Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks
| Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks | |
|---|---|
| Presented by | Rose Ayling-Ellis |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Running time | 2 x 1 hour |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 26 March – 2 April 2025 |
Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks is a 2025 BBC documentary two-part television series.[1] In it, deaf British actress Rose Ayling-Ellis teaches British sign language (BSL) to people at a retirement home, Hughenden Gardens Retirement Village, in Buckinghamshire. It premiered on BBC One and BBC iplayer on 26 March 2025.[2][3]
After the first episode was broadcast, some viewers called the series "uplifting" and "amazing".[4] The series has been well-reviewed. Deaf writer and filmmaker Charlie Swinbourne wrote, "It had everything you could hope for: charismatic presenters and relatable, sympathetic contributors,.. and a strong social message – that learning BSL can have a huge benefit for older deafened people".[3] Rebecca Nicholson, writing in The Guardian, gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a "smart, nuanced documentary that blossoms into something profound".[1]
The residents carried on having weekly BSL lessons after the series finished.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Nicholson, Rebecca (26 March 2025). "Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands New Tricks review – funny, beautiful TV that leaves a lump in the throat". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ Richardson, Hollie. "TV tonight: an incredibly moving story about teaching sign language". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
- ^ a b Swinbourne., Charlie (27 March 2025). "Review: Rose Ayling-Ellis's documentary Old Hands, New Tricks reveals the power of learning BSL at any age". The Limping Chicken. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ Evans, Greg (27 March 2025). "Rose Ayling-Ellis called 'amazing' as viewers praise new British Sign Language show". The Independent. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ Copson, Josie (18 May 2025). "'I'm 77 but Rose Ayling-Ellis' experiment has turned me into a big kid'". Metro. Retrieved 25 October 2025.