Ever wondered what two bored Bradford teenagers would get up to if they could travel through time and space…and Yorkshire?
A new radio play, commissioned by BBC Radio Leeds, is set to answer that most excellent question in a quirky and chaotic production which has been commissioned by the BBC as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
The aptly titled Bilal and Ted’s Bradfordian Adventure sees Bradford school boys and best friends, Bilal and Ted - go on a voyage of discovery to find out why their home has been named the 2025 UK City of Culture.
Searching for inspiration, they come across a statue of JB Priestley, Bradford’s famous playwright, and on touching the statue are catapulted through time and space.
The pair end up in 19th Century Haworth, where they team up with Emily Bronte, who then guides them on their time-travelling journey. En route, the unlikely trio will see cultural highlights of Bradford through the years and meet prominent figures from the city’s illustrious past.
The unique play is written by Keighley-born, Bradford-based playwright Nick Ahad, who – alongside BBC Radio Leeds – has cast local actors from across the city to star in the play. He says this ensures Bradford’s grassroots creative talent is at the heart of the production and champions the ‘cultural powerhouse’ that is Bradford.
Playwright Nick, who is also an arts journalist and broadcaster in the city, said: “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.”
Local actors include Solomon Gordon and Armaan Ali who star as the play’s two main protagonists, Bilal and Ted. They both live in Bradford and were recruited from local community theatre groups.
Solomon Grant and Armaan Ali join an illustrious cast of experienced actors, including Emmerdale stars Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt, Deborah McAndrew and BBC New Comedy Awards Semi-finalist, Seeta Wrightson.
On being part of the project, Solomon said: “I’m nervous! But also really excited. You know, reading through it, it's like, wow - this is just a fun story. It's really beautiful, and showcases two kids as characters that ultimately find that they love their city.
Armaan said: “I’ve never done a radio play before and it's such a big opportunity for myself. So I just had to jump at the chance to get to do it.”
But it wasn’t just the opportunity of working with the BBC that drove them to take part; it is also a massive love of their home city and a chance to make its residents proud. Armaan added: “What's special about Bradford is the people. Honestly, the people are just the loveliest, the kindest people you'll ever meet. And the community is just wonderful.”
Solomon said: “For me, Bradford is like a warm hug in a sense. It's home. With the city’s old architecture, it’s like you're stepping into the past - you know what I mean? And we’ve had some major Hollywood blockbusters filmed in the city in the past. It’s rich with history, and that makes me proud.”
On writing a play about the city he calls home, Nick added: “It’s a wonderful place, with a deep and rich artistic history, which Bilal and Ted realise when they go on their journey in a story that tells of Bradford’s past, present, and future. It’s been a joy to write this piece and I’m really excited to share it with audiences as we launch ourselves into a spectacular 2025.”
Katrina Bunker, BBC Head of Yorkshire, said: “Bilal and Ted’s journey is funny, heartwarming and eye opening – I learnt things I didn’t know about Bradford and I’m a Yorkshire lass!
“But the best bit is it packs a real emotional punch too and makes the point that culture is about much more than the books we read, the music we hear, the food we eat but, it’s about the people who make a place unique. It’s a really lovely listen and a great way to kick off this exciting year for Bradford on the BBC.”
BBC Radio Leeds presents: Bilal and Ted’s Bradfordian Adventure, a 60-minute radio play, will be broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds on Thursday 2 January at 9am and Tuesday 7 January at 1pm. It will then be available on BBC Sounds.
