Akenfield Exhibition

Akenfield Collection

Discover the essence of rural life through our Akenfield Collection. Immerse yourself in a tribute to Ronald Blythe's impactful writing

Akenfield Exhibition

50 years on from the release of the film, the Food Museum is pleased to tell the story of Akenfield – the groundbreaking book, the film and the people who made it all happen.

The exhibition will display original objects and photographs belonging to late author Ronald Blythe, director Sir Peter Hall and producer Rex Pyke.

Ronald Blythe’s Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village blends fact and fiction as it draws on interviews with 49 Suffolk residents to portray change in rural Suffolk from the 1880s to 1960s.

Adapted in 1974 by Sir Peter Hall and Rex Pyke, the film was acted by ordinary people and was seen by a quarter of the population when it was first broadcast on TV.

Included in entry price and is available to see during Museum opening hours until 25th April 2026

Akenfield Theatre Production

Sunday 5th October 2025, 7.30pm-10pm

SHAKE Festival brings a powerful new stage production of Akenfield to the Food Museum. Adapted from Ronald Blythe's iconic Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village, the play has been written by Suffolk resident Glenn Wilhide, best known for producing The Royle Family.

Echoing the 1975 film and Blythe's interviews with local villagers, this authentic community production is cast from within Suffolk. It features live folk music by Finn Collinson and creative input from Suffolk sculptor Laurence Edwards.

Produced by Jenny Hall and Liz Cook through SHAKE Festival and directed by Jenny Hall, the play will tour local venues before a special performance here at the Museum.

From £5. Book Online. For information please head to the Food Museum Website