The casting directors searched local Gloucestershire schools to find boys with authentic accents and spotted Archie, who they described as "an exciting new discovery", despite the fact that he has no previous acting experience.
Archie will star as Laurie know as 'Lol' in the story which chronicles his journey from boy to man, first love, loss and family upheaval. Lol’s boyhood escapades take place in a rural world as yet untouched by electricity and cars - a place suspended between history and modernity.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate Emma Curtis (represented by Gordon and French) with play Marj.
Billy Howle (represented by Curtis Brown), currently starring in E4's Glue, takes on the role of Private James Harris.
They will star alongside Golden Globe winner and two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton as Annie Lee, Jessica Hynes plays Miss Crabby; June Whitfield plays Granny Wallon and Annette Crosbie plays Granny Trill.
The drama will be directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, and is adapted by Ben Vanstone.
Ed Rubin, Head of Film and Television, Origin Pictures, says: “We are thrilled to be bringing Laurie Lee's classic and much cherished memoir to the screen, with such a terrific cast of top British acting talent and exciting new discoveries. The combination of Ben's vibrant adaptation and Philippa's inimitable direction will make this new version of Cider With Rosie a real treat for BBC One next year.”
Cider With Rosie has begun filming on location in Gloucestershire and will air in 2015 on BBC One as part of its season of classic 20th century literature.