The Street Party

Air Date: 1978-10-31

Everton Bennett rules in Empire Road but after six months away, with only Walter in charge, there are shocks in store for the 'godfather'.

2. Granma

Air Date: 1978-11-07

Granma takes her first look at life in a big English city, and doesn’t approve of it.

3. The Way To Walter's Heart

Air Date: 1978-11-14

Miss May is on the lookout for a new husband, and Walter is number one on her list.

4. Royston's Day

Air Date: 1978-11-21

16-year-old Royston has a bleak outlook on his future, realising racial prejudice will affect the opportunities available to him.

5. The Big Day

Air Date: 1978-11-28

It’s a day full of surprises in Empire Road, but no one will tell Everton what’s really cooking.

1. The Shark

Air Date: 1979-08-23

Marcus becomes infatuated with teacher Camille while Ranjanaa is away.

2. Mongrels

Air Date: 1979-08-30

Marcus becomes infatuated with teacher Camille while Ranjanaa is away.

3. M-Mister L-Landlord

Air Date: 1979-09-06

Property king Walter Isaacs is the man of the moment, but when he meets his new tenants, he learns he is playing a game he cannot win.

4. Football Crazy

Air Date: 1979-09-13

Desmond and Royston are determined to see their new football heroes in action.

5. Kalaloo Sunday

Air Date: 1979-09-20

Despite attending church in the morning, having plantains and kalaloo for lunch, and watching TV all afternoon, Hortense is yearning for the Sundays she knew back home.

6. Blues In The Night

Air Date: 1979-09-27

Miss May’s wild weekend parties are disrupted by angry protests from a white neighbour.

7. D.I.V.O.R.C.E.

Air Date: 1979-10-04

The prospect of a couple divorcing shocks the residents of Empire Road.

8. Godfadder At Bay

Air Date: 1979-10-18

Everton and the West Indian Businessman's Association face a financial crisis.

9. Streets Of Thornley

Air Date: 1979-10-25

Marcus keeps an eye on Ranjanaa when her father’s sweet shop is vandalised by a gang of racist youths.

10. Wedding

Air Date: 1979-11-01

Ranjanaa and Marcus are getting married today, and Empire Road sets out to celebrate the wedding of the year.

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Rating

0.0/10

Release Date

1978-10-31

Episodes

15 (2 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast