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

SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2019

SAT 00:00 Stephen Baxter - Voyage (b007q9ld)
1985-86 Project Ares

The first manned mission to Mars lifts off on a perilous journey of discovery - both scientific and personal.

Conclusion of Stephen Baxter's 1996 novel presenting an alternative history of the US space programme.

Dramatised in five parts by Dirk Maggs

Starring Laurel Lefklow as Natalie York, Rolf Saxon as Phil Stone, William Dufris as Adam Bleeker, Michael Roberts as Voice of NASA, Mel Taylor as Ralph Gershon and Vincent Marzello as Joe Muldoon.

Music by Wilfredo Acosta.

Producer: Dirk Maggs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.

SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b0076csl)
Marriage

Comedians Shazia Mirza and Lewis Schaffer join writer David Matthews to discuss matrimony with Matthew Parris.

In each programme, Matthew Parris introduces a group of writers of fact and fiction: new talent and established names. In the context of a discussion of one of the ideas and pre-occupations of our times, each presents a piece on this week's topic.

Produced by Hilary Dunn.

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2003.

SAT 01:00 Father Brown Stories (b00y9tqf)
Series 1

The Hammer of God

Retribution that comes from above is not always divine.

Nevertheless Father Brown reaches the evil in the heart of the good...

Series of GK Chesterton's stories about the insightful clerical sleuth dramatised by John Scotney.

Starring Andrew Sachs as Father Brown.

With Bryan Matheson as Wilfred Boedric, Phillip Manikum as Doctor Westley, Paul Nicholson as Norman Boedric, Tony Phillips as Simeon Barnes, Deborah Paige as Mrs Thurston, Robin Summers as PC Barton, David Sinclair as Inspector Stow and John Webb as Josian Risby.

Directed at BBC Bristol by Alec Reid.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.

SAT 01:30 Hot House Kids (b00gqzvy)
Episode 2

Former prima ballerina Deborah Bull investigates the advantages and the pitfalls of being an elite performer in the arts and sport and what young people need to succeed, as well as the psychological advantages and problems of attaining perfection.

To achieve the levels of excellence necessary to compete on the global job market today a performer needs to start young, taking advantage of the brain's early plasticity and the increased potential for muscle flexibility in pre-adolescents. But in some cases the cost can be the stable emotional development of the child.

In certain countries of Eastern Europe and Asia children can enter full-time training as young as three - gymnastics and ballet training are key examples - and undergo challenging physical and mental regimes in order to ensure that they are ready to compete and achieve the highest standards as soon as they reach double figures. For the growing child as it moves into adolescence, interaction with a parent is vital to its emotional development. Yet, as the programme discovers, the intense training regime needed to hothouse gifted children to the supreme levels of performance frequently involves taking the child away for hours of training.

On a journey that takes Deborah to the Ukraine, she visits the National Ballet School in Kiev, the elite football training centre at Dynamo Kiev and the National Gymnastics centre in Kiev, where she discovers why elite athletes are achieving such high levels of achievement in Eastern Europe. Back in Britain she visits the Chelsea Academy, the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Central School of Ballet to find out if our softly, softly approach will work in such a competitive market.

The programme also includes contributions from members of the National Ballet School of Korea, reflecting the growing number of top-class performers today emerging from Asian nations.

SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065gkj1)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 5

Harper Lee's explosive second novel was finally published in 2015. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lived in Monroeville, Alabama until her death in February 2016.

Read by Fenella Woolgar

Written by Harper Lee

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

SAT 02:15 On the Map (b00rghjt)
The Lie of the Land

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and then there are maps. Borders can be moved and countries expanded, shrunk or even left off the map altogether. We'd like to believe that maps are a purely factual representation of the world with no bias or agenda, but in fact every cartographer decides what to include on their map and what to exclude. Mike Parker discovers how maps can be used as tools of power, politics and propaganda.

From 2010.

SAT 02:30 Julia Darling - Appointments (b0076qmw)
Carla's Facial

Maureen does not let her tumour diagnosis stop her from going for a facial appointment with her daughter. Stars Val McClane.

SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b03y3g8t)
Ben Macintyre - A Spy Among Friends

Episode 5

With access to newly released MI5 files and previously unseen family papers, and with the cooperation of former officers of MI6 and the CIA, author Ben Macintyre unlocks the last great secret of the Cold War.

Kim Philby was the most notorious British defector and Soviet mole in history. Agent, double agent, traitor and enigma, he betrayed every secret of Allied operations to the Russians in the early years of the Cold War. Philby's two closest friends in the intelligence world, Nicholas Elliott of MI6 and James
Jesus Angleton the CIA intelligence chief, thought they knew Philby better than anyone - only to discover they had not known him at all.

This is a story of intimate duplicity; of loyalty, trust and treachery, class and conscience; of an ideological battle waged by men with cut-glass accents and well-made suits in the comfortable clubs and restaurants of London and Washington; of male friendships forged, and then systematically betrayed.

In the final episode of A Spy Among Friends Nicholas Elliott confronts Kim Philby who finally admits the scale and depth of his betrayal, the greatest in the twentieth century.

Read by: Simon Russell Beale

Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4

SAT 03:00 James Fenimore Cooper - The Last of the Mohicans (b007jpng)
Episode 2

As the brutal war rages, Huron chief Magua captures Colonel Munro's daughters.

Hawkeye, Captain Heyward and the Mohicans set out in pursuit...

Conclusion of J Fenimore Cooper's epic set amidst the struggle between the British and the French for control of North America. Dramatised in two parts by David Calcutt.

Michael Feast stars as Hawkeye, with Philip Franks as Major Heyward, Helen McCrory as Cora, Naomi Radcliffe as Alice, Okon Jones as Chingachgook, Clarence Smith as Uncas, Alfredo Michelsen as Magua, Russell Dixon as General Munro, John Jardine as General Montcalm, Robert Whelan as David, Joe Speare as Tamesund and Garrick Hagon as the Narrator.

Producer: Michael Fox

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.

SAT 04:00 Foul Play (b00zshr3)
Series 4

Murder for Starters

Crime writers Robert Barnard and Lindsey Davis probe who wielded a deadly skewer.

With the help of witnesses played by Maria McErlane and Lee Simpson.

Murder mystery panel game chaired by Simon Brett.

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.

SAT 04:30 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
Episode 8

With their business struggling, Charles and George turn to nanny.

A Tale of Two City Gents by Wally K Daly.

Starring Donald Hewlett as Charles, Michael Knowles as George and Marjorie Withers as Nanny.

Theme music by Jim Parker.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1985.

SAT 05:00 The Cold Swedish Winter (b04f9frm)
Series 1

Summer

A sitcom from Danny Robins, writer of the Lenny Henry comedy Rudy's Rare Records. This series is set and recorded in Sweden and stars Adam Riches, Danny Robins and some of Sweden's most popular TV comedy actors.

Geoff, a marginally successful stand-up comic from London, is moving to the tiny, cold and unpronounceable village of Yxsjö in northern Sweden - a culture shock forced on him by his Swedish girlfriend Linda's decision to move home to raise their child.

Geoff has to contend with snow, moose, pickled herring, unemployment, snow, Maypole dancing, snowmobiles, snow, meatball rolling, saunas, social democracy, snow, the weirdest pizzas in Europe, bears, deep forests, death metal, illegal alcohol, snow.

Above all, he has a new family to contend with. The Andersson's bewilder him - from father Sten who has a worrying tendency to growl like a bear and threaten him with any blunt instrument to hand, to Gunilla who threatens him with naked folk-dancing.

It's worth it all for Linda, of course - apart from her new found urge to conform with everything and except for her brother, a Goth with a propensity to set fire to things.

Episode 3: Summer
In which Geoff is forced to lead the Maypole dancing at Yxsjö's Midsummer festivities and go skinny dipping.

Writer: Danny Robins
Director: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

SAT 05:30 Clare in the Community (b084bmf9)
Series 11

Momento

Episode 4 - Momento

Riots have broken out on the Sparrowhawk estate and ruined the team's family fun day. In all the chaos, Clare has lost her memory and is roaming the streets, encountering all sorts of characters as she tries to work out who she is.

Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.

A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.

Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.

Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Producer Alexandra Smith

A BBC Studios production.

SAT 06:00 Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
Tony Mulholland's play tells the true story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's obsession with a miscarriage of justice.

Convinced that George Edalji has been wrongly convicted of a shocking crime, Doyle assumes the mantle of his famous creation Sherlock Holmes and sets out to solve the case.

Starring Peter Jeffrey as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Frances Jeater as Kathleen Moriarty and Kim Wall as George Edalji.

Produced by Rosemary Watts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995

SAT 07:30 Last Chance to See (m0002rx3)
The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine go in search of a ‘flying fox’ near Mauritius Island: the Rodrigues Fruit Bat.

Series in which Douglas Adams and conservationist Mark Carwardine go in search of weird, exotic endangered animals.

Producer: Gaynor Shutte

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.

SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b03z3ghc)
Portraying Real Lives

Actress Maxine Peake meets with actors and, in a series of one to one conversations, discusses the challenges of portraying the real-life character as opposed to the fictional.

Maxine Peake has tackled many factual roles, including Tracey Temple in Confessions of a Diary Secretary, Joan le Mesurier in Hancock and Joan, the title role in The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, Anne Scargill in Queens of the Coal Age, Stephen Hawking's secretary in the 2015 film The Theory of Everything, and her infamous portrayal of Myra Hindley in See No Evil.

Most actors will only face a critical backlash if their portrayal of King Lear or Jimmy Porter does not meet expectation, but what happens if their subject is real? How does this change the actor's approach to the character research, is it better or worse to meet them, does this restrict the boundaries or increase the empathy? And what happens if that character is regarded as evil in the public psyche?

In discussion with friends and colleagues such as Michael Sheen, Sally Hawkins, Patricia Hodge, Monica Dolan, Shaun Evans and Anne Scargill we discover how different the approach can and has to be.

Producer: Elizabeth Foster.

First broadcast as part of BBC Radio 4's Character Invasion. From 2014.

SAT 09:00 Knowing Steve, Knowing You (b06gx1tz)
Steve Coogan talks to the novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce about his life and career. Featuring new interviews from John Thomson, Henry Normal, Michael Winterbottom, Simon Greenall, Graham Duff, Sioned Wiliam and Steve Brown. "Knowing Steve, Knowing You" also features the following archive material:

* Knowing Knowing Me, Knowing You: Alan Partridge Documentary:
From 03/07/1993
The hapless host takes a fly-on-the-wall behind-the-scenes look at Pear Tree Productions.

* Nebulous - The Buzzing
From 2006.
Professor Nebulous battles against giant, murderous insects in the sci fi comedy with Mark Gatiss and guest star Steve Coogan.

*Hey, Rrradio!!! (Clip)
14/10/1988
Steve Coogan makes his national radio debut on Radio 1 in 1988 with 'A Question of International Revolutionary Politics' in the comedy cabaret extravaganza "Hey, Rrradio!!!"

*The Word Made Fresh (Clip)
From 17/10/1988
Steve Coogan performs his early comedy creation Duncan Thickett in this curtain raiser to the first BBC Radio Young Writers Festival.

*Front Row (Clip)
From 28/10/2010
A clip of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon talking to John Wilson about their television series "The Trip" on Radio 4's "Front Row".

Produced by Stuart Ross.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in 2015.

SAT 12:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k0v3)
Series 2

Romance Is Dead

Rosie's event management company arranges activities for the partners of conference. delegates for a major finance company.

Meanwhile Kate thinks this is her ticket back to a high-flying job....

Prunella Scales stars in the second of four series of Simon Brett's sitcom following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event-management company based in Brighton.

With Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob, Annette Badland as Tess, Debbie Norman as Sheila Wilkinson and Alan Cowan as Philip Wilkinson.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.

SAT 12:30 Rent (b007522v)
Series 3

Episode 1

The new baby needs a name and Richard doesn’t want to reveal one of his.

Series 3 of Lucy Flannery's award-winning sitcom about Maria and Richard Reynolds and their lodgers.

Stars Barbara Flynn as Maria, Patrick Barlow as Richard, Linda Polan as Amy, Vivienne Rochester as Ruby, Dave Lamb as Paul, Sally Grace as the Barrister and Brian Bowles as the Judge.

Producer: Liz Anstee.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.

SAT 13:00 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
Series 7 Omnibus - Devil's Bridge

A stranger arrives in Glan Don, with a plan that threatens the future of the village.

Omnibus of another series of the magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.

Written by Annamaria Murphy

Starring Sion Pritchard, Emma Sidi and Ifan Huw Dafydd.

Gareth/Fluffy.... Sion Pritchard
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Matty.... Siw Hughes
Hadrian.... Paul Rhys

Series created by Meic Povey
Directed by James Robinson

A BBC Cymru Wales Production first broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2019

SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0002rx7)
Lily Allen

Singer-songwriter Lily Allen chooses I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall, performed by Merle Haggard, and Fix You by Coldplay.

SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b080778r)
Fred Perry

The British three-time Wimbledon tennis champion, Fred Perry (1909 - 1995) is quizzed by Elizabeth Beresford and Denzil Batchelor.

Fred details the obstacles he faced on his path to success on the tennis court - and the determination needed to triumph over his opponents.

Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking BBC series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers - later two - firing direct questions. Early critics demanded it was axed, but the format won out and eventually won over detractors.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1961.

SAT 14:45 Peter Tinniswood - Tales From a Long Room (m0002rx9)
Series 1

I Was There

A personal recollection of cricket's 'day of infamy'. Despite improving weather, why was play abandoned? Read by Robin Bailey.

Robin Bailey reads the fifth of five stories from Peter Tinniswood's cricket tales.

Abridged for radio by the author.

Producer: Tony Cliff

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1981.

SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b03z3ghc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

SAT 16:00 Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

SAT 17:30 Last Chance to See (m0002rx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

SAT 18:00 Doctor Who (b07grtrz)
Industrial Evolution

Episode 2

The Doctor discovers there's more than one alien interfering with industrial progress of 19th-century Earth.

After following Thomas Brewster to Samuel Belfrage's brass mill in Ackleton, the Doctor and Evelyn have discovered some unexpected truth about his business.

Starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe, John Pickard as Thomas Brewster, Rory Kinnear as Samuel Belfrage, Stephen Gibson as Warren Brown and Joannah Tincey as Clara Stretton.

Writer: Eddie Robson

Producer: Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish production.

SAT 19:00 Knowing Steve, Knowing You (b06gx1tz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

SAT 22:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01r5s2l)
Series 1

Episode 2

Bridget considers women and their day-to-day relationships with each other, via an organic herb puff snack, a church pew and a bag of dirty laundry.

Fred MacAulay helps her remember some of the key incidents which brought her to an epiphany and a call to arms.

Four-part stand-up comedy series on the state of British feminism today, Bridget asks why feminism became a dirty word and whether the modern British woman needs it.

Producer; Alison Vernon-Smith and Alexandra Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.

SAT 22:30 Knowing Me, Knowing You (b007k0fl)
Episode 5

Cheesy chat show host Alan Partridge is 'Live from Las Vegas' with glamorous American co-host, Kendall Ball.

With guests: Hollywood star couple Sally Hoff and Conrad Knight, New York comic Bernie Rosen and professional gambler Jack 'the Black Cat' Colson.

With thanks to Alan's researchers: Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber , Rebecca Front, Doon Mackichan and David Schneider.

Producer: Armando Iannucci

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.

SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0002rxc)
Nick Revell 2/3

Jake Yapp chats to the comedy legend Nick Revell.

SAT 23:00 The Absolutely Radio Show (b06d29by)
Series 1

Episode 4

Members of the cast of Channel 4's hugely popular sketch show Absolutely reunite for a brand new series on BBC Radio 4. Pete Baikie, Morwenna Banks, Moray Hunter, Gordon Kennedy and John Sparkes are back together with all new material. They revisit some of their much loved sketch characters for four half hour shows, whilst also introducing some newcomers to the show.

In 2013, the group got back together for the Sketchorama: Absolutely Special for BBC Radio 4 which subsequently won a BBC Audio Drama Award in the Best Live Scripted Comedy category.

The fourth and final episode of the series will feature another meeting of the highly confused Stoneybridge Town Council as well as pearls of nonsense from Calum Gilhooley, Edinburgh's most boring man, and the ever popular Little Girl, telling us what is true about teenagers. Frank Hovis makes an appearance, there will be more stories from those who were nearly there in The People's War, talking Facebook will return and we'll meet an angsting Actor who is very concerned about the length of his co-star's credits.

Produced by Gus Beattie and Gordon Kennedy.
An Absolutely/Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.

SAT 23:30 Saturday Night Fry (b0091t5j)
Episode 4

Stephen Fry gets nostalgic as he serves up more witty banter and sketches.

With Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent and Alison Steadman.

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

Producer: Dan Patterson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.

SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (b07grtrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]

SUN 01:00 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]

SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0002rx7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]

SUN 02:15 Frankly Speaking (b080778r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]

SUN 02:45 Peter Tinniswood - Tales From a Long Room (m0002rx9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Saturday]

SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b03z3ghc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]

SUN 04:00 Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]

SUN 05:30 Last Chance to See (m0002rx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]

SUN 06:00 Julia Darling - Appointments (b05r71h3)
Omnibus

Maureen Wetherby is a proud former member of a women's football team. But these days, she keeps seeing a shadow out of the corner of her eye.

She’s set to visit Doctor Merrily for some test results.

Starring Val McClane as Maureen, Carol McGuigan as Carla and Robert Pickavance as Doctor Merrily.

Omnibus. Written by Julia Darling.

Director: Susan Roberts

First broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2005

SUN 07:15 Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather (m0002rhs)
4 Extra Debut. A middle-aged waitress falls for a footloose poet and pigeon fancier – but will he stick around? Read by Bridget Forsyth. From November 1995.

SUN 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05w000p)
Series 10

My Companion

In his continuing quest for somewhere to live, Ed finds himself living in an empty phoneshop, the occupation of which the council hopes will encourage the stakeholders to engage with their creativity. Far from enticing people in to attend 'slam poetry events' Ed has other things on his mind when he and his ex-wife Janet decide to attend the funeral of an old friend - together. Their children are not happy at this prospect, and neither is Elgar when he's left at a cattery called 'Southpaws'.

Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.

Produced by Dawn Ellis.

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

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2015.

SUN 08:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpbw)
The Bishop Learns the Facts

Clerical confusion reigns when Noote's friend asks him to marry her.

Starring Robertson Hare as the Archdeacon, William Mervyn as the Bishop, Jonathan Cecil as Bishop's Chaplain - the Reverend Mervyn Noote and John Barron as the Dean. With Jo Kendall as Julia and Betty Bascombe as Mary.

The ecclesiastical sitcom started life as a TV pilot in Comedy Playhouse, ahead of a run on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971. Selected scripts were revised and re-recorded for radio.

Written and adapted by husband-and-wife team, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps.

Producer: David Hatch.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1972.

SUN 08:30 Much Binding in the Marsh (b008qq3w)
From 24/05/1950

Elocution lessons are on offer with Brains Amalgamated's new machine.

Starring Kenneth Horne and Richard 'Stinker' Murdoch.

With Sam Costa, Maurice Denham, Diana Morrison and Barbara Leigh.

Much Binding in the Marsh ran from 1944 to 1954 initially set at a remote RAF station before being converted to a country club and later the action moved to a newspaper. (The show also ran for a season with commercial breaks on Radio Luxembourg).

Written by Richard Murdoch and Kenneth Horne.

Music by the Augmented Dance Orchestra conducted by Stanley Black.

Producer: Leslie Bridgemont

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1950.

SUN 09:00 Je t'aime: The legendary love story of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg (Omnibus) (m0002rhv)
Gainsbourg and Birkin were arguably France’s most iconic couple - synonyms for love, glamour, eroticism, poetry and provocation. They met in 1968. She, an English aristocrat just arrived in Paris from Swinging London. He, the son of Russian immigrants, already the author of Le Poinçonneur des Lilas and La Javanaise and emotionally wrecked by his breakup with Brigitte Bardot.

Their love story set Paris aflame as the sixties ebbed, and set in motion many of the ideas we have by now come to think of as specifically French.

Skipping back and forth in time, Je t’aime takes the listener from the foggy Normandy landscapes where Serge and Jane retreated, to their carefree summers on the coast. En route to superstardom in films and music, we experience their intrigues, triangular relationships and jealous rages, the genius and the self-torture.

Le Monde Journalist and acclaimed author Véronique Mortaigne has talked to the pair’s friends, family and colleagues to cast new light on these two massive personalities, who together created a model of the rebel couple for the ages.

Véronique Mortaigne has been head of music and arts at Le Monde and is the author of a dozen books, including biographies of Cesaria Evora, Manu Chao, and Johnny Halliday.

Omnibus read by Jane Slavin
Abridged by Polly Coles

Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in five parts in 2019.

SUN 10:10 The Listening Project (b077jqpv)
Mandy and Geri – It’s Not My Name That Matters

Fi Glover introduces a conversation between friends about commitment to fund-raising and the disappointment when you don't achieve your goal - another 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

SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08454qp)
Americans

Tom Hanks

From the Beatles to Richard Strauss. Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks shares his castaway choices with Kirsty Young. From May 2016.

SUN 11:00 Radiolab (m0002rhx)
Series 5

Playing God

Radiolab asks when people are dying and you can only save some, how do you choose? With Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich.

When people are dying and you can only save some, how do you choose? Maybe you save the youngest. Or the sickest. Maybe you even just put all the names in a hat and pick at random. Would your answer change if a sick person was standing right in front of you?

In this episode, we follow New York Times reporter Sheri Fink as she searches for the answer. In a warzone, a hurricane, a church basement, and an earthquake, the question remains the same. What happens, what should happen, when humans are forced to play god?

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

Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich investigate a strange world.

SUN 12:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpbw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

SUN 12:30 Much Binding in the Marsh (b008qq3w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

SUN 13:00 Julia Darling - Appointments (b05r71h3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

SUN 14:15 Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather (m0002rhs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]

SUN 14:30 A Ladder to the Sky (Omnibus) (m0002rhz)
Episode 2

As Maurice receives news about his book, Edith faces turmoil.

Maurice Swift is handsome, ruthless and desperate to become a successful novelist. He just needs the right story. However a chance encounter with the celebrated author Erich Ackermann gives Maurice an opportunity to ingratiate himself into the literary world. And Erich has a story of his own. Unfortunately Maurice is the last person Erich should confide in…

‘A Ladder To The Sky’ is a seductive thriller about a writer who won’t let anything, or anyone, stand in the way of his ambitions. Starring Enzo Cilenti (Luther), Wolf Kahler (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Colin Stinton (Butterfly) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (Harlots).

Awarded the Hennessy Literary 'Hall of Fame' Award for his body of work, the New York Times best-selling author John Boyne has received multiple Irish Book Awards including Children's Book of the Year, People's Choice Book of the Year and Short Story of the Year. He has also been awarded a number of international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. ‘A Ladder to The Sky’ is his eleventh novel for adults.

Writer ..... John Boyne
Abridger ..... Doreen Estall
Reader ..... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Producer ..... Michael Shannon

Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019

SUN 15:45 Key Matters (b00b0g6b)
Series 1

D minor

Ivan Hewett examines five musical keys. Today: D minor – 'saddest of all keys', used by Haydn, Mozart and Spinal Tap.

SUN 16:00 Martyn Wade - Burn the Aeneid! (b04yf68n)
What happens if an author gives instructions for his work to be destroyed when he dies?

The likely answer is an unholy row involving literary executors, members of the family and other interested parties.

It was even so in 19BC, in Brundisium, Southern Italy, at the deathbed of Publius Vergilius Maro, alias Vergil.

Martyn Wade's drama stars Clive Merrison as Varius, David Horovitch as Probus, Linda Marlowe as Drusilla, Norman Rodway as Tucca, Jonathan Adams as Proculus, James Grout as Eros, John Webb as Mucius and Peter Gunn as Envoy.

Producer: Cherry Cookson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 1992.

SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m0002rj2)
In Search of the Wantley Dragon

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with 'In Search of the Wantley Dragon' - about the the bawdy 17th-century comic poem.

Starting at Barnsley train station, presenter and poet Ian McMillan uncovers long-forgotten violent disputes, a knight clad in locally-made armour, pantomimes, operettas and the eerily quiet dragon's den.

Ian meets the dragon's descendants and learns that, in its day, this Yorkshire-based story was as famous as that of Robin Hood.

Producer: Russell Crewe.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

SUN 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05w000p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

SUN 18:00 A Sting in the Tale (b0076jwx)
Ghosting

Young novelist Michael ghostwrites supermodel Vita's autobiography, but her life is dangerously seductive. Written by Gregory Evans and starring Jimi Mistry.

SUN 18:30 The Man in Black (b00zd7gz)
Series 3

Perfect Home

A man and a woman meet at a bus stop late at night - but who is fooling who..?

Mark Gatiss stars as sinister raconteur, The Man in Black, to introduce Nick Warburton's chilling tale.

Stars Toby Jones as Heron and Zoe Tapper as Felice.

More horrifying tales from The Man in Black. Wherever you encounter him, he's eager to pass on his stories. Stories to unsettle and horrify. Stories to haunt you.

Director: Lucy Collingwood.

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2011.

SUN 19:00 Radiolab (m0002rhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

SUN 20:00 Je t'aime: The legendary love story of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg (Omnibus) (m0002rhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

SUN 21:10 The Listening Project (b077jqpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]

SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08454qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]

SUN 22:00 Ed Reardon's Week (b05w000p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

SUN 22:30 Knowing Me, Knowing You (b007jvc2)
Episode 6

A-ha! Chat show host Alan Partridge welcomes BBC TV's Commissioning Director Tony Hayers, TV presenter Trudy Sky, fashion designer Yvonne Boyd and the maverick Lord Morgan.

With thanks to his researchers: Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber , Rebecca Front, Doon Mackichan and David Schneider.

Producer: Armando Iannucci

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.

SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0002rj4)
Nick Revell 3/3

Jake Yapp chats to the comedy legend Nick Revell.

SUN 23:00 Newsjack (m0002mv3)
Series 20

Episode 3

Newsjack is a scrapbook sketch show written entirely by the Great British public. Host Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined this week by Joe Barnes, George Fouracres and Freya Parker.

Script Editors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Liam Beirne
Production Coordinator: Gwyn Davies
Producers: Nick Coupe and Suzy Grant

Newsjack is a BBC Studios Production.

SUN 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00ry9j0)
Series 1

Trout Farm

John Weak discovers there's a "T" missing from the end of HR, when Human Resources has a communal hot flush over his witty entry on Deirdre Simmons's leaving card...

Series 1 of Guy Browning’s sitcom: Randy, devious, sexist and workshy, John Weak puts the man into management.

Starring Alexander Armstrong as John Weak, Clare Perkins as Hayley, Geoffrey Whitehead as Sir Marcus, Ron Cook as Bill Peters, Stephen Critchlow as Phil Bellinger, Colleen Prendergast as Clare Barrett, Susan Jameson as Deidre Simmons and Harry Myers as Simon Henshaw.

Producer: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.

MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2019

MON 00:00 A Sting in the Tale (b0076jwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]

MON 00:30 The Man in Black (b00zd7gz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]

MON 01:00 Julia Darling - Appointments (b05r71h3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]

MON 02:15 Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather (m0002rhs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]

MON 02:30 A Ladder to the Sky (Omnibus) (m0002rhz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]

MON 03:45 Key Matters (b00b0g6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]

MON 04:00 Martyn Wade - Burn the Aeneid! (b04yf68n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]

MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m0002rj2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]

MON 05:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05w000p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]

MON 06:00 Father Brown Stories (b00yb1z9)
Series 1

The Sins of Prince Saradine

Father Brown and Flambeau cross a Norfolk lake to meet an Italian with a dark history, and exchange dreams with an old adversary.

Series of GK Chesterton's stories about the insightful clerical sleuth dramatised by John Scotney.

Starring Andrew Sachs as Father Brown and Olivier Pierre as Flambeau.

With Garard Green as Mr Paul, June Barrie as Mrs Anthony, Roger Hammond as Saradine, Robin Summers as the Italian and Peter Acre as Norfolk Tough.

Directed at BBC Bristol by Alec Reid.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.

MON 06:30 Oscar Sings (b01c7smv)
Film critic Andrew Collins explores how the award for 'Best Song' has developed and reflects a changing music and film landscape in Oscar Sings.

Director Alan Parker (in the programme) makes films that use music to great effect as can be heard in 'Midnight Express', 'Evita' and 'Bugsy Malone'. He scored 'Best Song' Oscar for 'Fame' and he believes that the Academy needs to do rethink its approach to the award.

We hear from Oscar winners and composers Leslie Bricusse and Al Kasha. Bricusse explains the song writing process and reveals how he approaches writing for film. His Oscar winning song 'Talk To The Animals' for 'Dr.Dolittle' was no fluke.

Composer Al Kasha (also featured) is a rare individual having won the Best Oscar song twice! Both his Oscars as we discover sit on the piano and Al believes that when you write for a film it must be integral to the "spirit or philosophy of the film".

But what about writing for a major franchise like a Bond film or a Disney movie. Genesis drummer and composer Phil Collins (also featured) scored a 'Best Song Oscar' for his song 'You'll Be In My Heart' for the Disney cartoon - Tarzan. Collins explains how working for the Disney studio scared him and made him raise his game.

Oscar Sings! features film and music folk who have scored 6 Best Song Oscars between them they give a different perspective on the Academy Award for the tune you hum as you leave your popcorn and sweet wrappers scattered on the cinema floor.

Producer: John Sugar
A Sugar Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2012.

MON 07:00 Crazy Big Fish (b0075zms)
Crazy for Trying?

With only six tickets sold, the women hit the streets of Hull to boost their audience.

Pauline acts as fairy godmother, persuading everyone's families to attend the first night. Then her admiring traffic warden friend turns up to make it a perfect night.

Conclusion of the uplifting six-part series by Gill Adams about being extraordinary and ordinary all at once.

Stars Deborah McAndrew as Rita, Ruth Holden as Gladys, Rachel Davies as Pauline, Katy Cavanagh as Sandy, Sally Walsh as Babs and Terence Mann as Billy.

Director: Polly Thomas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.

MON 07:30 Just a Minute (m0002lvd)
Series 83

Episode 3

Paul Merton, Sheila Hancock, Josh Widdicombe and Julian Clary join Nicholas Parsons once again, for the panel game where the challenge is to speak without repetition, deviation or hesitation.

Produced by Matt Stronge.

A BBC Studios Production.

MON 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008p8pl)
Series 5

The Prize Money

The lad gets more than he bargained for when he wins a TV quiz show.

Starring 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 May 1958.

MON 08:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
Series 2

The Secret Agent

Stationmaster Horace Hepplewhite is warned to expect a VIP, but events take a surprising turn.

Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Kenneth Connor as Valentine/ Bradshaw/Updike and train driver, Liz Fraser as Gloria, Ian Lavender as Bert, John Baddeley as Prince Abdul.

Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run 'Parsley Sidings' station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The 'Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.

Producer: Edward Taylor.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1973.

MON 09:00 Quote... Unquote (b099xqpx)
Episode 4

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

Detective Fiction Author: Simon Brett
Guardian Columnist: Michele Hanson
Broadcaster: Vanessa Feltz
Poet and writer: Henry Normal

Reader ... Charlotte Green
Producer ... Katie Tyrrell
Production co-ordinator ... Beverly Tagg

A BBC Studios Production.

MON 09:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00jv8vr)
Series 3

Ice

Winter is inevitable, a disappearing lollipop-lady is not. But the two in combination spark real problems for the staff at King Street.

School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge. Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.

Stars Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Devon, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Paul Copley as Mr Long, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid, Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan, Rebecca McElroy as Luch, Jodie Devlin as Amanda and Katie Walker as Jacinda.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.

MON 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
Episode 1

Walter Hartright meets a strange woman dressed in white as he returns home across Hampstead Heath late one night. He's about to travel north to take up a post as drawing master to two young ladies. Little does he realise how this chance encounter and his new position are inextricably linked.

Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised in four episodes by Martyn Wade.

Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Ioan Meredith as Pesca, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Jonathan Keeble as Mr Dempster and Oliver Cookson as Jacob.

Music: Elizabeth Parker

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.

MON 11:00 The TED Interview (p06y24gl)
Ray Kurzweil

Founded in 1984 in the USA, TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. The first TED Talks were first posted online in 2006 and since then TED Talks have had many millions of views.

In The TED Interview hosted by Chris Anderson – audiences can immerse themselves more deeply in some of the most compelling ideas heard on the TED stage.

Ray Kurzweil on what the future holds next.
Chris Anderson talks to engineer, inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil about the future of artificial intelligence. recorded live onstage at TED2018. Listen in to hear what the man who makes a living from predicting the future arc of technology thinks is coming our way next - including a specific prediction of when he thinks technology will finally gain human levels of language understanding.

A TED original podcast.

MON 11:45 Multi Story (m0002rhp)
Home

As a teenager, Laura Rawlings couldn’t wait to spread her wings and experience bustling city life. But priorities have changed.

Join her on moving weekend - as the BBC Radio Bristol presenters makes an unexpected return to her rural roots.

Plus Multi Story presenter, Becca Bryers shares some thoughts on her own idea of "home".

MON 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008p8pl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

MON 12:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

MON 13:00 Father Brown Stories (b00yb1z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

MON 13:30 Oscar Sings (b01c7smv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065sycn)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 6

GO SET A WATCHMAN

In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lived in Monroeville, Alabama until her death in February 2016.

Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

MON 14:15 On the Map (b00rlwxj)
World View

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

World View. Mike Parker considers the picture that maps and atlases give us of the wider world and our place in it. He discovers how cartographers always have to keep one eye on the map and the other on the news as territorial disputes rage, borders change and new countries emerge. And he visits Jan Morris to look through a collection of maps and atlases accumulated over sixty years of travel writing.

From 2010.

MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b046j8zc)
Modesty Blaise

Episode 1

A British agent is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Now rumours are circulating of a plot to steal a huge consignment of diamonds belonging to a Middle Eastern Sheik. The diamonds are part of a deal to secure oil for Britain and Sir Gerald Tarrant, head of a British secret service organisation, needs some specialist help to prevent the plot being carried out. He decides to 'set a thief to catch a thief' and persuades former criminal Modesty Blaise to come out of retirement, along with her right-hand man Willie Garvin.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll

MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b03z8z58)
Thomas Brothers - Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism

Episode 1

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 1:
'Little Louis' Armstrong makes the long journey north from New Orleans to Chicago to join his mentor, 'King Oliver' – and a new jazz era is born.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

MON 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]

MON 16:00 Quote... Unquote (b099xqpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

MON 16:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00jv8vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]

MON 17:00 Crazy Big Fish (b0075zms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]

MON 17:30 Just a Minute (m0002lvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

MON 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmb4)
Series 1

The Voice from Nowhere

"It all began many Earth years ago during the summer of 2010..."

A routine trip to the moon turns into a nightmare in space for Captain Saxon Berry and his crew.

Charles Chilton's intergalactic adventure in six-parts starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper, Nigel Stock as Magnus, Tony Osoba as Lauderic. With Wendy Murray and Teresa Stretfeild.

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 1984.

MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0082cjt)
Terry Wogan and Jan Ravens

Sue MacGregor and her guests - broadcaster, Terry Wogan and actress, Jan Ravens - discuss books by Colm Toibin, Alexei Sayle and Anthony Bourdain.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Publisher: Bloomsbury

The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin
Publisher: Picador

The Dog Catcher by Alexei Sayle
Publisher: Sceptre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.

MON 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008p8pl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

MON 19:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

MON 20:00 Father Brown Stories (b00yb1z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

MON 20:30 Oscar Sings (b01c7smv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

MON 21:00 The TED Interview (p06y24gl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

MON 21:45 Multi Story (m0002rhp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]

MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m0002lvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

MON 22:30 Shappi Talk (b00lh4yp)
Series 1

Racism

Iranian comedian Shappi Khorsandi was brought to this country as a child and grew up in a very unusual and un British family.

Her father was one of Iran's top satirists and the family were forced to leave their home country as her father was termed a political dissident. As she grew up, it became apparent that the Khorsandi household was a little different from some of the families that Shappi had been friends with.

Shappi Talk takes this alternative background for Shappi to host a four part comedy series where she takes four elements of this upbringing to hilariously reveal what it was like growing up in a non-British family.

Joining Shappi will be comedian Felix Dexter who was born in St Kitts and moved to the UK as a child and each week Shappi also chats to another guest 'on location' and this time she's joined by Meera Syal.

There'll also be a song from comedian Hils Barker.

Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike Production for BBC Radio 4.

MON 23:00 The Now Show (m0002mxy)
Series 54

Episode 1

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches

This week we are breaking away to form our own independent topical comedy show. Listen in as Gareth Gwynn delves into the archive to explore our relationship with Europe and Suzi Ruffell battles trolls...

Jake Yapp provides music with Gemma Arrowsmith as additional cast.

Written by the cast, with additional material from Jack Bernhardt, Laura Major, Esyllt Sears, Catherine Brinkworth and Kat Sadler.

Producer: Adnan Ahmed

A BBC Studios Production

MON 23:30 Concrete Cow (b0076jk4)
Series 2

Ancient and Modern

IT support in ancient Egypt, tax-avoidance schemes for pirates and Feudal Mishap Direct.

Second series of the four-part sketch show in which anything is possible.

Starring Robert Webb, Beth Chalmers, Catherine Shepherd, Steven Kynman, Abigail Burdess and Chris Pavlo.

Written by James Cary.

Producer: Adam Bromley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2019

TUE 00:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]

TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0082cjt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]

TUE 01:00 Father Brown Stories (b00yb1z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]

TUE 01:30 Oscar Sings (b01c7smv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]

TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065sycn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]

TUE 02:15 On the Map (b00rlwxj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]

TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b046j8zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]

TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b03z8z58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]

TUE 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]

TUE 04:00 Quote... Unquote (b099xqpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]

TUE 04:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00jv8vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]

TUE 05:00 Crazy Big Fish (b0075zms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]

TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (m0002lvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]

TUE 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
Episode 1

18th Century swashbuckling scholar, Doctor Syn finds love - and encounters a dastardly squire. Read by Rufus Sewell.

Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.

Russell Thorndike's Kent-based adventure featuring pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland

First broadcast in 2006.

TUE 06:30 The Husky Betty Marsden (m0002s6n)
From Fanny Haddock and Daphne Whitethigh to Judy Coolibar and Dame Celia Molestrangler

Chris Neill looks back at the life and career of versatile comic actress Betty Marsden, best-loved for her memorable roles in classic BBC radio comedies - Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne.

Producer: Karl Phillips

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.

TUE 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
Series 2

French Connections

Rosie and her team organise a twinning ceremony for a town on the south coast of England with a town on the north coast of France.

But Is it really a step forward for Anglo-French relations?

Prunella Scales stars in the second of four series of Simon Brett's sitcom following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event-management company based in Brighton.

With Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob, Annette Badland as Tess, Owen Brenman as Don, Simon Greenall as Jean-Luc and Rachel Atkins as Genevieve.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.

TUE 07:30 Small Scenes (m0002m49)
Series 4

Episode 2

Award-winning sketch series set to music and starring Daniel Rigby, Mike Wozniak, Cariad Lloyd, Henry Paker and Freya Parker. This week a woman discovers why there are so many Cornish Pastie shops in British train stations and a man tries to return a sleeping bag to John Lewis with dramatic consequences.

Written by Benjamin Partridge, Henry Paker and Mike Wozniak, with additional material from the cast.

Produced by Simon Mayhew-Archer.

A BBC Studios production

TUE 08:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008m7bz)
Series 4

The Outing

Author Gerald is surprised over his wife Charlotte's enthusiasm for a day trip.

The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic author starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife, Diana.

With John Church.

Written by Basil Boothroyd.

Producer: Bobby Jaye

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1981.

TUE 08:30 Know Your Place (b01b3b6b)
Out of the Closet

Ramsay needs help after a close call with the local gangster.

Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.

Starring Roy Dotrice as Ramsay and Patricia Hayes as Elspeth Spurgeon.

Sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.

With John Graham, John Blythe and James Taylor.

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1983.

TUE 09:00 The Now Show (m0002mxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]

TUE 09:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0080jmp)
Series 1

Episode 1

Dr Strabismus sets a trap for a mouse, Colonel Wretch gets a visit from Hercules the Mighty, and Mr Justice Cocklecarrot encounters the notorious 12 red-bearded dwarfs for the first time.

Richard Ingrams, John Wells, John Sessions and Patricia Routledge recreate the world of the JB Morton.

Running in the Daily Express from 1924 to 1975 – JB Morton’s surreally comic ‘Beachcomber’ column paved the way for a great deal of modern humour.

Adapted by Michael Barfield with Richard Ingrams.

Announcer: Brian Perkins

Producer: Harry Thompson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.

TUE 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
Episode 2

Walter has left Limmeridge House as Laura prepares to marry Sir Percival. Laura's half-sister Marian knows of Laura's feelings for Walter, has great doubts about the marriage, yet is powerless to stop it...

Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.

Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Ioan Meredith as Pesca, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Jonathan Keeble as Messenger, Philip Voss as Count Fosco and Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco.

Music: Elizabeth Parker

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.

TUE 11:00 Telling Tales (m0002s6r)
Frank Cottrell-Boyce

This week’s episode of Telling Tales explores the art of the short story, with the award-winning writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Frank is a screenwriter, and children’s novelist, who wrote the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony – Isles Of Wonder - with Danny Boyle.

He is also one of the judges for Radio 2’s 500 WORDS story-writing competition, which was conceived and launched by Chris Evans in 2011. 30,000 children, aged 5 to 13, entered the very first competition and just seven years later, in 2018, there were 135,000 entries.

Frank shares insights into the art of creating a good story, and we re-visit the tale of how he became a writer, which he shared with an audience at the 2015 Hay Festival.

We also catch up with Roxy Toyne, who took the top prize with her story The Starlings Of West Pier, and hear her story read at the 2013 final by the BAFTA and Globe Award-winning actress Miranda Richardson.

TUE 12:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008m7bz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

TUE 12:30 Know Your Place (b01b3b6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

TUE 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

TUE 13:30 The Husky Betty Marsden (m0002s6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065vrtn)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 7

GO SET A WATCHMAN

In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.

Read by Fenella Woolgar

Written by Harper Lee

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

TUE 14:15 On the Map (b00rlwwr)
Off the Map

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

Off the Map. The first step to success in any military campaign is a good map. During the Second World War, intelligence officers prepared meticulously detailed maps for the D-Day landings using a combination of aerial photography, old tourist guides and holiday snaps. Mike Parker discovers how Germany, and later the Soviet Union, compiled maps of Britain often more detailed than our own. And he visits a Cold War nuclear bunker, one of the many sites that until recently were simply blank spaces on Ordnance Survey maps.

From 2010.

TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nv4g)
Modesty Blaise

Episode 2

Modesty and Willie have been hired by a British secret service organisation to foil a plot. The rumour is that someone is planning to steal a huge consignment of diamonds - diamonds being traded for an oil deal. They head for the South of France to try and find out who is behind such a daring scheme. Along the way both of them discover an old flame.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth, Nicole . . . Hannah McPake.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll

TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b03zb49r)
Thomas Brothers - Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism

Episode 2

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 2:
As his career in Chicago continues to blossom, Louis grows close to Lil Hardin, a beautiful pianist, and starts to distance himself from his long-time mentor, Joe 'King' Oliver.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

TUE 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]

TUE 16:00 Genius (b008h570)
Series 1

Richard Madeley

From mini-elephants to food on tap. Dave Gorman asks TV host Richard Madeley to select the public's best loopy idea.

The first of three radio comedy series where award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.

Producer: Simon Nicholls

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.

TUE 16:30 Ballylenon (b0081m2y)
Series 6

Episode 1

Phonsie's keen to send Guard Gallagher to take part in a singing competition in New York.

Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1956.

Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.

Starring TP McKenna as Phonsie Doherty, Margaret D'Arcy as Muriel McConkey, Stella McCusker as Vera McConkey, Aine McCartney as Vivienne Hawthorne, Gerard Murphy as the Reverend Hawthorne and John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher.

Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.

Directed at BBC Belfast by Peter Kavanagh.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.

TUE 17:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]

TUE 17:30 Small Scenes (m0002m49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

TUE 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmbm)
Series 1

Towards the Unknown

Space Force's crew member, Magnus Carter reveals the true nature of their latest mission

Charles Chilton's intergalatic adventure in six-parts starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper, Nigel Stock as Magnus, Tony Osoba as Lauderic. With Wendy Murray and Teresa Stretfeild.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1984.

TUE 18:30 The Radio Detectives (b007jp93)
Series 2

As My Whimsy Takes Me

Author Dorothy L Sayers created the classic aristocratic amateur sleuth who appeared on radio as well as in books, films and on TV.

Professor Jeffrey Richards delves into the casebook of the elegance and stylish British gentleman detective.

With Ian Carmichael, Simon Brett and Jill Paton Walsh.

Second affectionate five-part series about popular radio detectives.

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.

TUE 19:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008m7bz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

TUE 19:30 Know Your Place (b01b3b6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

TUE 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

TUE 20:30 The Husky Betty Marsden (m0002s6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

TUE 21:00 Telling Tales (m0002s6r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

TUE 22:00 Small Scenes (m0002m49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

TUE 22:30 Boswell's Lives (b0547ntj)
Series 1

Boswell's Life of Pinter

by Jon Canter

Comedy as James Boswell Dr Johnson's celebrated biographer pursues other legends to immortalise. Today he attempts to write the biography of Pinter but finds himself the victim of a betrayal.

Directed by Sally Avens

Jon Canter is an award winning comedy writer for both television and radio. He recently penned the radio series 'Believe It' starring Richard Wilson but his work goes back to Spitting Image. He is also the author of several books and has been called our greatest living comic novelist.

Miles Jupp is an actor and stand up. Miles Jupp is an actor and stand up. He is best known for hosting The News Quiz on Radio 4.

Harry Enfield is a Bafta award winning performer, writer and director. He starred with Paul Whitehouse in Harry and Paul's Story of the Two's last year winnng a British Comedy Award for best sketch show.

TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0002s6w)
Nick Doody 1/2

To mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Bill Hicks, Rob Deering chats to the comedian Nick Doody about Hicks's legacy.

TUE 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b00hlcr4)
Series 7

Episode 1

Hell faces confusion when a dog turns up - as animals aren't evil, except dolphins.

Jean-Paul Sartre said "Hell is other people", but, as Satan will tell you, Hell is actually a fiery, unendingly cruel domain where Oliver Reed can never catch the barman's eye and Yves St Laurent is forced to wear a donkey jacket.

Hell is thrown into confusion when a dog turns up. Animals aren't meant to be in Satan's care because they aren't inherently evil - except for dolphins!
Stars Andy Hamilton as Satan, Annette Crosbie as Edith, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn and Jimmy Mulville as Thomas.

Additional roles played by Michael Fenton Stevens and Philip Pope.

Written by Andy Hamilton.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.

TUE 23:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b007jwqc)
Series 2

Episode 3

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

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 and Sanjeev Kohli.

Script Editor: Sharat Sardana

Producer: Anil Gupta.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.

WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2019

WED 00:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]

WED 00:30 The Radio Detectives (m0002s6t)
Series 2

As My Whimsy Takes Me

Author Dorothy L Sayers created the classic aristocratic amateur sleuth who appeared on radio as well as in books, films and on TV.

Professor Jeffrey Richards delves into the casebook of the elegance and stylish British gentleman detective.

With Ian Carmichael, Simon Brett and Jill Paton Walsh.

Second affectionate five-part series about popular radio detectives.

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.

WED 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]

WED 01:30 The Husky Betty Marsden (m0002s6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]

WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065vrtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]

WED 02:15 On the Map (b00rlwwr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]

WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nv4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]

WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b03zb49r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]

WED 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]

WED 04:00 Genius (b008h570)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]

WED 04:30 Ballylenon (b0081m2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]

WED 05:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]

WED 05:30 Small Scenes (m0002m49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]

WED 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
Episode 2

The wicked Squire's kidnap plot sparks the swashbuckler's daring rescue attempt - and nephew Nicholas appears. Read by Rufus Sewell.

Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.

Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland

First broadcast in 2006.

WED 06:30 Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well (b01rl7cy)
Acclaimed Gaelic singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis has taken the songs she learnt from her native Outer Hebrides to Hollywood.

Her music, learnt from oral tradition and archives of an almost extinct way of life, now graces the screens of hit movies such as Disneyland Pixar's Brave and entertains audiences at major international events such as the Ryder Cup.

Since a very young girl, Julie has been on a mission to celebrate and preserve her culture through its music. She now wants to encourage the next generation of Scots to do the same.

Tobar an Dulchais/Kist o Riches (well of heritage) is an ambitious project that aims to preserve and make accessible several thousand hours of Gaelic and Scots recordings from the School of Scottish Studies, BBC and the National Trust for Scotland's Canna Collection. There are already more than 30,000 songs, stories and tunes available online for anyone to hear.

Julie's role as Gaelic Artist in Residence for Tobar an Dualchais involves working with students and this immense online archive of recordings to create new songs and interpretations. Many of these students will never have heard this traditional material before so the outcome is bound to be exciting, contemporary and surprising.

As we follow the students through this process from beginning to end, Julie remembers trawling through the archives herself, searching for material for her early recordings. She takes us back to her home - the Island of North Uist - and takes a trip to the tiny Island of Scalpay to talk to one of the great experts on Gaelic song Morag MacLeod. She also hears from the BBC's former head of Gaelic Jo MacDonald and singer Eddi Reader.

Producer: Kellie While
A Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.

WED 07:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cm6x0)
Series 4

Episode 3

Tommy and Sheila's nightmare stay at a posh hotel isn't quite what they’re expecting...

Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr battle on with their second stab at fame.

Series 4 of Mike Coleman’s six-part sitcom starring June Whitfield and Roy Hudd.

With Pat Coombs, Julian Eardley, Edward Halstead and Emma Kennedy.

Music by Frido Ruth.

Producer: Steve Doherty

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.

WED 07:30 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
Series 1

Mayfly

Nathan didn't really nail life the first time round, so he's been reincarnated.Diane Morgan and Daniel Rigby star in this comedy about the afterlife, with special guest star Isy Suttie.

In this episode, Nathan's given a chance to get back to being human again - if he can live a good life in 24 hours as a mayfly.

Cast:
Diane Morgan - Jenny
Daniel Rigby - Nathan
Tom Craine - Librarian
Henry Paker - Basher and Mr Grimble
Freya Parker - Electronic Voice, Queen Bee, Susan, Dean
Isy Suttie - Amy
and featuring Jon Culshaw as the voice of David Attenborough

Writers: Tom Craine and Henry Paker
Music Composed by Phil Lepherd

Producers: Harriet Jaine and Jonno Richards
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4

WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b014tpqj)
Let Loose with a Chopper

Ordered on to a Nato exercise, the crew of HMS Troutbridge find themselves up in the air.

Stars Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Heather, Ronnie Barker as Lieutenant Parfitt, Michael Bates as Lieutenant Dingle and Tenniel Evans as the Admiral.

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 the BBC Light Programme in August 1965.

WED 08:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
Series 2

A Slight Case of Baptism

The new baby is set to be christened in Jennifer's mother's church, and today is the day...

Starring Wendy Craig as Jennifer Corner, Francis Matthews as Henry Corner, Fanny Rowe as Mother, Charlotte Mitchell as Mary, Roberta Tovey as Trudi, Jill Riddick as Amanda, Hugo Keith-Johnston as Robin and Kevin Brennan as the Rev Chubb.

The second series of comedy mishaps of the Corner family: Jennifer and Henry and their three children Trudi, Amanda and Robin. Not in Front of the Children originally ran for four series from 1967 to 1970 on BBC TV. Richard Waring adapted his own scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes.

Wendy Craig won a Best Actress BAFTA award for the TV version of Not in Front of the Children in 1969. This was the first of several housewife roles that Wendy Craig was to play on television. Later series included And Mother Makes Three/Five and Butterflies.

Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst

Producer: Trafford Whitelock.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1970.

WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b009s09v)
Series 22

2008 Heat 1

Paul Gambaccini takes over as chairman of the long-running music quiz.

With Margaret Eccles from Cheltenham, Martin Kimber from Cheltenham, and Adrian Salter from London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

WED 09:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k1d2)
Series 1

The Visitor

There’s great excitement - and some confusion - at the impending visit of an Israeli MP.

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

Starring David De Keyser as Rabbi Abraham Fine. Tracy-Ann Oberman as Rabbi Su Jacobs, Doreen Mantle as Sadie Fine, Henry Goodman as Melvin, Jonathan Kydd as Brian, Warren Mitchell as Yigal Horovitz, Eve Karpf as Paloma and Rachel Smith as Simone.

Music: Max Harris.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.

WED 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
Episode 3

Laura has finally come face to face with the woman in white who so resembles her. She had hoped to discover more about Sir Percival's secret, but their meeting was interrupted. Marian begins to fear for her sister's safety and is determined to learn what Sir Percival and Count Fosco are secretly planning.

Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.

Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Jonathan Keeble as Mr Dawson, Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Michelson, Philip Voss as Count Fosco, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco and Richenda Carey as Mrs Rubelle.

Music: Elizabeth Parker

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.

WED 11:00 Gillian Tindall - A Necessary Price (b0756g95)
Having lived in France for ages, Eleanor hardly feels English any more - then she confronts an old secret. Read by Anna Massey.

WED 11:15 Drama (b0787dm6)
All Mouth and Trousers

Between 1966 and 1971, TV's first ecclesiastical comedy, All Gas and Gaiters was regularly enjoyed by over 10 million viewers. The series starred veteran farce actor Robertson Hare as the sherry-tippling Archdeacon, William Mervyn as the bombastic Bishop wedded to his comforts, Derek Nimmo in the role that made him a star as the Bishop's twittish Chaplain Noote, and John Barron as the stern, rule-bound Dean.

Mark Burgess's comedy features Pauline Devaney (78) and Edwin Apps (84) playing themselves. They recall being asked to submit a script to BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse slot by their friend, fledgling TV director Stuart Allen, and their subsequent struggle to create the fictional world of St. Ogg's Cathedral Close and its eccentric inhabitants. The pilot episode of what was to become All Gas and Gaiters was titled The Bishop Rides Again.

Not least of Pauline's problems was her concern that the almost exclusively male-dominated world of BBC Television in the 1960s would not take the comedic writing talents of a young woman seriously. For this reason (and the fact that both she and Edwin wished to keep acting careers and writing work separate), The Bishop Rides Again was submitted to the BBC under the pseudonym, John Wraith.

Frank Muir - then Head of Comedy - knew Wraith's true identity, but the eventual revelation of Pauline's significant contribution to the creative process was greeted with surprised amazement by BBC Light Entertainment executives and cast members alike.

Written by Mark Burgess
Director: David Blount

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2016.

WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b014tpqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

WED 12:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

WED 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

WED 13:30 Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well (b01rl7cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065wwjc)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 8

GO SET A WATCHMAN

In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.

Read by Fenella Woolgar

Written by Harper Lee

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

WED 14:15 On the Map (b00rlwwt)
Whose Map Is It Anyway?

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

Whose Map Is It Anyway? Thanks to Ordnance Survey, the landscape of the British Isles is probably the most comprehensively mapped of any in the world. But pressure is growing for OS to waive their copyright and make their cartographic data free to use for all-comers. Mike Parker asks whether the UK's mapping agency can maintain its hold on the national topography - and its reputation.

From 2010.

WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nv79)
Modesty Blaise

Episode 3

The action moves from France to Egypt. Frustrated by their lack of progress in finding the supposed diamond thief, and by having to work by Secret Service rules, Modesty and Willie decide to go their own way and play the live bait caper. It proves to be a risky decision.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll

WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b03zbv05)
Thomas Brothers - Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism

Episode 3

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 3:
Louis is offered a big break with a jazz band in New York and, although he much prefers life in Chicago, his New York adventure will bring a whole new dimension to his music.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

WED 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]

WED 16:00 Counterpoint (b009s09v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

WED 16:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k1d2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]

WED 17:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cm6x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]

WED 17:30 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

WED 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmc2)
Series 1

The Silver Strangers

"The two strange figures drifted over from their ship to ours - they were heading for the main outside air lock..."

After drifting without power, the crew of Space Force receive a mysterious message and spot a spacecraft...

Charles Chilton's intergalatic adventure in six-parts starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper, Nigel Stock as Magnus, Tony Osoba as Lauderic. With Wendy Murray and Teresa Stretfeild.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1984.

WED 18:30 My Life in Five Books (b012fvl0)
Series 2

James Robertson

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

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

Books chosen: .

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

2: Collected Poems by Hugh MacDiarmid.

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

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

5: Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

Producer Mike Walker

Presenter Stuart Cosgrove.

First broadcast on Radio Scotland in 2011.

WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b014tpqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

WED 19:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

WED 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

WED 20:30 Gillian Tindall - A Necessary Price (b0756g95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

WED 20:45 Test Case (b092fbr0)
Bournewood

Deborah Bowman, Professor of Medical Ethics & Law at St George's, University of London, explores the remarkable stories behind some of the world's most discussed legal cases, and how they've have transformed medical practice for us all.

When 'H' got on the bus to his Day Centre, one day in 1997, he began a journey which ended in four court cases, a landmark human rights judgement, and resulted in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). H's remarkable story - and that of his campaigning carers - continues to have consequences for tens of thousands of people around the UK.

Closely based on interviews with those who were there, this eye-witness drama tells the story of 'H', and his life at Bournewood Hospital.

Following on, the real-life participants discuss the case and its consequences, in "Test Case: The Legacy of Bournewood".

Test Case: Bournewood is written by Sasha Hails, with additional material by Jonquil Panting.

"H" ..... Samuel James
"Mr E" ..... Simon Ludders
"Mrs E" ..... Adie Allen
Robert Robinson ..... Peter Hamilton Dyer
Ailsa Flinders ..... Sanchia McCormack
Dr Manjubhashini ..... Sudha Bhuchar
Driver ..... Philip Fox
Careworkers ..... Julie Teal, Kerry Gooderson
Staff ..... Tom Forrister, David Sturzaker
Colleague ..... Sarah Ridgeway

Produced and Directed by Jonquil Panting.

WED 21:30 Test Case (b091tx5x)
The Legacy of Bournewood

Deborah Bowman, Professor of Medical Ethics & Law at St George's University of London, explores the remarkable stories behind some of the world's most discussed legal cases and examines how they've transformed practice for us all.

The eye-witness drama "Test Case: Bournewood" told the story of H, a man in his forties with severe learning disabilities. His admission to the secure behavioural unit at Bournewood Hospital, away from his carers, triggered an historic legal case.

But what became of H, and why, more than twenty years on, does his legal case known as Bournewood continue to be discussed so widely?

Deborah Bowman is joined by a panel of experts, including one of H's carers and his solicitor.

They share their memories of what happened to H and discuss why his legal case continues to have such far-reaching consequences, transforming the way we think about dignity, disability and the rights of the most vulnerable.

Produced by Beth Eastwood.

WED 22:00 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

WED 22:30 Everyone Quite Likes Justin (b01mc0mc)
Series 2

Episode 1

by Justin Moorhouse and Jim Poyser

Justin's still living with his father-in-law, still working with his ex-wife and still calling on his Gran for her words of wisdom. This week he also has to cope with not having a plus one to bring to his school reunion.

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

Producer: Steven Canny

In one version of his life, Justin is a loveable celebrity who is successful, funny, and stopped in the street by adoring fans. He's the man who has everything.

In the more realistic version he's a DJ in a slightly shabby local radio station who gets hassled by the occasional oddball on the street. And he's the man who hopes for everything.

And at home? Well, it's chaotic. His wife has left him, taking custody of his 8-year-old son Justin jnr. So he's back on the market. So he's currently living in his father-in-law's spare room in Bury. The only person who understands him is his Gran, living in luxury in an old folk's home in Warrington. Oh, and his producer Bryn but this might not be such a good thing.

Everyone Quite Likes Justin is written by Justin Moorhouse and Jim Poyser. Justin is a comedian who sells out gigs across the country. He has also written plays and a previous show for Radio 4. Jim Poyser is a writer and producer of enormous experience in both radio and television.

Recorded in front of an audience in Manchester.

WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0002s6k)
Nick Doody 2/2

Rob Deering chats to the excellent comedian, Nick Doody.

WED 23:00 Radio 9 (b0401g9p)
Series 1

Episode 1

Welcome to Radio 9 - where Dark approaches Silly, shakes hands, then realises its trousers are round its ankles.

All set in a parallel universe just like ours, but different.

The first in a four-part series, written and performed by Johnny Daukes and Hils Barker.

With Sarah Walton, John Stevenson, Stefan Frank, Janice Vee, Matt Wilkinson and Michelle Gomez.

Producers: Johnny Daukes and Katie Marsden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.

WED 23:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pd5n7)
Series 5

Murder Most Fouled Up

At short notice Arthur steps in to play a prominent role in an evening Murder Mystery event for Lord and Lady Preston, his new best friends - if they did but know it! Who committed the heinous murder? Can Count Arthur solve the case? Did he do it? Was it the butler? There's only one way to find out!

We once again follow the one-time Variety Star as he uncompromisingly fulfils his daily list of engagements. Every day life with Count Arthur Strong is always an enlightening experience!

Steve Delaney, Alastair Kerr, David Mounfield and Mel Giedroyc star.

Produced by John Leonard and Mark Radcliffe
A Komedia Entertainment & Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.

THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2019

THU 00:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]

THU 00:30 My Life in Five Books (b012fvl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]

THU 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]

THU 01:30 Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well (b01rl7cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]

THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065wwjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]

THU 02:15 On the Map (b00rlwwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]

THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nv79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]

THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b03zbv05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]

THU 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]

THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b009s09v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]

THU 04:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k1d2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]

THU 05:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cm6x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]

THU 05:30 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]

THU 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
Episode 3

The swashbuckling daredevil pursues his enemy over to America - and falls in with pirates. Read by Rufus Sewell.

Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.

Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland

First broadcast in 2006.

THU 06:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
Oral Historian Alan Dein pieces together the remarkable and pioneering story of the Keskidee, Britain's first arts centre for the black community. Founded in the early 1970's and tucked away in a church hall in the backstreets of Islington, London, it forged new ground for a generation of black British poets, actors, artists and directors.

Dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson was the educational officer at the Keskidee and Bob Marley shot the music video for 'Is This Love?' there. It had its own drama company, artists in residence and was a hub for African and Afro-Caribbean politics and arts, as well as a creative nursery for home-grown talent. It also catered for the needs of local youth and gave a generation of black teenagers a space of their own. But this massively influential cultural centre also has a fascinating earlier history, when it served as a progressive mission hall with a musical pastor and a legendary silver band. Today the building has reverted to being a religious base, housing an African church and a devout and joyous congregation. Dein joins up the hidden history of Gifford Hall which has played host to three different communities, but which, curiously, have much in common.

Producer: Neil McCarthy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

THU 07:00 Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman (b0075kyg)
Episode 6

The White Swan syndicate meets to vote on selling Mr Fatman.

Dreams come true at Ascot and romance blooms amongst the owners.

Conclusion of Dave Sheasby’s six-part horse-racing comedy - following on from ‘One Flat Summer’.

Stars Gillian Bevan as Margaret, Gerard McDermott as Ken, Tony Rohr as Eddie, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Karen, James Taylor as Edward, Angela Wynter as Madge, Becky Hindley as Julia and Fine Time Fontayne as Donald.

Director: David Hunter

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.

THU 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (m0002mfr)
Series 9

Malta

Comedian Mark Steel visits the island of Malta and performs a bespoke stand-up show for the local audience.

THU 08:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01rqbf9)
Series 2

Episode 1

Eric’s got a surprise for Ernie’s birthday – and guest Gayle Hunnicutt is desperate to be in one of Ernie's plays what he wrote.

Written and adapted by Eddie Braben.

With Richard Caldicot and April Walker.

Music from Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra – with Roy Marsden, Sue Adams and The Seranaders.

Producer: John Browell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1976.

THU 08:30 The Goon Show (b00dyb10)
Ten Snowballs That Shook the World

Neddie Seagoon attempts to auction the equator - from a raft. Stars Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. From February 1958.

THU 09:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
Series 2

Episode 3

James Walton tests and tickles the knowledge of industry pundits and people passionate about pop music.

Team captains Tracey MacLeod and Andrew Collins are joined by Danny Kelly and Clare Grogan to be put through their musical paces.

Reader: Beth Chalmers

Written and researched by James Walton.

Producer: Dawn Ellis

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.

THU 09:30 Rent (b05pb40g)
Series 3

Episode 2

Maria needs a day out, so Paul has to look after the baby - but can he be trusted?

Series 3 of Lucy Flannery's award-winning sitcom about Maria and Richard Reynolds and their lodgers.

Stars Barbara Flynn as Maria, Patrick Barlow as Richard, Linda Polan as Amy, Vivienne Rochester as Ruby, Dave Lamb as Paul, Sally Grace as the Mother and Sarah Parkinson as the Checkout Girl.

Producer: Liz Anstee.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.

THU 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
Episode 4

Laura Fairlee and Walter Hartright have been reunited, but their happiness is marred by the fact that both their lives are in danger.

Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.

Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Catherick, Philip Voss as Count Fosco, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco, Richenda Carey as Mrs Clements and Ioan Meredith as Pesca.

Music: Elizabeth Parker

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.

THU 11:00 Julia Darling - Pearl (b074c3rh)
A lollipop lady loves babies. That must be why she knits baby clothes for the expectant mums she sees. Read by Charlie Hardwick.

THU 11:15 Paul Morrison - Missing Olga (m0002r83)
Paul Morrison's magical drama draws on his grandfather, Abram Moskovitch's passionate love letters, written 100 years ago, to the girl he left behind in Odessa.

Will he persuade his lover, Olga, to come and join him in London? And will he help Paul find the key to his own sense of belonging?

Starring Andrew Sachs and Janet Suzman and Paul Morrison as himself.

Old Abram ... Andrew Sachs
Young Abram ... Daniel Hart
Olga ... Janet Suzman
Clippi ... Nia Roberts
Paul .... Paul Morrison

Director: Mark Smalley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.

THU 12:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01rqbf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

THU 12:30 The Goon Show (b00dyb10)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

THU 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

THU 13:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xchl)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 9

GO SET A WATCHMAN

In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.

Read by Fenella Woolgar

Written by Harper Lee

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

THU 14:15 On the Map (b00rlwww)
Digital Maps

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

Digital Maps. Who needs traditional paper maps any more when you can download all the maps you need from the internet? Mike Parker looks at cartography in the digital age and asks whether internet mapping and satellite navigation are actually destroying good map-making and map-reading.

From 2010.

THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nvxn)
Modesty Blaise

Episode 4

Modesty and Willie have deliberately allowed themselves to be captured by Gabriel, the criminal mastermind behind the diamond heist. Now they're waiting for just the right moment to recapture the diamonds and escape. Gabriel, however, has other plans for the pair.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll

THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b03zdbr6)
Thomas Brothers - Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism

Episode 4

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 4:
Louis brings his new style back to Chicago, making some of his first great recordings and also moving into a new entertainment sphere - working and playing in the theatre.

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

THU 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]

THU 16:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

THU 16:30 Rent (b05pb40g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]

THU 17:00 Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman (b0075kyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]

THU 17:30 Mark Steel's in Town (m0002mfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

THU 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmd7)
Series 1

The Time Ship

"The ship was as tall as a skyscraper and as long as an ocean liner - its hull was round, like a submarine's."

Taken hostage by the aliens, the crew discover more about their mysterious captors.

Charles Chilton's intergalatic adventure in six-parts starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper, Nigel Stock as Magnus, Tony Osoba as Lauderic, Wendy Murray as Ifwa, Theresa Streatfeild as Treia, Lolly Cockerell as Voedica and Jenny Twigge as Jennie.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1984.

THU 18:30 Great Lives (b01mk4mw)
Series 28

Karel Reisz

Film director Stephen Frears discusses the life of his mentor, Czech-born director, Karel Reisz, with the help of critic and Reisz's friend, John Lahr. Frears is one of Britain's most successful directors, responsible for "My Beautiful Laundrette", "Dangerous Liaisons", and "Dirty Pretty Things", among many others. Reisz is probably best known for "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", and "The French Lieutenant's Woman".

"Karel took me into his life and into his family and he took on the business of turning me into whatever it is I've become," Frears has said. "Without him, I wouldn't have become a film director". Matthew Parris chairs the discussion.

THU 19:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01rqbf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

THU 19:30 The Goon Show (b00dyb10)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

THU 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

THU 20:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

THU 21:00 Julia Darling - Pearl (b074c3rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

THU 21:15 Paul Morrison - Missing Olga (m0002r83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]

THU 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m0002mfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

THU 22:30 Newsjack (m0002r85)
Series 20

Episode 4

Newsjack is a scrapbook sketch show written entirely by the Great British public. Host Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined this week by Gabby Best, Kieran Hodgson and Raphael Wakefield.

Script Editors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Jenny Laville
Production Coordinator: Gwyn Davies
Producers: Nick Coupe and Suzy Grant

Newsjack is a BBC Studios Production.

THU 23:00 The Consultants (b007k3fh)
Series 3

Episode 4

The boys of St Battery's get their own back on the school bully. Sketches and songs with Justin Edwards. From January 2005.

THU 23:30 Bleak Expectations (b01pfy5w)
Series 5

A Loved-Up Life Potentially Totally Annihilated

Bleak Expectations
By Mark Evans
Volume 5, Chapter 6: "A Loved Up Life Potentially Totally Annihilated"

Last in the series of the Victorian comedy adventure. The inappropriately-named arbiter of all evil Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil that will culminate on Christmas day with the total destruction of the universe. Only one man can prevent the end of everything for all time. But at a terrible terrible cost. Is this the end for our hero Pip? Or is it curtains for the whole of creation? And does that mean Harry needn't get Pippa a Christmas present?

Produced by Gareth Edwards.

FRIDAY 01 MARCH 2019

FRI 00:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmd7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]

FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b01mk4mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]

FRI 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]

FRI 01:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]

FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xchl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]

FRI 02:15 On the Map (b00rlwww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]

FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b046nvxn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]

FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b03zdbr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]

FRI 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]

FRI 04:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]

FRI 04:30 Rent (b05pb40g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]

FRI 05:00 Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman (b0075kyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]

FRI 05:30 Mark Steel's in Town (m0002mfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]

FRI 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
Episode 4

Dubbed Captain Clegg, the swashbuckling hero wins renown as the most feared of pirates. Read by Rufus Sewell.

Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.

Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland

First broadcast in 2006.

FRI 06:30 The Thrilla in Manila (b01rr48f)
Manila, 1975. President Ferdinand Marcos maintains a tight grip over his nation. For three years martial law has silenced opposition and strengthened his rule but what he longs for most is international prestige and national love. What he needs is the greatest sporting event his nation has ever seen. A titanic clash between the two greatest heavyweights of their day, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The whole world would watch as one of boxing's most brutal and legendary fights unfolded but how on earth did the fight ever take place? John McDonald gets the inside story from those commanded by the Philippines dictator to make boxing history

Producer: Mark Burman.

FRI 07:00 The Cold Swedish Winter (b04fyjqb)
Series 1

Autumn

Episode Four and it's a new season of the year in this Englishman abroad sitcom from Danny Robins (the writer of the Lenny Henry comedy 'Rudy's Rare Records') This series is set and recorded in Sweden and stars Adam Riches, Danny Robins and some of Sweden's most popular TV comedy actors. Geoff, a marginally successful stand-up comic from London, is moving to the tiny, cold and unpronounceable village of Yxsjö in northern Sweden; a culture shock forced on him by his Swedish girlfriend Linda's decision to move home to raise their child. This series follows his first year attempting to settle in his new home, each episode set in a different season.

Geoff has to contend with snow, moose, pickled herring, unemployment, snow, Maypole dancing, snowmobiles, snow, meatball rolling, saunas, social democracy, snow, the weirdest pizzas in Europe, bears, deep forests, death metal, illegal alcohol, snow... Above all he has a new family to contend with. The Andersson's bewilder him - from father Sten (Thomas Oredsson - Crimes of Passion to be broadcast on BBC Four this year), who has a worrying tendency to growl like a bear and threaten him with any blunt instrument to hand to Gunilla (playwright and comedian Anna-Lena Bergelin), who threatens him with naked folk-dancing. It's worth it all for Linda, of course, apart from her new found urge to conform with everything and except for her brother, a Goth with a propensity to set fire to things. And his fellow immigrants are no less unsettling: Ian (Danny Robins), a divorcee, who has been depressed for the last eight years and Soran (Farshad Kohlgi - The Killing), a Danish Kurd with Swedophobia.

Episode 4 -"Autumn": In which Geoff tries to be different, a heavily pregnant Linda throws a "fika" party and Sten campaigns for re-election

Writer: Danny Robins
Director: Frank Stirling
A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4.

FRI 07:30 Clare in the Community (b084x76y)
Series 11

Joan Alone

Episode 5 - Joan Alone

Joan's birthday offers Clare a really good example of why it's so important to be aware of loneliness and isolation in the community. With added morris dancing.

Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.

A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.

Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.

Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Producer Alexandra Smith

A BBC Studios production.

FRI 08:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b00jjq7x)
From 05/02/1984

Michael Bentine stars as Dame Nellie Drongo, the Boy Scout Movement of India and a prehistoric Caveman..

The ultimate one man show written and performed by the host.

Producer: Jamie Rix

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1984.

FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b00t39lf)
Series 2

The Siege of Steptoe Street

Albert and Harold are besieged by all their creditors demanding money.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert, Harry H Corbett as Harold and Robert Dorning as Mr Stacey the butcher

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.

Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.

Produced by Bobby Jaye

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.

FRI 09:00 Foul Play (b00zshr5)
Series 4

Dead as a Parrot

Crime writers Ian Rankin and Stella Duffy try to solve a murder mystery involving footballers and models.

With the help of witnesses played by Maria McErlane and Lee Simpson.

Murder mystery panel game chaired by Simon Brett.

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.

FRI 09:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k0qs)
Episode 1

Mr Finchley falls in love with a canary-coloured caravan and a rather stubborn horse.

Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.

Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Finchley.

With Dinah Sheridan as Mrs Finchley, Ron Pember as Mr Rivers, Peter Vaughan as Turk.James Grout as Mr Sprake and Alan Thompson as Mr Harricot.

Narrated by James Villiers.

Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1993.

FRI 10:00 Saturday Drama (b04dh091)
Murder Under Trust: The Massacre at Glencoe

In 1692 soldiers billeted in the homes of the MacDonald clan in Glencoe rose up and killed their hosts. Was this Highland massacre the inevitable outcome of a long-standing clan feud? Or were there other factors behind this infamous betrayal? Adrian Bean's play - based on the contemporary parliamentary Commission Of Enquiry into the massacre and on historian John Prebble's seminal book, Glencoe - dramatises these tragic 17th century events.

Producer/director: Bruce Young.

FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m0002smh)
David McGuire: 'Personal Best' and 'Finding Drago'

Amanda Litherland and David McGuire recommend some comedy podcasts: 'Finding Drago' and 'Personal Best'.

FRI 12:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b00jjq7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b00t39lf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

FRI 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

FRI 13:30 The Thrilla in Manila (b01rr48f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xk29)
Go Set a Watchman

Episode 10

GO SET A WATCHMAN

In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.

Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.

Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.

Read by Fenella Woolgar

Written by Harper Lee

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.

FRI 14:15 On the Map (b00rlwwy)
Maps of the Mind

Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.

Maps of the Mind. The most powerful maps aren't found on paper or a computer screen. They're the maps we hold in our memories and imaginations. Mike Parker visits a primary school in his home town to compare the pupils' maps with his own, drawn from childhood recollection. And he takes a trip to Ambridge, home of the Archers, to meet Eddie Grundy and ask him for directions around the village.

From 2010.

FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b046p078)
Modesty Blaise

Episode 5

Modesty and Willie are being held by ruthless villain Gabriel on a remote Mediterranean island. He has used them to help him steal a huge consignment of diamonds but now has no further use for them. Propects look bad for the pair and they must call upon all their resources to save the day.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll

FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b03zdkjz)
Thomas Brothers - Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism

Episode 5

A definitive account by Thomas Brothers of Louis Armstrong, his life and legacy, during the most creative period of his career.

Nearly 100 years after bursting onto Chicago's music scene under the tutelage of Joe 'King' Oliver, Louis Armstrong is recognized as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A trumpet virtuoso, seductive crooner, and consummate entertainer, Armstrong laid the foundation for the future of jazz with his stylistic innovations. But his story would be incomplete without examining how he struggled in a society seething with brutally racist ideologies, laws, and practices.

Episode 5:
Louis befriends Al Capone. He's singing and dancing for white audiences, and embracing the popular big band sound, but is he selling out?

Reader: Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4

FRI 15:00 Saturday Drama (b04dh091)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]

FRI 16:00 Foul Play (b00zshr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]

FRI 16:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k0qs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]

FRI 17:00 The Cold Swedish Winter (b04fyjqb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]

FRI 17:30 Clare in the Community (b084x76y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

FRI 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmdr)
Series 1

Threshold of Stars

"And what happens if we fail the test?".

"It's obvious we'll be killed."

Held captive by their abductors, the Space Force crew discover exactly what the aliens are after - while Chipper causes concern.

Charles Chilton's intergalatic adventure in six-parts starring Barry Foster as Captain Saxon Berry, Nicky Henson as Chipper, Nigel Stock as Magnus, Tony Osoba as Lauderic, Wendy Murray as Ifwa, Theresa Streatfeild as Treia, Lolly Cockerell as Voedica and Jenny Twigge as Jennie.

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1984.

FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b0076cwt)
Rules

Rules and how to break them. Matthew Parris joins Pauline Melville, journalist Matthew Syed and writer Hugh Collins.

In each programme, Matthew Parris introduces a group of writers of fact and fiction: new talent and established names. In the context of a discussion of one of the ideas and pre-occupations of our times, each presents a piece on this week's topic.

The best new writing and the freshest conversation. From 2003.

FRI 19:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b00jjq7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]

FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b00t39lf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]

FRI 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]

FRI 20:30 The Thrilla in Manila (b01rr48f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]

FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m0002smh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]

FRI 22:00 Clare in the Community (b084x76y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]

FRI 22:30 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b01g6l4z)
March and April

A second chance to hear satirist Craig Brown dip into the private lives of public figures from the 1960's to the present day.

March and April: Gyles Brandreth celebrates his birthday through the years, and Sharon Osbourne auditions some handsome young singers.

Voiced by Jan Ravens, Alistair McGowan, Lewis McLeod, Ewan Bailey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Dolly Wells.
Written by Craig Brown.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.

FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m000343l)
Lucy Porter 1/2

The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith chats to Lucy Porter.

FRI 23:00 Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes (b01p4734)
Series 2

The Welsh Abroad

Welsh migrants to America, Michael D Jones and Anthony Hopkins. Determining the ultimate heroes of Wales. From December 2012.

FRI 23:30 Listen Against (b01752w7)
Series 4

Episode 3

Listen Against is the comedy that takes the back off your radio and television, fiddles round with the programmes inside and then puts them all back the wrong way round.

Using "beautifully crafted, scalpel sharp" (Gillian Reynolds) mash-ups of current and archive programmes Listen Against creates a "sly, sharp, smart, surreal, satirical" world (Sunday Telegraph) where Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes look back in amplitude of at a week's worth of broadcasting like a media tapeworm going through a dog.

Like "the mischievous offspring of Points of View and The Day Today" (Observer) fictional listeners bombard Listen Against with fictional letters and emails complaining about half-fictional programmes while fictional guests and real life presenters (this series includes Melvyn Bragg, Jeremy Vine and Vanessa Feltz) argue with each other in "a gem of a satirical swoop at radio and television." (Guardian).

Written and created by Jon Holmes
Presented by Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes

Cast:
Kevin Eldon (Brass Eye, Big Train)
Justin Edwards (The Thick of It)
Sarah Hadland (Miranda)
James Bachman (Mitchell & Webb)
Kim Wall (Big Train , IT Crowd)
David Mara (RSC & Donmar Warehouse)

Producer: Sam Bryant.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.

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

15 Minute Drama 14:30 MON (b046j8zc)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 TUE (b046j8zc)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 TUE (b046nv4g)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 WED (b046nv4g)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 WED (b046nv79)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 THU (b046nv79)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 THU (b046nvxn)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 FRI (b046nvxn)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 FRI (b046p078)

A Good Read 18:30 MON (b0082cjt)

A Good Read 00:30 TUE (b0082cjt)

A Ladder to the Sky (Omnibus) 14:30 SUN (m0002rhz)

A Ladder to the Sky (Omnibus) 02:30 MON (m0002rhz)

A Sting in the Tale 18:00 SUN (b0076jwx)

A Sting in the Tale 00:00 MON (b0076jwx)

All Gas and Gaiters 08:00 SUN (b007jpbw)

All Gas and Gaiters 12:00 SUN (b007jpbw)

All the Way from Memphis 09:00 THU (b00mb1r1)

All the Way from Memphis 16:00 THU (b00mb1r1)

All the Way from Memphis 04:00 FRI (b00mb1r1)

Anything Legal 04:30 SAT (b008fxrd)

Archive on 4 08:00 SAT (b03z3ghc)

Archive on 4 15:00 SAT (b03z3ghc)

Archive on 4 03:00 SUN (b03z3ghc)

Ballylenon 16:30 TUE (b0081m2y)

Ballylenon 04:30 WED (b0081m2y)

Beachcomber... By the Way 09:30 TUE (b0080jmp)

Bleak Expectations 23:30 THU (b01pfy5w)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 SAT (b065gkj1)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 MON (b065sycn)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 TUE (b065sycn)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 TUE (b065vrtn)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 WED (b065vrtn)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 WED (b065wwjc)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 THU (b065wwjc)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 THU (b065xchl)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 FRI (b065xchl)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 FRI (b065xk29)

Book of the Week 02:45 SAT (b03y3g8t)

Book of the Week 14:45 MON (b03z8z58)

Book of the Week 02:45 TUE (b03z8z58)

Book of the Week 14:45 TUE (b03zb49r)

Book of the Week 02:45 WED (b03zb49r)

Book of the Week 14:45 WED (b03zbv05)

Book of the Week 02:45 THU (b03zbv05)

Book of the Week 14:45 THU (b03zdbr6)

Book of the Week 02:45 FRI (b03zdbr6)

Book of the Week 14:45 FRI (b03zdkjz)

Boswell's Lives 22:30 TUE (b0547ntj)

Bridget Christie Minds the Gap 22:00 SAT (b01r5s2l)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 18:00 MON (b007jmb4)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 00:00 TUE (b007jmb4)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 18:00 TUE (b007jmbm)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 00:00 WED (b007jmbm)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 18:00 WED (b007jmc2)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 00:00 THU (b007jmc2)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 18:00 THU (b007jmd7)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 00:00 FRI (b007jmd7)

Charles Chilton - Space Force 18:00 FRI (b007jmdr)

Clare in the Community 05:30 SAT (b084bmf9)

Clare in the Community 07:30 FRI (b084x76y)

Clare in the Community 17:30 FRI (b084x76y)

Clare in the Community 22:00 FRI (b084x76y)

Concrete Cow 23:30 MON (b0076jk4)

Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! 23:30 WED (b00pd5n7)

Counterpoint 09:00 WED (b009s09v)

Counterpoint 16:00 WED (b009s09v)

Counterpoint 04:00 THU (b009s09v)

Craig Brown's Lost Diaries 22:30 FRI (b01g6l4z)

Crazy Big Fish 07:00 MON (b0075zms)

Crazy Big Fish 17:00 MON (b0075zms)

Crazy Big Fish 05:00 TUE (b0075zms)

Curious Under the Stars 13:00 SAT (m0002rx5)

Curious Under the Stars 01:00 SUN (m0002rx5)

Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather 07:15 SUN (m0002rhs)

Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather 14:15 SUN (m0002rhs)

Daphne Glazer - Birds of a Feather 02:15 MON (m0002rhs)

Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman 07:00 THU (b0075kyg)

Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman 17:00 THU (b0075kyg)

Dave Sheasby - Sharing Fatman 05:00 FRI (b0075kyg)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 10:15 SUN (b08454qp)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 21:15 SUN (b08454qp)

Doctor Who 18:00 SAT (b07grtrz)

Doctor Who 00:00 SUN (b07grtrz)

Drama 11:15 WED (b0787dm6)

Ed Reardon's Week 07:30 SUN (b05w000p)

Ed Reardon's Week 17:30 SUN (b05w000p)

Ed Reardon's Week 22:00 SUN (b05w000p)

Ed Reardon's Week 05:30 MON (b05w000p)

Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes 23:00 FRI (b01p4734)

Everyone Quite Likes Justin 22:30 WED (b01mc0mc)

Father Brown Stories 01:00 SAT (b00y9tqf)

Father Brown Stories 06:00 MON (b00yb1z9)

Father Brown Stories 13:00 MON (b00yb1z9)

Father Brown Stories 20:00 MON (b00yb1z9)

Father Brown Stories 01:00 TUE (b00yb1z9)

Foul Play 04:00 SAT (b00zshr3)

Foul Play 09:00 FRI (b00zshr5)

Foul Play 16:00 FRI (b00zshr5)

Frankly Speaking 14:15 SAT (b080778r)

Frankly Speaking 02:15 SUN (b080778r)

Genius 16:00 TUE (b008h570)

Genius 04:00 WED (b008h570)

Gillian Tindall - A Necessary Price 11:00 WED (b0756g95)

Gillian Tindall - A Necessary Price 20:30 WED (b0756g95)

Goodness Gracious Me 23:30 TUE (b007jwqc)

Great Lives 18:30 THU (b01mk4mw)

Great Lives 00:30 FRI (b01mk4mw)

Hancock's Half Hour 08:00 MON (b008p8pl)

Hancock's Half Hour 12:00 MON (b008p8pl)

Hancock's Half Hour 19:00 MON (b008p8pl)

Hot House Kids 01:30 SAT (b00gqzvy)

Inheritance Tracks 14:10 SAT (m0002rx7)

Inheritance Tracks 02:10 SUN (m0002rx7)

James Fenimore Cooper - The Last of the Mohicans 03:00 SAT (b007jpng)

Je t'aime: The legendary love story of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg (Omnibus) 09:00 SUN (m0002rhv)

Je t'aime: The legendary love story of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg (Omnibus) 20:00 SUN (m0002rhv)

Julia Darling - Appointments 02:30 SAT (b0076qmw)

Julia Darling - Appointments 06:00 SUN (b05r71h3)

Julia Darling - Appointments 13:00 SUN (b05r71h3)

Julia Darling - Appointments 01:00 MON (b05r71h3)

Julia Darling - Pearl 11:00 THU (b074c3rh)

Julia Darling - Pearl 21:00 THU (b074c3rh)

Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well 06:30 WED (b01rl7cy)

Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well 13:30 WED (b01rl7cy)

Julie Fowlis' Heritage Well 01:30 THU (b01rl7cy)

Just a Minute 07:30 MON (m0002lvd)

Just a Minute 17:30 MON (m0002lvd)

Just a Minute 22:00 MON (m0002lvd)

Just a Minute 05:30 TUE (m0002lvd)

Key Matters 15:45 SUN (b00b0g6b)

Key Matters 03:45 MON (b00b0g6b)

King Street Junior Revisited 09:30 MON (b00jv8vr)

King Street Junior Revisited 16:30 MON (b00jv8vr)

King Street Junior Revisited 04:30 TUE (b00jv8vr)

Know Your Place 08:30 TUE (b01b3b6b)

Know Your Place 12:30 TUE (b01b3b6b)

Know Your Place 19:30 TUE (b01b3b6b)

Knowing Me, Knowing You 22:30 SAT (b007k0fl)

Knowing Me, Knowing You 22:30 SUN (b007jvc2)

Knowing Steve, Knowing You 09:00 SAT (b06gx1tz)

Knowing Steve, Knowing You 19:00 SAT (b06gx1tz)

Last Chance to See 07:30 SAT (m0002rx3)

Last Chance to See 17:30 SAT (m0002rx3)

Last Chance to See 05:30 SUN (m0002rx3)

Like They've Never Been Gone 07:00 WED (b00cm6x0)

Like They've Never Been Gone 17:00 WED (b00cm6x0)

Like They've Never Been Gone 05:00 THU (b00cm6x0)

Listen Against 23:30 FRI (b01752w7)

Mark Steel's in Town 07:30 THU (m0002mfr)

Mark Steel's in Town 17:30 THU (m0002mfr)

Mark Steel's in Town 22:00 THU (m0002mfr)

Mark Steel's in Town 05:30 FRI (m0002mfr)

Martyn Wade - Burn the Aeneid! 16:00 SUN (b04yf68n)

Martyn Wade - Burn the Aeneid! 04:00 MON (b04yf68n)

Mr Finchley Takes the Road 09:30 FRI (b007k0qs)

Mr Finchley Takes the Road 16:30 FRI (b007k0qs)

Much Binding in the Marsh 08:30 SUN (b008qq3w)

Much Binding in the Marsh 12:30 SUN (b008qq3w)

Multi Story 11:45 MON (m0002rhp)

Multi Story 21:45 MON (m0002rhp)

My Life in Five Books 18:30 WED (b012fvl0)

My Life in Five Books 00:30 THU (b012fvl0)

Newsjack 23:00 SUN (m0002mv3)

Newsjack 22:30 THU (m0002r85)

Not in Front of the Children 08:30 WED (b08f0q27)

Not in Front of the Children 12:30 WED (b08f0q27)

Not in Front of the Children 19:30 WED (b08f0q27)

Off the Page 00:30 SAT (b0076csl)

Off the Page 18:30 FRI (b0076cwt)

Old Harry's Game 23:00 TUE (b00hlcr4)

On the Map 02:15 SAT (b00rghjt)

On the Map 14:15 MON (b00rlwxj)

On the Map 02:15 TUE (b00rlwxj)

On the Map 14:15 TUE (b00rlwwr)

On the Map 02:15 WED (b00rlwwr)

On the Map 14:15 WED (b00rlwwt)

On the Map 02:15 THU (b00rlwwt)

On the Map 14:15 THU (b00rlwww)

On the Map 02:15 FRI (b00rlwww)

On the Map 14:15 FRI (b00rlwwy)

Oscar Sings 06:30 MON (b01c7smv)

Oscar Sings 13:30 MON (b01c7smv)

Oscar Sings 20:30 MON (b01c7smv)

Oscar Sings 01:30 TUE (b01c7smv)

Parsley Sidings 08:30 MON (b007k1b0)

Parsley Sidings 12:30 MON (b007k1b0)

Parsley Sidings 19:30 MON (b007k1b0)

Paul Morrison - Missing Olga 11:15 THU (m0002r83)

Paul Morrison - Missing Olga 21:15 THU (m0002r83)

Peter Tinniswood - Tales From a Long Room 14:45 SAT (m0002rx9)

Peter Tinniswood - Tales From a Long Room 02:45 SUN (m0002rx9)

Podcast Radio Hour 11:00 FRI (m0002smh)

Podcast Radio Hour 21:00 FRI (m0002smh)

Poetry Extra 17:00 SUN (m0002rj2)

Poetry Extra 05:00 MON (m0002rj2)

Quote... Unquote 09:00 MON (b099xqpx)

Quote... Unquote 16:00 MON (b099xqpx)

Quote... Unquote 04:00 TUE (b099xqpx)

Radio 9 23:00 WED (b0401g9p)

Radiolab 11:00 SUN (m0002rhx)

Radiolab 19:00 SUN (m0002rhx)

ReincarNathan 07:30 WED (m0002mlh)

ReincarNathan 17:30 WED (m0002mlh)

ReincarNathan 22:00 WED (m0002mlh)

ReincarNathan 05:30 THU (m0002mlh)

Rent 12:30 SAT (b007522v)

Rent 09:30 THU (b05pb40g)

Rent 16:30 THU (b05pb40g)

Rent 04:30 FRI (b05pb40g)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 06:00 TUE (b00d7lzt)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 13:00 TUE (b00d7lzt)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 20:00 TUE (b00d7lzt)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 01:00 WED (b00d7lzt)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 06:00 WED (b00d7p95)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 13:00 WED (b00d7p95)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 20:00 WED (b00d7p95)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 01:00 THU (b00d7p95)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 06:00 THU (b00d7qkq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 13:00 THU (b00d7qkq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 20:00 THU (b00d7qkq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 01:00 FRI (b00d7qkq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 06:00 FRI (b00d8km5)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 13:00 FRI (b00d8km5)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 20:00 FRI (b00d8km5)

Saturday Drama 10:00 FRI (b04dh091)

Saturday Drama 15:00 FRI (b04dh091)

Saturday Night Fry 23:30 SAT (b0091t5j)

Shappi Talk 22:30 MON (b00lh4yp)

Small Scenes 07:30 TUE (m0002m49)

Small Scenes 17:30 TUE (m0002m49)

Small Scenes 22:00 TUE (m0002m49)

Small Scenes 05:30 WED (m0002m49)

Smelling of Roses 12:00 SAT (b007k0v3)

Smelling of Roses 07:00 TUE (b007k131)

Smelling of Roses 17:00 TUE (b007k131)

Smelling of Roses 05:00 WED (b007k131)

Stephen Baxter - Voyage 00:00 SAT (b007q9ld)

Steptoe and Son 08:30 FRI (b00t39lf)

Steptoe and Son 12:30 FRI (b00t39lf)

Steptoe and Son 19:30 FRI (b00t39lf)

Telling Tales 11:00 TUE (m0002s6r)

Telling Tales 21:00 TUE (m0002s6r)

Test Case 20:45 WED (b092fbr0)

Test Case 21:30 WED (b091tx5x)

The Absolutely Radio Show 23:00 SAT (b06d29by)

The Attractive Young Rabbi 09:30 WED (b007k1d2)

The Attractive Young Rabbi 16:30 WED (b007k1d2)

The Attractive Young Rabbi 04:30 THU (b007k1d2)

The Cold Swedish Winter 05:00 SAT (b04f9frm)

The Cold Swedish Winter 07:00 FRI (b04fyjqb)

The Cold Swedish Winter 17:00 FRI (b04fyjqb)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 SAT (m0002rxc)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 SUN (m0002rj4)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 TUE (m0002s6w)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 WED (m0002s6k)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 FRI (m000343l)

The Consultants 23:00 THU (b007k3fh)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 08:00 THU (b01rqbf9)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 12:00 THU (b01rqbf9)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 19:00 THU (b01rqbf9)

The Goon Show 08:30 THU (b00dyb10)

The Goon Show 12:30 THU (b00dyb10)

The Goon Show 19:30 THU (b00dyb10)

The Husky Betty Marsden 06:30 TUE (m0002s6n)

The Husky Betty Marsden 13:30 TUE (m0002s6n)

The Husky Betty Marsden 20:30 TUE (m0002s6n)

The Husky Betty Marsden 01:30 WED (m0002s6n)

The Keskidee 06:30 THU (b00k4fv9)

The Keskidee 13:30 THU (b00k4fv9)

The Keskidee 20:30 THU (b00k4fv9)

The Keskidee 01:30 FRI (b00k4fv9)

The Listening Project 10:10 SUN (b077jqpv)

The Listening Project 21:10 SUN (b077jqpv)

The Man in Black 18:30 SUN (b00zd7gz)

The Man in Black 00:30 MON (b00zd7gz)

The Michael Bentine Show 08:00 FRI (b00jjq7x)

The Michael Bentine Show 12:00 FRI (b00jjq7x)

The Michael Bentine Show 19:00 FRI (b00jjq7x)

The Navy Lark 08:00 WED (b014tpqj)

The Navy Lark 12:00 WED (b014tpqj)

The Navy Lark 19:00 WED (b014tpqj)

The Now Show 23:00 MON (m0002mxy)

The Now Show 09:00 TUE (m0002mxy)

The Radio Detectives 18:30 TUE (b007jp93)

The Radio Detectives 00:30 WED (m0002s6t)

The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter 08:00 TUE (b008m7bz)

The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter 12:00 TUE (b008m7bz)

The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter 19:00 TUE (b008m7bz)

The TED Interview 11:00 MON (p06y24gl)

The TED Interview 21:00 MON (p06y24gl)

The Thrilla in Manila 06:30 FRI (b01rr48f)

The Thrilla in Manila 13:30 FRI (b01rr48f)

The Thrilla in Manila 20:30 FRI (b01rr48f)

Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case 06:00 SAT (b063jp8z)

Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case 16:00 SAT (b063jp8z)

Tony Mulholland - Conan Doyle's Strangest Case 04:00 SUN (b063jp8z)

Weak at the Top 23:30 SUN (b00ry9j0)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 10:00 MON (b007jlgx)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 15:00 MON (b007jlgx)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 03:00 TUE (b007jlgx)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 10:00 TUE (b007jlhn)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 15:00 TUE (b007jlhn)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 03:00 WED (b007jlhn)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 10:00 WED (b007jlj1)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 15:00 WED (b007jlj1)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 03:00 THU (b007jlj1)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 10:00 THU (b007jljf)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 15:00 THU (b007jljf)

Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White 03:00 FRI (b007jljf)