SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2015

SAT 00:00 Book at Bedtime (b00s2skz)
Henry James - The Aspern Papers

Episode 5

Episode 5 of The Aspern Papers by Henry James, read by Samuel West.

Aspern's literary editor, having laid out a good deal of money and time in the quest for previously unpublished papers connected with the poet, is growing restless at his lack of results. He has now recruited the pathetic niece Miss Tina to the cause of preserving Aspern's letters from destruction by her aunt; at the same time, he becomes convinced that Miss Bordereau herself has guessed what he's about.

Abridged and produced by Christine Hall.


SAT 00:15 Cosmic Quest (b00c3hvl)
How the Universe Began

Heather Couper presents a narrative history of astronomy.

The discovery that the universe is expanding led cosmologists to suggest that its origin lay in a compact, dense, hot fireball. Cambridge astronomer Fred Hoyle thought this so ridiculous that he disparagingly called it the big bang. The name stuck and there followed intense arguments between supporters of the big bang theory and Fred Hoyle and his colleagues, who favoured a steady state universe.

A decisive blow to the latter theory came from a radio telescope in New Jersey in the early 1960s that detected a gentle background glow at microwave radio frequencies that theorists had predicted as the dying embers of the big bang itself.

Readers are Timothy West, Robin Sebastian, Julian Rhind-Tutt and John Palmer.


SAT 00:30 Juliet Ace - Young Victoria (b00xn8hs)
The Death of Albert

Based on diaries and letters. Victoria mourns for her mother whilst Albert is tormented by Bertie. Stars Imogen Stubbs.


SAT 00:45 Book of the Week (b00r2jf9)
Patti Smith - Just Kids

Episode 5

Patti Smith reads from her new memoir of her life in New York in the late 1960s and 1970s.

In 1986, Patti is living with her husband and son in Detroit when she hears bad news about Robert Mapplethorpe.

Abridged by Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 01:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b015bxql)
Series 4

Carr, Bellos, Stavrakopoulou

The Museum of Curiosity is, as ever, hosted by the Professor of Ignorance from the University of Buckingham John Lloyd (now with added C.B.E). For this, the fourth series, he is joined by the intensely curious comedian Dave Gorman as his Curator. Dave is the latest in a line of illustrious Museum curators: Bill Bailey, Sean Lock and Jon Richardson.

The Museum of Curiosity has a unique method for collecting exhibits. Once a week it welcomes three luminaries from widely different specialist fields and asks them to bring with them their most treasured items to donate.

The Museum's collection already boasts The Big Bang When It Was The Size Of A Grapefruit; A Pineapple; A Yard Of Silence; Nothing; A British Railways Bridge Plate; A Telepathic Sheep; A Chimpanzee Rain Dance; An Impossible Rabbit; A Gay Bomb; A Choir Of Singing Sand Dunes; National Ignorance Day (of which we know nothing); and An Icelandic Volcano (long before they were fashionable).

In the first of the new series, John and Dave are joined by comedian Jimmy Carr; documentary maker, theologian (and atheist) Francesca Stavrakapoulou; and the mathematician, Guardian South America correspondent and football author Alex Bellos.

The museum's guests later in the rest of the series are:

Philosopher Alain de Botton
Linguist David Crystal
Filmmaker Gareth Edwards
Comedian Harry Enfield
Solar physicist Lucie Green
Classically-trained comedian Natalie Haynes
New Scientist Editor Roger Highfield
Comedian Alex Horne
Rational Comedian Robin Ince
Graham Linehan
Data Miner David McCandless
Marine biologist Helen Scales
Advertising guru Rory Sutherland
Admiral Alan William John West, Baron West of Spithead GCB DSC PC
Polar explorer Sara Wheeler.


SAT 01:30 My Life in Five Books (b012fvl0)
Series 2

James Robertson

James Robertson is a poet, editor, novelist and publisher and was the first Writer-in-Resident at Hugh MacDiarmid's cottage at Brownsbank near Bigger in Lanarkshire.

James explains to Stuart how he first discovered MacDiarmid and how his book of Collected Poems is his life changing book. They also discuss James's favourite reference book, the volume he has looked at most often and the title he'd most like to re-read.

Books chosen: .

1: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

2: Collected Poems by Hugh MacDiarmid.

3: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable by the Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Cobham

4: At Swim-Two-Bird by Flann O'Brieny

5: Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

Producer Mike Walker

Presenter Stuart Cosgrove.

First broadcast on Radio Scotland in 2011.


SAT 02:00 Christopher Coake - You Came Back (b01r2wd7)
Episode 5

With Mark's commitment to Allie called into question, how can he earn a future and lay to rest the past? Read by John Chancer. From March 2013.


SAT 02:30 Frequently Asked Questions (b00lszh8)
Writer Ian Sansom examines the changing nature of the relationship, and contact, between authors and their readers.

With contributions from Susan Hill, Hilary Mantel, Michael Rosen, Toby Lift, Joanna Prior, Linda Grant, Geoffrey Dyer, Monica Ali, Robert McCrum, Nikki Gerrard and Sean French

Producer: Sara Davies

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.


SAT 03:00 Thomas Hardy - Jude the Obscure (b007t2h6)
The Letter Killeth

Into their lives comes little Father Time, the child of Jude and Arabella.

Sue finds herself bowed down with domestic drudgery and hardship. Jude returns to his humbler trade of baking because his consumption cannot withstand the outdoor life of a stonemason.

Once again there's the old longing to return to Christminster, and Jude makes a resolution...

Conclusion of Thomas Hardy's 1895 novel dramatised in six parts by Elizabeth North.

Stars Michael Pennington as Jude Fawley, June Barrie as Widow Edlin, Elizabeth Garvie as Sue Bridehead, John Normington as Phillotson, Elva Makins as Arabella, Hazel Ellerby as Annie, Jesse Lawrence as Father Time, Brian Jackson as Tinker Taylor, Gregory Phillips as Jack Stagg, John Linstrum as Dr Vilbert, Alexa Romanes as the Landlady, Judy Gibson as the Woman and Brian Gear a as Man in Crowd.

Produced at BBC Bristol by Brian Miller.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1986.


SAT 04:00 OxCrimes (b052trfx)
Face Value by Stella Duffy, Part 2

A notorious artist recalls her most controversial work, and the night it was unveiled to the public. Read by Maggie Steed.

Following the success of OxTales (2009) and OxTravels (2011), Oxfam has produced this collection of crime writing. We have chosen 5 of the best for Radio 4 Extra.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by the Waters Partnership.


SAT 04:15 Neil Brand - Stan (b0076mjl)
As death finally threatens to separate the greatest double act in film comedy, Stan Laurel tries to say the things to Oliver Hardy which have been left unsaid. Stars Tom Courtenay.


SAT 05:00 King Street Junior Revisited (b00lc98v)
Series 4

Centenary

There’s piano trouble as children and staff celebrate the 100th anniversary of the school's foundation.

The 100th episode of the school comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge.

Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.

Stars Brigit Forsyth as Mrs Eastwood, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid, Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan, Paul Copley as Mr Long, James Grout as Mr Beeston, Deirdre Costello as Mrs Patterson, Margaret John as Mrs Stone and Vivienne Martin as Mrs Rudd.

With Corrine Douglas, Chris Parkinson, Angelo Andreou, James Ellis, Cherrelle Williams and Karim Zeroual as the children.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2005.


SAT 05:30 Living with the Enemy (b007719g)
Episode 2

Gyles and Sophie decide to move out of Nick's flat as soon as possible, until they realise the consequences...

Sitcom about a Tory MP-turned-media celebrity and a comedian-turned-holistic therapist.

Written by and starring Nick Revell and Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandon ...... Gyles Brandreth
Nick Reynolds ...... Nick Revell
Sophie Okuyu ...... Guqu Mbatha-Raw
George Carstairs ...... Martin Jarvls
Taxidriver ...... Nathan Caton
Mr Longstaff ...... Martin Hyder
Shop assistant ...... Alys Torrance

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.


SAT 06:00 Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote (b007k0d1)
Episode 1

The Adventures of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de Ie Mancha by Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra.

Don Quixote dons his rusty armour, mounts his broken down horse and sets off with Sancho Panza, his faithful squire, to put the world to rights. The classic adventure published in 1605. Adapted by John Arden.

Starring Bob Grant as Don Quixote, Bernard Cribbins as Sancho Panza, Ronald Baddiley as Cervantes and Meg Johnson as Aldonza.

Music composed by Stephen Boxer.

Director: Alfred Bradley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.


SAT 07:30 Freedom Pass (b00sk9vm)
Episode 3

Sexagenarians Alan Coren and Christopher Matthew use free travel for another chatty trip on local public transport. From September 2004.


SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b019dzpp)
Bertrand Russell: The First Media Academic?

Bertrand Russell was one of the greatest thinkers of the last century. His contributions to the field of mathematics and philosophy are still widely acknowledged as some of the most important of their kind. But, as Robin Ince discovers, he was also arguably one of the first great media academic stars, who brought his own brand of rationalism and intellect to an audience far beyond the academic and political circles he routinely mixed with. His relationship with the BBC goes back almost to the beginning of its own history, and his many broadcasts and appearances on radio, in particular, brought his ideas to a whole new audience. He delivered the very first Reith Lectures back in 1948, and was a regular panellist on the hugely popular "The Brains Trust". His thoughts on themes ranging from education, through to nuclear armament and religion, were regularly broadcast on the BBC, right up to the end of his life. Robin Ince takes a listen back to some of Russell's great contributions to broadcasting and looks at the life of arguably the first great media academic.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.


SAT 09:00 Lynne Truss: Pick of the Archive (b0528nk7)
Writer and broadcaster Lynne Truss introduces her favourite programmes from the BBC archive - from 1960s quizzes and classic comedy dramas to Tom Stoppard and Garrison Keillor.

Over 3 hours, Lynne's handpicked highlights include:

We Interrupt the Programme: a BBC Radio 4 documentary celebrating the American comedy duo Bob and Ray from 2004. With a 40 year partnership, Bob and Ray were the first to parody radio and TV with spoofs that often outlasted the original. If you've never heard the 'slow-talkers of America', this is not to be missed.

Many a Slip: an episode of the long-running BBC radio panel show from the 1960s.

Albert's Bridge by Tom Stoppard: the timeless, surreal and philosophical radio drama featuring a 27-year-old John Hurt in the title role.

The Wordsmiths of Gorsemere: comedy drama that still makes Lynne laugh nearly 30 years after it was made - Sue Limb's parody of the lives of the Romantic poets, starring Simon Callow, Geoffrey Whitehead and Denise Coffey.

Lake Wobegon: Garrison Keillor performing his classic storytelling monologue, a report from the writer's fictitious hometown.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions.


SAT 12:00 The Embrace (Omnibus) (b053cwb5)
Tabby is frightened that the truth will emerge when Iona's return stirs up old conflicts and broken promises. As the repercussions of Tabby's betrayal unfold, Iona and Charlie come to understand the price of their love.

Six people desperately grapple with the consequences of a lie in Linda Marshall Griffiths's compelling drama about love, betrayal and the power of money

IONA.....LYNDSEY MARSHAL
CHARLIE.....WILLIAM ASH
GRACE.....OLIVIA HALLINAN
DAN.....BLAKE RITSON
TABBY.....OLWEN MAY
CLEM.....JONATHAN KEEBLE

Omnibus directed by Nadia Molinari

First broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.


SAT 13:15 John Peacock - London Particulars (b008p7qg)
The Last of the Bow Street Runners

London 1839, and Katherine turns to old-school detective Pip Shepherd when her sweetheart Michael disappears. Stars Todd Carty.


SAT 14:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k251)
Series 2

The Marrow Contest

The green-fingered lad takes on the authorities to save his pride and joy.

Starring Tony Hancock, Bill Kerr, Sidney James. Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams.

Announcer: Kenneth Williams

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.

Producer: Dennis Main Wilson

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1955.


SAT 14:30 The Ken Dodd Show (b007jx2y)
From 07/06/1964

Doddy reports from the Knotty Ash Eisteddfod and introduces the world's worst uncle.

Starring Ken Dodd.

With Judith Chalmers, Patricia Hayes, Duncan Macrae, Peter Hudson, Wallas Eaton, Percy Edwards and The Bachelors.

BBC Revue Orchestra, conducted by Malcolm Lockyer.

Script by Ken Dodd and Eddie Braben.

Producer: Bill Worsley

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1964.


SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b019dzpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


SAT 16:00 Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote (b007k0d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 17:30 Gloomsbury (b01nbt9b)
Series 1

Trying to Avoid Unpleasantness

The gardener Vera Sackcloth Vest and her husband Henry are obliged to offer hospitality to the writer of very naughty books Mr D H Lollipop and his new flame, Venus Traduces - who formerly harboured a Sapphic passion for Vera.

The guests are accommodated in the dovecote as Henry will not have Lollipop in the house, in case the cook Mrs Gosling is exposed to impertinences. Vera is hoping that Lollipop will be able to improve her prose style, but instead he seems to take pleasure in trashing her garden and redesigning her study. Lollipop is intent on awakening Venus's blood consciousness but, alas, any educational impulse involving Venus is doomed to failure.

As Venus's passion for Lollipop begins to flag, she finds consolation with the gardener Gosling on the potting bench. Despite Henry's precautions, Mrs Gosling is exposed to Lollipop's impertinences, and the outcome is unexpected and inconvenient.

Cast:
Vera Sackcloth-Vest ..... Miriam Margolyes
Gosling, her gardener ..... Nigel Planer
Henry Mickleton ..... Jonathan Coy
Venus Traduces ..... Morwenna Banks
Mrs Gosling, Housekeeper ..... Alison Steadman
D H Lollipop ..... John Sessions

Produced by Jamie Rix
A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 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.

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

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 1992.


SAT 18:30 Paradise Lost in Cyberspace (b007jpfm)
Episode 4

The Old-Age Paramilitaries have developed a secret weapon to destroy the Central Database computer. George Smith is the man to use it.

Colin Swash's dystopian comedy set in 22nd-century Britain, starring Stephen Moore as George Smith.

George ...... Stephen Moore
Doris ...... Patsy Byrne
O'Connell ...... Geoffrey McGivern
Mrs Cookson ...... Edna Dore
Andrea Sunbeam ...... Lorelei King
Dawkins ...... Melanie Hudson
Ronnie ...... Christopher Douglas

Other parts by Lewis MacLeod, Dave Lamb and Peter Serafinowicz.

Producer: Richard Wilson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.


SAT 19:00 Lynne Truss: Pick of the Archive (b0528nk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 22:00 Sabotage (b053d27m)
Series 2

Episode 1

Developed by the team behind the live comedy night of the same name, Sabotage prides itself on being a comedy show for comedy fans; a unique event where the acts love coming to perform, and the fans seek out something special.

MC Mark Talbot introduces:

Kieran Hodgson
Pete Johansson
Mat Ewins
Natasia Demetriou
Pat Cahill

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Hat Trick Productions.

First broadcast in 2015.


SAT 23:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b00s3gq5)
Series 2

Penzance

Comedian Mark Steel visits Cornwall and finally reaches the town of Penzance where the locals revel in their remoteness, pilchards and pasties. Struck by the beauty of this rugged coastal town he is surprised to find a civil war raging...From April 2010.


SAT 23:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b00mw69r)
Series 1

Sport

Probing a fresh theme each week, the Irish comedian hosts stand-up and sketches. With Ivan Brackenbury. From August 2008.