How Pigeon Street led Britain through the early 1980s

Image: BBC

The year 1981 marked a crucial period in the socio-economic history of Britain. The nation was grappling with a range of challenges that would shape its future trajectory. From economic struggles to social unrest, 1981 was a year that tested the resilience of the British society and its institutions. It was during this period that writer Michael Cole’s Pigeon Street first appeared on British T.V. screens. It may have only lasted two seasons (a total of thirteen episodes) but it remains one of the first examples of a progressive approach to representation that addressed a variety of social issues through a diverse cast of characters. No Pigeon Street – No Gogglebox!

In real life, Britain was suffering from an economic downturn; it was in the middle of a severe recession, with high unemployment rates and escalating inflation. The policies implemented by the Thatcher government aimed at curbing inflation led to significant job losses, particularly in traditional industries like manufacturing and mining. The closures of coal mines and steelworks in various regions triggered protests and strikes, contributing to a tense atmosphere.

Unemployment reached alarming levels, with millions of individuals facing job insecurity. The resulting social impact was profound, as families struggled to make ends meet, and poverty became a growing concern. Music became mobilised against this, with all styles of music making their opinions known, especially on the Two Tone (aka 2tone) scene where traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae music were fused with elements of punk rock and new wave music to create a new multicultural sound.

On the T.V. screen, this multicultural vibe was captured in our episodic snapshots of life on Pigeon Street, where viewers witnessed a depiction of a multicultural neighbourhood of flats and terraced housing, reflecting the real-world diversity of urban life in the United Kingdom. Characters from different ethnic backgrounds lived together, portraying a more inclusive and representative portrayal of society compared to its T.V. contemporaries.

Over the episodes of Pigeon Street, we are introduced to a range of characters with varying abilities, all of which contributed to a more inclusive narrative. The likes of “Long Distance” Clara Noughton the lorry driver, her husband Hugo the chef; Mr Baskerville the detective; Mr Jupiter the astronomer; Mr Macadoo, the pet shop owner; Daisy Waldron and Rose Fogg, – the old ladies who live next door to each other, Mrs. Patel, who made curries that attracted the other residence of the street; William Cox, the window cleaner and his wife Betty, a dinner lady, and their son Jim; Dir. Glossop, his wife young Fiona, son Gerald and twin daughters Molly and Polly; Bob Breadsnapper, owner of “Bob’s Bikes” and keeper of pigeons. Bob lives with his brother Reg and Reg’s wife Moreen.

Producers Alan Rogers and David Yate helped create an image of socioeconomic diversity that helped children understand and appreciate the differences in people’s lives and backgrounds. Whilst in real life the surge in unemployment had profound implications for social cohesion where areas heavily dependent on traditional industries faced not only economic decline but also a sense of collective identity erosion. Further social unrest manifested in protests and demonstrations, exemplified by the 1981 Brixton riots in London, driven by a volatile combination of racial tensions, economic disenfranchisement, and police misconduct. Pigeon Street helped children see a way passed this, even going a step further with female characters in Pigeon Street braking away from traditional expectations and gender stereotypes; none more so than “Long Distance” Clara who challenged societal expectations and promoted the idea that individuals, regardless of gender, could pursue any career they wanted.

Pigeon Street’s approach to diversity was subtle yet impactful, seamlessly integrating these themes into its storylines. The show succeeded in fostering a sense of community that transcended societal divisions, emphasising unity in diversity. By doing so, Pigeon Street set a precedent for later children’s programming, encouraging a more inclusive representation of characters and stories.

While Pigeon Street may not have received the same level of recognition as many of its contemporaries, its contribution to promoting diversity and equality on UK television should not be overlooked. As Britain was marked by a complex interplay of economic reforms, social upheaval, and global dynamics, Pigeon Street presented us with a progressive portrayal of characters from different backgrounds, abilities, and genders living together – marking a significant step forward in children’s programming, leaving a lasting legacy that paved the way for more inclusive representation in the years to come.