SATURDAY 30 JULY 2022

SAT 00:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js7p)
Episode 1

A leprous prince ignores sinister warnings and a Bath playgroup's blind terror baffles the adults...

Aspiring poet Saul Judd gets drawn into a web of dark and mysterious forces.

Starring Robert Glenister.

Bruce Bedford's time-hopping supernatural thriller serial in six episodes.

Saul Judd …. Robert Glenister
Elise Judd …. Sharon Duce
The Scribe …. Freddie Jones
The Scribe’s Wife …. Kate Binchy
Haensel Sethria …. Constance Chapman
Prince Bladud …. John Telfer
Rough Peasant …. Trevor Cooper
Karim El Hatel …. Sam Dastor
The Chairwoman …. June Barrie
The Northern Man …. Geoff Serle
The Guardian …. Jonathan Adams

Original music composed by Thomas Johnson.

Music realised by Robin Lever.

Special effects: Dick Mills (Radiophonic Workshop)

Directed at BBC Bristol by Andy Jordan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.


SAT 00:30 Sounds Natural (b0b6pkrx)
Nigel Stock

Actor Nigel Stock shares his passion for wildlife and conservation with Derek Jones.

A Slavonian grebe, a Fire-Bellied Toad and Fred the Coypu are among his choice of recordings from the BBC Sound Archives.

British character actor, Nigel Stock (1919 -1986).appeared in numerous TV, film and stage productions - most memorably as Dr Watson in the BBC's Sherlock Holmes TV dramatisations in the 1960s

Produced in Bristol by John Burton and Michael Bowen.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1971.


SAT 01:00 Agatha Christie (b00jzwdq)
In a Glass Darkly

A man believes he has seen a murderous attack on a young woman reflected in a mirror.

He then meets and falls in love with her.

With war calling him away, he tries to warn her of what he has seen.

Stars Neil Dudgeon

Agatha Christie's whodunit dramatised by Mike Walker

Jeff ...... Neil Dudgeon
Sylvia ...... Rebecca Egan
Neil ...... Rhys Meredith
Terry ...... Bob Sherman
Angus ...... Richard Firth

Music composed and performed by Ben Wallfisch

Director: Ned Chaillet

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.


SAT 01:30 The Great Impersonation (m000mdn8)
5. The Truth Revealed

The Kaiser’s plans gather pace and the mystery of the black wood is revealed.

And at last it's time for the man supposed to be Sir Everard Dominey to reveal his true identity.

Is he Sir Everard, or the Prussian von Ragastein?

Conclusion of E Phillips Oppenheim's mystery thriller.

Starring David Robb.

Dramatised by Barry Campbell

Sir Everard Dominey / Leopold von Ragastein ...... David Robb
Prince Terniloff ...... Tim Meats
Pelham/Parkins ...... Howard Hoffmann
Lady Dominey ...... Melinda Walker
Seaman ...... William Hope
Williams ...... Brian Gear
Mrs Marston ...... Gwen Cherrell
Dr Harrison ...... Garard Green
Middleton/Reynolds ...... Paul Nicholson
Princess Eiderstrom ...... Narissa Knights
Dr Schmidt ...... Phillip Manikum

Director Brian Miller

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1985.


SAT 02:00 Every Third Thought by Robert McCrum (b093jsrn)
Episode 5

Despite thoughts of decline and death, Robert finds new hope through a new love.

Witty, lucid and provocative, this Robert McCrum's enthralling exploration of what it means to approach the end-game, and begin to recognise, perhaps reluctantly, that we are not immortal.

In 1995, aged 42, Robert suffered a dramatic and near-fatal stroke - the subject of his acclaimed memoir My Year Off.

Ever since that life-changing event, he has lived in the shadow of death, unavoidably aware of his own mortality. And now, 21 years on, he is noticing a change - his friends are joining him there. Death has become his contemporaries' every third thought.

The question is no longer "who am I?" - but "how long have I got?" and "what happens next?"

With the words of Robert's favourite authors as travel companions, Every Third Thought takes us on a journey through a year and towards death itself. As he acknowledges his own and his friends' ageing, he confronts an existential question - in a world where we have learned to live well at all costs, can we make peace with what Freud calls "the necessity of dying"?

Searching for answers leads him to others for advice and wisdom.

Abridged by Barry Johnston

Concluded by Nicky Henson.

Producer: David Roper

A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.


SAT 02:15 EM Forster - Where Angels Fear to Tread (b007jrzr)
Episode 10

Englishman Philip confesses all to Italian Gino - and learns a bitter truth.

EM Forster's debut novel, first published in 1905.

Dramatised ten parts by Penny Leicester.

Narrator ...... Sian Thomas
Philip ...... Jamie Bamber
Caroline ...... Emilia Fox
Harriet ...... Deborah Findlay
Gino ...... Tom George

Director: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2003.


SAT 02:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
Oral Historian Alan Dein pieces together the remarkable and pioneering story of the Keskidee, Britain's first arts centre for the black community.

Founded in the early 1970's and tucked away in a church hall in the backstreets of Islington, London, it forged new ground for a generation of black British poets, actors, artists and directors.

Dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson was the educational officer at the Keskidee and Bob Marley shot the music video for 'Is This Love?' there. It had its own drama company, artists in residence and was a hub for African and Afro-Caribbean politics and arts, as well as a creative nursery for home-grown talent. It also catered for the needs of local youth and gave a generation of black teenagers a space of their own.

But this massively influential cultural centre also has a fascinating earlier history, when it served as a progressive mission hall with a musical pastor and a legendary silver band. Today the building has reverted to being a religious base, housing an African church and a devout and joyous congregation.

Dein joins up the hidden history of Gifford Hall which has played host to three different communities, but which, curiously, have much in common.

Producer: Neil McCarthy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.


SAT 03:00 Wallis - The Life and Legends of Wallis Simpson (b0855wfh)
The Melody Lingers On

Wallis realises marrying an ex-king means broken promises, plus doubtful acquaintances and scandal.

As the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis was reviled for causing King Edward VIII to abdicate his throne to marry her.

But what was she really like?

Starring Stockard Channing.

The conclusion of Elizabeth Proud's three-part drama about the Duchess of Windsor.

Wallis Simpson .... Stockard Channing
Duke of Windsor .... Christopher Casenove
Maitre Blum .... Barbara Leigh-Hunt
Churchill/Georges .... Chris Emmett
Foxie .... Jill Graham
Nancy .... Sunny Ormonde
Noel Coward/Von Stohrer/1st Embassy Official …. John Webb
Nurse Christine .... Sara Coward
Nurse Dominique .... Susan Bovell
Penelope Ross/Lady Mosley .... Joanna Monro
Douglas .... David Monico
Stanley/Von Ribbentrop .... Keith Drinkel
Maj. Gray Phillips/BBC Announcer .... Tim Meats
2nd Embassy Official .... David Holt

Producer: Sue Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1996.


SAT 04:00 Hidden Treasures (b054z4kp)
Petworth House

A reclining marble sculpture, a very peculiar chair, and some weird and wonderful objects from the kitchen.

Lars Tharp chairs the light-hearted Antiques Quiz from the North Gallery of Petworth House in West Sussex - crammed with works of Turner, William Blake, Reynolds and Gainsborough.

With Eric Knowles, Clive Farahar and Hilary Kay.

Producer: Annie Bristow

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.


SAT 04:30 One Flat Summer (b00752gw)
The Derby

For Ken, the stakes have been raised by a big win at Newmarket and the attentions of the mysterious Racecourse Rita.

Meanwhile the home front has been badly neglected...

Dave Sheasby's six-part comedy drama.

Ken …… Gerard McDermott
Margaret …… Gillian Bevan
Curly …… Anthony Ofoegbu
Christine …… Rachel Atkins
Dad …… Keith Marsh
Janice …… Andrea Pickering
Tanker …… Stephen Thorne
Super Yankee …… David Brooks
Shop Assistant …… Tracy-Ann Oberman
Bank Manager …… Hugh Dickson
Rita …… Janet Maw
Tam ...... Tom Georgeson

Director: David Hunter

First broadcast on BBC Radio in August 1997.


SAT 05:00 Dot (b08pdxl5)
Series 2

Teeth

The fellas are going squiffy over Myrtle's new gnashers.

As Hollywood beckons, how will Dot take the news she is no longer the star of her own show?

Rollicking war time comedy by Ed Harris, set in the personnel department of the Cabinet Rooms.

Dot ..... Fenella Woolgar
Myrtle ..... Kate O'Flynn
Peg ..... Freya Parker
Millicent ..... Jane Slavin
Peabody ..... David Acton
Lord Basil Cornley-Awks ..... David Sterne

Director: Jessica Mitic

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.


SAT 05:30 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0019jw2)
Series 1

Bristol to Penzance

Author, actor and comedy icon, Alexei Sayle continues his travels across the country by rail in the third of a new six part series for Radio 4.

Alexei’s mission is to break the golden rule of travelling by train and actually talk to his fellow passengers in a quest for conversations that reveal their lives, hopes, dreams and destinations. There’s humour, sadness and surprise as people talk about what is going on in their lives and, as Alexei passes through familiar towns and cities, he also tells stories and memories from his career and childhood.

Alexei has a lifelong "ticket to ride" in his DNA. His father was a railway guard and the Sayle family benefitted from free travel in the UK and across Europe. As a boy, Alexei and his family roamed far and wide from the family home in Anfield, Liverpool. At a time when most people thought an exciting trip by train was to Brighton or Blackpool, Alexei travelled thousands of miles to mysterious towns with unpronounceable names in far flung corners of the continent.

In each programme in the series, he embarks on a rail journey, taking a chance on who he might meet and inviting them to have a conversation with him. In this episode, Alexei travels from Bristol to Penzance and meets Bert, a Cornish Bard, Marissa and Leanne who have travelled the world working on cruise liners, Angela who for many years ran one of Cornwall's most famous and historic pubs, and Astra who is learning the ropes at circus school.

Producers Peter Lowe and Nick Symons
A Ride production for Radio 4


SAT 06:00 Who Shot Ada Tansey? (m0019s2p)
Drama behind the scenes of a long-running, much-loved Northern TV soap opera.

The leading lady is suddenly and dramatically murdered.

Who shot Ada Tansey?

And why?

Written by Coronation Street stalwart, Peter Whalley.

David .... Derek Smith
Frank .... John Branwell
Mike .... David Fleeshman
Arnold .... Robert Keegan
Bernard .... Keith Clifford
Larry .... Bernard Latham
Ruth/Edith .... Ann Rye
Mel/Denlse .... Sue Jenkins
Sylvia/Jean .... Rosalie Williams
Ethel/Barbara .... Kate Lee
Sam/Lulgl .... Russell Dixon
Dennis .... Roger Phillips

Directed at BBC Manchester by Caroline Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1982.


SAT 07:15 Edgar Wallace - The Man with the Red Beard (m0005gys)
'As you are a man of considerable property and may wish to have time to make arrangements as to its disposal, I will give you a little grace. At the end of a reasonable period, I shall come to London and kill you.'

Notorious vigilante, The Ringer, sets out to exact revenge.

Edwin Richfield reads Edgar Wallace's short story. .

Producer: Nigel Bryant

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.


SAT 07:30 Great Lives (m0003qy2)
Series 48

Shappi Khorsandi on Emma, Lady Hamilton

Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi has been desperate to tell the story of Emma, Lady Hamilton as she’s quite simply one of her greatest fans.

Everyone knows Emma Hamilton as simply the seducer of Admiral Horatio Nelson but according to Shappi she was more than that; history has simply palmed her off as a prostitute, a mistress, without looking at the deeper story of what she suffered and endured.

In this programme Shappi, with help from Professor Kate Williams, author of ‘England’s Mistress’, makes the case for how this woman born into poverty clawed her way up through London’s sordid underworld and became fantastically famous posing for artist George Romney. She also became an ambassador’s wife and mixed in diplomatic circles and became the confidante of both Marie Antoinette and the Queen of Naples.

Will presenter Matthew Parris be convinced and accept Emma, Lady Hamilton as a great life.

Producer: Perminder Khatkar

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.


SAT 08:00 The Write Stuff (b00f6q64)
Series 12

DH Lawrence

James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness.

Team captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh are joined by Sue Limb and Andrew Motion.

Author of the week is DH Lawrence.

Reader: Beth Chalmers

Producer: Katie Marsden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.


SAT 08:30 North by Northamptonshire (b017x4fn)
Series 2

Episode 2

Jan has Helen back at home, but is it what she really wants?

Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of Wadenbrook - a small town in Northamptonshire.

Written by Katherine Jakeways

Keith ...... John Biggins
Rod ...... Mackenzie Crook
Jonathan/Ken ...... Kevin Eldon
Narrator ...... Shelia Hancock
Helen ...... Jessica Henwick
Esther/Jacqui ...... Katherine Jakeways
Jan ...... Felicity Montagu
Norman ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Angela ...... Lizzie Roper
Mary ...... Penelope Wilton
Frank ...... Rufus Wright

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.


SAT 09:00 How to Have a Hit Show (b09sn83p)
Maria Friedman - actress, singer and musical theatre director - explores the BBC archives to hear advice from the great songwriters of the past about How to Have a Hit Show.

The BBC archives teem with interviews with the great songwriters which were carried out for landmark series like "Ragtime to Rock'n'Roll" decades ago, but which have rarely had an airing since, apart from short snippets. All the songwriting greats are there- from early interviews with Rodgers and Hammerstein to Irving Berlin, Yip Harburg, Dorothy Fields and Cy Coleman. More modern songwriters like Stephen Sondheim and many others also feature strongly. Recordings of the legendary song performers also abound - the great names who premiered the seminal show roles like Ethel Merman, and Mary Martin.

This special three-hour showcase compilation takes us through the journey of writing a hit musical show, from first thought to the final performance as seen through the eyes - and ears- of these great names.

Divided into different sections - The Idea, The Producer, The Songs, The Orchestrator etc - Maria uses the archives to take us on a journey which explores all the different facets of songwriting, promoting and plugging within the narrative of composing that one elusive hit show. With examples like Alan Jay Lerner describing how he sweated over one line in a lyric for two months, we provide a window into a creative world interwoven with music.

Maria will also re-introduce us to some standalone programmes featuring the great names of songwriting history and the musicals they created.

Producer: Emma Kingsley

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2018.


SAT 12:00 Josh Howie's Losing It (m0000m7q)
Series 2

The Visitor

Return of stand-up comic Josh Howie coming to terms with with the birth of his first child.

Josh and his wife Monique prepare for a visit from the health visitor - who Josh manages to get on the wrong side of, as only he can.

Sitcom starring Josh Howie and Pippa Evans.

Written by Josh Howie.

With:

Kerry Godliman
Julian Deane
Jonathan Kemp

Producer: Ashley Blaker

A Black Hat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018. .


SAT 12:30 Heated Rollers (b007jwzw)
Episode 1

A cavewoman look ahead, the perils of phoning a bank and the history of feminism

The first-ever all-women sketch show made for BBC Radio 2.

Starring:

Lynda Bellingham
Gwyneth Strong
Joanna Monro

With music supplied by the Lorraine Bowen Experience.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1999.


SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (m0007k9b)
Beckett's Last Tapes

Robert McCrum explores the elusive Samuel Beckett’s astonishing literary career through rare audio tape recordings from the Samuel Beckett Research Centre at the University of Reading.

Housed in the unlikely spot of the Museum of English Rural Life, Beckett - the lifelong outsider - would have enjoyed the absurdity of finding his archives next to dairy farming data and combine harvester records. As a result, perhaps not unintentionally, Beckett's tapes have remained here as a well-kept secret.

Many of the tapes are interviews recorded by Beckett's friend, the scholar James Knowlson, while he was researching an official biography. The interviews they contain reveal fascinating insights into the way Samuel Beckett worked closely and collaboratively with his actors and friends - including Sian Phillips, Paul Daneman, Billie Whitelaw and Harold Pinter - and the respect they showed for him in return.

Taking Krapp's Last Tape as inspiration for this programme, Robert tells the story of the Samuel Beckett archive at Reading and invites surviving collaborators, friends and those who have found inspiration in Beckett's work.

These include:

Tom Stoppard
Edna O'Brien
Sian Phillips
Lisa Dwan
Lady Antonia Fraser
James Knowlson

Robert asks them to listen to extracts from the tapes and reflect on his unique method and the expression of his genius.

Robert aims to gain new insight into the mind of one of the 20th century's literary giants, while bringing out the poignancy and nostalgia involved in revisiting memories and life-events through the tapes.

Producer: Melissa FitzGerald

A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2019.


SAT 14:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01cwrtd)
Series 1

Dishonesty

Stephen K Amos and his pick of the circuit's best stand-up comedians attempt to unravel the knotty problems of modern life

They kick off with the idiot's guide to dishonesty.

With:

Sara Pascoe
Matt Forde
Carey Marx
David O'Doherty

Programme associates: Christine Rose and Hugh Sington.

Producer: Colin Anderson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012.


SAT 14:30 Daydream Believers (b007kq40)
Ray writes up best-selling sci-fi stories, and he spends at least a week writing each novel or the quality suffers.

All the pointless interruptions from his lodger Colin would put Ray off, if he didn't find ingenious ways of incorporating their conversations into the thrilling space adventures of hard-working Baron Amstrad and his constantly interrupting robot companion Info.

Mitchell and Webb play the hack sci-fi scribe and gormless lodger.

Sitcom written by and starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb

With:

Olivia Colman
Mark Benton
Simon Greenall
Mark Evans

Producer Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.


SAT 15:00 The Hudson and Pepperdine Show (m0019k4r)
Series 4

Dr Hummel

Mel gets happy tablets from her GP as Vicki stages her leaving party complete with celebrity guests.

Written by and starring Mel Hudson & Vicki Pepperdine

With:

Martin Hyder
Lewis MacLeod
Jim North

Additional material by Rhodri Crooks, Paul Kerensa, Richie Devlin, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.

Music by Richie Webb

Producer Chris Neill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.


SAT 15:30 The Museum of Everything (b00gknj8)
Series 3

The Museum Reopens

A temp with a scary clown face aids the tour guide.

Welcome back to the galleries of the only museum where you can experience the history of everything.

Written and performed by:

Marcus Brigstocke
Danny Robins
Dan Tetsell

With Lucy Montgomery.

Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.

Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.


SAT 16:00 Who Shot Ada Tansey? (m0019s2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 17:15 Edgar Wallace - The Man with the Red Beard (m0005gys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


SAT 17:30 Great Lives (m0003qy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 18:00 Sheila Hodgson - Turn Turn Turn (b01pglt9)
MR James - in an effort to heal a breach between a young man and his father - tells a cautionary and chilling tale of evil and witchcraft.

One of a number of dramas written by Sheila Hodgson inspired by MR James and portraying him as the diarist of a series of fictional ghost stories.

MR James................................. David March
Charles Fenton.......................Michael Cochrane
Sir John Cheke........................Gerald Cross
Rev Nicholas Fenton.............Alan Lawrance
Mark Palgrave.......................Colin Etherington
Chauncey Adam......................Steve Hodson
Labourer..................................William Eedle

Writer Sheila Hodgson

Director: David Johnston

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.


SAT 18:45 MR James (b007k1gn)
Ghost Stories

A School Story

A man recalls ghostly events in 1870 involving his old teacher. What is "the well among the yews"?

Written by MR James. First published in 1911 in the collection ‘More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary’.

Read by Benjamin Whitrow.

Abridged and produced by Paul Kent.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.


SAT 19:00 How to Have a Hit Show (b09sn83p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 22:00 Saturday Night Fry (b007jt12)
Episode 6

Stephen Fry serves up a final portion of witty banter and sketches.

With Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Emma Thompson and Phyllida Law.

Written by Stephen Fry with additional material by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.

Producer: Dan Patterson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.


SAT 22:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01d2fsj)
Series 1

First Impressions

Stephen K Amos and his pick of the circuit's best stand-ups build an idiot's guide to life.

Miss London, Jess Fostekew and Craig Campbell join Stephen to offer an idiot's guide to first impressions.

Producer: Colin Anderson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012.


SAT 23:00 The Simon Day Show (b01k2bw9)
Series 2

Mick Cunningham

Simon Day and his characters welcome listeners to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK. Each week one of Simon's comic characters come to perform at The Mallard while the staff struggle with rivalries, self-doubt and the new owner's vision for the theatre's future.

This week brings Australian celebrity chef, Mick Cunningham to The Mallard, labouring under the misapprehension that he'll be filming a TV show.

CAST:

Mick Cunningham …. Simon Day
Emanuel Akinyemi …. Felix Dexter
Pat Bennet .... Morwenna Banks
Ron Bone / Wozak .... Simon Greenall
Rene .... Janine Duvitski

Written by Simon Day.

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.


SAT 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jpct)
Series 2

Nero

Satan takes Thomas on a tour of his life and recruits a keen new tormentor, the Emperor Nero.

Andy Hamilton's comedy series set in Hell.

Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan

Other characters played by Philip Pope, Felicity Montagu and Nick Revell.

Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.

SUNDAY 31 JULY 2022

SUN 00:00 Sheila Hodgson - Turn Turn Turn (b01pglt9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]


SUN 00:45 MR James (b007k1gn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (m0007k9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01cwrtd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 Daydream Believers (b007kq40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:00 The Hudson and Pepperdine Show (m0019k4r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Saturday]


SUN 03:30 The Museum of Everything (b00gknj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 Who Shot Ada Tansey? (m0019s2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 05:15 Edgar Wallace - The Man with the Red Beard (m0005gys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]


SUN 05:30 Great Lives (m0003qy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Every Third Thought by Robert McCrum (Omnibus) (b09483jm)
How do we approach and accept death?

In 1995, at the age of 42, Robert McCrum suffered a dramatic and near-fatal stroke - the subject of his acclaimed memoir My Year Off. Ever since that life-changing event, he has lived in the shadow of death, unavoidably aware of his own mortality. And now, 21 years on, he is noticing a change - his friends are joining him there. Death has become his contemporaries' every third thought. The question is no longer "who am I?" - but "how long have I got?" and "what happens next?"

With the words of Robert's favourite authors as travel companions, Every Third Thought takes us on a journey through a year and towards death itself. As he acknowledges his own and his friends' ageing, he confronts an existential question - in a world where we have learned to live well at all costs, can we make peace with what Freud calls "the necessity of dying"? Searching for answers leads him to others for advice and wisdom.

Witty, lucid and provocative, this is an enthralling exploration of what it means to approach the end-game, and begin to recognise, perhaps reluctantly, that we are not immortal.

Robert has a sudden and unexpected fall in the street, resulting in a head injury.

Omnibus of five parts abridged by Barry Johnston

Read by Nicky Henson.

Producer: David Roper

A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.


SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06cjk8l)
Maxine Peake

Actress Maxine Peake chooses 'The Unicorn Song' by Brobdingnadian Bards and 'Alone Again Or' by Love.


SUN 07:20 EM Forster - Where Angels Fear to Tread (Omnibus) (b007js09)
Episode 2

Philip and Harriet arrive in Monteriano to rescue Lilia's baby from the horrors of an Italian upbringing. With Sian Thomas.


SUN 08:30 Home to Roost (m0019rgp)
Trixymixy Party

'Mother' has ordered some fancy party food to tempt other housewives to buy kitchen utensils.

'Father' must stay out of the way.

Stars Molly Sugden and Deryck Guyler.

Olive and William Wheeler are a crusty old married couple, who call each other ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’.

He's still adapting to his retirement after forty years in the same office, while she's trying to cope with him being under her feet all day.

William Wheeler ...... Deryck Guyler
Olive Wheeler ...... Molly Sugden
Jack Bailey ...... Norman Rossington
Nev ...... John Baddeley
Bob ...... Graham Weston

Theme music by Alex Welsh, played by Alex Welsh and his band

Producer: Trafford Whitelock

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.


SUN 09:00 The Code of the Woosters (b007jzz6)
The Course of True Love

Bertie comes a cropper while trying to rescue Gussie's notebook. PG Wodehouse adventure with Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.


SUN 09:30 Coming Alive (b00gdw1p)
Series 2

Just One Night

Terry and Sandra come to blows when his ex winds up staying at the community centre.

Starring Karl Howman and Phylis Logan.

Jim Eldridge's sitcom about ex-convict Terry King's efforts to run a community centre.

Terry King ...... Karl Howman
Sandra Gaines ...... Phyllis Logan
Steve Addison ...... Ben Crowe
Mr Preston ...... David Holt
Annie ...... Alison Pettitt
Mavis Maddox ...... Tilly Vosburgh
Chaperoning Child ...... Irene Prentice
Gail ...... Jennifer Wheelan
Warren ...... Clinton Mullins Dodson

Producer: Marilyn Imrie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2000.


SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0019rgs)
BBC Proms 2022

Chi-chi Nwanoku

Chi-chi Nwanoku is a double bass player and founder of Europe's first professional majority black and minority ethnic orchestra, Chineke!.

Chi-chi is the eldest of five children, born to a Nigerian father and an Irish mother. Early on, she discovered two competing passions: playing the piano and 100 metre sprinting. She was aiming to qualify for the 1976 Olympics when she suffered a knee injury which cut short her life as an athlete. Her music teacher then suggested that she could have a career as a musician if she took up 'an unpopular orchestral instrument'. She began learning the double bass a week later.

She was a student at the Royal Academy of Music and for over 30 years has played with renowned orchestras, including the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, English Baroque Soloists, London Classical Players and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment , which she co-founded and where she was principal double bass for three decades.

In 2015, she set up Chineke! to support, inspire and encourage black and minority ethnic musicians. Last year the Chineke! orchestra made its debut at the BBC Proms, and Chi-chi was awarded an OBE for her services to music.

Producer: Sarah Taylor.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.


SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mydlm)
Series 1

Amber

As a boy, David Attenborough had a piece of amber in which lay a blood-sucking fly. He still has it today.

Would it be possible to extract the DNA from one of these insects caught in the resin and, maybe, recreate a dinosaur?

Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009


SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m0019rgv)
Series 13

Past Tense, Future Perfect

True stories told live in the USA: Meg Bowles introduces stories about moments and memories that mold the future.

The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.

The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.

Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.

The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.

First heard on PRX in the USA in 2020.


SUN 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06cjk8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]


SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m0019rgx)
The Great Libraries - South Bank

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects The Great Libraries: Southbank Poetry Library presented by Joan Bakewell with readings by Alex Jennings.

An episode from the series in which Joan Bakewell seeks out poetry treasures in some of our great libraries.

In this programme Joan Bakewell dons a hard hat to visit London's South Bank Poetry Library, in re-development as part of the South Bank complex . With contributions from artistic director Jude Kelly, Simon Smith and Miriam Valencia. Poetry read by Alex Jennings.

Produced by Susan Roberts.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.


SUN 12:30 Ability (m0004593)
Series 2

A Job for Matt

Matt - Lost Voice Guy - decides to turn over a new leaf and earn some money legally. He advertises the flat on AirBnB but then has to resort to looking for a real job.

Matt is 25, has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad. Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He is funny and clever and ‘up for stuff’ - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.

In this second series, Matt still shares a flat with his best mate, Jess. He is still in love with her but, much as she likes him, she is still not in love with him. She does however, fancy Matt’s rubbish carer, Bob, who is even more lazy and useless at most things than she is. Bob is willing and treats Matt like a real person. Over the last year or so the three of them have been through a lot together - well a lot of drinking and hangovers anyway.

Ability is the semi-autobiographical co-creation of the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent winner, Lee Ridley, otherwise known as Lost Voice Guy. Like his sitcom creation, Lee has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app.

The series is set in Newcastle and many of the cast last played together as children in Biker’s Grove.

Katherine Jakeways, the co-creator and co-writer of Ability, is a multi-award nominated writer.

CAST:

Matt …. Lee Ridley – Lost Voice Guy
Matt's Inner Voice …. Andrew Hayden-Smith
Bob …. Allan Mustafa
Jess …. Sammy Dobson
With James Lailey, Chelsea Halfpenny, Debbie Arnold and Tom Neenan.

Producer: Jane Berthoud

A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2019.


SUN 13:00 Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty (Omnibus) (b091w089)
Episode 1

Bernard MacLaverty's first novel in sixteen years is a profound examination of human love, loss and faith.

A retired couple, Stella and Gerry Gilmore, fly from their home in Glasgow to Amsterdam for a long weekend: a holiday to refresh the senses, to do some sightseeing, to take stock. Gerry, once an architect, is a heavy drinker who is set in his ways. Stella is tired of his lifestyle, worried about their marriage and angry at his constant undermining of her religious faith. Their relationship seems safe, easy, familiar but over the course of a few days we discover the deep uncertainties that exist between them.

The novel has been described by Colm Toibin as: "...a work of extraordinary emotional precision and sympathy, about coming to terms - to an honest reckoning - with love and the loss of love, with memory and pain... This is a novel of great ambition by an artist at the height of his powers."

Reader: Frances Tomelty

Writer: Bernard MacLaverty

Abridger: Kirsteen Cameron

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017 as a Book at Bedtime in 9 parts.


SUN 14:00 The Day I Met Sean Connery by Susie Maguire (b09pv657)
"... He did that thing with his eyebrows that makes his nostrils flare, and said 'Ladies firsht', and I swear to God I nearly melted into a wee heap...."

No local lad can compare with her screen idol. Marina has an idea involving shortbread.

Written and read by Susie Maguire.

Producer: David Jackson Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1994.


SUN 14:15 Mary Brunton - Self Control (Omnibus) (b011tt9h)
Episode 2

After her father's death Laura, now penniless, is taken in by her Aunt Lady Pelham.

Mary Brunton’s romantic tale set in Perthshire and London narrated by Maureen Beattie.

Laura Montreville is loved by two men - a reckless libertine and a dignified but reserved landowner. In a world where polite society and sexual hypocrisy rub shoulders easily, can she choose wisely between passion and virtue?

Omnibus of the last five of ten parts dramatised by Gerda Stevenson

Laura ...... Gerda Stevenson
Hargrave ...... Andrew Wincott
Mrs Stubbs ...... Phyllida Law
Lady Pelham ...... Barbara Leigh-Hunt
De Courcy ...... Tom Goodman Hill
Hargrave ...... Andrew Wincott
Mrs Harrington ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Maid ...... Emma Wooliams

Mary Brunton was a Scottish novelist much admired by Jane Austen; and Self Control, first published in 1811, deals with similar themes to Sense and Sensibility.

Producer: Bruce Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.


SUN 15:30 Highway 61: Fifty Years On (b06gtk2l)
Andy Kershaw re-examines the Bob Dylan album that changed popular music and his life.

Beginning with the resounding hit of a snare drum, Like A Rolling Stone starts Bob Dylan’s first fully electrified album, Highway 61 Revisited.

When he first heard the song in his mother’s car, Bruce Springsteen said it was “like somebody kicked open the door to your mind.” The album represents the birth of rock music, as opposed to the pop or beat music that preceded its release.

It sounds as subversive now as it did in 1965.

Besides revolutionising popular music, the album transformed the life of broadcaster Andy Kershaw. For him, nothing would be the same after Highway 61.

Andy travels to America to meet the surviving musicians and hear the extraordinary stories behind the recording sessions.

Dylan was only 24 years old when he walked into Columbia Studio A in New York City to record the album in June 1965. For a masterpiece record, it is all the more remarkable that almost no preparation, and absolutely no rehearsal, went into it.

Al Kooper, who was brought in as an observer, tells how he mistakenly and fortunately found himself playing the organ on Like A Rolling Stone, discovering the song’s melody on the spot.

Bassist Harvey Brooks talks about the patience that was required to work with the unorthodox Dylan. Legendary Nashville musician Charlie McCoy describes how he was accidentally brought in to play the memorable Spanish-sounding guitar on Desolation Row.

And Keith Richards provides a surprising take on Highway 61’s legacy.

Producer: Colin McNulty

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2015.


SUN 16:00 Jill Paton Walsh - The Wyndham Case (b007jsrd)
The locked library of St Agatha's College in Cambridge houses an invaluable collection of 17th-century volumes. It also contains one dead student. A tragic accident - or is there some more mysterious and deadly circumstance surrounding the death of model student Philip Skellow?

If anyone can find out, it’s college nurse and amateur sleuth, Imogen Quy, and her policeman friend, Mike.

Imogen Quy …. Carolyn Pickles
Mike Parsons …. Richard Derrington
Sir William …. Jeffery Dench
Lady Buckmoat …. Marlene Sidaway
Fran Bullion …. Tracey Wyles
Mountnessing …. Charles Collingwood
Mrs. Skellow …. Gillian Goodman
Lord Goldhooper …. Ian Brooker
Nick …. Tom George
Emily and Tracy …. Claire Corbett
Catherine and Felicity …. Jasmine Hyde
Jack …. Thomas Arnold
Phillip Skellow …. Alex Trinder
Roger …. Martyn Read

Written by Jill Paton Walsh and dramatised by Neville Teller.

Directed in Birmingham by Peter Lesley Wild

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m0019rgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]


SUN 17:30 Ability (m0004593)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]


SUN 18:00 Ray Bradbury's Tales of the Bizarre (b007jpx2)
Series 1

Night Call Collect

Marooned accidentally on Mars, telephone engineer Barton waits for the rescue rocket and goes on putting up the phone lines. Then one morning - on his 80th birthday - the phone rings.

Ray Bradbury introduces his own thriller dramatised by Brian Sibley.

Starring Kerry Shale.

Directed in Edinburgh by Hamish Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1995.


SUN 18:30 Earthsea (b0bn5qb4)
Series 2

A Bad Thing

On the island of Gont, Tenar saves a remarkable young girl from certain death. She also makes a dangerous enemy.

Ursula Le Guin's enduring fantasy saga starring Nina Wadia.

Published between 1968 and 2001, the five novels and short story collection of Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea cycle (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, The Other Wind and Tales from Earthsea) are re-told across 12 episodes. In the first series, the first three novels were re-told, and series two takes in Tehanu, The Other Wind and the short story Dragonfly.

As a girl, Tenar, was taken from her home and family on the island of Atuan to become Arha, the Priestess Ever Reborn, guardian of the ominous Tombs of Atuan. Deep within the Tombs, Ged and Tenar met and became unlikely allies, escaped from Atuan, and brought peace to the troubled archipelago. Now in her late middle age, widowed and with grown up children, Tenar runs a farm on the island of Gont. She has not seen Ged for many years.

Ged was born on Gont, with innate magical talent and a reckless nature. He trained in wizardry on the island Roke, where he released a terrible shadow into the world and then risked his life to restore the balance. He grew to become Archmage on Roke and the greatest wizard on all of Earthsea. When the evil wizard Cob attempted to cheat death and live forever, Ged found him and closed the breach between life and death. In doing so, he lost his powers of magic.

Set on a vast archipelago of islands, where magic is a central part of life, they tell the stories of Tenar and Ged.

Based on the novel Tehanu adapted in six-parets by Judith Adams.

Tenar . . . Nina Wadia
Ogion . . . Michael Bertenshaw
Tehanu . . .Laura Elphinstone
Therru . . . Rosie Boore
Moss . . . Elizabeth Counsell
Aspen . . . John Lightbody
Handy . . . Ryan Early
Therru's father . . . Stephen Hogan
Clearbrook . . . Sean Murray
Kalessin . . . Emma Handy
Senini . . . Lauren Cornelius
Apple . . . Kerry Gooderson
Fisherman . . . Ryan Whittle

Original music by Jon Nichols

Director: Sasha Yevtushenko

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in October 2018. .


SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m0019rgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


SUN 19:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06cjk8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]


SUN 20:00 Jill Paton Walsh - The Wyndham Case (b007jsrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 today]


SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0019rgs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mydlm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]


SUN 22:00 Ability (m0004593)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]


SUN 22:30 Delve Special (b007jn2h)
Series 4

Resurrection of St Jerome

Intrepid reporter David Lander probes the extravagant lifestyle of Caribbean despot Felipe Delnazo and his wife Isabella.

Written by Tony Sarchet.

Starring Stephen Fry as David Lander.

With Brenda Blethyn, Robert Bathurst, Andrew Sachs, Philip Pope and Mark Arden.

Producer: Paul Mayhew Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1987.


SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0019rgz)
Rosie Holt 1/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Jessica Fostekew chats to internet sensation Rosie Holt.


SUN 23:00 We Are Klang: Amazing Lives (b007k3b7)
Poet

Poet Adam Croxton has died, and a special programme interviews friends and associates, featuring his performances on talk shows and live performances of poetry.

Improvised mockumentary in which each week Klang treat you to a look at the career of a living legend.

In four cutting edge documentaries, We Are Klang take you on a journey through history. You'll never want to leave.

Spoof with Greg Davies and Steve Hall.

Produced by Victoria Lloyd.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.


SUN 23:30 The Museum of Everything (b00gs2nj)
Series 3

Natural Science

The birds and the bees, blue plaques and the human body are all on exhibition.

Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.

With Lucy Montgomery.

Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.

Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.

MONDAY 01 AUGUST 2022

MON 00:00 Ray Bradbury's Tales of the Bizarre (b007jpx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Earthsea (b0bn5qb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty (Omnibus) (b091w089)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:00 The Day I Met Sean Connery by Susie Maguire (b09pv657)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:15 Mary Brunton - Self Control (Omnibus) (b011tt9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 Highway 61: Fifty Years On (b06gtk2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 Jill Paton Walsh - The Wyndham Case (b007jsrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m0019rgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:30 Ability (m0004593)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 on Sunday]


MON 06:00 Miss Marple (b0100lqx)
Nemesis

Episode 1

The wishes of a dead man sees amateur sleuth Miss Marple being sent on the ultimate mystery tour..

Stars June Whitfield.

Agatha Christie's whodunit first published in 1971.

Dramatised in five-parts by Michael Bakewell.

Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Mr Rafiel …. George A. Cooper
Cherry …. Jane Whittenshaw
Mr Broadribb …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Esther Anderson …. Yvonne Edgell
Mrs Risely-Porter …. Margot Boyd
Joanna Crawford …. Molly Gaisford
Richard Jameson …. Charles Simpson
Miss Temple …. Jill Balcon

Producer: Enyd Williams.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1998.


MON 06:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s5s)
Series 5

Burp & Burn Your Wishes

Fresh storytelling from first time writers and producers as part of BBC Introducing Arts supported by BBC Arts and Arts Council England.

Writer, musician and broadcaster Paul Dodgson presents two thought provoking short dramas from the next generation of dramatists.

Burn your Wishes by Zia Holloway. The future is suddenly uncertain as old friends gather for their annual tradition of setting off fireworks.

Written by Zia Holloway and starring Elle Meadows, Luke Rees-Oliviere, and Andrea Martinez. The script editor was Mike Akers and the executive producer was Jeremy Routledge. A Calling the Shots production.

Burp by Skot Wilson. Will has got a plan to save the planet–and the UK farming industry. He’s discovered a way to tackle one of our worst greenhouse gases: methane. But the source of the gas isn’t what you might expect...

Written and directed by Skot Wilson and starring Stanley Eldridge and Geoff Leesley. Sound design by Clifford Steven Jones, original music by Tingying Dong. The producer was Kate Jones and it was a Calling the Shots production.

Presented and produced by Paul Dodgson for BBC Radio 4 Extra.


MON 07:00 Josh Howie's Losing It (m0000nm5)
Series 2

The Choice

Stand-up comic Josh and his wife comes to terms with the arrival of their first child.

In this episode, Josh and his wife visit a friend to discuss the idea of circumcision. Unfortunately Josh isn’t entirely comfortable with what they have to say.

Written by Josh Howie

Starring Josh Howie, Pippa Evans, Tova Leigh and Liran Nathan.

Produced by Ashley Blaker.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.


MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m0019k3s)
Series 77

Episode 3

The nation's favourite wireless entertainment pays a visit to Malvern’s Forum Theatre. Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris compete against Rory Bremner and Graeme Garden with Jack Dee in the chair. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment. Producer - Jon Naismith. It is a BBC Studios production.


MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b007k3n2)
Series 3

Episode 3

More swashbuckling for Kenneth Horne as 'The Three Musketeers' continues, a sea shanty from Rambling Syd Rumpo, plus Julian and Sandy go bona cruising.

With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.

Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith

Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.

Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.

Producer: John Simmonds

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1967.


MON 08:30 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
Series 1

Here in the Western World

Why is the Ambassador's whiskey like an American submarine? And is the noble art of moaning really under threat?

Arms limitation negotiations at the Embassy call for some verbal gymnastics...

Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.

CAST:

Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Mikhail Korovin …. Jonathan Kydd
Yakov Korovin …. Michael Bilton
US Ambassador …. Stephen Greif

Producer: Pete Atkin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1987.


MON 09:00 Wordaholics (b01s8mns)
Series 2

Episode 5

Gyles Brandreth chairs the word-obsessed comedy panel show.

Milton Jones and Robin Ince compete against Natalie Haynes and Lloyd Langford for wordy supremacy.

The Letter of the Week is 'W'. Lloyd Langford hazards a guess as to what 'Welsh cricket' is while Natalie Haynes has to work out what 'Whistling breeches' are.

In a round about Australian slang Robin Ince tries to guess the meaning of 'guttergripper' while Milton Jones takes a stab at 'shypoo'.

All the panellists come up with some brilliant new toponyms and also reveal their pet-hate words.

Writers: Jon Hunter and James Kettle.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.


MON 09:30 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
Episode 2

A very nosey vicar, life before paternity tests – and Smothering Heights.

The first-ever all-women sketch show made for BBC Radio 2 stars Lynda Bellingham, Gwyneth Strong and Joanna Monro.

With music supplied by the Lorraine Bowen Experience.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1999.


MON 10:00 Melissa Murray - Dead Men's Shoes (m0019s5w)
Simon, the office manager, finds himself unexpectedly and reluctantly in charge his former boss's educational software company,

Can he cope with some rather unexpected business and personal revelations, and also deal with the demands of three very different women?

Melissa Murray's romantic comedy,

Simon .... David Bamber
Helena .... Samantha Spiro
Jan .... Celia Imrie
Mercy .... Clare Corbett
Olaf .... Ioan Meredith

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.


MON 11:00 TED Radio Hour (m0019s60)
Series 9

What Lies Beneath

A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.

Manoush Zomorodi investigates the subterranean forces that shape our lives above the ground.

First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2022.


MON 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (m0019s65)
Dame Stephanie Shirley

IT pioneer Dame Stephanie Shirley chooses 'Last Train to Tomorrow' by Carl Davis and 'Brandenburg Concerto No 5' by J S Bach.


MON 12:00 Round the Horne (b007k3n2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 12:30 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:00 Miss Marple (b0100lqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 13:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 14:00 Loitering With Intent by Peter O'Toole (b01l8qmt)
1. Hitler

Childhood recollections, the milk bar, the cinema - and Adolf Hitler.

The 'Lawrence of Arabia' star Peter O'Toole reads from his memoir:

Abridged in five parts by Andrew Simpson.

Producer: David Benedictus

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.


MON 14:15 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrdv)
Episode 1

Winston woos his bride as "Pug" and "Cat" get romantic.

From one of the great romances of the 20th century - the personal letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill, edited by their daughter Mary Soames.

Read by Alex Jennings and Sylvestra le Touzel.

Narrated by Helen Bourne.

Abridged in ten parts by Penny Leicester.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.


MON 14:30 The Ancient Novel (b00d45vl)
Tibor Fischer goes in search of the ancient novel to discover they aren't as dusty as the manuscripts on which they're written.

Two thousand years before Hollywood, Greek and Latin novelists were writing stories that read like film scripts, others like a Mills and Boon romance and others still like religious mystery texts worthy of Dan Brown's Da Vinci code. They incorporate the twists of a soap opera, bawdy humour and magical episodes in way that is strikingly modern; and their influence on world literature is vast - as Cervantes, Goethe, Shakespeare and Racine (amongst others) testify.

At the International Conference on the Ancient Novel, in Lisbon, Tibor Fischer speaks to leading academics about this area of fiction very few people know about. He finds love, happiness and tragedy at the end and shows that although our names have changed, human nature has remained the same.

Produced by Gavin Heard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.


MON 15:00 Melissa Murray - Dead Men's Shoes (m0019s5w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:00 Wordaholics (b01s8mns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 16:30 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 17:00 Josh Howie's Losing It (m0000nm5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m0019k3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js82)
Episode 2

After aspiring poet Saul Judd and his family win a competition, strange events happen

Bruce Bedford's time-hopping supernatural thriller serial set in - and under - Bath.

CAST:

Saul Judd …. Robert Glenister
Elise Judd …. Sharon Duce
The Scribe …. Freddie Jones
The Scribe’s Wife …. Kate Binchy
Haensel Sethria …. Constance Chapman
Prince Bladud …. John Telfer
Rough Peasant …. Trevor Cooper
Karim El Hatel …. Sam Dastor
The Chairwoman …. June Barrie
Selwyn Fist …. Timothy West
Rita …. Liz Goulding

Original music composed by Thomas Johnson.
Music realised by Robin Lever.
Special Effects: Dick Mills at the Radiophonic Workshop

Directed at BBC Bristol by Andy Jordan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.


MON 18:30 A Good Read (b04l0wzx)
Sheila Hancock and Cosmo Landesman

Harriett Gilbert and her guests - actress and author, Dame Sheila Hancock and journalist, Cosmo Landesman - discuss their favourite books by Toby Young, John Williams and Sylvia Townsend Warner.

Stoner by John Williams
Publisher: Vintage

How To Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young
Publisher: Abacus

Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner
Publisher: Virago

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.


MON 19:00 Round the Horne (b007k3n2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 20:00 Miss Marple (b0100lqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 20:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 21:00 TED Radio Hour (m0019s60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


MON 21:50 Inheritance Tracks (m0019s65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:50 today]


MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m0019k3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 22:30 Everyone Quite Likes Justin (b01mhwx5)
Series 2

Episode 2

Justin must cope with trying to get elected as a school governor, while aiming to find a new job and trying not to miss Justin Junior's school play.

Starring Justin Moorhouse, Anne Reid and Paul Copley.

Sitcom written by Justin Moorhouse and Jim Poyser.

Justin's still living with his father-in-law, still working with his ex-wife and still calling on his Gran for her words of wisdom.

Justin ...... Justin Moorhouse
Gran ...... Anne Reid
Lisa ...... Christine Bottomley
Man in bar ...... Jim Poyser
Bryn ...... Lloyd Langford
Ray ...... Paul Copley
Miles ...... Rob Rouse
Woman in bar ...... Victoria Brazier
Tanya ...... Victoria Elliott

Recorded in front of an audience in Manchester.

Producer: Steven Canny

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.


MON 23:00 Party's Over (m0019kdn)
Series 2

Going for Gold

What happens when the prime minister suddenly stops being prime minister? One day you're the most powerful person in the country, the next you're irrelevant, forced into retirement 30 years ahead of schedule and find yourself asking 'What do I do now?'

'I can't just disappear like Gordon Brown. They say he barely gets out of bed now. Just sits there doing word-searches and eating Kit Kat Chunkies. Miserable. I hate the chunky ones.' Former British Prime Minister Henry Tobin

After some unsuccessful attempts last summer to get back to the top, Henry returns with some new ideas on how to delay his impending descent into national irrelevance. In this first episode of the new series, Henry and team travel to Birmingham for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games and immediately spy an opportunity for a comeback.

Starring Miles Jupp, Ingrid Oliver, Emma Sidi, Justin Edwards and David Momeni.

Recorded at The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham

Written by Paul Doolan and Jon Hunter
Producer: Richard Morris
Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound recordist and designer: Chris Maclean

A BBC Studios Production


MON 23:30 Matt Berry Interviews... (b0b6p8g4)
Series 1

Brian Eno

Matt Berry presents a series of interviews with the greats of the stage, screen and music world.

This time Matt Berry brings you his interview with musician, composer, producer and artist Brian Eno. Berry sat down with Brian Eno at the peak of his creativity back in October 1976 at a recording studio situated in the French countryside. Quite defensive from the outset, Eno did eventually thaw to give me quite an insight into the man, and more importantly, the artist.

Written, performed and edited by Matt Berry.

Producer: Matt Stronge

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2018.


MON 23:45 Tom Parry's Fancy Dressed Life (b08mqtgg)
Series 1

Max

It's the annual Parry family party and, as if you needed reminding, it's Fancy Dress.

Tom is rather pleased with his typically obscure nay gloriously inaccessible choice of costume but some unhelpfully nightmarish flashbacks to his university days threaten to spoil his enjoyment of the day.

Tom Parry is an award winning comedian, writer and actor whose credits include Miranda, Phone Shop and Drunk History among many others. As a stand up, he most recently gained critical acclaim and an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nomination for his debut hour 'Yellow T-Shirt'. For more than a decade he has been part of the multi-award winning sketch team Pappy's. Together they have performed 6 sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, completed 4 national tours, gigged all over the world, and created, written and starred in the sitcom 'Badults' for BBC3.

Written by and starring Tom Parry.

With:

Ben Clarke
Celeste Dring
Gareth Pierce

Producer: Richard Morris

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.

TUESDAY 02 AUGUST 2022

TUE 00:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js82)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b04l0wzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 Miss Marple (b0100lqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 Loitering With Intent by Peter O'Toole (b01l8qmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 The Ancient Novel (b00d45vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Melissa Murray - Dead Men's Shoes (m0019s5w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Wordaholics (b01s8mns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Josh Howie's Losing It (m0000nm5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 05:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m0019k3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 Miss Marple (b0101p1x)
Nemesis

Episode 2

The investigation by amateur sleuth Jane Marple leads to a dilapidated manor house with a deadly reputation.

Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple.

Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Mr Rafiel …. George A. Cooper
Miss Cooke …. Tricia Hitchcock
Miss Barrow …. Delia Lindsay
Lavinia Glynne …. Louie Ramsay
Anthea Bradbury-Scott …. Thelma Barlow
Clotilde Bradbury-Scott …. Mary Wimbush
Amy …. Freda Dowie
Emyln Price …. Roger Moss
Professor Wanstead …. David Swift

Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.

Producer: Enyd Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1998.


TUE 06:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019rqz)
Series 5

Safari & Asystole Belgravia

Fresh storytelling from first time writers and producers as part of BBC Introducing Arts supported by BBC Arts and Arts Council England.

Writer, broadcaster and musician Paul Dodgson presents two thought provoking short dramas from the next generation of dramatists.

Safari by Ryan Walker-Edwards. A tale about a young black British Brummie from the suburbs, who goes with his mum to pick up food Sunday’s dinner. What should be a straightforward journey to the city centre leads to a crisis of class, race and identity.

Starring Ryan Walker Edwards, Doña Croll, Lawrence Walker and Adaya Henry. Script mentoring by Rachel Lambert, original music by Bailey Ibbs and Sound design by Martyn Harries. Producers Anna Campbell and Paul Dodgson. A Rural Media production.

Asystole Belgravia written and directed by Angus Harrison. Memories resurface and regrets pile up on the glistening roads of London after-dark. Based on interviews with real life first responders, an off-duty medical worker considers work and life.

Starring Michael Balogun. Music and sound design by Emma Barnaby. Executive producer Martha Pazienti Caidan. An NTS production for ICA.

New Creatives Dramas is presented and produced by Paul Dodgson for BBC Radio 4 Extra


TUE 07:00 North by Northamptonshire (b0184vh8)
Series 2

Episode 3

A visiting choir sets hearts aflutter amongst the ladies of Wadenbrook, while Mary's dad, Norman, has an adventure of his own.

Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.

Written by Katherine Jakeways.

John Biggins................................Keith
Mackenzie Crook...........................Rod
Felix Dexter...............................Arnold
Kevin Eldon...................Jonathan / Ken
Shelia Hancock....................... Narrator
Jessica Henwick...........................Helen
Katherine Jakeways........ Esther / Jacqui
Felicity Montagu..............................Jan
Geoffrey Palmer........................Norman
Lizzie Roper..............................Angela
Penelope Wilton............................Mary
Rufus Wright................................Frank

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.


TUE 07:30 Andrew Maxwell Values (m0019jyp)
Series 1

Episode 2

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have started to reflect more on our working lives and increasingly question the relative value of different occupations around the UK. Andrew Maxwell investigates why until now we have traditionally valued some jobs above others and what a new understanding of “work” might mean for how we approach our changing world.

This week Andrew looks at the post-pandemic nationwide appetite for retraining.

Producer: Richard Morris
Production co-ordinator: Ryan Walker-Edwards

A BBC Studios Production


TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b008p7by)
Series 6

The Pevensey Bay Disaster

To foil Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty, Neddie Seagoon must plough his way to the Sussex coast.

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan

First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.

With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.

Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.

Announcer: Wallace Greenslade

Producer: Peter Eton

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in April 1956.


TUE 08:30 Home Again (m0005nzq)
Doctor Thumper and the Incredibly Inky Ruler

Fulton discloses the facts behind his long absence, and where he’s been...

As suddenly as he disappeared, Fulton Jones returned to his family – wife Margaret and children Rosie and Martin. He went to the newsagent to buy matches 20 years previously and, bold as brass, waltzes back assuming his role as father figure once more. Margaret is perplexed, whilst Rosie and Martin are furious with him.

CAST:

Fulton …. Robin Bailey
Margaret …. Doreen Mantle
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
Martin …. David Troughton
Cyrilla …. Ursula Smith
Ernest Blackrock …. Christopher Benjamin

Script writer: Peter Tinniswood

Producer: Griff Rhys Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.


TUE 09:00 Party's Over (m0019kdn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]


TUE 09:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b007k0vl)
Foreign Parts

Winter has come to the Ogle Valley. David is dreaming of sun and sand when an old friend offers him an exciting job. Meanwhile, Arthur dreams of a date with June.

Peter Davison and Michael Williams star in Peter Morfoot's railway sitcom.

David ...... Peter Davison
Rocket ...... Michael Williams
June ...... Rosemary Martin
Points ...... Phillippa Wilson
Hattie ...... Madge Hindle
Sodd ...... Chris Emmett
Brian ...... Peter Silverleaf

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1996.


TUE 10:00 Joseph Conrad - The Secret Agent (b00770cw)
Episode 1

When a terrorist bomb explodes in London killing the bomber, all levels of the establishment, and every anarchist circle feels threatened.

Written in 1907, Joseph Conrad's prescient black comedy takes a wry look at the shabby truth behind the news.

Dramatised in two parts by David Napthine.

Chief Inspector Heat ...... Ron Cook
Assistant Commissioner ...... Robert Glenister
Adolf Verloc ...... David Calder
Winnie Verloc ...... Wendy Nottingham
Tom Ossipon ...... Paul Bazeley
The Professor ...... Robin Soans
Vladimir ...... Hugh Ross
Sir Ethelred ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Toodles ...... Joseph Kloska
George ...... Paul Richard Biggin
Waiter ...... Saikat Ahamed

Director: Jessica Dromgoole

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2006.


TUE 11:00 Archive on 4 (m0007wkl)
Losing My Voice

Jan Ravens has been "doing" Theresa May for five years - until, in July 2019, she was succeeded by Boris Johnson.

Inspired by this, Jan takes a personal look at the connection between an impersonator and their subjects, and what happens when their signature character retires form public life.

The archive includes material from Mike Yarwood, Spitting Image and Dead Ringers, and there are new interviews with Rory Bremner and star of Comedy Central's The President Show, Anthony Atamanuik.

Producer: Ed Morrish

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2019.


TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b008p7by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 12:30 Home Again (m0005nzq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:00 Miss Marple (b0101p1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 13:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019rqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 14:00 Loitering With Intent by Peter O'Toole (b01l8qwr)
2. The Outbreak of War

The actor reads from his memoir: childhood recollections of King Kong, looking for Robin Hood's grave and the outbreak of war.

Abridged by Andrew Simpson.

Producer: David Benedictus

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.


TUE 14:15 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrf5)
Episode 2

The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill, recalling time spent apart as their daughter grows up. With Alex Jennings. From February 1999.


TUE 14:30 The Food Programme (m000q3fx)
The Secret Life of Chocolate. Part 1: Origins

Dan Saladino explores the origins of cacao, from the bean's journey from central America to Europe and the rise of the chocolate bar.

The first of a two part chocolate special of The Food Programme.

Produced and presented by Dan Saladino.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2020.


TUE 15:00 Joseph Conrad - The Secret Agent (b00770cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0000qw4)
Series 13

Episode 3

Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Lee Mack welcome:

* Comedian and writer Karen Dunbar
* Metallurgist Professor John Wood
* Breakfast radio host Shaun Keaveny.

The Museum's Guest Committee steel themselves for some deadly karaoke, use a massive machine to show off a single atom of iron and experience the unalloyed joy of opening an old-fashioned tube of toothpaste.

Researched by QI and Mike Turner.

Producers: Richard Turner and Anne Miller.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018.


TUE 16:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b007k0vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 17:00 North by Northamptonshire (b0184vh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:30 Andrew Maxwell Values (m0019jyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js8d)
Episode 3

Haensel Sethria warns Elise Judd, and Saul Judd is summoned to meet Selwyn Fist.

Hazel warns Elise to protect her family and Saul is summoned again to meet Selwin Fist.

Bruce Bedford's time-hopping supernatural thriller serial set in - and under - Bath.

CAST:

Saul Judd …. Robert Glenister
Elise Judd …. Sharon Duce
The Scribe …. Freddie Jones
The Scribe’s Wife …. Kate Binchy
Haensel Sethria …. Constance Chapman
Priscus …. Gordon Reid
Stranger …. Michael Stroud
Landlord …. Jonathan Tafler
Selwyn Fist …. Timothy West
Roman Officer …. John Abineri
The Guardian …. Jonathan Adams

Original music composed by Thomas Johnson.
Music realised by Robin Lever.
Special Effects: Dick Mills at the Radiophonic Workshop

Directed at BBC Bristol by Andy Jordan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.


TUE 18:30 Soul Music (b08tcnmk)
Series 24

Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Sandy Denny was just 19 years old when she wrote 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes?', her much-loved song about the passing of time. Soul Music tells the story behind the song and speaks to people for whom it has special meaning.

The record producer Joe Boyd and founder member of Fairport Convention Simon Nicol remember Sandy and her music. We speak to musicians who have covered the song, including folk legend Judy Collins and the singer Rufus Wainwright, about what the song means to them. And we hear from people whose lives have been touched by the song, including the singer-songwriter Ren Harvieu, who suffered a back break in a freak accident and found strength in the song during her recovery.

And neuroscientist and best-selling author David Eagleman explains why the years seem to fly past ever more quickly as we grow older.

Also featuring contributions from Sandy Denny's biographer Mick Houghton and Dr Richard Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Music at Newcastle University.

Producer: Mair Bosworth

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.


TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b008p7by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 Home Again (m0005nzq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 20:00 Miss Marple (b0101p1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 20:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019rqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 21:00 Archive on 4 (m0007wkl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


TUE 22:00 Andrew Maxwell Values (m0019jyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 22:30 The Nick Revell Show (b00ct94s)
Series 2

The Promised Land

As writer Nick gets a lucky Hollywood break, his geraniums are terrorised by an old foe.

A sitcom for the 1990s, written by and starring comedian Nick Revell.

With:

Alistair McGowan
Doon MacKichan
Brian Bowles
Alison Sterling
John Guerrasio

Producer: Ioan Magnusson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.


TUE 23:00 The Big Booth (b007jryj)
Series 2: The Big Booth Too

Episode 6

Half an hour of mistaken identity, stolen photographic negatives and songs about anglepoise lamps

With Big AI, Stephen Frost, Rich Hall, Vivienne Soan, Jim Sweeney and Mariella Frostrup -who is not Magnus Magnusson. Or James Mason.

Boothby Graffoe concludes his series of surreal laughs.

Written by Boothby Graffoe and Dave Thompson.

Producer: Lucy Armitage

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2001.


TUE 23:30 Jigsaw (b04gw8cg)
Series 2

Episode 4

The rapid-fire and surreal sketch show series.

Starring award-winning stand-up comedians Dan Antopolski, Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema

Producer: Colin Anderson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2014.


TUE 23:45 Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science (b0418p87)
Series 3

Episode 4

Comic but factually accurate history of space exploration.

A look at Astronomical Errors - how mistakes have shaped the history of rocket science, including how the universe is made out of ice, or possibly isn't; when you should keep quiet about the shape of the solar system; and some of the more surprising activities of unpredictable genius Isaac Newton.

Starring Helen Keen, Peter Serafinowicz and Susy Kane
Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill
Produced by Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.

WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2022

WED 00:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]


WED 00:30 Soul Music (b08tcnmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 Miss Marple (b0101p1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019rqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 Loitering With Intent by Peter O'Toole (b01l8qwr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 The Food Programme (m000q3fx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 Joseph Conrad - The Secret Agent (b00770cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0000qw4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b007k0vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 North by Northamptonshire (b0184vh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 05:30 Andrew Maxwell Values (m0019jyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 06:00 Miss Marple (b0102h2y)
Nemesis

Episode 3

The potential witness has a suspicious 'accident', so amateur sleuth Jane Marple widens the net.

Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple.

Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Joanna Crawford …. Molly Gaisford
Miss Temple …. Jill Balcon
Professor Wanstead …. David Swift
Lavinia Glynne …. Louie Ramsay
Clotilde Bradbury-Scott …. Mary Wimbush
Anthea Bradbury-Scott …. Thelma Barlow
Mrs Merrypit …. Kathleen Helme
The Postmistress …. Patricia Scott
Emyln Price …. Roger Moss
The Coroner …. Colin Pinney

Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.

Producer: Enyd Williams.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1998.


WED 06:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s4w)
Series 5

Canopy & Normstock ll

Fresh storytelling from first time writers and producers as part of BBC Introducing Arts supported by BBC Arts and Arts Council England.

Writer, broadcaster and musician Paul Dodgson presents two thought provoking short dramas from the next generation of dramatists.

Canopy by Nick Havergal. A young man logs into a digital memorial of his mother for the first time.

Starring Reece Evans, Annette Chown and Sarah Buckland. Sound design by Jake Wittlin, script mentoring by Mike Akers, producer and director Anna Lea. Executive Producer Steve Gear. A Calling The Shots production.

Normstock 2 by Matthew Ingram. In July 2002, a quarter of a million people people turn up for a free party on Brighton beach and one partygoer faces a crisis.

Starring Chris Brett, Alyssia Jarvis and Graeme Hawley. Produced by Tony Churnside and Eloise Whitmore. A Naked production for Tyneside Cinema.

New Creatives Dramas is presented and produced by Paul Dodgson for BBC Radio 4 Extra


WED 07:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b49248)
Series 1

Episode 1

An astonishing tour de force of comic imagination and satire.

Martin Jarvis directs Michael Frayn’s masterly comic series with an outstanding cast led by Ian McKellen, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, Alfred Molina, Alex Jennings and Jarvis himself.

Michael Frayn - author of Noises Off - is the most comic philosophical writer of our time.

Each episode reveals his infectious delight in writing between the lines of theatre, fiction, TV and the media, the church, relationships - life in general.

* Joanna Lumley opens the series with "assembly instructions"
* Alex Jennings is a subversive theatre director
* Ian McKellen meets Mozart (George Blagden)
* Alfred Molina has security problems with packaging
* Lisa Dillon and Edward Bennett are Gainsborough's Mr and Mrs Andrews National Gallery portrait
* Stephen Fry conducts a weird press interview with Martin Jarvis
* Ian McKellen and Joanna Lumley are Mr and Mrs God.

Director: Martin Jarvis

A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2018.


WED 07:30 Anneka Has Issues (m0019k76)
Series 1

Therapy

Anneka Rice has led a fascinating and adventure-filled life. In this new stand-up series, she examines four tricky issues that are of particular importance to her. Bringing insight and a refreshingly eccentric but practical mindset to these sometimes taboo subjects she'll explain how her life has been shaped by her background and experiences.

Anneka's default position is jeopardy. It's why she wears stout boots and a tool belt. It also means that low level anxiety is ever present and for decades Anneka has tried all sorts of therapies. In this hilarious account she analyses herself – why all the therapy? And how did she end up pretending to be regressed in front of Philip Schofield?

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Production Coordinator: Katie Baum, Beverly Tagg
A BBC Studios Production

Archive material:
Have I Been Here Before? / ITV Productions
Challenge Anneka / Chatsworth Television for Channel 4


WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
Series 6

The Gourmet

The lad thinks he's a connoisseur of food, so Sid enters him in an eating competition.

Starring Tony Hancock.

With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Warren Mitchell and Hugh Morton.

Special guest star: BBC sports commentator, Ray Glendenning.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.

Producer: Tom Ronald

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1959.


WED 08:30 Any Other Business (b012xws9)
Episode 2

There's a hurricane of change in Chesbury, with Labour back in power but with a wafer thin majority.

Lucy Flannery's local government sitcom

Starring:

Nelson David
John Duttine
James Grout
Rosy Fordham
Nick Hardy
Howard Lew Lewis
Toby Longworth
Jan Ravens
Vivienne Rochester
June Whitfield.

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1995.


WED 09:00 The Write Stuff (b00f9vnx)
Series 12

Robert Burns

James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness, flanked by captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh and guests Harry Ritchie and Simon Brett. The author of the week and subject for pastiche is Robert Burns and the reader is Beth Chalmers.


WED 09:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k1vv)
Series 2

The Bar Mitzvah

Three rabbis at one party sparks a possible recipe for disaster.

Barry Grossman’s comedy-drama about the collision between the old and the new in the Jewish community of Hillfield.

Rabbi Abraham Fine ...... David De Keyser
Rabbi Su Jacobs ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Sadie Fine ...... Doreen Mantle
Melv ...... Henry Goodman
Brian ...... Jonathan Kydd
Su’s Mum ...... Sheila Steafel
Colin ...... Eric Meyers
Doctor ...... Christopher Rowe

Music: Max Harris.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.


WED 10:00 Joseph Conrad - The Secret Agent (b00770h8)
Episode 2

After a terrorist bomb explodes in London killing the bomber, all levels of the establishment, and every anarchist circle feels threatened.

But what began as an international outrage quickly resolves into a domestic tragedy.

Conclusion of Joseph Conrad's prescient black comedy taking a wry look at the shabby truth behind the news.

Chief Inspector Heat ...... Ron Cook
Assistant Commissioner ...... Robert Glenister
Adolf Verloc ...... David Calder
Winnie Verloc ...... Wendy Nottingham
Tom Ossipon ...... Paul Bazeley
The Professor ...... Robin Soans
Vladimir ...... Hugh Ross
Sir Ethelred ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Great Lady ...... Jillie Meers
Toodles ...... Joseph Kloska
Stevie ...... Paul Richard Biggin
Waiter ...... Saikat Ahamed

Dramatised by David Napthine.

Director: Jessica Dromgoole

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.


WED 11:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019s50)
1. Coco the Castaway

Tony Lidington traces the role of the clown in British humour – from the Great Grimaldi through stars of circus, pantomime and Pierrots, to modern entertainers and even activists.

Drawing on his own performances, BBC archive and contemporary experts, Tony traces the clown's evolution, beginning with Shakespeare's plays where rustic clowns and court fools could speak uncomfortable truths to those in power.

Tony himself recreates the role of ‘The Great Grimaldi’ and Nicolai Poliakoff – alias Coco the Clown – is Roy Plomley’s castaway guest in an edition of Desert Island Discs from December 1963.

Producer: Mike Greenwood

Made for Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions and first broadcast in March 2014.


WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 12:30 Any Other Business (b012xws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 13:00 Miss Marple (b0102h2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 13:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 14:00 Loitering With Intent by Peter O'Toole (b01llfl6)
3. Tutunkhamun's Spoon

The 'Lion in Winter' star reads from his memoir: childhood recollections of Yorkshire ruins and breaking Tutankhamun's Spoon.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.

Producer: David Benedictus

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.


WED 14:15 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrfh)
Episode 3

The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill. Tragedy strikes and more loneliness follows. With Sylvestra Le Touzel. From February 1999.


WED 14:30 The Food Programme (m000qbkb)
The Secret Life of Chocolate. Part 2: The future.

Sheila Dillon is joined by baker and chocolatier Selasi Gbormittah and chocoholic comedian Sue Perkins to celebrate the present and future of the British chocolate bar.

They look to a new generation of UK bred 'Willy Wonkas', chocolate makers large and small, from South East London to West Wales.

And Sheila tracks down one major chocolate player disrupting the international market with its bold designs, flavours and business model focussed on ending child slavery in cocoa production.

The last of a two part chocolate special of The Food Programme.

Produced by Clare Salisbury for BBC Audio Bristol.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2020.


WED 15:00 Joseph Conrad - The Secret Agent (b00770h8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


WED 16:00 The Write Stuff (b00f9vnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 16:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k1vv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 17:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b49248)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:30 Anneka Has Issues (m0019k76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 Bruce Bedford - The Gibson (b007js8q)
Episode 4

Saul learns the truth about Stonehenge and the fear-instilling Gibson Room, and two cavers push too deep.

Bruce Bedford's time-hopping supernatural thriller serial set in - and under - Bath.

CAST:

Saul Judd …. Robert Glenister
Elise Judd …. Sharon Duce
The Scribe …. Freddie Jones
The Scribe’s Wife …. Kate Binchy
Selwyn Fist …. Timothy West
Miss Dewhurst …. Zoe Hicks
Alan Tafler …. Jonathan Tafler
Martin …. Steve Woodward
Tracky …. Katy Carmichael
Optician …. Jonathan Adams
Newsreader …. Cornelius Garrett

Original music composed by Thomas Johnson.
Music realised by Robin Lever.
Special Effects: Dick Mills at the Radiophonic Workshop

Directed at BBC Bristol by Andy Jordan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.


WED 18:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
Jenny Secombe

Harry Secombe's daughter chats to Sally Magnusson about growing up with her versatile, funny father - singer, actor and comic.

Producer: Mike Walker

First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in August 2006.


WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 19:30 Any Other Business (b012xws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 20:00 Miss Marple (b0102h2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 20:30 New Creatives Dramas (m0019s4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 21:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019s50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


WED 22:00 Anneka Has Issues (m0019k76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 22:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b007jwqc)
Series 2

Episode 3

A phone-in to match-make partners - and an Asian Babe fancies a job on BBC TV's Newsnight.

Starring:

Sanjeev Bhaskar
Kulvinder Ghir
Nitin Sawhney
Meera Syal
Nina Wadia

Gold Winner of the Sony Radio Academy Awards. The sketch comedy show originally ran on BBC Radio 4 from 1996 to 1998, later transferring to TV on BBC TWO from 1998 to 2001.

Written by Richard Pinto, Sharat Sardana, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sanjeev Kohli.

Script Editor: Sharat Sardana

Producer: Anil Gupta.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.


WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0019s58)
Rosie Holt 2/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Jessica Fostekew chats to internet sensation Rosie Holt.


WED 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (b009s9vm)
Series 3

Episode 4

Twisted Gardeners' Question Time - and car alarm revenge. Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell's sharp humour.

Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.

Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell.

With Felicity Montagu and Jasper Jacob.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1987.


WED 23:30 Hearing With Hegley (b0075s38)
Series 2

Episode 3

Poet John Hegley doing what he does best - entertaining an audience with verse. With Nigel Piper. From September 1998.


WED 23:45 Sir Ralph Stanza's Letter from Salford (b00767xp)
Series 1

The Best Page is a Rampage

The poet-in-residence has a run-in with 'the man', which gets his creative juices flowing.

Thanks to a specially-funded scheme, the respected London poet Sir Ralph Stanza becomes the poet-in-residence in Salford. He strides he streets of the area, wearing a Panama hat, blazer and silk scarf with his goal being to mix with the people of Salford and express their angst through his verse.

Sir Ralph Stanza …. James Quinn
With Jack Deam, Mark Chatterton, Stephen Hoyle and Alison Darling.

Written by James Quinn.

Producer: Graham Frost

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.