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12. Theme Tune Special

The Archers theme tune, Barwick Green, is 100 this year. To celebrate this centenary, Emma Freud and her guests discuss the history and power of this most enduring composition.

Barwick Green, composed by Arthur Wood, is 100 this year. It was chosen as The Archers theme tune by the very first editor Godfrey Baseley and has been used ever since. Emma Freud investigates the history and qualities of this enduring piece of music with contributions from Arthur Wood's granddaughter, from Danny Boyle who included Barwick Green in the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics, and from Helen Longworth, who plays Hannah Riley and who came up with her own version of the theme tune for us. And Archers fan Stephen Fry, who chose Barwick Green when he was cast away on Desert Island Discs, reads from Godfrey Baseley's memoir.

Presenter: Emma Freud
Producer: Nicola Holloway
Editor : John Goudie

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30 minutes