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: BBC RADIO 4 Extra
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 4 Extra — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/
Dr Anderson's obsessive interest in why the hotel he's staying at doesn't include a number 13 puts him in terrible danger.
Derek Jacobi - as the voice of MR James - introduces classic ghost stories.
Dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Stars Julian Rhind-Tutt as Dr Anderson, Jan Delukowicz as Herr Lund, Simon Treves as Herr Scavenius and Ben Onwukwe as the Voice.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
It's Henry Jekyll's turn to tell the story, as the bizarre truth is finally revealed. Concluded by Tim Pigott-Smith. From April 1996.
John Wilson's series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios.
Programme 1, A-side. 'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry' - Billy Bragg reveals how the self-proclaimed 'difficult' third album was written and created with a guitar he bought when he was out shopping for swimming trunks (he claims he still swims naked as a result)... he explains how a film about the James Brothers helped him write "There's Power In A Union'... and describes how Andy Kershaw's inability to shut up led him to writing 'Levi Stubbs' Tears'. And he plays excerpts from the album live in front of the audience.
In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions and Billy considers the state of protest songs today, reveals what music he is writing at the moment and explains what poetry he would discuss with today's taxman.
Other programmes include Paul Weller talking about The Jam's final album, 'The Gift'; Suzanne Vega recalls the making of 'Solitude Standing', the album that made her a worldwide superstar; and Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone takes us back to the seminal Zombies' record 'Oracle And Odessey'
Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on the Radio 4 website, where the programmes can also be downloaded and other musical goodies accessed.
Producer: Paul Kobrak.
Inspector Grant and his assistant Brent suffer a setback in their quest - can they finally solve the case of the Princes in the Tower?
Josephine Tey's classic story concluded by Paul Young.
Written in the early 1950s, The Daughter of Time was described by The New York Times as 'One of the best mysteries of all time'.
Producer: Bruce Young
Made for BBC 7 by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2005.
Historian and actor Ian Kelly explores the cross over between food and feasting, art, architecture and performance.
From the most extravagant medieval feasts and festivals, to the modern gastronomy of chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adria, food has long been moulded, sculpted, and displayed against the most theatrical of backdrops. Ian Kelly explores the story of artistry in cookery, and argues that it's a neglected cultural phenomenon.
He looks at the life of Antonin Careme, the first celebrity chef, whose enormous sugar sculptures and piece montees, for the likes of Napoloeon and the Prince Regent, epitomised centuries of high eating. And the Victorian Alexis Soyer, whose 'symposium of all nations' rivalled the Great Exhibition in its gastronomic extravagance.
We also hear from the chef Ferran Adria, Jane Asher, food historians Ivan Day and Marc Meltonville, and chef Anne Willan, and jelly mongers Bompas and Parr about how a new generation of food artists are bringing back the spirit of Careme in their events and performances.
Producer: Jo Wheeler
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
Disenchanted with society, John decides to seek solitude. Nightmare vision of the future concluded by Anton Lesser. From April 2003.
In this programme, Martin Sixsmith examines the 'hard problem' of consciousness and the work of psychologists such as Susan Blackmore who believe it is 'just an illusion'.
He asks what drives us to think and act as we do, and questions the role of freewill and morality. He discovers how emotions affect our cognitive functions and examines the importance of insight, including Gestalt psychologist Wolfgang Kohler's work with chimpanzees.
He looks at Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman's 'thinking fast and thinking slow' model and the impact decision making has not only on individuals but also for the success of the economy and society.
Produced by Sara Parker
Series consultant, Professor Daniel Pick, Birkbeck, University of London.
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
Episode Five
Mary Ann returns to San Francisco to join the vigil at Mrs Madrigal's bedside. Shawna makes a decision about her move to New York.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed its own trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time. Michael Tolliver Lives continues the adventures of Armistead's well-loved characters, followed by Mary Ann in Autumn.
Henning Mankell was creator of Wallander, the fictional detective. His posthumous essays, translated by Laurie Thompson with Marlaine Delargy, and abridged by Katrin Williams, refer to his illness and explore much more besides:
He was a novelist, who also ran a theatre in Maputo, Mozambique. One of his 'happiest times' was staging a Greek drama, performed by local people. It all began in October 1992..
Reader Tim Pigott-Smith
Producer Duncan Minshull.
The American Senator
By Anthony Trollope
Dramatised by Martyn Wade
Part Three
Lord Rufford has run away from Arabella but she hasn't given up hope. She is determined that he will marry her but then she receives some distressing news ..
Anthony Trollope...........Robert Glenister
Arabella Trefoil..............Anna Maxwell Martin
Lady Augustus..............Barbara Flynn
Lord Augustus...............Gerard McDermott
Lord Rufford...................Henry Devas
Lady Ushant..................Joanna David
John Morton..................Blake Ritson
Reginald Morton............Daniel Rabin
Mary Masters................Penelope Rawlins
Mrs Morton...................Richenda Carey
Senator Gotobed...........Stuart Milligan
Mounser Green............Joanathan Forbes
Directed by Tracey Neale
The Story:
In this little known tale, Anthony Trollope never allows The American Senator's attitude to get in the way of plot -and his ability to weave story strands which arise out of credible motivation, psychology and emotion is as sure as ever. The characters are as finely drawn as we have come to expect from the pen of Trollope. There's the extraordinary Arabella but also the comic, kind natured and the tragic characters too.
Arabella finds herself in the ignoble occupation of husband/fortune-hunting. She's aware that the years are passing and the strain of numerous failed relationships have made her prospects increasingly poor. She is unofficially engaged to John Morton, a diplomat, and owner of a large estate, but now the wealthy and more exciting Lord Rufford has come into view. His estate being larger and more grand. Surely he is worth fighting for?
Arabella, encouraged by her monstrous mother, Lady Augustus, decides to try and keep Morton on the back-burner (but deny her engagement in public) while engineering a series of compromising situations in an outrageous attempt to win Rufford.
But Arabella is playing a dangerous game and although her behaviour is both conniving and ruthless, she is extraordinary and powerfully-drawn and so does not become an out-and-out anti-heroine. She is, to some degree, the victim of her situation - and of her mother. She is courageous as well as devious, and she has her pride. As the tale concludes and she seeks some degree of redemption she achieves tragic status.
A parallel but secondary plot concerns Reginald Morton, an elder cousin of John, and Mary Masters, who is the complete antithesis to Miss Trefoil. Mary's absurd, domineering stepmother thinks that Mary should marry a besotted local farmer, Lawrence Twentyman but Mary is in love with Reginald Morton. Is he in love with her though? She finds support in the shape of Reginald's kind and gentle aunt, Lady Ushant, but there is the stern and grim grandmother of both John and Reginald who stands in the way of happiness because of a long-standing family feud.
Elias Gotobed, the visiting senator of the book's title, has little impact on events - but he has an important part to play as an observer of events; a gauche but vigorous critic of the antiquated elements of English society and the establishment. Gotobed's conclusions are a supplement to those which can be drawn from Arabella's tale, where greed, class-consciousness and snobbery are mercilessly displayed.
'The American Senator' is, in part, a state of the nation novel - enhanced by the parallels between Trollope's world and ours. Arabella has her modern-day equivalents, and the Senator's remarks throughout the dramatisation about the working man's passive and subservient nature have not lost their relevance.
The Author:
Anthony Trollope produced a vast collection of work about credible people and their foibles. He gained recognition as a writer who portrayed English life is a wry and honest manner with a cast of humorous and delightful characters. His portrayal of female characters is particularly skilful and Arabella Trefoil is no exception.
The Dramatist:
Martyn Wade is a skilled and talented radio writer and dramatist. He has dramatised the 'Barsetshire' novels for radio and the 'Palliser' series too. His other Trollope dramatisations have included 'Orley Farm' and 'Miss Mackenzie'. He also dramatised Ada Leverson's 'The Little Ottleys' for Woman's Hour.
Gyles Brandreth chairs the scandals quiz with Lucy Moore, Anthony Holden, Penny Junor and Julian Fellowes. From October 2005.
The white van driving Yorkshire builders come across a couple of faded film stars, but all is not as it seems...
Series 2 of Ian McMillan and Dave Sheasby's comedy stars Shaun Dooley as Johnny Street, Fine Time Fontayne as Arthur Lane, Sandra Dickinson as Madeleine and John Carlisle as Charles.
Producer David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
Billionaire philanthropist Julius Hutch has never voted, but when his wife leaves home and a compulsory purchase order arrives, he takes action.
Starring Peter Jones as Julius Hutch.
With Celestine Randall as Pauline Hutch, Justine Midda as Kate, Jeffrey Wickham as Sexton Lewis, Stephen Thorne as Sir Gainford Blounty and Jillie Meers as Dahlia Sprout,
Other parts played by Collin Johnson, David Holt and Brian Perkins.
Scripted by Collin Johnson.
Producers: Andy Jordan and David Blount
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997 .
Dawn breaks on a beautiful Sunday morning in Flamford. Uncle Jeff (Philip Jackson) is on a quest for spiritual comfort and persuades his nephew Andy (Tom Palmer) to join him by bribing him with the promise of a proper roast dinner.
They find that the local church has installed a new vicar, the Reverend Beverley (Shobna Gulati), who invites Jeff to her bible class that evening. The words "bring a bible" strike a chill to Jeff's heart. He has never owned a bible, and neither has Andy.
They spend the rest of the day trying to find a bible on a Sunday, with Andy's stomach rumbling as he pictures his dinner slipping further away. On their quest they encounter Derek Horrox The Mayor (Rasmus Hardiker), Peter Humfriss, The Town Crier (Mark Benton), and a slightly unnerving bookseller.
Writers: Ian Brown and James Hendrie
Producer/Director: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4.
By Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
Wine shop owner Gerald desperately needs money: his business is failing and the landlord has raised the cost of the lease. When he inherits a watch that used to belong to wartime Nazi Joachim Von Ribbentrop he believes that his financial troubles are over. But it sparks conflict with his wife and brother, who question the ethics of the potential sale.
Gerald ...... Allan Corduner
Ruth ...... Harriet Walter
Lila ...... Miriam Margolyes
David ...... Nicholas Woodeson
Sasha ...... Sophie Winkleman.
The founding member of The Goon Show recalls the exact moment that his comic inspiration reached full fruition.
Michael Bentine CBE concludes his reminiscences before an audience about his life and times.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1993.
Gareth Edwards's try in January 1973 was the greatest ever scored. Cerys Matthews uses archive interviews and contemporary reports to tell the remarkable story of the try itself, and what it still tells us about the spirit and heart of Wales. Often referred to as simply 'that try', the world acknowledges it to be the greatest ever, and it's the standard against which every other great try is compared.
New Zealand had just completed an unbeaten tour of the home nations, and their final challenge was against an invitational Barbarians side at Cardiff. The game was brought alive within 2 minutes as Gareth Edwards dramatically dived in the corner to complete an electrifying move of counter-attacking rugby. It sent the crowd into rugby heaven, and never fails to delight even now.
But this try symbolised much more than the sport itself, for it was also a poetic expression of the Welsh identity. In a game of brute force, here was a glimpse of grace and beauty - something that was entirely in keeping with the lyricism that could be found at the heart of industrial Wales. In this programme, singer Cerys Matthews will reveal why this try is so celebrated to this day in Wales and will unearth the untold story behind it.
With its origins in industrial south Wales, rugby was adopted in the 19th century as an integral part of the Welsh working-class culture, with workers from heavy industries well suited to the tougher aspects of the game. But Welsh rugby also prided itself on a certain 'Welsh way' of playing with an emphasis on attractive, innovative and free-flowing rugby. This poeticism on the field of play reflected a wider tradition within these communities of expressing oneself through poetry, song and literature.
But to truly appreciate the importance of this try, we need to understand the role played by coach Carwyn James. A miner's son from socialist west Wales, Carwyn was a sensitive, politically active and cultured man, a revolutionary rugby coach, a lecturer and later a broadcaster. He had a passion for drama, literature and poetry and was even fluent in Russian. He drew extensively on this hinterland as a way better to understand a game which, in Wales, has its roots firmly established in its culture and tradition. He was, however, an outspoken outsider who never coached the national side.
The All Blacks had lost their first ever test series against the British & Irish Lions in 1971, and were unexpectedly defeated by Llanelli in '72 - both teams coached by Carwyn James. Twelve Lions were playing for the Barbarians in Cardiff in '73 and Carwyn, the unofficial coach, managed to evoke the spirit of '71. The try was classic Carwyn James and archetypal of the 'Welsh way' - counter attacking and full of expression, and stirred them on to an historic win.
Comedian Isy Suttie gets in the mood for Valentine's Day using her unique brand of humour to share her lessons in life and love.
Suttie has often observed other people's love lives and regularly intervened, changing the action dramatically - for better or worse. Discussing 'all things love' in the 21st century with friends, gathering fresh contributions and introducing extracts from The Listening Project she builds a hilarious and often moving account of amour and desire.
Tangled with the speakers and archive, Suttie relates real life anecdotes from her own, often disastrous, love life and performs a few new songs on the subject.
Featuring a collection of new material, archive clips and Isy's own programmes:
Valentine's Day
A young man discovers a box of letters, cards and gig tickets he's saved from over the years. And through these we come to understand the recent events in his life.
Isy Suttie's Love Letters: Bob and Marie
Isy returns to Matlock to take driving lessons from instructor Bob, who she learns has a crush on another pupil, the mysterious Marie. While Isy tries to master an impeccable three-point turn, she attempts to unite Bob with the girl of his dreams and discovers some important lessons in love of her own.
The Listening Project
A selection of highlights from the BBC Radio audio collection exploring the theme of love and romance
Isy Suttie's Love Letters: Mr Mississippi
Isy tries to save her failing relationship with a papier-mache penguin, while at the same time helping Matlock's resident busker, Mr Mississippi, capture the heart of his unrequited love Lorna, a shelf stacker at the local supermarket.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2018.
Andy and Katy have a lovely new baby and Daniel has a brilliant new job.
But Lucy has a horrible new feeling. Is Daniel about to leave her for a woman called Katriona who's obsessed with cheese?
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Starring David Tennant as Daniel, Liz Carling as Lucy, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Katie, Tony Gardner as Andy and Kate Robbins as Katriona.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
When a French general pays a visit to Walmington-on-Sea, there's a mighty motoring mix-up for the Home Guard platoon.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, Bill Pertwee as Hodges, Larry Martyn as Private Walker, Betty Marsden as Lady Maltby and Garrard Green as Colonel Masters.
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 August 1976.
Can Anna's secret audio log help uncover old lies? She's offered safety, but how safe is it? Thriller starring Rosie Cavaliero.
The TV presenter and 2016 Strictly Come Dancing winner chooses 'Pride' by U2 and 'One Last Time' by Ariana Grande.
'If I had one day left to live, I'd spend it at Kew Gardens.'
Writer, broadcaster and BBC Brain of Britain quiz winner, Irene Thomas, visits the Royal Botanic Gardens in London.
Irene Thomas (1919 - 2001)
Down Your Way was a schedule staple for decades - starting on the BBC Home Service in 1946 and ending its run on BBC Radio 4 in 1992. Using a variety of hosts, including Richard Dimbleby and Brian Johnston, the programme toured villages, towns and cities across the UK. At the height of the series' success in the 1950s, it was attracting 10 million listeners a week.
Producer: Jill Marshall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988.
The Doctor and Leela find themselves in the middle of London at the time of a new energy crisis. The GlobeSphere Corporation seems to have all the answers - but several thousand protestors beg to differ.
What is the connection between the National Gallery and a base on the Moon? Has radical thinker Damien Stephens simply sold out, or does he have a more sinister agenda?
The Doctor has detected a mysterious energy reading. Could it be that the most evil creatures in the universe have returned to claim ultimate victory once and for all?
Tom Baker is the Fourth Doctor, with his ancient warrior companion, Leela, played by Louise Jameson.
Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs.
A Big Finish production.
Satan takes Thomas on a tour of his life and recruits a famous, brutal tormentor. Satanic sitcom stars Andy Hamilton. From April 1998.
The comedy award-winner enters the Dragon's Den, and brings us the Barn Conversion Couple. With Ben Moor, Katherine Parkinson and Ben Willbond. From January 2007.
Another radical proposal as the comedian calls for wacky improvements to Britain's crumbling transport system. From July 1994.
The Welsh comedian continues his quest to free us from the seven deadly sins. With Tim Key and Tim Minchin. From March 2007.
It's 2005 and Mrs Madrigal is back. Michael's wedded bliss is interrupted and Brian is making plans. Stars Kate Harper. From May 2016.
A woman confronts old age, her fear of dependency and finding the resolve to start a new chapter in life. Read by Thora Hird. From April 1995.
A sitcom by Paul Bassett Davies about two men sitting behind a desk, starring Adrian Scarborough, Morwenna Banks and Amit Shah.
Danny discovers that Brian is infatuated with a girl in the office supplies shop across the street, but he's too shy to make contact with her. Danny, who considers himself to be very much a ladies' man, begins to give Brian tips. But when fearsome supervisor Clarissa finds out about the romance, she tells Danny to sabotage it or she'll sink his cherished ambition to get a job upstairs in the agency. She wants Brian for herself, even though he's terrified of her.
How can Danny save his dream of a career without betraying his friend?
Producer: Anna Madley
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio.
A bizarre slice of Shakespeare - and a poem for a man with a plan.
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With Terence Brady, Pauline Yates and John Graham. Pianist: Gordon Langford and guitarist: Dick Abell.
Written by Chris Allen, Peter Campbell, Ted Clayton and Patrick Ennis, John Graham, Roy Lomax, Donald Monat and June Dixon, Frank A Terry and Harold Arpthorp.
Producer John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1972.
Harry gets more than he bargains for when celebrating his birthday with some wartime reminiscences.
Written by David McKellar and David Renwick.
Starring Harry Worth. With John Baddeley, John Graham and Miriam Margolyes.
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1976.
A dementia diagnosis at just 58 saw Wendy Mitchell face up to a disease threatening to steal all hope. Read by Tessa Gallagher.
Fi Glover introduces two friends who meet regularly for a 'clonc' (West Welsh for chat) and enjoy exulting in the art of rugby - another conversation in the series that proves it's surprising what you hear when you listen.
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. Most of the unedited 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 learn more about The Listening Project by visiting bbc.co.uk/listeningproject
Producer: Marya Burgess.
4 Extra Debut. From Marlene Dietrich to Rod Stewart. Scientist Heinz Wolff shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From January 1998.
Deborah Frances-White joins Amanda Litherland once again to recommend her favourite podcasts. Features 'Guilt and Shame' and new BBC podcast series 'Boring Talks'.
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.
And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see: she's much more than just the girl on the train...
The first of two omnibus editions of Paula Hawkins's international bestseller with thrilling multi-voice narration.
Starring Sally Hawkins as Rachel, Lyndsey Marshal as Megan and Zoe Tapper as Anna.
Abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer: Jenny Thompson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
Student Tom Courtenay is doing well at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Still sending him funny and moving letters from his home in Hull, his mother Annie reveals news of a move...
Actor, Sir Tom Courtenay, reads more of his memoir of those letters. Sian Thomas plays his mother Annie.
Published in 2000. Abridged in five parts by Penny Leicester.
Producer: Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
The Inn
Published in 1886, Guy de Maupassant's haunting short story is a wintry, snowbound tale of loneliness and dark imaginings, as a young mountain guide finds himself in sole charge of a remote Alpine hotel. It begins with the first stirrings of a love affair; it ends in mystery and mayhem.
Dramatised for radio by Sue Glover.
Ulrich ...... Robin Laing
Gaspard ...... Gareth Thomas
Louise Hauser ...... Vicki Liddelle
Jeanne Hauser ...... Kirstin Murray
Jean Hauser ...... John Shedden
Aunt Berthe ...... Tamara Kennedy
Uncle Maurice ...... Sandy Neilson.
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive selecting The Echo Chamber with Tracy K Smith and Patricia Lockwood.
Outside of a few famous names, recent British poetry has made little impact on American life and letters. The same might be said in reverse: though we speak the same language, our poetries are oddly discrete.
Paul Farley hears from two younger female American voices:
Tracy K Smith's book 'Life on Mars' won a Pulitzer Prize for her poems about space and race and David Bowie.
Patricia Lockwood's writing-life on Twitter is watched from around the world and her 'sexts' and her 'Rape Joke' poem brought her a celebrity very rare in poetry.
Both poets read from their groundbreaking books and share some new poems too.
Producer: Tim Dee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
The Man in Black reveals that when a theatre is dark, you should never assume it's empty backstage.
Another in a series of nerve-tinglers from Fear on 4.
Starring Mick Ford as Harry Travers and Edward de Souza as the Man in Black.
With Keith Drinkel as Paul, Siriol Jenkins as Laura and Jonathan Adams as the Sergeant.
Written by Aubrey Woods.
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
Landing on Mars, the Space Force crew start explorations - but find their welcome is far from warm.
Charles Chilton's second intergalatic adventure series in six parts.
Starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper Barnett, Nigel Stock as Magnus Carter, Tony Osoba as Lodderick Sincere.
With Wendy Murray, Willoughby Goddard and Bernard Brown.
Charles Chilton wrote and produced many popular and successful radio programmes for the BBC - including the classic 1950s serial 'Journey into Space' - charting the adventures of Captain Jet Morgan. This fired the imagination of millions, years before the first moon landing. It was the last radio drama to record higher ratings than the new young upstart television!
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1985.
Sitcom by John Finnemore about the pilots of a tiny charter airline.
Love is in the air as Douglas and Herc fight it out over the fruit tray, and hope springs eternal as Martin has the interview of his life.
Cabin Pressure is a sitcom about the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one plane, charter airline staffed by two pilots: one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether they're flying squaddies to Hamburg, metal sheets to Mozambique, or an oil exec's cat to Abu Dhabi, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.
Written by John Finnemore
Produced and directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for the BBC.
The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith chats to Fern Brady.
BBC Radio 4 Extra's topical sketch show Newsjack returns for its 18th series with host Angela Barnes.
Featuring Kieran Hodgson, Emily Lloyd Saini and Kiell Smith Bynoe.
Script Editors: Jack Bernhardt and Liam Beirne
Producers: Adnan Ahmed and Matt Stronge
Production Co-ordinator: Nick Coupe
Irreverent and satirical, Newsjack is the scrapbook sketch show written entirely by the Great British public, and then brought to life by a revolving cast of sketch performers.
The programme continues to be a showcase for new comedy writing: anyone can submit material (sketches and one-line jokes) - these can be submitted every week of the six-week run.
Details for submitting material can be found on the Newsjack programme page. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kvs8r.
Triple Foster's nominated comedian James Acaster presents the results of his research. This week, he's been investigating 'Paint'. With Nathaniel Metcalfe ('Fresh from the Fringe') and Bryony Hannah ('Call the Midwife').
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner.
Award-winning stand-up comedians Dan Antopolski, Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema combine their talents to piece together a rapid-fire and surreal sketch show.
Produced by Colin Anderson.
The actor recalls all the letters sent by his mother Annie from Hull as his career in London developed. With Sian Thomas. From October 2000.
Kit Fielding, champion jockey is engaged to Danielle de Brescou the niece of his employer Princess Casilia. The Princess recruits Kit to fend off Henri de Brescou, a dangerous cousin making threats and trying to involve her in the armaments business. But Kit has problems of his own.
Starring Sian Phillips as Princess Casilia, Eric Allan as Kit Fielding, John Bull as Henri de Brescou and Bill Wallis as Allardeck.
Author Dick Francis is acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. Dramatised by John Ashe.
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
PM presenter Eddie Mair has harboured a secret. But no more - it's a lifelong love of Country music. He wants to know why these three chord melodramas call him and many of his fellow Celts.
While, to the casual listener, Country is often regarded as a twang of twee tunes and lachrymose lyrics for the permanently melancholic, Eddie suggests that it is actually a 'complex state of mind'. He considers the accessible merits of the music and discovers the roots of Country.
Returning to Scotland, Eddie attends the Celtic Connections Music Festival in Glasgow. Here he compares notes, likes and dislikes with fellow broadcaster and Country aficionado Ricky Ross, along with singers Eleanor McEvoy and Dick Gaughan.
On hand to explain the 18th century Scots/Irish exodus to America and Canada is emigration historian Professor James Hunter. And providing a master class on the Celtic musical lineage detected in contemporary Country Music is musicologist Dr. Katherine Campbell from Edinburgh University.
And for the first time, Eddie will reveal where his musical devotion took root. It began on the Sabbath in a yellow Triumph PI. That almost sounds like the beginning of a Country song...
Producers: Jo Coombs and Stewart Henderson
A Loftus Audio production for BBC Radio 4.
The islanders unite to try and save The Cumbrae Bar from closure.
Will Irene stay and fight with them or will she take the last ferry of the day to the mainland to the new life she's always dreamed of?
Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson as 30-something island barmaid Irene Bruce.
Stars Lynn Ferguson as Irene, Janet Brown as Moira/Agnes, Lewis McLeod as Alberto/Robert/Ferryman, Gabriel Quigley as Ena/Bunty, Robert Patterson as Bob/Minister and Matt Costello as Dougie.
Music arranged by Olly Fox.
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
This week, the Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Sally Phillips welcome the satirical comedy songstress Dillie Keane, intrepid Neanderthal expert Ella Al-Shamahi, and the writer of Notting Hill, Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley, Richard Curtis.
This week, the Museum's Guest Committee tuck into some homemade chutney, get embarrassingly excited about caves and celebrate some choice bits of Australian slang.
The show was researched by Mike Turner and QI.
The Production Coordinator was Tamara Shilham.
The Associate Producer was James Harkin.
The Producers were Richard Turner and Anne Miller.
It was a BBC Studios Production.
The lad's longing to sample life across the English Channel, but Sid's got other ideas.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1955.
Corporal Jones fights back - as a new Home Guard platoon recruit rakes up their military past.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, Bill Pertwee as Hodges, Larry Martyn as Private Walker, Michael Bates as Mr Clarke and Avril Angers as Edna.
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 August 1976.
Quote ... Unquote, the popular quotations quiz, returns for its 40th anniversary series.
For 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 guests on the origins of sayings and well-known quotes, and gets the panel to share their favourite anecdotes.
Episode 3
Comedian, actor and writer Dan Antopolski
Presenter, actress and author Janet Ellis
Journalist and Broadcaster Kirsty Lang
Journalist and ballroom dancer John Sergeant
Presenter ... Nigel Rees
Reader ... Charlotte Green
Producer ... Carl Cooper
Production co-ordinator ... George Pierpoint
This is a BBC Studios Production.
Dida is a storyteller with an unpredictable brand of magic. In Tanika Gupta's four-part comedy, three generations of women collide at a family wedding.
Starring Charubala Chokshi as Dida, Souad Faress as Sripurna, Meera Syal as Malati, Vinny Dhillon as Rehana and Geoffrey Beevers as Geoffrey.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994.
The true account of the mysterious disappearance of William Harrison, a rent collector in the service of the Campden family in Chipping Campden in 1660.
Stars Peter Jeffrey as Sir Thomas Overbury, Richard Derrington as John Perry, Nigel Anthony as Dr Shirley, David Holt as Sly/Edward Harrison and Kim Durham as Richard/Nathan.
Written by Richard Derrington and Roger Hume.
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
A former yuppie decides to rob a betting shop, using an unusual fake gun. A stick-up and a frame-up, read by Larry Lamb. From February 1995.
Daniel is willing to tear his beautiful house apart to create the right decor for Frances. But the harder he works, the more the past emerges - and the story the house has to tell is not a happy one...
The first of four plays set in houses that sing of their secrets.
Hattie Naylor's drama stars Jade Williams as Jessy, Rosie Cavaliero as Frances, David Thorpe as Matthew, Elaine Claxton as Sissy, Alastair Galbraith as Daniel and Joshua Losey as Louis.
Director: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
London, 1958. 'I swore by Elvis and all the saints that this last teenage year of mine was going to be a real rave.'
The 18-year-old narrator of Colin MacInnes's cult classic is determined to declare his independence from earlier generations as he roams London with his camera and a sharp eye for the stylish and the subversive.
In the smoky jazz clubs of Soho, the coffee bars of Notting Hill and the cheap rooms of Pimlico, the young and the restless - the absolute beginners - are revolutionising youth culture and forging a new carefree lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.
Meanwhile the Teddy Boy gangs are staging internecine battles and a generation of Black immigrants is struggling to make a life in a hostile city.
The definitive account of London life in the 1950s and what it means to be a teenager, this account of a young man's coming of age captures the spirit of a generation and the changing face of the city in the era of the first race riots and the lead-up to the Swinging Sixties.
Read by Joel MacCormack.
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
In the final week of the series, Martin Sixsmith starts by investigating the criminal mind and how psychology is used in the police and justice system.
He interviews one of Britain's leading forensic profilers Julian Boon about the early days of profiling, from Jack the Ripper in Victorian London to the capture of 'Mad Bomber' George Metesky in1940s New York.
He looks at criminal responsibility and witness suggestibility and he asks about the place of modern neuroscience in ensuring a fair trial.
Produced by Sara Parker
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Mary Ann in Autumn by Armistead Maupin
Episode One
Mary Ann returns to San Francisco with some big news to share with Michael.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed a trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time.
Written and read by Tracey Thorn.
Tracey Thorn's memoir charts a personal and musical journey that takes us back to her teenage diaries and the thrill of punk, juggling school homework with interviews with the NME as part of all-girl group The Marine Girls and the DIY indie music scene of the late 1970s. She has experienced the highs of stardom and been dropped by her record company. She has spent a career struggling with the challenge of combining artistic integrity, personal politics and feminism with the music industry hunger for chart success. This is an insider's insight into the music industry over thirty years, but above all it's a very personal story which has Tracey's relationship with Ben Watt at the heart of it.
Today, how the do-it-yourself ethos of punk first influenced the teenage Tracey to become the guitarist in a band while still at school - and before she could even play her instrument.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
First broadcast in 1959, a bold plan to conquer space begins with prefabricated components of space station 'Orbiter X' being transported up from Earth, but the task proves perilous...
BD Chapman's adventure stars John Carson as Captain Bob Britton, Andrew Crawford as Captain Douglas McClelland, Barrie Gosney as Flight Engineer Hicks, Donald Bisset as Colonel Kent and John Witty as Captain Jack Bradley.
Shaped like a giant wheel and code-named 'Orbiter X', the space station is designed to circle Earth, travelling in a rapid polar orbit - boasting synthetic gravity, produced by the rotation around the central hub.
Fact and fiction were curiously interwoven, as a fortnight before broadcast, the Soviet Luna 2 space probe crash landed on the Moon.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast in 14 parts on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
Sue MacGregor and guests - writers, Ruth Rendell and Robert Macfarlane - discuss books by Samuel Butler, Antoine de Saint-Exupery and Roald Dahl. From August 2005.
The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler
Publisher: Dover Thrift Editions
Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl
Publisher: Penguin.
Travelling from rainy Sligo to busy Dublin, the comedian performs for the locals and learns to play the penny whistle - badly.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
Mark Steel, Desiree Burch, Zoe Lyons and Fred MacAulay join Miles Jupp for more news quizzing.
Prix fixe menu of Brexit, Suffragettes and snow-based sports. A la carte jokes option also available.
Writers: James Kettle, Robin Morgan and Benjamin Partridge with Laura Major and Ian Smith
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production.
The poet laureate of alternative comedy, John Hegley, entertains an audience with his book of verse. From December 1996.
Henri de Brescou, bent upon obtaining authority from the French Government to make plastic guns, threatens Roland, Princess Casilia's frail and elderly husband.
Starring Sian Phillips as Princess Casilia, Eric Allan as Kit Fielding, John Bull as Henri de Brescou and Bill Wallis as Allardeck.
Author Dick Francis is acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. Dramatised by John Ashe.
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
Cecil Sharp collected thousands of songs to try and bring English folk music to a wider audience. Malcolm Taylor investigates. From August 2003.
It's school reports time - and Eddie needs a loan to start up his own taxi business.
The lives of the Stockport-based, Conroy family in the first series of Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan's comedy drama.
Starring Dominic Monaghan as Jason, Jason Done as Michael, Stefan Escreet as Dave, John McArdle as Eddie, Emma Clarke as Collete, Beverley Callard as Maureen and Jo-Anne Knowles as Debbie.
Music: Big George
Producer: Neil Mossey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
In this series, Simon Evans examines the concept of the 'free lunch' and shines a light on new ways of making money in the 21st century.
There are many apparently 'free' economic models operating today but what are they and how do they work? Across four episodes Simon and his team will explore Social Media and how we often appear to enjoy it for free. Later on Simon examines the perhaps unfair belief that some multinationals appear to operate tax free. And what about the billions being given away 'for free' by a new breed of philanthro-capitalists? Finally, what can we learn from these operating models to help that beloved yet creaking institution, the NHS, which is also apparently free at the point of use?
As a wise person once said, there's no such thing as a free lunch. If you're not paying, you're the product.
Also featuring Financial Times economics god Tim Harford, Timandra Harkness, author of 'Big Data: Does Size Matter?' and Dr Kristian Niemietz
Episode 4: The Cost of Health
While many services are now provided free of charge others continue to be very expensive, despite a widely held view that they should be free. Nowhere more so than in the field of healthcare. Big Pharma, as it is for some reason known (presumably to confuse people that it's all about fields), makes millions out of selling drugs to the poorly. With the economic complexities of healthcare provision growing more and more complex, what are the implications of an industry that thrives on our ill health? Who decides what gets subsidized, and how?
Starring: Simon Evans with Tim Harford and Timandra Harkness
Written by Simon Evans with Benjamin Partridge
Researcher: Andrew Wright
Production coordinator: Toby Tilling
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production.
Doddy joins the Invercock-a-leekie Ballet Company and Andy Mann prepares to go on holiday
Starring Ken Dodd.
With John Laurie, Patricia Hayes, Judith Chalmers, Wallas Eaton, Percy Edwards, Alan Curtis and Graham Stark.
Music from The New Faces.
Doddy's Diddy Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Lockyer.
Script by Ken Dodd and Eddie Braben.
Producer: Bill Worsley
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1965.
The bungling bureaucrats battle some unwelcome furry visitors.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler.
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley, John Graham and John Cole.
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 Radio 4 in May 1973.
Stranded in London, a penniless young American becomes the subject of a £20,000 bet between two wealthy English gentlemen.
Can Henry Adams survive and prosper for a month as the bearer of a 1,000,000 pound banknote?
Tony Award-winning Bryony Lavery's rhythmic, energised dramatisation of Mark Twain's charming and surprisingly relevant classic short story, first published in 1893.
Producers: Pauline Harris and Sharon Sephton.
A refugee proves to be an aggravating and judgemental man of mystery. William Roberts reads Mordecai Richler's short tale. From October 1990.
Alice is a writer and lives in a flat in a big old house. When all the tenants are made an offer to move out, she stays and begins to trace the story of a couple who lived in the house nearly 100 years ago - a story of a buried treasure.
One of four plays set in houses which sing of their secrets.
Stars Mia Soteriou as Alice, Sarah Rice as Phillippa Davenport, Joshua Towb as John Davenport, Allison Pettitt as Iris Millington and Paul Copley as Gus Millington.
Written and directed by Josephine Corcoran
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
London, 1958, and Colin MacInnes' teenage narrator and his young friends are making the city their own, from down-at-heel Notting Hill to the smoky jazz clubs of Soho and the fashion boutiques of Mayfair. Mr Cool reports trouble brewing on the streets, the Fabulous Hoplite brings news of a party at Dido Lament's and Suzette won't be persuaded out of her impending marriage.
Read by Joel MacCormack
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
Martin Sixsmith looks at how psychology is used in shaping our behaviour and desires through advertising, information campaigns and propaganda.
He talks to Professor David Welch about the history of propaganda, particularly in war and times of social change, and examines the impact of advertising and the retail environment on our choices with the help of consumer behaviourist Nancy Puccinelli from Oxford University's Said Business School - and uncovers some surprising influences.
Produced by Sara Parker
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Mary Ann in Autumn by Armistead Maupin
Episode Two
Mary Ann begins to adapt to life with Michael and Ben. Jake meets a new man at Pier 39.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed a trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time.
Written and read by Tracey Thorn.
In October 1981, on her first day at Hull University when she was 18 years old, Tracey Thorn answered a public address announcement calling her to reception. The boy who put the call out for her was Ben Watt, and it marked the start of a personal and professional relationship - as pop duo Everything But The Girl - that has spanned over thirty years. She has experienced the highs of stardom and been dropped by her record company. She has spent a career struggling with the challenge of combining artistic integrity, personal politics and feminism with the music industry hunger for chart success.
Tracey Thorn's memoir takes us back to her musical awakening in the 70s documented in her earliest teenage diaries - the thrill of punk, juggling school homework with interviews with the NME as part of all-girl group The Marine Girls and the DIY indie music scene of the late 1970s.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
Rhod Gilbert chairs the Radio Wales comedy quiz. With special guests Roger Monkhouse and Kirsten O'Brien. From September 2006.
Struggling writer Woodhouse continues his fruitless search for literary fame and fortune. Stars Tim Pigott-Smith. From December 1991.
The crew of Orbiter 2 discover why their sister ship has been disabled - and who is responsible.
BD Chapman's adventure in the conquest of space in 14 parts.
Stars John Carson as Captain Bob Britton, Andrew Crawford as Captain Douglas McClelland, Barrie Gosney as Flight Engineer Hicks, Donald Bisset as Colonel Kent, : Arthur Lawrence as the UFO Commander, John Matthews as the Radio Operator: and Francis Hall as Control Officer Camm.
Shaped like a giant wheel and code-named 'Orbiter X', once constructed, the prefabricated space station is designed to circle Earth, travelling in a rapid polar orbit, boasting synthetic gravity, produced by the rotation around the central hub.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
Eastenders' Michael Cashman on the explosive moment he helped make history when UK TV saw it's first gay kiss. A kiss which led to not just public and political controversy but terrifying personal consequences for Cashman in the form of death threats and attacks on his home. In Pioneers Michael Cashman tells Clare English about the social and political landscape of 1987 and why that brief encounter between the character he played, Colin Russell, and market trader Barry Clark would prove momentous for so many of the people involved.
Stand by your radios! Jeremy Hardy returns to the airwaves with a broadcast of national comic import as he asks the question "Does power come from the barrel of a gun or from a jar of onion marmalade?"
Helping him fail to find the answers will be actor and Jeremy regular Gordon Kennedy ("Absolutely", "Sherlock") and special guest Katy Brand
Welcome to "Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation", a series of debates in which Jeremy Hardy engages in a free and frank exchange of his entrenched views. Passionate, polemical, erudite and unable to sing, Jeremy returns with a new series of his show, famous for lines like -
"Kids should never be fashion slaves, especially in the Far East. My 12-year old daughter asked me for a new pair of trainers. I told her she was old enough to go out and make her own" and, "Islam is no weirder than Christianity. Both are just Judaism with the jokes taken out."
Few can forget where they were twenty years ago when they first heard "Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation". The show was an immediate smash-hit success, causing pubs to empty on a Saturday night, which was particularly astonishing since the show went out on Thursdays. The Light Entertainment department was besieged, questions were asked in the House and Jeremy Hardy himself became known as the man responsible for the funniest show on radio since Money Box Live with Paul Lewis.
Since that fateful first series, Jeremy went on to win Sony Awards, Writers Guild nominations and a Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
The show is a Pozzitive production, and is produced by Jeremy's long-standing accomplice, David Tyler.
Written by Jeremy Hardy
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
From 10.00 to midnight, 7 days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to comedian and actor Alex Lowe aka Barry from Watford.
EPISODE 5: THE BABY
Someone's left a baby under Terry's seat. When the owner doesn't come back, Stuart, Joe and Terry have to look after it. They argue about if they were in Three Men and a Baby, which character they'd be. Obviously, all three of them want to be Tom Selleck.
Stuart has a brainwave and uses the baby to show Nicola how mature and grown up he is, and in a moment of inspiration he claims it's his adopted child. This moment of inspiration turns out to be a moment of stupidity when Stuart is challenged by the incensed mother who returns to find her baby in a papoose strapped to Stuart. She blames the father. Who is the father?
A guitar legend, Jane Austen and a soap opera queen. Sketches galore with Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. From October 2002.
Danielle de Brescou is followed and terrified by two men in hoods, while two of Princess Casilia's finest racing horses are slaughtered with a bolt gun.
Starring Sian Phillips as Princess Casilia, Eric Allan as Kit Fielding, John Bull as Henri de Brescou and Elizabeth MacGovern as Danielle de Brescou.
Author Dick Francis is acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. Dramatised by John Ashe.
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
With the help of some of the original musicians, Paul Bayley tells the story of a neglected musical genre. From February 2008.
Patrick is delighted with Alison's new boyfriend, but what about the rest of the family? Stars Duncan Preston. From September 2003.
Award-winning stand-up comedian Bridget Christie returns to BBC Radio 4 with her brand new comedy series, Bridget Christie's Utopia.
As Bridget Christie struggles to come to terms with current world events - Kim Jong-un, the melting polar ice caps, the Brexit negotiations and Nick Knowles singing a cover of The Beatles "Here Comes The Sun", she embarks on a comic quest for her Utopia - a way of living that will make her less anxious and enable her to have her first happy wee since the Brexit vote in 2016.
EPISODE 1 : Disengage In this first episode of the series, Bridget explores politically disengaging for a week - to see if that will make her happier. Will not reading the papers, abstaining from all social media and not watching rolling news reports bring a smile to Bridget's face and be the answer to all her problems? Or will life still be completely rubbish? In her quest to disengage from the turmoil that is world news, Bridget goes to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, has an aqua massage and stands in her garden. Will she switch off?
Stand-up show recorded in front of a studio audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
Starring: Bridget Christie.
With special guests Mike Christie and Leyla Hussein.
Producers: Simon Nicholls and Alison Vernon-Smith.
A BBC Studios Production.
Tact, diplomacy and discretion are needed as the crew of HMS Troutbridge sets sail to France to collect an agent, but then Phillips gets lost...
Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as Number One, Richard Caldicot as Commander Povey, Ronnie Barker as AS Johnson, Heather Chasen as Fifi, Michael Bates as Smythe and Tenniel Evans as AS Goldstein.
The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series on BBC Radio between 1959 and 1976.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1960.
Captain Horne tackles a tricky case in 'Edwin Braden Is Missing'. With Kenneth Williams and Bill Pertwee. From April 1965.
Roy Plomley chairs as Isobel Barnett and Eleanor Summerfield battle Richard Murdoch and David Nixon as they compete in the panel game to spot mistakes.
With some tune-twisters from Steve Race.
Devised and written by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Trafford Whitelock
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.
Winter has come to the Ogle Valley. David is dreaming of sun and sand when an old friend offers him an exciting job. Meanwhile, Arthur dreams of a date with June.
Peter Morfoot's comedy stars Michael Williams as Rocket, Peter Davison as David, Rosemary Martin as June, Phillippa Wilson as Points, Chris Emmett as Sodd, Madge Hindle as Hattie and Peter Silverleaf as Brian.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1996.
The Baker Street sleuth probes an ancient curse stalking a noble family on Dartmoor.
Published in 1902, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel is dramatised in two parts by Bert Coules.
Starring Clive Merrison as Sherlock Holmes and Michael Williams as Dr John Watson.
With Judi Dench as Mrs Hudson, Donald Sinden as Sir Charles Baskerville, Mark Leake as Sir Henry Baskerville, Ian Masters as Sir Hugo Baskerville, Roger May as Dr James Mortimer, John Woodnutt as Arthur Frankland, Rachel Atkins as Beryl, Don McCorkindale as Barrymore, Jenny Lee as Mrs Barrymore, Brian Parr as the Postmaster, Iwan Thomas as Perkins, Nicole Forbes as the Girl, Simon Hanna as the Soldier, Jamie Harden as the Man and James Harrison as the Cabby.
Violinist: Ian Humphries
Pianist and musical arranger: Michael Hasiam
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
Three writers fictionally explore the memories and stories of what characters might have stashed away in the dark, under their beds with some shocking revelations.
Many children believe there is a monster or something strange and dark and menacing lurking under their bed, just waiting to leap out when the lights are off and everyone is asleep. As we grow up it's a place for hiding things, for playing or exploring. Later still it's where we stash the overspill of student or adult lives, where we keep boxes of photos or the detritus of life that holds memories we can't bring ourselves to throw away. It's where we hide the Christmas presents, stash diaries, love letters and wedding albums. As we get older still perhaps it's the place where slippers, half read books or life savings nestle. And it's a place which evolves and changes with us throughout life.
Reader ..... Patrick Kennedy
Writer ..... Patrick Neate
Producer ..... Gemma McMullan.
Tasmania, 1832. Edward Curr - master of the Van Diemen's Land Company - tries to impose control over his wife, his convict stonemason and the wild landscape in this harsh outpost of the Empire...
One of four plays set in houses which sing of their secrets.
Kate Clanchy's drama stars Julia Ford as Caroline, Colin Tierney as Curr and Garry Cowper as Hill.
Director: Mary Peate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
London, 1958. The teenage narrator of Colin MacInnes cult classic sets about making some serious money in an attempt to win back the love of his life, only to get a nasty shock. There are more shocks to come when he has a warning visit from Ed the Ted, and a worrying visit from Mr Cool.
Read by Joel MacCormack
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
In this programme, Martin Sixsmith examines the ways in which thinking, emotions and mental events can affect our physical state, and the efforts of doctors and nurses to deploy psychological levers in the fight for wellbeing.
He discovers how medical students at Manchester University are being trained in better communication with patients and he looks at different ways of encouraging empathy in the next generation of doctors through poetry and music.
Produced by Sara Parker
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Mary Ann in Autumn by Armistead Maupin
Episode Three
Mary Ann heads up to Pinyon Canyon with Michael and Ben for some time-out before her operation. Encouraged by Mrs Madrigal, Jake takes a chance on Jonah.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed a trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time.
Written and read by Tracey Thorn.
In October 1981, on her first day at Hull University when she was 18 years old, Tracey Thorn answered a public address announcement calling her to reception. The boy who put the call out for her was Ben Watt, and it marked the start of a personal and professional relationship - as pop duo Everything But The Girl - that has spanned over thirty years. She has experienced the highs of stardom and been dropped by her record company.
This is an insider's insight into the music industry over three decades which has Tracey's relationship with Ben Watt at the heart of it. Today, from a shared bedsit at Hull University to playing the Royal Albert Hall...
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
Why have aliens abducted the crew of Orbiter 2 - and where have they been imprisoned?
BD Chapman's adventure in the conquest of space in 14 parts.
Stars John Carson as Captain Bob Britton, Andrew Crawford as Captain Douglas McClelland, Barrie Gosney as Flight Engineer Hicks, Arthur Lawrence as Gelbin, Gerik Schjelderup as Max Kramer, Irene Prador as Greta Ravel and John Witty as Captain Jack Bradley.
Shaped like a giant wheel and code-named 'Orbiter X', once constructed, the prefabricated space station is designed to circle Earth, travelling in a rapid polar orbit, boasting synthetic gravity, produced by the rotation around the central hub.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
Alan Coren talks to Robin Ray about which pieces of music stir his emotions.
From Annette Mills to Louis Armstrong, the humourist, writer and broadcaster also shares memories of his life and career.
Producer: Andrew Mussett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
Katrina Lyons was only visiting Cresdon Green, the village where she grew up, to borrow some money from her parents. But when she tried to head back to London, it turned out alien beings known as the Geonin had lowered a force field around the village and were refusing to let anyone in or out.
Unfortunately almost everyone in the village is too cowardly, apathetic, polite or stupid to stand up to this alien menace, so Katrina has no choice but to start the resistance movement herself. In the cricket pavilion.
EPISODE TWO: Minimum Volume.
Uljabaan is working on an education programme for after the invasion, creating a list of books suitable for children to read. His chosen advisor is Mrs Leeson from the charity shop. Katrina is confident she could do a better job, and hopes she could use it for subversive purposes - so she volunteers. But can she sneak anything past Uljabaan? And can she convince Lucy she's not really being a traitor?
Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully is written by Eddie Robson (That Mitchell and Webb Sound, Newsjack), and stars Hattie Morahan (Outnumbered, Critic's Circle & Evening Standard Theatre Awards Best Actress'), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing, The Hour), Jan Francis (Just Good Friends, Emmerdale), Peter Davison (A Very Peculiar Practice, Dr Who), Hannah Murray (Skins, Game of Thrones), and John-Luke Roberts (Spats, BBC Three Live At The Fringe).
by Tony Bagley
4. Rex and Ron
Ronald Reagan's dog, Rex, reveals that he shared his master's passion for acting.
The last in a series of four talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of the trials and tribulations of living in the White House.
Directed by Marc Beeby.
The elderly Scotsmen assist the Laird with armaments for shooting out on the moors. Stars Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden. From December 2012.
From 10.00 to midnight, 7 days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to comedian and actor Alex Lowe aka Barry from Watford.
Brand new character comedy from 2011 Edinburgh Award winner, Adam Riches. With fast-paced, offbeat sketches, songs (there are no songs) and a generous dollop of audience interaction. Also starring Cariad Lloyd and Jim Johnson.
This week, Adam Riches takes the listener back to the Wild West to tell the story of Big Rich, a sass-talkin', gun-totin' cowboy who just so happened to have sat on the front row.
Written by Adam Riches
Produced by Simon Mayhew-Archer and Rupert Majendie.
Prince Litsi faces terror, hanging by his finger tips from the top of the old stand at Bradbury race-course.
Starring Sian Phillips as Princess Casilia, Eric Allan as Kit Fielding, John Bull as Henri de Brescou and Bill Wallis as Allardeck.
Author Dick Francis is acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. Dramatised by John Ashe.
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
Comedian, writer and actress Jackie Clune dated women for 12 years before meeting and marrying a man. She talks to those who, like her, identified as gay and then had a heterosexual relationship. This is a subject that provokes misunderstanding and downright anger and Jackie found people even walked out of her stand-up act when she mentioned her husband. We discuss how sexuality can be fluid and romance can be unexpected. Novelist Jake Arnott, who identified predominantly as gay, then fell in love with a female fellow writer, says 'You don't choose who you fall in love with.'
Niki, who describes herself as a 'gold star dyke' until a man walked into the coffee shop where she worked. That first day she realised she would marry him and have his children. Although she still identifies herself as a 'lesbian who happened to be married to a man.' She says ' He was a freak wave who drenched the whole beach.'.
Golf, holidays with friends and having a baby are the three things that Daniel and Lucy have always sworn they'll never do in life.
But when they end up on a golfing holiday with their unbearable friends, they start to realise life doesn't always turn out how you plan it...
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Starring David Tennant as Daniel, Liz Carling as Lucy, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Katie, Tony Gardner as Andy, Joanna Brookes as Alison, Robert Harley as Peter, Carla Mendonca as Linda, Jonathan Aris as Steve and Martin Marquez as the Waiter.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
John Finnemore presents the last episode of this seventh series of his award-winning sketch show, joined by his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.
So, whether you're listening accidentally or not, this episode will sound the same: you'll learn about the downsides of adopting animals, and hear a modern shanty that anyone who works in an office will identify with. And what's more you'
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme was described by The Radio Times as "the best sketch show in years, on television or radio", and by The Daily Telegraph as "funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh". Already the winner of a BBC Audio Drama Award and a Radio Academy Silver Award, John was named the 2016 Radio Broadcaster of the Year by the Broadcasting Press Guild for his work on Souvenir Programme.
Written by & starring ... John Finnemore
Cast ... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Cast ... Simon Kane
Cast ... Lawry Lewin
Cast ... Carrie Quinlan
Original music composed by ... Susannah Pearse
Piano ... Susannah Pearse
Squeezebox/cello ... Sally Stares
Production Coordinator ... Beverly Tagg
Producer ... Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production.
George worries about what the future holds for baby Helen. Richard Briers and Prunella Scales star in their second series based on the mutual love and mistrust of a young married couple.
Originating on BBC TV, it was adapted for radio due to its popularity by Richard Waring from his own TV scripts.
A decade later, Richard Briers was starring as Tom Good in The Good Life while Prunella Scales starred as Sybil in Fawlty Towers. They remained friends until Richard Briers' death in 2013.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
Recorded at the BBC Paris Studio in London.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1967.
Gas meter inspector Neddie Seagoon heads to South America over an unpaid bill. Stars Harry Secombe. From November 1955.
The panel for this first episode is Rufus Hound, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe and Adam Hills. Find out what hilarity ensues when each of them play the rounds they've brought along, variously entitled "Them Next Door", "What Does My Dad Know?", "Come To Romford!" and "Newspaper Headline or Cryptic Crossword Clue". All these games are untried, untested and unpredictable so it could all end in disaster. But that's all part of the fun.
Angus Deayton is the host valiantly trying to keep the show together.
Writers: Angus Deayton, Ged Parsons and Paul Powell
Devised by Benjamin Partridge
Producer: Sam Michell.
When Bingo Little's new love lands Bertie Wooster in bother - who can save the day?
PG Wodehouse romp adapted by Chris Miller.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie, Andrew Cruickshank as Sir Roderick Glossop, Jonathan Cecil as Bingo Little, Joan Sanderson as Aunt Agatha, James Villiers as Lord Rainsby, Miriam Margolyes as Honoria Glossop and Denise Bryer as Oswald Glossop. Other parts by Brian Haines.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1973.
The curse of the Baskervilles claims another victim. Can the great detective solve the deadly mystery on Dartmoor?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel dramatised in two parts by Bert Coules.
Starring Clive Merrison as Sherlock Holmes and Michael Williams as Dr John Watson.
With Mark Leake as Sir Henry Baskerville, Ian Masters as Stapleton, Rachel Atkins as Beryl, John Woodnutt as Arthur Frankland, Don McCorkindale as Barrymore, Jenny Lee as Mrs Barrymore, Roger May as Dr James Mortimer, Carolyn Jones as Mrs Lyons and Brian Parr as the Postmaster.
Violinist: Ian Humphries
Pianist and musical arranger: Michael Hasiam
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
Three writers fictionally explore the memories and stories of what characters might have stashed away in the dark, under their beds with some shocking revelations.
Many children believe there is a monster or something strange and dark and menacing lurking under their bed, just waiting to leap out when the lights are off and everyone is asleep. As we grow up it's a place for hiding things, for playing or exploring. Later still it's where we stash the overspill of student or adult lives, where we keep boxes of photos or the detritus of life that holds memories we can't bring ourselves to throw away. It's where we hide the Christmas presents, stash diaries, love letters and wedding albums. As we get older still perhaps it's the place where slippers, half read books or life savings nestle. And it's a place which evolves and changes with us throughout life.
Writer ..... Kate Perry
Reader ..... Conleth Hill
Producer ..... Gemma McMullan.
Following a painful separation from her husband, Holly and her sister Frankie rent a country cottage where she can recuperate. They soon discover the house has a story of its own...
The last of four set in houses which sing of their secrets.
Rachel Joyce's drama stars Emma Fielding as Holly, Ewan Cooper as Jack and Matilda Ziegler as Frankie.
Director: Mary Peate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
London, 1958, and the teenage narrator of Colin MacInnes' cult classic is still shocked by Suzette's marriage to Henley. Determined to try and woo her back, he takes the opportunity of a boat trip up the Thames with his dad to pay her a visit.
Read by Joel MacCormack
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
As celebrity candour around mental illness fights stigma and promotes better understanding, Martin Sixsmith looks at the public perception of psychology with the help of comedian Ruby Wax.
He examines what it is that interests us about human thinking, including the pioneering research into sexual relationships by Kinsey, Masters and Johnson in 1950s and 1960s, as well as the social impact of a rising interest in gender differences.
He uncovers how the work of women psychologists went largely unrecognised in the early history of the science and compares it with the feminisation of psychology these days.
Produced by Sara Parker
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Mary Ann in Autumn by Armistead Maupin
Episode Four
DeDe accompanies Mary Ann to her surgery. Jake makes a big decision.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed its own trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time.
Written and read by Tracey Thorn.
In October 1981, on her first day at Hull University when she was 18 years old, Tracey Thorn answered a public address announcement calling her to reception. The boy who put the call out for her was Ben Watt, and it marked the start of a personal and professional relationship - as pop duo Everything But The Girl - that has spanned over thirty years. They have shared the highs of stardom and the lows of being dropped by their record company. Tracey gives us an insider's insight into the music industry, but above all she opens up about Ben Watt and the central relationship of her life.
Today, Tracey confronts Ben's life threatening illness that altered both their lives, and her decision to give up pop stardom for motherhood.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
The space station project is under threat from the shadowy Unity organization, as their leader tricks the crew of Orbiter 2.
BD Chapman's adventure in the conquest of space in 14 parts.
Stars John Carson as Captain Bob Britton, Andrew Crawford as Captain Douglas McClelland, Barrie Gosney as Flight Engineer Hicks, Gerik Schelderup as Max Kramer, Donald Bisset as Colonel Kent, Leslie Perrins as Sir Charles Day and Peter Noel Cook as Control Officer Brown.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast in 14 parts on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
Humphrey Carpenter invites the famous to discuss deceased heroes. This week Ned Sherrin on Sir Donald Wolfit.
The biographical series in which a distinguished guest chooses someone who's inspired their life. Will their hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life? From 2002.
Made for Four Extra. BBC Radio 4 Extra's topical sketch show Newsjack - the show that anyone can write for - hosted by Angela Barnes.
From 10.00 to midnight, 7 days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to comedian and actor Alex Lowe aka Barry from Watford.
by Jack Docherty
A comedy about three couples sailing off in to the sunset. And sinking. This week a lunch invitation looks like it might change everything.
Producer ..... Steven Canny
Jack Docherty
Jack has an exceptional record of making stand-out comedy. He first performed at the 1980 Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the comedy sketch group The Bodgers and went on to write for radio and television including: Spitting Image, Alas Smith and Jones, Vic Reeves Big Night Out, Absolutely, The Lenny Henry Show, Max Headroom, Weekending, The News Huddlines and a ton of other things.
He has also performed in a huge variety of comedy shows including in The Comic Strip Presents, The Morwenna Banks Show, Monarch of the Glen, Red Dwarf V, The Old Guys and Badults. He has also featured in the Radio 4 comedies Baggage and Mordrin MacDonald - 21st Century Wizard and has appeared on various comedy panel shows including Have I Got News For You and It's Only TV But I Like It. Jack presented his own show The Jack Docherty Show which ran for 2 years on Channel 5.
Mel Hudson and Vicki Pepperdine stay on air despite interruptions. 'Madonna' and 'Roy Walker' perform a duet. From May 2001.
Champion jockey Kit Fielding gets wind that Henri de Brescou plans to kill more horses. Kit is determined to put a stop to this needless slaughter.
Starring Sian Phillips as Princess Casilia, Eric Allan as Kit Fielding, John Bull as Henri de Brescou and Bill Wallis as Allardeck.
Author Dick Francis is acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. Dramatised by John Ashe.
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
Susan George profiles Hollywood legend Miss Bette Davis, recalling her visits to Britain and the impact she had on British actors, directors and producers.
Reflecting the plotlines of characters she played on screen, Bette Davis's visits across the Atlantic left behind stories of success, mystery, court battles, failed marriages and sadness.
Miss Davis starred in several British films and was inspired by our history and influenced by our culture. She came here in the 1970s to tour her one-woman show where it has been claimed on a visit to Cardiff she searched for and found her relatives.
The programme features Davis's memorable appearance at the National Film Theatre and looks at the time she came to the UK to record an album of songs.
With extracts from her British interviews spanning 30 years the programme includes contributions from actor Wendy Craig, broadcaster Wyn Calvin and director Jimmy Sangster.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 to mark the centenary of the birth of Miss Bette Davis in 2008.
When an act of civil disobedience centred around a tea break fails to bring results, Julius Hutch, the leader of The Tree Party, turns to games of chance.
Starring Peter Jones as Julius Hutch.
With Celestine Randall as Pauline Hutch, Justine Midda as Kate, Jeffrey Wickham as Sexton Lewis, Stephen Thorne as Sir Gainford Blounty, Jillie Meers as Dahlia Sprout, Collin Johnson as Haiku Jack, David Holt as Ted and Brian Perkins as Himself.
Scripted by Collin Johnson.
Producers: Andy Jordan and David Blount
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
Andy (Tom Palmer) has found a level of contentment with the world - reading books, watching films, and generally repairing his wounded psyche. Uncle Jeff (Philip Jackson) is having none of this and reveals a hitherto unknown secret to Andy, that the dusty shop downstairs from his seaside flat belongs to Jeff. When necessary, it seems, he offers the community of Flamford a valuable service as an electrical repair person.
Jeff lures Andy into the shop and shows him how to use the till. Andy realises it's another of his uncle's ploys, and refuses this oblique yet unsubtle job offer. But Jeff, never the one to say "die", takes his nephew on a job search in which Andy is an unwilling participant.
Visits follow to Fish Shop Frank (Mark Benton), the Tourist Information Office run by the uniformed and uninformed Steph and Pippa (Alison Steadman and Shobna Gulati), and Flamford's as-yet-unlicensed zoo.
Writers: Ian Brown and James Hendrie
Producer/Director: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4.
Radio's Dave the Rave - and The Legend of Bunny and Claude.
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Bill Oddie and Jo Kendall.
Written by Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for eight years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Leon Cohen and Bill Oddie.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1968.
Single dad Bryan takes a temporary admin job and chases a missing file.
Robert Lindsay plays single parent Bryan Archer, struggling to find work and raise his baby son.
In the original 1977 series, Bryan was played by the late Richard Beckinsale who tragically died in 1979. After a six-year hiatus, the series returned with Bryan's mother and baby Albert played once again by Pat Coombs.
With Diana King as Mrs Willis, Marica Warren as Vera, Gorden Kaye as Edward, Bernard Gallagher as Mr Charlesworth, Lynda Baron as Mrs Charlesworth: Lynda Baron and Wendy Murray as Sandra and Doreen.
Incidental music by Max Harris.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1983.
Gyles Brandreth hosts the scandals quiz with Lucy Moore, Anthony Holden, Richard Herring and Louise Doughty. From November 2005.
When the Yorkshire builders price up fitting mirrors, they start seeing double...
Series 2 of Ian McMillan and Dave Sheasby's comedy stars Shaun Dooley as Johnny Street, Fine Time Fontayne as Arthur Lane, Christine Kavanagh as Janet, Mark Straker as John, Sam Dale as Franklin and Rachel Atkins as Julia.
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
A dull middle-aged man whose life has been monotonously ordinary for years, devises a plot to temporarily leave home and observe the effect on his wife from a flat opposite. But he stays away much longer than expected - and it becomes more and more difficult for him to return.
Starring David Haig as Wakefield, John Rowe as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Richenda Carey as Mrs Wakefield and Jonathan Keeble as Lucas Ferris.
Dramatised by Martyn Wade from a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Producer: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
Three writers fictionally explore the memories and stories of what characters might have stashed away in the dark, under their beds with some shocking revelations.
Many children believe there is a monster or something strange and dark and menacing lurking under their bed, just waiting to leap out when the lights are off and everyone is asleep. As we grow up it's a place for hiding things, for playing or exploring. Later still it's where we stash the overspill of student or adult lives, where we keep boxes of photos or the detritus of life that holds memories we can't bring ourselves to throw away. It's where we hide the Christmas presents, stash diaries, love letters and wedding albums. As we get older still perhaps it's the place where slippers, half read books or life savings nestle. And it's a place which evolves and changes with us throughout life.
Reader ..... Jason Watkins
Writer ..... David Park
Producer ..... Gemma McMullan.
Hull, 1957. Librarian Philip Larkin receives an official-looking letter which sends him into a spin.
Chris Harrald's play takes a light-hearted look at a chaotic day in the life of an emerging poet.
Starring Adrian Scarborough as Philip Larkin, Anne Reid as Mrs Giddings, Lynne Verrall as Mrs C, Alan Williams as Inspector Clough, Stephen Critchlow as Bob, John Rowe as Roger, Dan Starkey as the Shopkeeper, Helen Longworth as Mary, Ben Crowe as Tom and Chris Pavlo as Mr Stenning.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
September, 1958, and racial tension is rising in parts of London. The teenage narrator of Colin MacInnes' cult classic finds himself caught up along with his friends in the violence that erupts on the streets of his home patch in Notting Hill. As the fighting spreads, Suzette turns up at the Santa Lucia club, but then his brother Vernon arrives with bad news.
Read by Joel MacCormack
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
In the concluding programme of this 25-part series, Martin Sixsmith looks at where we are now in terms of understanding what makes us think, feel and act the way we do.
He re-visits the Government's 2010 pledge to increase happiness and well-being and talks to former 'happiness tsar' Richard Layard. He examines initiatives such as the provision of thousands of newly-trained CBT therapists to make treatment for mental health problems more widely available and other ways in which we are being encouraged to modify our behaviour, asking 'what is happiness' and whether it's achievable both for an individual and society .
Produced by Sara Parker
Series consultant: Professor Daniel Pick of Birkbeck, University of London
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Mary Ann in Autumn by Armistead Maupin
Episode Five
Mary Ann has an unwelcome encounter with a presence from her past. Shawna is upset by Michael's revelation.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Producer Susan Roberts
Director Charlotte Riches
For more than three decades, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series has blazed a trail through popular culture-from ground-breaking newspaper serial to classic novel. Radio 4 are dramatising the full series of the Tales novels for the very first time.
Written and read by Tracey Thorn.
Tracey Thorn's memoir takes us from her very early teenage diaries, through to juggling school homework with interviews with music journalists, the highs of pop stardom and the lows of being dropped by her record company. This is an insider's insight into the music industry, and also a very personal story which has Tracey's relationship with Ben Watt at the heart of it.
Tracey gave up music for motherhood without a second thought, but now finds her experience as a parent has freed her from her teenage anxieties so she can return to singing on her own terms.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
Dr Max Kramer has tricked the crew of Orbiter 2, but what exactly is Unity up to on the Moon?
BD Chapman's adventure in the conquest of space in 14 parts.
Stars John Carson as Captain Bob Britton, Andrew Crawford as Captain Douglas McClelland, Barrie Gosney as Flight Engineer Hicks, Donald Bisset as Colonel Kent, Gerik Schelderup as Max Kramer, and Leslie Perrins as Sir Charles Day. With Ian Sadler and John Cazabon.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
John Wilson launches a major new series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios.
Programme 1, Side B. 'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry' - Having discussed the making of his self-proclaimed 'difficult' third album (in the A-side of the programme), Billy Bragg responds to questions from the audience.
He considers the state of protest songs today, reveals what music he is writing at the moment and explains what poetry he would discuss with today's taxman. And he plays excerpts from the album live in front of the audience.
Future Programmes will include Paul Weller talking about the Jam's last album, 'The Gift'; Suzanne Vega recalls the making of 'Solitude Standing', the album that made her a worldwide superstar; and Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone takes us back to the seminal Zombies' record 'Odessey and Oracle'
Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on the Radio 4 website, where the programmes can also be downloaded and other musical goodies accessed.
Producer: Paul Kobrak.
Radio 4 Extra explores the world of podcasts and finds the best on offer.
Each week, Amanda Litherland and a guest presenter recommend one or two podcasts from the BBC and beyond. From some of the most popular series, to lesser-known hidden gems, they will feature their favourite finds and speak with the people who make them.
Amanda and this week's guest, journalist Ben Hunte, listen to some LGBT-themed podcasts including Nancy and Homo Sapiens.
With Homo Sapiens hosts Will Young and Chris Sweeney.
Ian D Montfort, spirit medium, stars in this comedy showcase that'll amaze as well as entertain.
Ian channels conversations from "the other side", reveals the deepest darkest secrets of the audience, and is joined by celebrity guest Melanie Sykes, who will act as what is known in psychic circles as "a trusted witness".
Ian D. Montfort Is: Unbelievable is written and performed by Tom Binns, with additional material by Richard Turner.
Producer: Julia McKenzie.
Marcus Brigstocke persuades his guests to try new experiences: things they really ought to have done by now. Some experiences are loved, some are loathed, in this show all about embracing the new.
Dame Kelly Holmes, a self-confessed chocoholic, tries her first deep fried Mars bar, but will she try the chocolate covered scorpion? And to conquer her fear of drowning, she tries hypnotherapy.
Comedian Marcus Brigstocke and presenter Clive Anderson get chatting in the tag-team talk show where this week's guest is next week's interviewer. From January 2007.