The BBC has announced that it has a sustainable plan for the future of the BBC Singers, in association with The VOCES8 Foundation.
The threat to reduce the staff of the three English orchestras by 20% has not been lifted, but it is being reconsidered.
See the BBC press release here.

Radio-Lists Home Now on 4Extra Contact

RADIO-LISTS: BBC RADIO 4 Extra
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 4 Extra — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/



SATURDAY 03 JUNE 2017

SAT 00:00 Haunted (b01qlg49)
The Judge's House

Malcolm Malcolmson discovers the truth of 'absurd prejudices' which have accrued around an empty property.

A series of stories of the Supernatural. Bram Stoker's tale dramatised by Patricia Mays.

Stars Nigel Havers as Malcolmson, Nancy Nevinson as Mrs Dempster and Jane Thompson as Mrs Witham. With David Timson and Alexander John.

Director: Derek Hoddinott

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1979.


SAT 00:30 Soul Music (b0375qt8)
Series 16, Don't Leave Me This Way

Don't Leave Me This Way was written in the early 1970s by songwriters Huff, Gamble and Gilbert who were the composers behind the famous black American Philadelphia Sound. It was first performed by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, featuring Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals, and later became a hit for Thelma Houston and the Communards. As the title suggests, the song is all about longing, yearning and loss. Remarkable stories in this edition of Soul Music reflect the pain expressed in this soul classic, including one told by Dr Dan Gottlieb, a quadriplegic therapist who befriended Teddy Pendergrass after he became paralysed in a car accident. Sharon Wachsler recalls dancing to the version made famous by The Communards in 1986 before a devastating illness left her housebound and reliant on her beloved service dog Gadget, who gave her a reason to keep going. When he died, the song was the only way she could express her grief over his loss. The Reverend Richard Coles, formerly of The Communards, talks about the significance of Don't Leave Me This Way as a dancefloor anthem for young gay men in the 1980s that was later to become associated with the AIDS epidemic that took so many of their lives.

Producer: Maggie Ayre.


SAT 01:00 Dick Francis (b007ncw9)
Proof, Episode 8

Tony Beach and his detective chum Gerard MacGregor attempt to unearth the true identity of Paul Young. Stars Nigel Havers.


SAT 01:30 A Gothic Cathedral (b0075cdg)

Simon Fanshawe tells the story of Roget's Thesaurus, the retirement project of an eminent Victorian with a passion for order and classification. From September 1998.


SAT 02:00 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nnp65)
Back From Abroad; Three Stockings

The engaging stories of an English housewife, created in The Times of 1937 and immortalised on film. Read by Penelope Wilton.


SAT 02:15 A Guide to Garden Wildlife (b037smx8)
Stones

Stones, patios, rockeries and walls may at first seem an unlikely habitat for wildlife but that's far from the truth as you can hear when Brett Westwood is joined by naturalist Phil Gates in a garden near Bristol and, with the help of recordings by wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson, they offer a practical and entertaining guide to the wildlife which you're most likely to see and hear associated with walls and stones in the garden. Many invertebrates like to sunbathe on sun-drenched stones whilst others live in the cool shade under the stones. Wolf spiders and zebra spiders (the latter so called because of their black and white markings) can be found sunbathing on patios or house walls. "Watch out for their courtship - this is real edge of the seat drama " says Phil of the wolf spider as the smaller males risk their lives as they approach the female signalling to her, often for hours, before he mates, or in some cases, is eaten! Stone walls may also harbour slow worms, although you can also encourage these into your garden with pieces of corrugated iron as Phil explains. Turning over some edging stones, Brett and Phil discover masses of black garden ants, which milk aphids for their sugary honeydew "rather like we milk herds of cattle", explains Phil. Snails in the garden are kept in check by Song Thrushes which use stones as anvils on which to crack the snail shells and extract the contents for a juicy meal. Perhaps most valuable of all are ivy-clad walls which offer shelter in winter for many species, as well as nesting sites for birds, and year round food. And if you have ivy and holly in your garden then you could be rewarded with the sight of a lovely Holly Blue butterfly which requires both to complete its life cycle.

PRODUCER Sarah Blunt.


SAT 02:30 The Forsyte Saga (b077jp11)
The Forsytes Continues, Episode 6

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Lin Coghlan

Michael learns a secret from Fleur's past and Soames's suspicions about a business deal are confirmed

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins.


SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b01k0b0y)
Beauty and the Inferno, The Ghosts of Nobel

Essays by Roberto Saviano. Translated by Oonagh Stransky.

Saviano visits the Swedish Academy, where he has been asked to speak alongside Salman Rushdie, a fellow victim of threats to his literary freedom, about their common situation and their writing. He draws inspiration not only from Rushdie but from the many authors who have stood in the same place, defending the power of the written word.

This series of essays are by the celebrated author of Gomorrah - a sensational book exposing the inner workings of the Italian Mafia. Journalist Roberto Saviano explores a range of his passions, both light and dark, sharing common themes of David vs Goliath and the power of art and talent to overcome difficulties, while offering a compelling insight into his life in hiding and under permanent police protection since Gomorrah's publication in 2006.

Abridged by Eileen Horne

Reader: Nicholas Murchie

Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 03:00 RD Wingfield (b0084hrk)
Deadfall

Retired special agent Harry Davis is drawn back to his old job for another attempt at an assassination. Stars Bob Peck.


SAT 04:00 The 3rd Degree (b07bthdt)
Series 6, The University of Chester

A funny and dynamic quiz show hosted by Steve Punt - this week from the University of Chester with specialist subjects including Archaeology, English and Computer Science and questions ranging from looms to Lemmy via Oscar Wilde and Microsoft Windows.

The programme is recorded on location at a different University each week, and it pits three Undergraduates against three of their Professors in an original and fresh take on an academic quiz.

The rounds vary between Specialist Subjects and General Knowledge, quickfire bell-and-buzzer rounds and the Highbrow and Lowbrow round cunningly devised to test not only the students' knowledge of current affairs, history, languages and science, but also their Professors' awareness of television, sport, and quite possibly Justin Bieber. In addition, the Head-to-Head rounds see students take on their Professors in their own subjects, offering plenty of scope for mild embarrassment on both sides.

Other Universities featured in this series include Gloucestershire, York, Birmingham City, Bath and Glasgow.

Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 04:30 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nd0t5)
The Two Ivans

In a sleepy Russian town, a careless insult changes the lives of two neighbours. Stars Griff Rhys Jones. From March 2002.


SAT 05:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv7w)
See You Outside Boots in Oxford

Mark and his manic mutt look for the enigmatic Jennifer in the city of dreaming spires. Stars Timothy Spall. From December 1992.


SAT 05:30 Sketchorama (b01kbg7m)
Series 1, Episode 2

Award-winning character comedian and doyen of sketch comedy Humphrey Ker presents the pick of the best live sketch groups currently performing on the UK comedy circuit in this brand new showcase - with character, improv, broken and musical sketch comedy.

Humphrey Ker is himself an established sketch performer, writer, actor and comedian who won the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh festival in 2011. For five years he was part of the much-loved sketch trio The Penny Dreadfuls, with whom he wrote and performed in a string of Edinburgh festival smashes, two series on BBC7 and two plays for Radio 4.

The sketch groups featured in episode two of Sketchorama are:

The Noise Next Door: Tom Houghton, Charlie Granville, Matt Grant, Tom Livingstone and Sam Pacelli have been performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy for over six years. They have an uncanny knack of transforming audience suggestions into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye, with a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners and epic stories.

The Boom Jennies: A trio featuring Lizzie Bates, Anna Emerson and Catriona Knox who produce fun, fast-paced, inventive sketch comedy mixed up with some top-notch tunes.

Jigsaw: Dan Antopolski (Triple Perrier Award Nominee, BBC New Comedy Award Winner and Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award Winner 2009), Tom Craine (BBC National Student Award Winner 2006) and Nat Luurtsema (Chortle Best Newcomer Nominee 2008) have joined forces to create a hydra-headed sketch monster. They enjoyed a self-titled Fringe debut in 2011 featuring well honed, fast paced material.

Producer: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 06:00 The Forsyte Saga (b07w5tnc)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 1

1/7
dramatised by Shaun McKenna from the novels of John Galsworthy

Fleur has vowed to be faithful to Michael and settle down with their son. But scandal is around the corner in the shape of Jon Forsyte's brother-in-law and an amoral socialite who seems not to care what she says.

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Marion Nancarrow

It's 1924 and young socialite Fleur Forsyte (Jessica Raine) has vowed that she'll put her past - including her love for Jon Forsyte (Jonathan Bailey) - behind her and settle into marriage with the devoted Michael and their son Kit. Michael's standing for Parliament and Fleur's determined to help. But those around them seem intent on stirring up trouble - albeit unwittingly. First, there's the arrival of Jon Forsyte's handsome brother-in-law, Frances and then Fleur's father Soames, bored by his retirement, overhears something unpleasant and decides to do something about it.

"The Forsytes Returns" continues John Galsworthy's epic tale of sex, money and power in the lives of an upper middle-class family in London, spanning 50 years from 1886 to 1936. It's narrated by Fleur Forsyte, the baby born at the end of series one. More than 20 years has passed since Soames divorced the love of his life, Irene, who left him after he forced himself upon her and went on to marry his cousin Jo. Fleur then fell head over heels in love with Irene's son, Jon, neither knowing their parents' troubled history and this eventually divided them, with Jon leaving for America with his mother. To mend a broken heart, Fleur married the adoring Michael Mont on the rebound and threw herself into smart society, determined to embrace all that is considered modern. This is the generation that survived the war, now hell-bent on not taking life too seriously.

"The Forsytes Returns" continues BBC Radio 4's dramatisation of all John Galsworthy's Forsyte novels and interludes and covers Books 5 and 6 - "The Silver Spoon" and "Swan Song".


SAT 07:30 Hardeep's Sunday Lunch (b01p314w)
Series 1, Episode 3

This week's Sunday lunch takes Hardeep Singh Kohli to London where he meets Peter Woolf and Will Riley. Over lunch they tell Hardeep about their unusual friendship which developed after Peter broke into Will's house. Sitting in the house where the burglary took place, Peter describes his life of crime which began as a small child, whilst Will talks of his affluent upbringing and his hardworking life as a business man. But as Hardeep hears, their lives were changed for ever when Will disturbed Peter burglarising his house and was injured during an ensuing fight. After a restorative justice meeting in Prison both men eventually formed a friendship which enabled Peter to go straight.

Producer: Dawn Bryan.


SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b03g89cl)
Gloria and Me

Growing up in Belfast, the writer Glenn Patterson assumed that everything that moved him musically came from afar. To begin with, it was England and Glam Rock, but gradually strange sounds began to infiltrate from even further afield. A school friend introduced him to Patti Smith. Patti Smith introduced him to 'Gloria'. It was a convoluted route by which the song finally reached him - only a couple of miles from where it was written.

At a gig in the USA in 1988, Bruce Springsteen shouted "lets take it back to where it all started" as he launched into a version of Gloria. It's a song that's been covered by everyone from Simple Minds to Ricky Lee Jones to The Doors.

Glenn talks to Mickey Bradley, bass player with the Undertones, who remembers Gloria being one of the first songs the band learned to play. The simple three chord structure makes it deceptively straightforward - although Glenn's attempt to learn it might disprove that theory - but the song has always held a strange magic for him. Even now, he says, he would fight his corner to say it's one of the best songs Van Morrison has ever written.

Mickey and his fellow Undertones were learning to play Gloria while listening to Nuggets, an album of garage rock highlights put together by Patti Smith's guitarist, Lenny Kaye. His relationship with Gloria starts with the Patti Smith band and both he and Patti talk about why they picked this song to re-work.

And Glenn unearths a rare recording of the famously taciturn Van Morrison discussing the song, with a young Rolling Stone journalist, Cameron Crowe.

Produced by Rachel Hooper
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio Four.


SAT 09:00 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svpwb)
Track 1 - Introduction

Made for 4 Extra. To mark the 50th anniversary of 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', Samira Ahmed introduces this special day of programmes.


SAT 09:10 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svsyg)
Track 2 - Lewis Carroll

We begin the 'Stars of Sgt. Pepper' with Lewis Carroll, who was a huge influence on John Lennon & Paul McCartney.

To find out more about why The Beatles chose Lewis Carroll for the album cover we speak to Heather Simmons, who runs a blog and podcast all about the role of Alice across popular culture.

Then we go 'Down The Rabbit Hole' as Alan Bennett reads the opening chapter of 'Alice's Adventures In Wonderland'.

Afterwards Samira talks to the writer Barry Miles about his time spent with The Beatles during the time of 'Sgt Pepper'. He tells us about first meeting Paul McCartney, and what it was like to be there on the day of the actual album cover photo shoot.


SAT 09:33 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svvb4)
Track 3 - WC Fields

In Track 3 we meet the comic genius and original anti-hero, WC Fields.

In 'Who Took The Cork Off My Lunch?' the actor Geoffrey Palmer looks at the influence Fields had on British culture. He also reveals how Fields developed an appreciation of British music hall comedy and English literature which reverberated throughout his stage and screen career.
With contributions from comedy historian Glenn Mitchell, the programme also includes rare archive of Benny Hill impersonating Fields on one of his early television shows.

Produced by Stephen Garner, this was first broadcast in 2006.


SAT 10:03 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svvpv)
Track 4 - Bette Davis

For Track 4 we find out more about Bette Davis. Mostly hidden behind George Harrison on the album cover, we discover what had happened to Ms Davis by the 60's, and just why she might have been chosen for the cover.

The actor and writer Tracy Ann Oberman tells us why she is such a big fan of Bette Davis, and exactly why she decided to write about her. She also offers some insights in to which Beatle she thinks put Bette Davis on the cover.

Then we have 'Bette and Joan and Baby-Jane', Tracy Ann's first radio play which tells the story of a legendary film, the creation of two iconic stars and of the origins of a deep seated hatred that spanned five decades. It stars Catherine Tate as Bette Davis and Tracy Ann Oberman as Joan Crawford.

Then Samira Ahmed talks to the artists, and co-creator of the Sgt. Pepper album cover, Jann Haworth. She tells Samira how her own Hollywood back round influenced the artwork, what she and Peter Blake each brought to the project, and exactly which of the famous faces she left looking like Donald Trump.


SAT 10:57 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svz6k)
Track 5 - Bob Dylan

For Track 5 we find out more about The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

The musician and writer Sid Griffin explains all about when The Beatles first met Dylan, and how their careers and recording techniques had changed dramatically by 1967. Plus Sid tells us what he thinks Bob Dylan might feel about being on the album cover.

Then, in a 2004 edition of 'Soul Music', Robbie Robertson, Al Kooper and Greil Marcus are just some of the people to reflect on 'Like A Rolling Stone', the Bob Dylan song that challenged and changed lives.

Then we hear from Dion DiMucci, the singer of huge hits like 'The Wanderer' and 'Runaround Sue'. He tells us about shopping with The Beatles, and what it means to be one of only five members of the Sgt. Pepper's survivors club.


SAT 11:34 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svzl8)
Track 6 - Aleister Crowley

Made for 4 Extra. Frances Donnelly presents a documentary on poet, mountaineer and black magician Aleister Crowley. First heard in the series 'Mischief Makers' in 1986.


SAT 12:07 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw16f)
Track 7 - Diana Dors

For Track 7 we hear from Diana Dors, one of six 'Stars' on the album cover to appear as a wax figure.

In an episode of Desert Island Discs from 1981 she tells Roy Plomley about her life and career.

Then the boxing journalist and broadcaster Steve Bunce tells us about the life of another 'Sgt. Pepper' wax figure, the boxer Sonny Liston. Steve tells us about what really happened when The Beatles were meant to meet Liston in 1964.


SAT 13:00 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw348)
Track 8 - Laurel & Hardy

In Track 8 we focus on the classic comedy duo Laurel & Hardy.

In an archive clip the actor Peter Cushing describes working with the duo in an early film role of his.

Then John Sessions and Robbie Coltrane star in a radio adaptation of Tom McGrath's biographical drama 'Laurel & Hardy', first broadcast in 1996.


SAT 14:00 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw3x6)
Track 9 - Dylan Thomas

In Track 9 we hear about, and from, Dylan Thomas.

The musician and broadcaster Cerys Matthews tells us how the welsh poet influenced The Beatles.

Then we hear Dylan Thomas himself read 'Quite Early One Morning', his work which grew into Under Milk Wood.


SAT 14:20 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw5bw)
Track 10 - Mae West

Made for 4 Extra. Writer Kathy Lette chooses Mae West for an episode of Great Lives from 2005. Biographer Simon Louvish and presenter Francine Stock join the discussion.


SAT 14:55 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw626)
Track 11 - Music Hall/Max Miller

For Track 11 we go back to the days of Variety and Music Hall to explore the lives of three 'Stars of Sgt Pepper' - Issy Bonn, Tommy Handley and Max Miller.

Adam Borzone, Chairman of the British Music Hall Society, tells us about the origins of Music Hall. He also explores the lives and careers of Issy Bonn and Tommy Handley.

Then we take an in-depth look at the life of Max Miller in the company of the broadcaster and musician Benny Green with an episode of 'Celebration', from 1974.

Afterwards Samira Ahmed talks to Matthew Sweet again, this time about the influence of Victoriana on the music and cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.


SAT 15:55 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw66j)
Track 12 - HG Wells

For Track 12 we explore the links between HG Wells and The Beatles.

First we take a guide tour of Folkestone in Kent with the Wells biographer Michael Sherborne. He takes us to Wells' former home near the sea, and we visit the locations of his story 'The New Accelerator'.

Then we hear 'The New Accelerator, read by Robert Bathurst.


SAT 16:31 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw7pq)
Track 13 - Marlon Brando

Made for 4 Extra. Paul Gambaccini presents an episode of 'And the Academy Award Goes To...', focusing on the Marlon Brando classic, On the Waterfront.


SAT 17:06 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw7y2)
Track 14 - Johnny Weissmuller

Made for 4 Extra. Joan Bakewell interviews former Olympic swimmer and star of the 'Tarzan' movies Johnny Weissmuller. First broadcast in Start the Week in 1975.


SAT 17:15 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw86z)
Track 15 - Albert Einstein

For Track 15 we find out about the two Alberts who appear on the album cover.

First Brian Foster explores the role of music in the life of Albert Einstein in the documentary 'Einstein's Fiddle'.

Then Eric Stubbins tells us about his father, the former Liverpool and Newcastle United footballer Albert Stubbins, and just why he thinks his father appeared on the album cover.


SAT 17:35 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swb6x)
Track 16 - The Beatles

For Track 16 we find out a little bit more about The Beatles themselves, especially the wax versions who appear on the cover.

First the comedian Mitch Benn explores his comedy connections to the story of The Beatles in 'Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle', from 2014.

Then we visit the archives of Madame Tussaud's to meet their curatorial archivist Louise Baker. She tells us about Madame Tussaud's historic working relationship with Peter Blake, how they helped him with the Sgt. Pepper album cover, and what has happened to the figures now.


SAT 18:05 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swb6z)
Track 17 - Edgar Allan Poe

Made for 4 Extra. A dramatisation of Edgar Allan Poe's famous story The Pit and the Pendulum. Originally broadcast in Appointment With Fear in 1943.


SAT 18:40 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swbk6)
Track 18 - Aldous Huxley

Made for 4 Extra. Edward Petherbridge reads The Bookshop, a short story by Aldous Huxley.


SAT 18:55 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swc7v)
Track 19 - William Burroughs

In Track 19 we meet the writer William Burroughs.

Barry Miles tells us about how Burrough's met Paul McCartney, and why he ended up on the album cover.

Then, in 'William Burroughs: Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted' the musician Laurie Anderson profiles this extraordinary writer and thinker, in a programme first broadcast in 2008.


SAT 19:30 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swcbv)
Track 20 - Marlene Dietrich

For Track 20 we meet Marlene Dietrich.

The film star met The Beatles at the 1963 Royal Command Performance, in which they both performed.

Two years later and Dietrich was to star in 'The Child', a startling play by Shirley Jenkins from 1965 about a mother the day before the birth of her child.

We then hear from Jann Haworth and Matthew Sweet about the women who appear on the album cover.


SAT 20:10 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swcd3)
Track 21 - Oscar Wilde

Track 21 is about Oscar Wilde.

'The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde', Nick Stafford's drama about Wilde's courtroom battle with the Marquess of Queensbury. Stars Julian Rhind-Tutt and Sean Pertwee.

Plus the writer and biographer Harriet Vyner tells us about Robert Fraser, the art gallery owner known as 'Groovy Bob' who played an influential role in the creation of the album cover.


SAT 21:10 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swcqv)
Track 22 - Lenny Bruce

Made for 4 Extra. The Life and Crimes of Lenny Bruce. Charles Shaar Murray examines the most notorious comedian in America, forerunner of Robin Williams and Bill Hicks. From 1997.


SAT 21:55 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08swcrd)
Track 23 - Goodbye

Made for 4 Extra. Samira Ahmed wraps up The Stars of Sgt Pepper.


SAT 22:00 The Ape That Got Lucky (b0081cbz)
Science and Progress

Chris Addison's spoof lectures exploring human evolution. With Geoffrey McGivern as Professor Austin Herring. From August 2005.


SAT 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b00mgxcn)
Series 1, Law

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


SAT 23:00 Lee and Herring's Fist of Fun (b007k272)
Episode 6

The cult BBC Radio 1 series hits the BBC Paris Studio in London. Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring. From November 1993.


SAT 23:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00db05r)
Series 2, Diligence

The comedian examines the virtue of hard work. Tim Key and Tom Basden pay great attention to detail in their poems and songs. From September 2008.



SUNDAY 04 JUNE 2017

SUN 00:00 Bindi Business: Omnibus (b08swdkq)

Fresh from her first flush of success, Bindi starts an exciting new business venture in property development. Stars Meera Syal.


SUN 01:10 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svvb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:33 on Saturday]


SUN 01:40 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svvpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:03 on Saturday]


SUN 02:34 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svz6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:57 on Saturday]


SUN 03:11 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08svzl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:34 on Saturday]


SUN 03:44 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw5bw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:20 on Saturday]


SUN 04:15 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw66j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:55 on Saturday]


SUN 04:50 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw7pq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:31 on Saturday]


SUN 05:20 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw86z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:15 on Saturday]


SUN 05:40 The Stars of Sgt. Pepper (b08sw3x6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 The Righteous Sisters Omnibus (b01nsw4y)

Jane Purcell's true-life tale of the opera-loving Cook sisters, who saved Jews from the Nazis. Stars Liza Sadovy and Susie Riddell.


SUN 07:15 Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel (b08swpy2)

4 Extra Debut. A waitress in Berlin serves coffee to her bitterest enemy and imagines how she will get her revenge. Read by Becky Hindley.


SUN 07:30 Believe It! (b03m7p12)
Series 2, Danger Man

Jon Canter's "radiography" of Richard Wilson returns for a second series.

Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity autobiography of Richard Wilson.

He narrates the series with his characteristic dead-pan delivery, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery and Ian McKellen (not true).

The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference his famous catchphrase.

Written by Jon Canter

Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 08:00 Educating Archie (b007jx5t)
From 19/10/1951

Archie's off to cinema - and lands in trouble with Dr Anthony Hancock.

Radio ventriloquism from Peter Brough and schoolboy, Archie Andrews.

With Tony Hancock, Eric Sykes, Alfred Marks, Hattie Jacques, Peter Madden and Julie Andrews.

Running from 1950- 1958, Educating Archie introduced a number of soon-to-be household names to listeners, including Tony Hancock, Benny Hill, Harry Secombe, Dick Emery, Hattie Jacques, Bruce Forsyth and Max Bygraves - all taking a turn in tutoring Archie.

Script by Sid Colin and Walter Ridley

With the Tanner Sisters, the Hedley Ward Trio and Anton and his Orchestra.

Producer: Roy Speer

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1951.


SUN 08:30 Whack-O! (b060c2x6)
From 06/06/1961

When an attractive exchange teacher from France arrives at Chiselbury, Professor Jimmy Edwards is forced to act. With June Whitfield.

Starting life on BBC TV before transferring to radio, Chiselbury School is run"for the sons of gentlefolk".

Headmaster, Professor James Edwards, M.A. never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the students and their parents. Sports pitches are given over to growing vegetables, which the boys nurture for their head to sell. Classes never exceed 95 pupils - 50 if private tuition is paid for at five guineas extra. It's only thanks to the efforts of the devoted deputy head, Mr Pettigrew, that the school exists at all.

Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden and adapted for radio by David Climie.

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1961.


SUN 09:00 Farewell to the Horse: Omnibus (b08swrsw)

How we travelled, farmed and fought was dictated by the horse. In the 20th century, the link was broken. Read by Iain Glen.


SUN 10:10 The Listening Project (b01p0vqr)
Margaret and Marie-Therese - Brought Up By Nuns

Fi Glover presents a conversation between Margaret and Marie-Therese, friends since they met in a Belfast children's home run by Catholic nuns.

The Listening Project is a Radio 4 initiative that offers a snapshot of contemporary Britain in which people across the UK volunteer to have a conversation with someone close to them about a subject they've never discussed intimately before. The conversations are being gathered across the UK by teams of producers from local and national radio stations who facilitate each encounter. Every conversation - they're not BBC interviews, and that's an important difference - lasts up to an hour, and is then edited to extract the key moment of connection between the participants. Many of the long conversations are being archived by the British Library and used to build up a collection of voices capturing a unique portrait of the UK in the second decade of the millennium. You can upload your own conversations or just learn more about The Listening Project by visiting bbc.co.uk/listeningproject

Producer: Marya Burgess.


SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08swtz5)
The Great Outdoors, Chris Packham

4 Extra Debut. From Bowie to The Smiths. Naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham shares his castaway choices with Kirsty Young. From October 2013.


SUN 11:00 Radiolab (b08swvkz)
Famous Tumors

Co-presenters Jed Abumrad and Robert Krulwich take an unflinching look at the good, bad, and ugly side of tumours.

Radiolab is a Peabody-award winning show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience.

First broadcast on public radio in the USA.


SUN 12:00 Educating Archie (b007jx5t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


SUN 12:30 Whack-O! (b060c2x6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


SUN 13:00 The Righteous Sisters Omnibus (b01nsw4y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 14:15 Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel (b08swpy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


SUN 14:30 F Scott Fitzgerald - The Lost Stories: Omnibus (b08swvx1)

Three stories by F Scott Fitzgerald: Thank You for the Light, The Couple and Salute to Lucy and Elsie. With various readers.


SUN 15:45 The Cazalets - Omnibus (b01r1b39)
Marking Time, Episode 2

The realities of the Second World War are brought home to Polly and Christopher when a plane crashes near Home Place and the children find themselves first on the scene.

Elizabeth Jane Howard's family saga of 'The Cazalets' vividly catalogues the lives and loves of three generations.

Starring Penelope Wilton as the narrator, Flora Spencer-Longhurst as Polly, Will Howard as Christopher, Georgia Groome as Clary, Sarah-Jane Holm as Sybil, Dominic Mafham as Hugh, Carol Macready as Miss Milliment and Robert Blythe as Mr York.

Dramatised by Lin Coghlan

'The Cazalets' saga consists of The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion and Casting Off published between 1990-1995 and the fifth, All Change, in 2013.

Produced and directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b08swxy3)
Fine Lines - Seamus Heaney

BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry with 'Fine Lines' showcasing Seamus Heaney.

Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney talks about his book, Electric Light, which travels widely in time and space visiting sites of the classical world and revisiting the poet's childhood. Presented by Christopher Cook.

Producer: Susan Roberts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.


SUN 17:30 Believe It! (b03m7p12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 18:00 Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre (b04tv48f)
Series 1, Skeleton

Harris is troubled by his bones. An expert is needed - a real expert. Who better than Doctor Munigant?

Ray Bradbury introduces his own tingling tale dramatised by Catherine Czerkawska.

Starring Bob Docherty as Dr Burley, Stuart McQuarrie as Harris, Paul Morrow as the man in the bar, Wendy Seager as Clarice and Liam Brennan as Munigant.

Directed in Edinburgh by Hamish Wilson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


SUN 18:30 Nancy Harris - The House on the Hill (b01nl7z5)

By Nancy Harris. A mother's feverish mistrust of her daughter's new piano teacher threatens to spiral out of control. Stars Philippa Stanton.


SUN 19:00 Radiolab (b08swvkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


SUN 20:00 Farewell to the Horse: Omnibus (b08swrsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 21:10 The Listening Project (b01p0vqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]


SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08swtz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]


SUN 22:00 Believe It! (b03m7p12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 22:30 Radio 9 (b041yb36)
Series 1, Episode 4

Dull Dave gets down with the kids, and a drastic diet inspired by the suffragettes. Written by and starring Johnny Daukes and Hils Barker. From November 2003.


SUN 23:00 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
Series 2, Limerick

An interminable flight with a very baffling cargo gives the charter airline crew the chance to pass the time by alternately opening their hearts up to each other - and persuading Arthur not to play charades...

Starring Stephanie Cole as Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, Roger Allam as 1st Officer Douglas Richardson, Benedict Cumberbatch as Captain Martin Crieff and John Finnmore as Arthur Shappey.

Producer: David Tyler

Made for BBC Radio 4 by Pozzitive productions.

First broadcast in August 2009.


SUN 23:30 On the Town with the League of Gentlemen (b007k273)
Death by Mau Mau

The misfits of the remote northern town are having a fun run - and is there a nasty bug going round?

The first incarnation of the award-winning black comedy, about the "local people" of Spent - before it hit TV.

Starring Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

Written by the cast and Jeremy Dyson.

The League of Gentlemen won a Perrier Edinburgh Fesvital award in 1997 and this radio series debuted in the same year. They also won a Sony Radio Award. The cult series switched to TV for three series on BBC 2 from 1999, plus stage shows and a feature film.

Producer: Sarah Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997.



MONDAY 05 JUNE 2017

MON 00:00 Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre (b04tv48f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Nancy Harris - The House on the Hill (b01nl7z5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 The Righteous Sisters Omnibus (b01nsw4y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:15 Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel (b08swpy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]


MON 02:30 F Scott Fitzgerald - The Lost Stories: Omnibus (b08swvx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]


MON 03:45 The Cazalets - Omnibus (b01r1b39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b08swxy3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:30 Believe It! (b03m7p12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]


MON 06:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtf4)
Black Tuesday

Gordon Kaye stars as the culinary mystery-solver investigating dirty tricks at restaurant directory, "Le Guide".

Pamplemousse is a retired policeman living in Paris, now making a living as an inspector for the prestigious restaurant rating directory 'Le Guide'. His long-suffering wife is Doucette (Shirley Dixon) and his ever-constant bloodhound companion is Pommes Frites (Trevor Martin).

Pamplemousse travels around France sampling fine cuisine and wines at gourmet restaurants, while managing to stumble into a series of mysteries. The character was first created in a series of novels featuring comedy, crime and cuisine by Michael Bond. Adapted for radio by Alick Rowe.

Michael Bond decided to become a writer while serving in the army during the Second World War. In 1947, he returned to the BBC, where he'd worked previously. His first creation, Paddington Bear, was born after a Christmas Eve shopping trip when he spotted a small, solitary bear in a large London store. Monsieur Pamplemousse was his first adult novel in 1983. Its success spawned a whole series of books.

Director: John Tydeman

A Mentorn Radio production first heard on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


MON 06:30 Spitting Images (b008tx8m)

Roger Law explores the Chinese fake art industry. In Dafen village, artists turn out copies of Van Gogh and Da Vinci in their thousands to be shipped worldwide. From February 2008.


MON 07:00 Charles Dickens (b00s5lbl)
Sketches by Boz - Series 2, Sentiment

After an MP's daughter arrives at Miss Crumpton's finishing school, a romantic attachment comes to light. Stars Jane Booker.


MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b08rpy29)
Series 78, 29/05/2017

Just A Minute is 50 years old this year! Nicholas Parsons has been hosting since day one and presides over an all-star panel: Paul Merton, Ross Noble, Fern Britton and Gyles Brandreth.

The panel have to talk on a given subject for sixty seconds without repetition, hesitation or deviation. Can Paul tell us much about sardines? What is Fern's ideal bike ride? How much does Gyles know about Marie Antoinette and how does Ross feel being a fly on the wall?

PLUS one of our panellists talks for a full minute - which one? You'll have to tune in to find out...

Hayley Sterling blows the whistle and it was produced by Matt Stronge.

Just A Minute is a BBC Studios production.


MON 08:00 The Burkiss Way (b007js7b)
Series 4, Repeat Yourself the Burkiss Way, pt 2

Blankety Blank gets a new host and behind-the-scenes at the Dreary Lane Theatre.

Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.

Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.

Scripted by David Renwick and Andrew Marshall.

Producer: David Hatch

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1979.


MON 08:30 Dad's Army (b00qg7s5)
Series 2, A Brush With the Law

When a light shines out in a blackout, Hodges hauls Captain Mainwaring to court.

Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, Arnold Ridley as Godfrey and Bill Pertwee as Hodges.

Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.


MON 09:00 Quote... Unquote (b06d2fys)

Quote ... Unquote, the popular quotations quiz, returns for its 51st series.

In almost forty years, Nigel Rees has been joined by writers, actors, musicians, scientists and various comedy types. Kenneth Williams, Judi Dench, PD James, Larry Adler, Ian KcKellen, Peter Cook, Kingsley Amis, Peter Ustinov... have all graced the Quote Unquote stage.

Join Nigel as he quizzes a host of celebrity guests on the origins of sayings and well-known quotes, and gets the famous panel to share their favourite anecdotes.

Episode 4

Comedy writer and director Graham Linehan.
Sports presenter Sally Jones.
Actress and writer Morwenna Banks
Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band member and Monty Python collaborator Neil Innes

Presenter ... Nigel Rees
Producer ... Carl Cooper.


MON 09:30 The Change (b0076p3r)
Series 3, Episode 3

A visit to the doctor sparks a bombshell for the not-so-happy mother-to-be.

Starring Lynda Bellingham as Carol, Philip Jackson as George, Maureen Beattie as Maureen and James Vaughan as Ken.

Series 3 of the sitcom about a married couple's attempts to smooth over their singularly troubled midlife funk - Carol is hormonal and 15-stone George is a transvestite. Onlookers can't quite agree on the nature of their dynamic.

Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.

Producer: Elizabeth Freestone

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.


MON 10:00 Classic Serial (b007j79g)
Henry Fielding - Tom Jones, Episode 1

One night wealthy Squire Allworthy steps into bed and finds to his surprise an infant wrapped between his sheets.

Henry Fielding's epic comic adventure with one of the most sparkling heroes in English literature. Dramatised in three-parts by Stephen Wyatt.

Starring Simon Russell Beale as the author Henry Fielding, and Michael Legge as Tom Jones.

With Adrian Scarborough as Bifil, Trevor Peacock as Squire Western, Margaret Tyzack as Miss Western, James Laurenson as Squire Allworthy, Sam Dale as Black George and Clare Corbett as Sophia.

Director: Claire Grove

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.


MON 11:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016w0m4)
Wednesday

Series of stories by Dorothy Whipple, an often overlooked writer of the interwar years who was described by JB Priestley as 'the Jane Austen of her age'.

A divorced mother prepares for another painful meeting with her estranged children. Read by Stella Gonet.


MON 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b01kt7cx)
Richard Monks - Zola

by Richard Monks.

The story behind barefoot runner Zola Budd's attempt to win gold at the 1984 Olympics.

Zola Budd ..... Jessica Sian
Denis Howell ..... David Calder
Frank Budd ..... Jack Klaff
Brian Vine ..... Don Gilet
Sir David English ..... Patrick Brennan
Pieter Labuschagne ..... Harry Livingstone
Geoffrey Howe ..... Robert Blythe
Andrew Landen ..... Sam Alexander
Mrs. Darbo ..... Amaka Okafor
Reporter ..... Joe Sims

Director: David Hunter.


MON 12:00 The Burkiss Way (b007js7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b00qg7s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtf4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 13:30 Spitting Images (b008tx8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqjt)
Burning Bright, Episode 1

Tracy Chevalier's novel, abridged in 10 parts by Jane Greenwood, is set in London in 1792.

1/10. The Kellaway family, having arrived from Dorset to make a new life in Lambeth, find themselves living next door to the unconventional poet William Blake.

Read by Jenny Coverack.


MON 14:15 Pier People (b00760m6)
Episode 1

Meet the people dedicated to maintaining Clevedon Pier, described by John Betjeman as the most beautiful in Britain. From February 2001.


MON 14:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07w99dn)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 2

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Shaun McKenna

Fleur has the law on her side but now London society will have its say in her ongoing feud with fellow bright young thing, Marjorie Ferrar.

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Gemma Jenkins

Today's play concludes the fifth novel in the series, The Silver Spoon.


MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b01k9q6j)
The Old Ways, Episode 1

"Humans are like animals and like all animals we leave tracks as we walk. Pilgrim paths, green roads, drove roads, corpse roads, trods, leys, dykes, drongs, sarns, snickets, holloways, bostles, shutes, driftways, lichways, ridings, halterpaths, cartways, carneys, causeways, herepaths."

Author Robert Macfarlane follows some ancient routes in the UK and overseas. As well as having adventures on the way - as you do on foot - he ponders the creation of old paths, the people who trod them, and how they resonate in today's landscapes.

Setting off, Robert Macfarlane hits England's chalk paths and soon finds out there's a price to pay for this..

Abridger Penny Leicester
Read by Dan Stevens

Producer Duncan Minshull.


MON 15:00 Classic Serial (b007j79g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:00 Quote... Unquote (b06d2fys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 16:30 The Change (b0076p3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 17:00 Charles Dickens (b00s5lbl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:30 Just a Minute (b08rpy29)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wt987)
All Hallows

On a hot summer's evening, a weary traveller is oppressed by the supernatural atmosphere inside a gigantic cathedral by the sea.

Read by Richard E Grant.

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.


MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0076ky2)
Hannah Gordon & Louise Welsh

Sue MacGregor and her guests - actress, Hannah Gordon and novelist, Louise Welsh - discuss favourite books by Martha Gellhorn, Dodie Smith and James Hogg. From 2004.

Travels With Myself and Another by Martha Gellhorn
Publisher: Eland Books

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith
Publisher: Vintage

The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg
Publisher: Penguin.


MON 19:00 The Burkiss Way (b007js7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 Dad's Army (b00qg7s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 20:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtf4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 20:30 Spitting Images (b008tx8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 21:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016w0m4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


MON 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b01kt7cx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b08rpy29)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 22:30 The Vote Now Show (b08sl3r2)
Series 3, 04/06/2017

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a satirical round-up of election news and comment from comedians, journalists and commentators...

Recorded mere hours before transmission, the Now Show team look across the political spectrum, giving their own unique take on the election news and shenanigans.

Counting on your vote this week - Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by Geoff Norcott, Andy White, Pippa Evans and Luke Kempner.

Written by the cast, with additional material from Jon Hunter, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Robin Morgan, Jack Chisnall and Will Hislop.

Produced by Adnan Ahmed
BBC Studios Production.


MON 23:00 News Quiz Extra (b08t0r43)
Series 20, Episode 7

Jeremy Hardy, Desiree Burch, Simon Evans and Helen Lewis are Miles' guests for another round of News Quizzing.

Producer: Joe Nunnery
A BBC Studios Production.


MON 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075ss5)
Series 3, Episode 7

Recorded at the Hegley Home, John invites poet Christopher Logue and 'actor of sorts' Andrew Bailey to discuss their favourite writers and perform the Tarentella. From March 2000.



TUESDAY 06 JUNE 2017

TUE 00:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wt987)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0076ky2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtf4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 Spitting Images (b008tx8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqjt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 Pier People (b00760m6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07w99dn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b01k9q6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Classic Serial (b007j79g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Quote... Unquote (b06d2fys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 The Change (b0076p3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Charles Dickens (b00s5lbl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (b08rpy29)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfc)
Grey Wednesday

Whose thumbprint is on the chocolate and where is Madame Grant?

Starring Gordon Kaye as Pamplemousse - a retired policeman living in Paris, now making a living as an inspector for the prestigious restaurant rating directory 'Le Guide'. His long-suffering wife is Doucette (Shirley Dixon) and his ever-constant bloodhound companion is Pommes Frites (Trevor Martin).

Pamplemousse travels around France sampling fine cuisine and wines at gourmet restaurants, while managing to stumble into a series of mysteries. The character was first created in a series of novels featuring comedy, crime and cuisine by Michael Bond. Adapted for radio by Alick Rowe.

A Mentorn Radio production first heard on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


TUE 06:30 To Paris with Parsnips (b01l02j7)

In a country known for its chauvinism about their food, is it the height of madness for two British amateur cooks to take over a Paris restaurant and introduce fussy Parisian customers to the delights of British food?

Producer: Fiona Cotterill
A Alfi Media production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 07:00 Lucky Heather (b0075rtm)
For a Few Dollars More

Just this side of nosey, Heather is western movie-mad. She's also the Sherlock Holmes of the rundown Sutter Estate.

With the aid of daughter Natalie and her boyfriend Ryan, she's determined to help her local community.

For starters, Heather tries to help a family with a sick child, but events take an unexpected turn...

Sue Teddern's six-part comedy series star Lindsey Coulson as Heather. ( Lindsey played Carol Jackson in BBC TV's EastEnders until 2015)

With Abigail Hart as Natalie, Ben Crowe as Ryan, Dearbhla Molloy as Maev, Tom George as Craig and Beth Chalmers as Lisa.

Director: David Hunter

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.


TUE 07:30 Small Scenes (b04l0y2l)
Series 2, Episode 1

Small Scenes is back with more excerpts from odd lives. This week, a man uncovers a great Australian conspiracy and a financial advisor starts up a sideline as an assassin's assistant.

Starring Daniel Rigby, Sara Pascoe, Mike Wozniak, Cariad Lloyd and Henry Paker.

Written by Benjamin Partridge, Henry Paker and Mike Wozniak.

Produced by Simon Mayhew-Archer.


TUE 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
Series 5, Men of Letters

Albert butts in on Harold's church magazine article.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Anthony Sharp as the Vicar.

Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.

Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Produced by Bobby Jaye

First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in June 1974.


TUE 08:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00z66dq)
A Sticky Business

The bumbling bureaucrats hit the buffers over plans for a London Underground station.

A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.

Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler.

With John Graham, Ronald Baddiley and Carol Allen.

Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.

'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Producer: Edward Taylor,

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1969.


TUE 09:00 News Quiz Extra (b08t0r43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]


TUE 09:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075ss5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]


TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b007lkzg)
Henry Fielding - Tom Jones, Episode 2

A hero banished from the only home he has ever known. A heroine who loves him, shut up in her room by her father. Stars Michael Legge.


TUE 11:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016ywr7)
Family Crisis

Highly respectable Mr Parker loses his composure when his daughter's departure threatens his orderly life. Read by Neil Dudgeon.


TUE 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076wy0)
Jane Beeson - The Discourse of Two Once-Young Women

The Discourse of Two Once-Young Women

By Jane Beeson.

Three old friends from schooldays during the war plan to meet up. Why are the two women so nervous, and what can have changed so radically? Their male friend acts as a conduit but the circumstance of their meeting is something none of them could have anticipated.

Daisy ...... Lynn Farleigh
Gerald ...... Oliver Ford Davies
Ida ...... Eleanor Bron
Matt ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Mother ...... Ella Smith
Young Daisy ...... Anna Lanyon
Young Ida ...... Tessa Montague
Boy ...... John Cummins

Directed by Cherry Cookson.


TUE 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 12:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00z66dq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 13:30 To Paris with Parsnips (b01l02j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqhy)
Burning Bright, Episode 2

Tracy Chevalier's novel, abridged in 10 parts by Jane Greenwood, is set in London in 1792.

2/10. Jem and Maisie Kellaway and their new friend Maggie cross Westminster bridge to see the sights of London. They have two strange encounters with their new neighbour William Blake.

Read by Jenny Coverack.


TUE 14:15 Pier People (b00760mr)
Llandudno Pier

Llandudno Pier is half a mile of Victorian splendour, but it eats money, something its supporters know too well. From February 2001.


TUE 14:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wbm7s)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 3

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Shaun McKenna

To escape London society's cold shoulder Soames accompanies Fleur on a world tour where a chance encounter in Washington's Rock Creek Cemetery reawakens old passions

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Gemma Jenkins

Today's play is from the interlude, Passers By.


TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b01k9vgt)
The Old Ways, Episode 2

"Humans are like animals and like all animals we leave tracks as we walk. Pilgrim paths, green roads, drove roads, corpse roads, trods, leys, dykes, drongs, sarns, snickets, holloways, bostles, shutes, driftways, lichways, ridings, halterpaths, cartways, carneys, causeways, herepaths."

Author Robert Macfarlane follows some ancient routes in the UK and overseas. As well as having adventures on the way - as you do on foot - he ponders the creation of old paths, the people who trod them, and how they resonate in today's landscapes.

This time Robert Macfarlane takes an ancient route across the most dangerous sands in England. Wisely, he doesn't venture alone...

Reader Dan Stevens.


TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b007lkzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b00k8fdv)
Series 2, Episode 2

John Lloyd and Sean Lock host a panel show in which three distinguished guests donate fascinating exhibits to a vast imaginary museum.

Tim FitzHigham, Simon Singh and Gavin Pretor-Pinney donate Don Quixote, a pigeon-spattered telescope and an extremely rare cloud.


TUE 16:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076hv6)
Episode 1

Twenty years married to Catherine of Aragon - and no son for the King. Should she take all the blame?

An unreliable history, created and written in six parts by Barry Grossman.

Starring Jonathan Coy as Henry VIII, Carla Mendonca as Catherine of Aragon, Sheila Steafel as Donna Elvira, John Rowe as Cardinal Wolsey, Milton Jones as Thomas Cromwell, Stephen Gretf as the Pope, and Alfred Burke as the Chronicler.

Music by Jim Parker.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.


TUE 17:00 Lucky Heather (b0075rtm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:30 Small Scenes (b04l0y2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wv6ln)
Seaton's Aunt

Two boys on holiday stay in the creaking house of an eccentric and sinister aunt, an experience that will mark them forever...

Read by Toby Jones.

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.


TUE 18:30 Sounds Natural (b08t17cm)
Flora Robson

Distinguished actress, Dame Flora Robson (1902-1984) shares her love of wildlife and the countryside with Derek Jones, including her impressions from working in Hollywood.

The Redstart, Hippopotamus and the Wandering Albatross are among her choices of recordings from the BBC Sound Archives.

Produced in Bristol by John Burton.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1973.


TUE 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00z66dq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 20:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 20:30 To Paris with Parsnips (b01l02j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 21:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016ywr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


TUE 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076wy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


TUE 22:00 Small Scenes (b04l0y2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 22:30 Revolting People (b00fkx2m)
Series 2, Some More Trying Times

McGurk turns spy, Samuel enters showbiz and Ezekiel gets stuck. 1770 America sitcom stars Andy Hamilton. From February 2001.


TUE 23:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b044j94d)
Series 1, Gold

How do you make economics funny? How do you put the comedy in commodity? Simon Evans has the answer in this new series which asks us to get involved in investment.

Rather than being cowed by an apparently complicated and overwhelming system, Simon jumps right in. He takes as his focus four commodities which are so intrinsic to our lives they have an almost elemental significance - land, gold, oil and grain. Yet, despite the fact we encounter them everywhere we look, very few people have been able to build a fortune on them.

All that's about to change as, Simon enlists help from the experts. Each week he will be joined by Tim Harford, Merryn Somerset Webb and a guest specialist as they examine the chequered social and economic histories of these commodities. By looking at four such fundamental products, Simon brings us to a closer understanding of how global economic forces have a far-reaching and often surprising impact on our lives.

In this episode, Simon looks at why we buy and sell gold all around the world. When did that begin? Why do we continue now we have paper money?

Performed by ..... Simon Evans, with regular guests Tim Harford and Merryn Somerset-Webb, and to talk about the trade in gold, Dominic frisby.

Written by ..... Simon Evans with Benjamin Partridge, Guy Venables and Andy Wolton

Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.


TUE 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08tvd0k)

From 10pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to Dominic Holland.


TUE 23:30 Twenty Players (b06jmc82)
Series 1, Gertrude Trelawny Ferris

Forgotten sporting heroes. Gerald Sinstadt tells the story of the sporting all-rounder Gertrude Trelawny Ferris. From June 1995.


TUE 23:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jn0b)
Series 1, Normal Science

The cartoonist aims to prove that science will make the natural world entirely redundant. Stars Paul McCrink. From August 2001.



WEDNESDAY 07 JUNE 2017

WED 00:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wv6ln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]


WED 00:30 Sounds Natural (b08t17cm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 To Paris with Parsnips (b01l02j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 Pier People (b00760mr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wbm7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b01k9vgt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b007lkzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b00k8fdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076hv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 Lucky Heather (b0075rtm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 05:30 Small Scenes (b04l0y2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 06:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfx)
The Final Print-Out

The trail leads Pamplemousse and his trusty hound to Père Lachaise Cemetery before a final watery showdown.

Starring Gordon Kaye as the retired policeman living in Paris, now making a living as an inspector for the prestigious restaurant rating directory 'Le Guide'. His long-suffering wife is Doucette (Shirley Dixon) and his ever-constant bloodhound companion is Pommes Frites (Trevor Martin).

Pamplemousse travels around France sampling fine cuisine and wines at gourmet restaurants, while managing to stumble into a series of mysteries. The character was first created in a series of novels featuring comedy, crime and cuisine by Michael Bond. Adapted for radio by Alick Rowe.

A Mentorn Radio production first heard on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


WED 06:30 Descendants (b0075htl)

Journalist Richard Dowden traces his mysterious ancestor, writer Lafcadio Hearn, who is a household name in Japan. From March 1999.


WED 07:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b008j0ln)
Series 2, Puppets

Robert discovers the pitfalls of working with hypnotists and ventriloquists. Stars John Gordon Sinclair. From March 1990.


WED 07:30 John Finnemore's Double Acts (b08rrc0m)
Series 2, The Queen's Speech

Victoria is very much hoping to see a conjuror, or at least a parrot. But instead meets Mabel.

Stephanie Cole and Kerry Godliman star in the first of six two-handers written by Cabin Pressure's John Finnemore

Written by John Finnemore
Produced by David Tyler

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b04bs00t)
Weathering

Can the inept crew of HMS Troutbridge manage to help a scientist complete their research mission?

Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Commanding Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Mrs Povey, Tenniel Evans as the Admiral, Michael Bates as the Professor, Lawrie Wyman as AS Tiddy and Elizabeth Morgan as the Mini-Skirted Spy.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976.

Scripted by Lawrie Wyman.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1969.


WED 08:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jntz)
Series 5, Hancock's Car

Parked outside for ten years - the lad's forced to move his motor car, but hits snags galore.

Stars Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.

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 April 1958.


WED 09:00 Genius (b008jdzb)
Series 2, Sid Waddell

Dave Gorman and Sid Waddell chew over ridiculous, brilliant but unworkable ideas, and choose the best. From October 2006.


WED 09:30 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
The Painting

"Good Grief. There's all my old love letters in there. Listen to this one: "My dearest darling. I will kill myself if you won't see me on Tuesday. I adore you, I want you. Little Petal Wettikins." You know Eric, I often wonder why I never posted them..."

After his Uncle Ben's funeral, Wally Thornton unearths some hidden treasures.

Starring Tony Brandon as Wally. With Chris Ellison, John Jardine, Nick Maloney and Rosalind Knight.

Tony Brandon's BBC career was mainly as a disc-jockey for Radio 1 and 2 from 1967-1982, but as an actor, he also recorded the comedy series 'The Family Brandon' and 'Wally Who?'.

Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.

Theme and incidental music by Debbie Katz.

Produced in Manchester by Mike Craig.

First broadcast on BBC Radio in November 1982.


WED 10:00 Classic Serial (b007npgj)
Henry Fielding - Tom Jones, Episode 3

Tom follows Sophia to the cesspit of immorality that is London and is invited to a masked ball. Stars Simon Russell Beale.


WED 11:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016z61c)
The Handbag

A councillor's neglected wife lays a trap for her vainglorious husband. Patience Tomlinson reads Dorothy Whipple's story.


WED 11:15 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007jphl)
Series 2, Talking Poison

A controversial American preacher and men's rights advocate comes to the UK to take part in a TV debate, but threats have been made against him.

So it's up to Detective Inspector Gwen Danbury ensure his protection. But her mother Joan is not impressed...

Sue Rodwell's three-part detective mystery stars Annette Badland as DI Gwen Danbury, Stephanie Cole as Joan Danbury, Peter Marinker as Arthur Lamson, Liza Ross as Alena Lamson, Michelle Newell as Anna Tricker, Richard Derrington as Tom Palmer and Robert Lister as Superintendent Phillips.

Director: Rosemary Watts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.


WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b04bs00t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jntz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 13:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 13:30 Descendants (b0075htl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqj2)
Burning Bright, Episode 3

Tracy Chevalier's novel, abridged in 10 parts by Jane Greenwood, is set in London in 1792.

3/10. Jem and Maggie engineer a visit to the Blakes, where they are fascinated to find a full-size printing press on which the poet produces his own books.

Read by Jenny Coverack.


WED 14:15 Pier People (b00760n7)
Southwold Pier

Storms and a mine explosion wrecked Southwold Pier in Suffolk, but new plans are in place to rebuild it better than before. From February 2001.


WED 14:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wc11q)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 4

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Shaun McKenna

It's 1926 and the General Strike brings Fleur face to face with her past

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Gemma Jenkins

Today's play marks the start of the sixth novel in the series, Swan-Song.


WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b01kbhjp)
The Old Ways, Episode 3

"Humans are like animals and like all animals we leave tracks as we walk. Pilgrim paths, green roads, drove roads, corpse roads, trods, leys, dykes, drongs, sarns, snickets, holloways, bostles, shutes, driftways, lichways, ridings, halterpaths, cartways, carneys, causeways, herepaths."

Author Robert Macfarlane follows some ancient routes in the UK and overseas. As well as having adventures on the way - as you do on foot - he ponders the creation of old paths, the people who trod them, and how they resonate in today's landscapes.

In memory of his late grandfather Robert Macfarlane treads the pinkish granite of the Cairngorms. There are tales to tell in these parts...

Reader Dan Stevens.


WED 15:00 Classic Serial (b007npgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


WED 16:00 Genius (b008jdzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 16:30 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 17:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b008j0ln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:30 John Finnemore's Double Acts (b08rrc0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wvd6t)
Crewe

In the chilly waiting-room of a railway station, an old man relates a disturbing history of a haunting in a job he formerly held...

Read by Kenneth Cranham.

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.


WED 18:30 Off the Page (b01292v7)
The Games People Play

George Bernard Shaw reckoned that we don't stop playing because we're old, but we grow old because we forget to play. Putting that idea to test are David Goldblatt, author of The Ball is Round; Helen Bentley, one of the organisers of Igfest in Bristol - the Interesting Games Festival; and the man behind The Importance of Being Trivial, Mark Mason. Are we really as playful as we like to think, and what does our choice of game say about us ? The presenter is Dominic Arkwright, and the producer Miles Warde.


WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b04bs00t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 19:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jntz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 20:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 20:30 Descendants (b0075htl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 21:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016z61c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


WED 21:15 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007jphl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


WED 22:00 John Finnemore's Double Acts (b08rrc0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 22:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b00fqbsz)
Series 2, Episode 4

A dizzy Indian ad agency, a lovesick lament to Lahore - and the blundering Bhangra Muffins.

Stars Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kulvinder Ghir, Nitin Sawhney, Meera Syal and 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.

Scripted by Richard Pinto, Sharat Sardana, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sanjeev Kohli and Nina Wadia.

Script Editor: Sharat Sardana

Producer: Anil Gupta.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.


WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08tvdhp)

From 10pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Dominic Holland.


WED 23:00 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007jqhc)
Series 1, The Human Mind

The sci-fi star and inventor explains life's big mysteries. With Tom Baker, Richard Herring and Stewart Lee. From November 1992.


WED 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00ry9j0)
Series 1, Trout Farm

John Weak's witty comment on a leaving card gives Human Resources a hot flush. Stars Alexander Armstrong. From September 2005.



THURSDAY 08 JUNE 2017

THU 00:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wvd6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]


THU 00:30 Off the Page (b01292v7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]


THU 01:00 Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates (b007jtfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]


THU 01:30 Descendants (b0075htl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]


THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqj2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]


THU 02:15 Pier People (b00760n7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]


THU 02:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wc11q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]


THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b01kbhjp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]


THU 03:00 Classic Serial (b007npgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 Genius (b008jdzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:30 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]


THU 05:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b008j0ln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]


THU 05:30 John Finnemore's Double Acts (b08rrc0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]


THU 06:00 Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus (b08t3kfg)
Episode 1

Legendary BBC producer Charles Parker's 1960s take on William Shakespeare's tale featuring songs and music by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger.

The first of a two-parts narrated by Brian Byrne.

With Sandra Culver as the Market Woman, Terry Yarnell as Ted Montague, Bobby Campbell as Benny (Benvolio), Ted Culver as Ron (Romeo), Brian Pearson as Tim (Tybalt), John Faulkner as Arnold Capley (Capulet), Greta Cummings as Mrs Marjorie Capley, Sandra Faulkner as Juliet, Denis Turner as Wizz (Mercutio) and Jim O'Connor as Uncle Larry (Friar Lawrence)

Charles Parker (1919-1980) is best remembered for his BBC Radio Ballads - ground-breaking documentaries produced with Ewan MacColl starting in the late 1950s. They were hailed as masterpieces of radio, weaving the voices of rarely-heard communities with songs written from and about the recorded experiences of the interviewees.

Producer: Charles Parker

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1966.


THU 06:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)

Libby Purves explores the world of the ship's pilot, whose job involves guiding the world's biggest ships into port and out to sea again in the best and the worst of weathers.

Aboard a pilot cutter on the River Tees in heavy seas, Libby meets Geoff Taylor of the International Maritime Pilots Association and his colleagues to talk about the life of the men - and one woman - who guide our ships safely to shore.


THU 07:00 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
Episode 1

In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent. The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White. Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed. "With one bound Dick was free!".

Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick, in an affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.

When Richard's dad arrives to convalesce after an operation and to start work on his memoirs, strange parallels begin to emerge between past and present, between Dick's old adventures and events in his son's village.

Starring Robert Bathurst as Richard Barton, Moray Watson as Old Dick Barton, Iain Cuthbertson as Jock, Julian Dutton as Young Dick Barton and Sally Phillips as Sally Barton

Producer: Jo Clegg

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1997.


THU 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05xglm4)
Series 10, Moby Dave

Ed's fortunes have taken a turn for the better as he's been given an advance to write a projected television series perfect for Sunday night viewing. He has comfortable lodgings, money in his pocket and a warm glow, in fact all is going very well indeed until Suzan decides that her new assistant, Jonathan, should help Ed with 'the scripty stuff'. At which suggestion someone loses their temper, and for once it isn't Ed.

Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.
Produced by Dawn Ellis.

Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production.


THU 08:00 Marriage Lines (b04phhxq)
Series 1, There's No Place Like a New Place

George and Kate get itchy feet when their neighbours hint at moving.

A series based on the mutual love and mistrust of two newly-weds. Starring Richard Briers as George Starling and Prunella Scales as Kate Starling.

With Joan Sanderson, Geoffrey Sumner, Geoffrey Matthews, Heather Chasen and Wallis Eaton.

This 1960's newlyweds sitcom brought Richard Briers and Prunella Scales to prominence. Originating on BBC TV, it was adapted for radio due to its popularity. A decade later, Richard Briers went on to play Tom Good in The Good Life and Prunella Scales went on to star as Sybil in Fawlty Towers.

Written by Richard Waring.

Producer: Charles Maxwell

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1965.


THU 08:30 Play It Cool (b05ps3hw)
Episode 2

Days out and big business inspire a plethora of comedy characters galore in fast-moving sketches.

Starring Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick.

Films like Private's Progress and I'm All Right Jack helped make Ian Carmichael a major star of both British stage and screen. Play it Cool was his first radio comedy series promising a variety of potty and pompous situations.

Written by Eric Merriman - best known for his work on numerous series of Beyond Our Ken.

With music from Rosemary Squires, The Mike Sammes Singers and The Ken Thorne Orchestra

Produced by John Simmonds

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1964.


THU 09:00 All the Way From Memphis (b00m52xh)
Series 2, Episode 2

James Walton hosts the pop music history quiz with Andrew Collins, Tracey MacLeod, David Quantick and Stewart Lee. From May 2006.


THU 09:30 Nineteen Ninety-Eight (b01bwm9f)
Episode 2

Edward wakes up with urgent news, but who will listen? Orwellian sitcom with David Threlfall and Hugh Laurie. From April 1987.


THU 10:00 Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel (b01096ch)
Episode 1

Ambrose is a hero to his young ward Philip, but things change when he meets Philip's cousin. Stars Damien Lewis and Lia Williams.


THU 11:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b017071m)
Cover

A young wife is unable to free herself from the guilt of her scandalous past. Stella Gonet reads Dorothy Whipple's story.


THU 11:15 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007jpj1)
Series 2, Old Dog

Richard Mills - a vulnerable old man - is attacked and burgled. He seems lonely so Detective Inspector Gwen Danbury decides to introduce him to her mother, Joan...

Sue Rodwell's three-part detective mystery stars Annette Badland as DI Gwen Danbury, Stephanie Cole as Joan Danbury, Ian Hogg as Richard Mills, Richard Frame as Darren Peters and John Duttine as Detective Sergeant Henry Jacobs

Director: Rosemary Watts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.


THU 12:00 Marriage Lines (b04phhxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 12:30 Play It Cool (b05ps3hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 13:00 Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus (b08t3kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 13:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqj6)
Burning Bright, Episode 4

Tracy Chevalier's novel, abridged in 10 parts by Jane Greenwood, is set in London in 1792.

4/10. When William Blake's mother dies, the children decide it would be a great adventure to follow the funeral party to Bunhill Fields burial ground.

Read by Jenny Coverack.


THU 14:15 Pier People (b00760nx)
Brighton's Piers

Brighton has two piers - one happy and one sad, The Palace Pier and the West Pier. What's the future for them? From February 2001.


THU 14:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wgkz6)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 5

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Shaun McKenna

Fleur is playing a dangerous game when she revisits an old haunt

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Gemma Jenkins.


THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b01kblc6)
The Old Ways, Episode 4

"Humans are like animals and like all animals we leave tracks as we walk. Pilgrim paths, green roads, drove roads, corpse roads, trods, leys, dykes, drongs, sarns, snickets, holloways, bostles, shutes, driftways, lichways, ridings, halterpaths, cartways, carneys, causeways, herepaths."

Author Robert Macfarlane follows some ancient routes in the UK and overseas. As well as having adventures on the way - as you do on foot - he ponders the creation of old paths, the people who trod them, and how they resonate in today's landscapes.

In Spain, Robert Macfarlane contacts Miguel Angelo Blanco, whose library of 'walking books' can predict the future...

Reader Dan Stevens.


THU 15:00 Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel (b01096ch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


THU 16:00 All the Way From Memphis (b00m52xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


THU 16:30 Nineteen Ninety-Eight (b01bwm9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


THU 17:00 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


THU 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05xglm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 18:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
A Recluse

One hot evening in the English countryside, a traveller is forced to stay the night at the remote house of a sinister gentleman...

Read by Anthony Head.

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.


THU 18:30 Great Lives (b00k8t3z)
Series 18, John Coltrane

Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

Musician Andy Sheppard chooses influential saxophonist John Coltrane, creator of the albums Giant Steps and A Love Supreme. Supporting Andy's choice is the editor of The Wire magazine, Tony Herrington.


THU 19:00 Marriage Lines (b04phhxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 19:30 Play It Cool (b05ps3hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 20:00 Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus (b08t3kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 20:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 21:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b017071m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


THU 21:15 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007jpj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


THU 22:00 Ed Reardon's Week (b05xglm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 22:30 Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science (b01j5nxt)
Series 2, Episode 3

Helen Keen, Peter Serafinowicz and Susy Kane star in the funny but true history of space exploration.

This week, given that on a rocket every ounce of saved weight is crucial, an astronaut who weighs 15% less and breathes less oxygen should have a tremendous advantage. So where were all of NASA's female astronauts? The story of Soviet pioneer Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, who at one time logged more hours in orbit than all the male American astronauts put together makes a thought-provoking contrast to the marginalised female astronauts of the USA, the so called Mercury 13, none of whom ever got to go into space.

Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill
Produced by Gareth Edwards.


THU 22:45 Where Did It All Go Wrong? (b0076qq2)
Series 2, The Legend of Billy Buckethead

An investigation into the phenomena of bucket-wearing sweeping the globe. Stars Simon Munnery and Kevin Eldon. From March 2005.


THU 23:00 Rubbish (b008drpg)
Series 2, Phobic

Unable to look at his own reflection in a mirror, Martin enlists local artist Dan to help him before it's too late. Stars Reece Dinsdale, Neil Dudgeon. From December 2007.


THU 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08tvdkv)

From 10pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Dominic Holland.


THU 23:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007w3z1)
Series 1, Episode 6

The musical comedian presents his selection of classic comic songs. His guest is former Juicepig, Phil Nicol. From August 2005.



FRIDAY 09 JUNE 2017

FRI 00:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b00k8t3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]


FRI 01:00 Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus (b08t3kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]


FRI 01:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]


FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqj6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]


FRI 02:15 Pier People (b00760nx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]


FRI 02:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wgkz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]


FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b01kblc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]


FRI 03:00 Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel (b01096ch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 All the Way From Memphis (b00m52xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:30 Nineteen Ninety-Eight (b01bwm9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]


FRI 05:00 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]


FRI 05:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05xglm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]


FRI 06:00 Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet (b08t3khx)

Concluding Charles Parker's take on Shakespeare's tale, featuring songs and music by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. From May 1966.


FRI 06:30 When Harry Met Sooty (b00759y9)

Comedian Jack Dee presents the rags-to-riches story of Britain's most famous glove puppet. With Sara Parker. From July 1998.


FRI 07:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv8w)
A Curry at Kelmscot

Jennifer joins Mark and his mutt's Thames quest, but there is a surprise on their menu. Stars Timothy Spall. From January 1993.


FRI 07:30 Sketchorama (b01kjt9h)
Series 1, Episode 3

Humphrey Ker with new sketch group talent from the circuit: The Three Englishmen, Max & Ivan and Frisky & Mannish. From July 2012.


FRI 08:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00s3htw)
Series 3, Episode 6

Your chance to take part in an experiment in stereo sound - and meet unsung soccer hero, Angus Prune!

More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Tim Brooke-Taylor, Eric Idle, Clive James, Bernard King and Bill Oddie.

Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.

Music and songs by Dave Lee and Bill Oddie.

Producer: Humphrey Barclay

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in April 1966.


FRI 08:30 Doctor at Large (b009m43k)
Farewell Las Palmas

When ship's doctor Simon Sparrow is caught in a compromising position - twice! - only Easter can save him.

The misadventures of newly qualified doctor, Simon Sparrow - adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's 'Doctor at Large' published in 1955.

Starring Richard Briers as Simon Sparrow, Geoffrey Sumner as Sir Lancelot Spratt, Ray Cooney as First Mate Jock Hornbeam, Patsy Rowlands as Miss Bottomley, Dennis Ramsden as Colonel Swithinbank, Peter Jones as Easter and Norma Ronald as Wendy Swithenbank.

Producer: David Hatch

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1969.


FRI 09:00 The 3rd Degree (b07ctvfy)
Series 6, The University of Glasgow

A funny and dynamic quiz show hosted by Steve Punt - this week from the University of Glasgow, with specialist subjects including Earth Science, Medicine and Astrophysics and Cosmology, and the questions ranging from Rudolf Hess to Vaslav Nijinsky via smallpox and syzygys.

The programme is recorded on location at a different University each week, and it pits three Undergraduates against three of their Professors in an original and fresh take on an academic quiz.

The rounds vary between Specialist Subjects and General Knowledge, quickfire bell-and-buzzer rounds and the Highbrow and Lowbrow round cunningly devised to test not only the students' knowledge of current affairs, history, languages and science, but also their Professors' awareness of television, sport, and quite possibly Justin Bieber. In addition, the Head-to-Head rounds see students take on their Professors in their own subjects, offering plenty of scope for mild embarrassment on both sides.

Other Universities featured in this series include Gloucestershire, Chester, Birmingham City, Bath and York.

Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 09:30 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nhw1v)
The Overcoat

A humble Russian civil servant's career is stuck in a dismal rut, until he buys a new coat. With Stephen Moore. From April 2002.


FRI 10:00 Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel (b0109gdh)
Episode 2

Philip experiences more than one revelation when he finally faces his guardian's widow. Stars Damien Lewis and Lia Williams.


FRI 11:00 Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door (b016z738)
Summer Holiday

A child's innocent remark has devastating consequences for a nursemaid. Patience Tomlinson reads Dorothy Whipple's story.


FRI 11:15 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007jpjh)
Series 2, Dead Heads and Chutney

A respectable woman in her 70s is found dead, apparently from natural causes, but Detective Inspector Gwen Danbury is sure she was murdered so starts to delve into the woman's past...

Sue Rodwell's three-part detective mystery stars Annette Badland as DI Gwen Danbury, Stephanie Cole as Joan Danbury, John Duttine as Detective Sergeant Henry Jacobs, Lennox Greaves as the Vicar, Sunny Ormonde as Isabel Mackenzie and Tom George as John Parnell

Director: Rosemary Watts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.


FRI 12:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00s3htw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 12:30 Doctor at Large (b009m43k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 13:00 Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet (b08t3khx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 13:30 When Harry Met Sooty (b00759y9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b008cqjb)
Burning Bright, Episode 5

Tracy Chevalier's novel, abridged in 10 parts by Jane Greenwood, is set in London in 1792.

5/10. After the funeral, the night closes in. Jem, Maggie and Maisie find themselves wet, lost and frightened in a maze of unfamiliar streets.

Read by Jenny Coverack.


FRI 14:15 Pier People (b00760pp)
Blackpool's Piers

What does the future hold for Blackpool's piers as visitors demand new forms of entertainment? From February 2001.


FRI 14:30 The Forsyte Saga (b07wgng1)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 6

John Galsworthy's epic family saga of love, money and betrayal.
Dramatised for radio by Shaun McKenna

Feelings are running high at Ascot as the Forsytes gather to watch the family horse in its debut race

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Gemma Jenkins.


FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b01kbltc)
The Old Ways, Episode 5

"Humans are like animals and like all animals we leave tracks as we walk. Pilgrim paths, green roads, drove roads, corpse roads, trods, leys, dykes, drongs, sarns, snickets, holloways, bostles, shutes, driftways, lichways, ridings, halterpaths, cartways, carneys, causeways, herepaths."

Author Robert Macfarlane follows some ancient routes in the UK and overseas. As well as having adventures on the way - as you do on foot - he ponders the creation of old paths, the people who trod them, and how they resonate in today's landscapes.

After various journeys, it's back to the chalk paths for Robert Macfarlane and a ghostly encounter is in store..

Reader Dan Stevens.


FRI 15:00 Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel (b0109gdh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


FRI 16:00 The 3rd Degree (b07ctvfy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


FRI 16:30 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nhw1v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


FRI 17:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


FRI 17:30 Sketchorama (b01kjt9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


FRI 18:00 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wwd8m)
The Almond Tree

A man looks back on the complex relationship between his parents and a female friend of his father's. It's one that will influence the rest of his life...

Read by Julian Wadham.

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.


FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b037hmxd)
Series 16, Elgar's Dream of Gerontius

How the choral work The Dream of Gerontius, by Elgar, has touched and changed people's lives.
We hear from Terry Waite for whom it was the first piece of music he heard as a hostage in the Lebanon, after four years in solitary confinement.
Music writer and broadcaster Stephen Johnson describes how Elgar's own fragile emotional state is written into the music, which describes the journey taken by a dying man.
Singer Catherine Wyn-Rogers explains how Elgar's music helped her come to terms with the loss of her parents.
Martin Firth recalls a life-enhancing performance of the piece in Bristol cathedral.
Jude Kelly, artistic director of the South Bank Centre, explains how she experienced the choir in this piece as a 'spiritual army' when she performed it at university.
Martyn Marsh describes how the music brought him to a realisation about how he would like to end his days.
And Robin Self recalls a life-changing performance of this piece, which enabled him to grieve for his son.

Producer: Melvin Rickarby.


FRI 19:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00s3htw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 19:30 Doctor at Large (b009m43k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 20:00 Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet (b08t3khx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 20:30 When Harry Met Sooty (b00759y9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 21:00 The Forsyte Saga (b07wmzxb)
The Forsytes Returns, Episode 7

by John Galsworthy, dramatised by Shaun McKenna

As Fleur rushes headlong towards her old love, Jon Forsyte, she has no idea how things will rebound on her.

Original music by Neil Brand

Produced & directed by Marion Nancarrow

"The Forsytes Returns" continues John Galsworthy's epic tale of sex, money and power in the lives of an upper middle-class family in London, spanning 50 years from 1886 to 1936. It's narrated by Fleur Forsyte, the baby born at the end of series one. More than 20 years has passed since Soames divorced the love of his life, Irene, who left him after he forced himself upon her and went on to marry his cousin Jo. Fleur then fell head over heels in love with Irene's son, Jon, neither knowing their parents' troubled history and this eventually divided them, with Jon leaving for America with his mother. To mend a broken heart, Fleur married the adoring Michael Mont on the rebound and threw herself into smart society, determined to embrace all that is considered modern. This is the generation that survived the war, now hell-bent on not taking life too seriously.

"The Forsytes Returns" continues BBC Radio 4's dramatisation of all John Galsworthy's Forsyte novels and interludes and covers Books 5 and 6 - "The Silver Spoon" and "Swan Song".


FRI 22:30 Laura Solon: Talking and Not Talking (b00bz9zn)
Series 2, Episode 3

Office life, relationships and 'Lossie Come Home'. Award-winning monologues and sketches with Rosie Cavaliero. From June 2008.


FRI 23:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b01p424k)
Series 4, Tobermory

Comedian Mark Steel returns with a new series, looking under the surface of some of the UK's more distinctive towns to shed some light on the people, history, rivalries, slang, traditions, and eccentricities that makes them unique.

Creating a bespoke stand-up set for each town, Mark performs the show in front of a local audience.

As well as examining the less visited areas of Britain, Mark uncovers stories and experiences that resonate with us all as we recognise the quirkiness of the British way of life and the rich tapestry of remarkable events and people who have shaped where we live.

During this 4th series of 'Mark Steel's In Town', Mark will visit Tobermory, Whitehaven, Handsworth, Ottery St Mary, Corby, and Chipping Norton.

This week, Mark visits Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, to discuss kid's TV-rage, underwear odysseys, and supercilious sea eagles.

Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Produced by Sam Bryant.


FRI 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00l1pzf)
Series 1, Matt Lucas Interviews Johnny Vegas

The 'Little Britain' funny man, Matt Lucas and up front comic, Johnny Vegas in the tag talk show, where this week's guest is next week's interviewer.

Producer: Tilusha Ghelani

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2005.




LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)

A Good Read 18:30 MON (b0076ky2)

A Good Read 00:30 TUE (b0076ky2)

A Gothic Cathedral 01:30 SAT (b0075cdg)

A Guide to Garden Wildlife 02:15 SAT (b037smx8)

Afternoon Drama 11:15 MON (b01kt7cx)

Afternoon Drama 21:15 MON (b01kt7cx)

Afternoon Drama 11:15 TUE (b0076wy0)

Afternoon Drama 21:15 TUE (b0076wy0)

All the Way From Memphis 09:00 THU (b00m52xh)

All the Way From Memphis 16:00 THU (b00m52xh)

All the Way From Memphis 04:00 FRI (b00m52xh)

An Actor's Life for Me 07:00 WED (b008j0ln)

An Actor's Life for Me 17:00 WED (b008j0ln)

An Actor's Life for Me 05:00 THU (b008j0ln)

Archive on 4 08:00 SAT (b03g89cl)

Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus 06:00 THU (b08t3kfg)

Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus 13:00 THU (b08t3kfg)

Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus 20:00 THU (b08t3kfg)

Ballad And Folksong: Romeo And Juliet: Omnibus 01:00 FRI (b08t3kfg)

Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet 06:00 FRI (b08t3khx)

Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet 13:00 FRI (b08t3khx)

Ballad and Folksong: Romeo and Juliet 20:00 FRI (b08t3khx)

Believe It! 07:30 SUN (b03m7p12)

Believe It! 17:30 SUN (b03m7p12)

Believe It! 22:00 SUN (b03m7p12)

Believe It! 05:30 MON (b03m7p12)

Bindi Business: Omnibus 00:00 SUN (b08swdkq)

Boogie Up the River 05:00 SAT (b007jv7w)

Boogie Up the River 07:00 FRI (b007jv8w)

Boogie Up the River 17:00 FRI (b007jv8w)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 MON (b008cqjt)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 TUE (b008cqjt)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 TUE (b008cqhy)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 WED (b008cqhy)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 WED (b008cqj2)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 THU (b008cqj2)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 THU (b008cqj6)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 FRI (b008cqj6)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 FRI (b008cqjb)

Book of the Week 02:45 SAT (b01k0b0y)

Book of the Week 14:45 MON (b01k9q6j)

Book of the Week 02:45 TUE (b01k9q6j)

Book of the Week 14:45 TUE (b01k9vgt)

Book of the Week 02:45 WED (b01k9vgt)

Book of the Week 14:45 WED (b01kbhjp)

Book of the Week 02:45 THU (b01kbhjp)

Book of the Week 14:45 THU (b01kblc6)

Book of the Week 02:45 FRI (b01kblc6)

Book of the Week 14:45 FRI (b01kbltc)

Cabin Pressure 23:00 SUN (b00m4472)

Chain Reaction 23:30 FRI (b00l1pzf)

Charles Dickens 07:00 MON (b00s5lbl)

Charles Dickens 17:00 MON (b00s5lbl)

Charles Dickens 05:00 TUE (b00s5lbl)

Classic Serial 10:00 MON (b007j79g)

Classic Serial 15:00 MON (b007j79g)

Classic Serial 03:00 TUE (b007j79g)

Classic Serial 10:00 TUE (b007lkzg)

Classic Serial 15:00 TUE (b007lkzg)

Classic Serial 03:00 WED (b007lkzg)

Classic Serial 10:00 WED (b007npgj)

Classic Serial 15:00 WED (b007npgj)

Classic Serial 03:00 THU (b007npgj)

DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body 11:15 WED (b007jphl)

DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body 21:15 WED (b007jphl)

DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body 11:15 THU (b007jpj1)

DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body 21:15 THU (b007jpj1)

DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body 11:15 FRI (b007jpjh)

Dad's Army 08:30 MON (b00qg7s5)

Dad's Army 12:30 MON (b00qg7s5)

Dad's Army 19:30 MON (b00qg7s5)

Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel 10:00 THU (b01096ch)

Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel 15:00 THU (b01096ch)

Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel 03:00 FRI (b01096ch)

Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel 10:00 FRI (b0109gdh)

Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel 15:00 FRI (b0109gdh)

Descendants 06:30 WED (b0075htl)

Descendants 13:30 WED (b0075htl)

Descendants 20:30 WED (b0075htl)

Descendants 01:30 THU (b0075htl)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 10:15 SUN (b08swtz5)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 21:15 SUN (b08swtz5)

Dick Francis 01:00 SAT (b007ncw9)

Doctor at Large 08:30 FRI (b009m43k)

Doctor at Large 12:30 FRI (b009m43k)

Doctor at Large 19:30 FRI (b009m43k)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 11:00 MON (b016w0m4)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 21:00 MON (b016w0m4)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 11:00 TUE (b016ywr7)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 21:00 TUE (b016ywr7)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 11:00 WED (b016z61c)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 21:00 WED (b016z61c)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 11:00 THU (b017071m)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 21:00 THU (b017071m)

Dorothy Whipple - The Closed Door 11:00 FRI (b016z738)

Ed Reardon's Week 07:30 THU (b05xglm4)

Ed Reardon's Week 17:30 THU (b05xglm4)

Ed Reardon's Week 22:00 THU (b05xglm4)

Ed Reardon's Week 05:30 FRI (b05xglm4)

Educating Archie 08:00 SUN (b007jx5t)

Educating Archie 12:00 SUN (b007jx5t)

F Scott Fitzgerald - The Lost Stories: Omnibus 14:30 SUN (b08swvx1)

F Scott Fitzgerald - The Lost Stories: Omnibus 02:30 MON (b08swvx1)

Farewell to the Horse: Omnibus 09:00 SUN (b08swrsw)

Farewell to the Horse: Omnibus 20:00 SUN (b08swrsw)

Genius 09:00 WED (b008jdzb)

Genius 16:00 WED (b008jdzb)

Genius 04:00 THU (b008jdzb)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 18:00 MON (b00wt987)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 00:00 TUE (b00wt987)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 18:00 TUE (b00wv6ln)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 00:00 WED (b00wv6ln)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 18:00 WED (b00wvd6t)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 00:00 THU (b00wvd6t)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 18:00 THU (b00ww8sr)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 00:00 FRI (b00ww8sr)

Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare 18:00 FRI (b00wwd8m)

Goodness Gracious Me 22:30 WED (b00fqbsz)

Great Lives 18:30 THU (b00k8t3z)

Great Lives 00:30 FRI (b00k8t3z)

Hancock's Half Hour 08:30 WED (b007jntz)

Hancock's Half Hour 12:30 WED (b007jntz)

Hancock's Half Hour 19:30 WED (b007jntz)

Hardeep's Sunday Lunch 07:30 SAT (b01p314w)

Haunted 00:00 SAT (b01qlg49)

Hearing With Hegley 23:45 MON (b0075ss5)

Hearing With Hegley 09:45 TUE (b0075ss5)

Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science 22:30 THU (b01j5nxt)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 08:00 FRI (b00s3htw)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 12:00 FRI (b00s3htw)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 19:00 FRI (b00s3htw)

Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver 02:00 SAT (b00nnp65)

John Finnemore's Double Acts 07:30 WED (b08rrc0m)

John Finnemore's Double Acts 17:30 WED (b08rrc0m)

John Finnemore's Double Acts 22:00 WED (b08rrc0m)

John Finnemore's Double Acts 05:30 THU (b08rrc0m)

Just a Minute 07:30 MON (b08rpy29)

Just a Minute 17:30 MON (b08rpy29)

Just a Minute 22:00 MON (b08rpy29)

Just a Minute 05:30 TUE (b08rpy29)

Laura Solon: Talking and Not Talking 22:30 FRI (b00bz9zn)

Lee and Herring's Fist of Fun 23:00 SAT (b007k272)

Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World 23:00 WED (b007jqhc)

Lucky Heather 07:00 TUE (b0075rtm)

Lucky Heather 17:00 TUE (b0075rtm)

Lucky Heather 05:00 WED (b0075rtm)

Mark Steel's in Town 23:00 FRI (b01p424k)

Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better 23:30 SAT (b00db05r)

Marriage Lines 08:00 THU (b04phhxq)

Marriage Lines 12:00 THU (b04phhxq)

Marriage Lines 19:00 THU (b04phhxq)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 06:00 MON (b007jtf4)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 13:00 MON (b007jtf4)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 20:00 MON (b007jtf4)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 01:00 TUE (b007jtf4)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 06:00 TUE (b007jtfc)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 13:00 TUE (b007jtfc)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 20:00 TUE (b007jtfc)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 01:00 WED (b007jtfc)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 06:00 WED (b007jtfx)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 13:00 WED (b007jtfx)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 20:00 WED (b007jtfx)

Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates 01:00 THU (b007jtfx)

Nancy Harris - The House on the Hill 18:30 SUN (b01nl7z5)

Nancy Harris - The House on the Hill 00:30 MON (b01nl7z5)

News Quiz Extra 23:00 MON (b08t0r43)

News Quiz Extra 09:00 TUE (b08t0r43)

Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat 04:30 SAT (b00nd0t5)

Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat 09:30 FRI (b00nhw1v)

Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat 16:30 FRI (b00nhw1v)

Nineteen Ninety-Eight 09:30 THU (b01bwm9f)

Nineteen Ninety-Eight 16:30 THU (b01bwm9f)

Nineteen Ninety-Eight 04:30 FRI (b01bwm9f)

Off the Page 18:30 WED (b01292v7)

Off the Page 00:30 THU (b01292v7)

On the Town with the League of Gentlemen 23:30 SUN (b007k273)

Pier People 14:15 MON (b00760m6)

Pier People 02:15 TUE (b00760m6)

Pier People 14:15 TUE (b00760mr)

Pier People 02:15 WED (b00760mr)

Pier People 14:15 WED (b00760n7)

Pier People 02:15 THU (b00760n7)

Pier People 14:15 THU (b00760nx)

Pier People 02:15 FRI (b00760nx)

Pier People 14:15 FRI (b00760pp)

Pilot 06:30 THU (b008m5xh)

Pilot 13:30 THU (b008m5xh)

Pilot 20:30 THU (b008m5xh)

Pilot 01:30 FRI (b008m5xh)

Play It Cool 08:30 THU (b05ps3hw)

Play It Cool 12:30 THU (b05ps3hw)

Play It Cool 19:30 THU (b05ps3hw)

Poetry Extra 17:00 SUN (b08swxy3)

Poetry Extra 05:00 MON (b08swxy3)

Quote... Unquote 09:00 MON (b06d2fys)

Quote... Unquote 16:00 MON (b06d2fys)

Quote... Unquote 04:00 TUE (b06d2fys)

RD Wingfield 03:00 SAT (b0084hrk)

Radio 9 22:30 SUN (b041yb36)

Radiolab 11:00 SUN (b08swvkz)

Radiolab 19:00 SUN (b08swvkz)

Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre 18:00 SUN (b04tv48f)

Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre 00:00 MON (b04tv48f)

Revolting People 22:30 TUE (b00fkx2m)

Richard Barton: General Practitioner! 07:00 THU (b00753kj)

Richard Barton: General Practitioner! 17:00 THU (b00753kj)

Richard Barton: General Practitioner! 05:00 FRI (b00753kj)

Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel 07:15 SUN (b08swpy2)

Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel 14:15 SUN (b08swpy2)

Ronald Frame - The Waitress at the Glockenspiel 02:15 MON (b08swpy2)

Rubbish 23:00 THU (b008drpg)

Simon Evans Goes to Market 23:00 TUE (b044j94d)

Sketchorama 05:30 SAT (b01kbg7m)

Sketchorama 07:30 FRI (b01kjt9h)

Sketchorama 17:30 FRI (b01kjt9h)

Small Scenes 07:30 TUE (b04l0y2l)

Small Scenes 17:30 TUE (b04l0y2l)

Small Scenes 22:00 TUE (b04l0y2l)

Small Scenes 05:30 WED (b04l0y2l)

Soul Music 00:30 SAT (b0375qt8)

Soul Music 18:30 FRI (b037hmxd)

Sounds Natural 18:30 TUE (b08t17cm)

Sounds Natural 00:30 WED (b08t17cm)

Spitting Images 06:30 MON (b008tx8m)

Spitting Images 13:30 MON (b008tx8m)

Spitting Images 20:30 MON (b008tx8m)

Spitting Images 01:30 TUE (b008tx8m)

Steptoe and Son 08:00 TUE (b007jnfd)

Steptoe and Son 12:00 TUE (b007jnfd)

Steptoe and Son 19:00 TUE (b007jnfd)

Steven Appleby's Normal Life 23:45 TUE (b007jn0b)

The 3rd Degree 04:00 SAT (b07bthdt)

The 3rd Degree 09:00 FRI (b07ctvfy)

The 3rd Degree 16:00 FRI (b07ctvfy)

The Ape That Got Lucky 22:00 SAT (b0081cbz)

The Burkiss Way 08:00 MON (b007js7b)

The Burkiss Way 12:00 MON (b007js7b)

The Burkiss Way 19:00 MON (b007js7b)

The Cazalets - Omnibus 15:45 SUN (b01r1b39)

The Cazalets - Omnibus 03:45 MON (b01r1b39)

The Change 09:30 MON (b0076p3r)

The Change 16:30 MON (b0076p3r)

The Change 04:30 TUE (b0076p3r)

The Comedy Club Interviews 23:25 TUE (b08tvd0k)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 WED (b08tvdhp)

The Comedy Club Interviews 23:25 THU (b08tvdkv)

The Forsyte Saga 02:30 SAT (b077jp11)

The Forsyte Saga 06:00 SAT (b07w5tnc)

The Forsyte Saga 14:30 MON (b07w99dn)

The Forsyte Saga 02:30 TUE (b07w99dn)

The Forsyte Saga 14:30 TUE (b07wbm7s)

The Forsyte Saga 02:30 WED (b07wbm7s)

The Forsyte Saga 14:30 WED (b07wc11q)

The Forsyte Saga 02:30 THU (b07wc11q)

The Forsyte Saga 14:30 THU (b07wgkz6)

The Forsyte Saga 02:30 FRI (b07wgkz6)

The Forsyte Saga 14:30 FRI (b07wgng1)

The Forsyte Saga 21:00 FRI (b07wmzxb)

The Jason Byrne Show 22:30 SAT (b00mgxcn)

The Listening Project 10:10 SUN (b01p0vqr)

The Listening Project 21:10 SUN (b01p0vqr)

The Men From the Ministry 08:30 TUE (b00z66dq)

The Men From the Ministry 12:30 TUE (b00z66dq)

The Men From the Ministry 19:30 TUE (b00z66dq)

The Mitch Benn Music Show 23:30 THU (b007w3z1)

The Museum of Curiosity 16:00 TUE (b00k8fdv)

The Museum of Curiosity 04:00 WED (b00k8fdv)

The Navy Lark 08:00 WED (b04bs00t)

The Navy Lark 12:00 WED (b04bs00t)

The Navy Lark 19:00 WED (b04bs00t)

The Righteous Sisters Omnibus 06:00 SUN (b01nsw4y)

The Righteous Sisters Omnibus 13:00 SUN (b01nsw4y)

The Righteous Sisters Omnibus 01:00 MON (b01nsw4y)

The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII 16:30 TUE (b0076hv6)

The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII 04:30 WED (b0076hv6)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 09:00 SAT (b08svpwb)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 09:10 SAT (b08svsyg)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 09:33 SAT (b08svvb4)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 10:03 SAT (b08svvpv)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 10:57 SAT (b08svz6k)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 11:34 SAT (b08svzl8)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 12:07 SAT (b08sw16f)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 13:00 SAT (b08sw348)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 14:00 SAT (b08sw3x6)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 14:20 SAT (b08sw5bw)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 14:55 SAT (b08sw626)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 15:55 SAT (b08sw66j)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 16:31 SAT (b08sw7pq)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 17:06 SAT (b08sw7y2)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 17:15 SAT (b08sw86z)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 17:35 SAT (b08swb6x)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 18:05 SAT (b08swb6z)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 18:40 SAT (b08swbk6)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 18:55 SAT (b08swc7v)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 19:30 SAT (b08swcbv)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 20:10 SAT (b08swcd3)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 21:10 SAT (b08swcqv)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 21:55 SAT (b08swcrd)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 01:10 SUN (b08svvb4)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 01:40 SUN (b08svvpv)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 02:34 SUN (b08svz6k)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 03:11 SUN (b08svzl8)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 03:44 SUN (b08sw5bw)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 04:15 SUN (b08sw66j)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 04:50 SUN (b08sw7pq)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 05:20 SUN (b08sw86z)

The Stars of Sgt. Pepper 05:40 SUN (b08sw3x6)

The Vote Now Show 22:30 MON (b08sl3r2)

To Paris with Parsnips 06:30 TUE (b01l02j7)

To Paris with Parsnips 13:30 TUE (b01l02j7)

To Paris with Parsnips 20:30 TUE (b01l02j7)

To Paris with Parsnips 01:30 WED (b01l02j7)

Twenty Players 23:30 TUE (b06jmc82)

Wally Who? 09:30 WED (b08t1h6n)

Wally Who? 16:30 WED (b08t1h6n)

Wally Who? 04:30 THU (b08t1h6n)

Weak at the Top 23:30 WED (b00ry9j0)

Whack-O! 08:30 SUN (b060c2x6)

Whack-O! 12:30 SUN (b060c2x6)

When Harry Met Sooty 06:30 FRI (b00759y9)

When Harry Met Sooty 13:30 FRI (b00759y9)

When Harry Met Sooty 20:30 FRI (b00759y9)

Where Did It All Go Wrong? 22:45 THU (b0076qq2)