Urban Secrets

Alan Cumming delves into the hidden histories of cities, unveiling sights and sounds that most visitors never encounter, and the echoes that linger within them. He launches the series in London, guiding viewers through the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and its surrounding, often overlooked, architectural details.

The series is presented by Alan Cumming, who takes viewers on a journey through the concealed pasts of urban centres. It is billed as a programme that shines a light on the parts of city life that most people never get to see or hear, offering a fresh perspective on familiar places. In each episode Cumming uncovers the hidden histories that lie beneath the modern façade of a city. He points out sights and sounds that are usually out of reach for the everyday visitor, revealing layers of stories that have been tucked away over time. The focus is on those rarely witnessed details that give each metropolis its unique character. The adventure kicks off in London, with the first segment centred on St Paul’s Cathedral. Cumming begins his investigation at this iconic landmark, using it as a gateway to explore the lesser‑known narratives that surround the building and its environs. The choice of St Paul’s provides a familiar reference point from which the hidden aspects of the capital can be introduced. From that starting point, the programme continues to peel back the veil on urban histories, consistently aiming to bring to light the unseen and unheard elements that shape the cities we think we know. Each segment builds on the idea that there is always more to discover beneath the surface of even the most well‑known locations.