Bradford Actors Collaborate with Emmerdale Cast for Radio Drama

Young actors from Bradford are collaborating with cast members from Emmerdale on a radio drama, marking the city’s designation as UK City of Culture for the year. This drama, commissioned by BBC Radio Leeds, will follow two close friends as they embark on a journey to understand the reasons behind their city receiving this prestigious title. Armaan Ali and Solomon Gordon have been cast in the leading roles of Bilal and Ted, performing alongside soap opera actors Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt. According to playwright Nick Ahad, the decision to cast local actors was made to ensure that the city’s emerging creative talent was central to the production. In the narrative, the two characters encounter a statue of playwright JB Priestley; upon touching it, they are propelled through time and space. Their journey leads them to 19th Century Haworth, where they join forces with Emily Brontë, who then leads them through a tour of Bradford’s significant cultural landmarks. Nick Ahad commented: “Bilal and Ted’s Bradfordian Adventure is my love letter to the place that made me the writer I am today, but also a way to prove to us Bradfordians and to everyone else that we absolutely are the cultural powerhouse some of us know we are.” Mr. Gordon expressed his pride in participating in a project that advocates for his city. He added: “I’m really blessed to be a part of it.” He further stated: “Bradford can do it and people in Bradford can absolutely go further.” Mr. Ali mentioned that collaborating with established professional actors felt “so scary at first.” Mr. Gordon remarked that “just learning from them was a gift.” Mr. Ali stated: “What’s special about Bradford is the people.” He continued: “Honestly, the people are just the loveliest, the kindest people you’ll ever meet. And the community is just wonderful.” The radio play is scheduled for broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds on Thursday, 2 January at 09:00 GMT, and again on Tuesday, 7 January at 13:00 GMT. Subsequently, it will be accessible via BBC Sounds.