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.
The Street Party
Oct 31, 1978
Everton Bennett rules in Empire Road but after six months away, with only Walter in charge, there are shocks in store for the 'godfather'.
Granma
Nov 7, 1978
Granma takes her first look at life in a big English city, and doesn’t approve of it.
The Way To Walter's Heart
Nov 14, 1978
Miss May is on the lookout for a new husband, and Walter is number one on her list.
Royston's Day
Nov 21, 1978
16-year-old Royston has a bleak outlook on his future, realising racial prejudice will affect the opportunities available to him.
The Big Day
Nov 28, 1978
It’s a day full of surprises in Empire Road, but no one will tell Everton what’s really cooking.
