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

Radio-Lists Home Now on 4Extra Contact

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



SATURDAY 09 MARCH 2019

SAT 00:00 A Short History of Vampires (b00z55h6)
Quid Pro Quo

Tanya Huff’s deliciously noir tale of an immortal whose lover is in mortal danger.

Read by Genevieve Adam.

The ultimate killing machines. Natalie Haynes introduces a four-part series of dark stories, as she examines why the vampire - an iconic figure in horror-fiction - continues to exert such a powerful hold on our imaginations...

Producer: Gemma Jenkins

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2011.


SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b0076czy)
The Voice

Writers Maggie O'Farrell, Niall Griffiths and Lana Citron talk to Matthew Parris about how they found their voice.

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.


SAT 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00dbqwq)
Episode 9

The Dragoons attempt to foil the swashbuckling smugglers' plan - but tragedy lies ahead. 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.


SAT 01:30 Vital Mental Medicine: Shackleton's Banjo (b00wdgr5)
As his ship was sinking through the Antarctic pack-ice, Ernest Shackleton allowed each member of his expedition to take 2lbs of possessions with them as they abandoned ship. One exception was made; Shackleton saved Leonard Hussey's banjo saying, "We must have that banjo. It's vital mental medicine."

So it proved; when Shackleton set off in a small boat to sail to South Georgia to get help, he left behind on Elephant Island twenty-two men. They lived for months under an upturned boat and some old sails. Every Saturday the banjo-playing meteorologist mounted a concert. He composed songs and whenever they caught a seal to eat brought out his banjo. He played, the men sang - and anger and depression were kept at bay.

Leonard Hussey survived, as did his banjo, now in the National Maritime Museum, its skin marked with a dozen signatures of members of the failed expedition to the South Pole.

Tim van Eyken is best known as a squeeze-box player and singer - he was the Song Man in 'War Horse' at the National Theatre. But he also plays the banjo. Tim explores the character of Hussey and the role he and his banjo played in saving the sanity of the explorers. He plays some of his songs - sadly not on Hussey's banjo, which is too fragile, but on his own, made by Pete Stanley, who sheds some light on the original instrument.

Tim also hears from Pieter van der Merwe of the National Maritime Museum about the importance of music in expeditions and, thanks to some remarkable archive recordings, Hussey himself. He plays the tune Shackleton asked for the night he died. Hussey reveals, too, that his banjo had seen action in warmer climes, "having among other things been played to an audience of cannibals in Africa."

Producer: Julian May.


SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b067h157)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Five

Marian discovers a disturbing truth about her brother Ned. Meanwhile, Major Fawley attempts to recruit her back into the secret service.

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2011.


SAT 02:15 A Piece of Cake (m000303q)
Eccles Cake

Sheila McClennon visits the Lancashire town of Eccles to taste these sweet currant-and-pastry cakes.

Five choice slices of British sweet treats and the stories behind them.

Producer: Libby Cross

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.


SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b05y16ms)
Cyrano de Bergerac

Episode 5

The final part of Glyn Maxwell's adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. Swordsman, Philosopher, Poet Raconteur - Cyrano is all of these things , but none of them make him happy. What he wants more than anything is the love of the beautiful Roxane. But he has one huge problem that is as plain as the nose on his face. Is he too ugly to be loved ? Especially when the new handsome cadet Christian de Neuvillette also declares his love for her . However Christian's way with words needs a little help . Cyrano has been helping him. But after many years and a siege in between is the scheme about to unravel ?

CYRANO Tom Burke
ROXANE/MOTHER SUPERIOR Emily Pithon
SGT CARBONNE ..Jonathan Keeble
LE BRET Christopher Harper
DE GUICHE Conrad Nelson
CHRISTIAN Kieran Hodgson
RAGUENEAU Roger Morlidge

Music Harry Blake
Directed in Salford by Susan Roberts


SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b040qxkl)
B is for Bauhaus: An A-Z of the Modern World

Episode 5

An essential tool kit for understanding the modern world, by the Director of London's Design Museum, Deyan Sudjic.

Not a dictionary, though it attempts to tell you all you need know about everything from Authenticity to Zips. It's not an autobiography either, though it does offer a revealing and highly personal inside view of contemporary culture.

It's about what makes a Warhol a genuine fake, the creation of national identities, the mania to collect. It's also about the world seen from the rear view mirror of Grand Theft Auto V, and digital ornament and why we value imperfection. It's about drinking a bruisingly dry martini in Adolf Loo's American bar in Vienna, and about Hitchcock's film sets. It's about fashion and technology, about politics and art.

Born in London, Deyan Sudjic studied architecture in Edinburgh, edited Domus in Milan, was the director of the Venice architecture biennale, and a curator in Glasgow, Istanbul and Copenhagen. He's the author of The Language of Things and The Edifice Complex.

Episode 5:

W is for War and whether design collections are really the place for weapons? Y asks is Youtube really so democratic? Z is for Zip and how in the thirties it was the height of modernity. Deyan Sudjic considers them all.

W is for War: are museums the place for weapons? Y is for Youtube and Z is for Zip.
Deyan Sudjic considers t

Read by Deyan Sudjic
Abridged by Polly Coles

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


SAT 03:00 Saturday Drama (b041469s)
CS Forester's London Noir

The Pursued

1935: When Marjorie finds Dorothy, her pretty young sister, lying dead with her head in the oven, the obvious assumption is suicide.

But the girl's mother, Mrs Clair, a tough-minded woman is not convinced. She believes that Dorothy was murdered by Marjorie's cheating husband Ted.

Unable to prove her theory, Mrs Clair begins to cook up a secret, terrible revenge...

One of three seminal psychological thrillers by CS Forester - dramatised by Paul Mendelson.

Most famous for his Hornblower series, CS Forester wrote these thrillers at the start of his career taking crime writing in a new direction, portraying ordinary, desperate people committing monstrous acts, and showing events spiralling terribly, chillingly, out of control.

Music composed by Gary C. Newman
Clarinet: Samantha Baldwin
Director: David Ian Neville


SAT 04:00 Who Goes There? (b0075yw8)
Series 4

Episode 2

Martin Young chairs the quiz which looks at the noteworthy and the notorious from history.

Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego with guests Gyles Brandreth and Sheridan Morley.

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.


SAT 04:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k0zf)
Episode 2

Mr Finchley runs into an ancient mariner who has many tales to tell of his life at sea, each one taller than the last.

Meanwhile, following hot on his tail is Oliver Watt-Anselm, the worst private eye in the world...

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 John Bird, Chris Emmett and Jon Glover.

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.


SAT 05:00 The Elephant Man (b007jsfp)
Endangered Species

Peter Serafinowicz stars in DA Barham's sitcom about the life of Terry Lyon, an elephant keeper at his local zoo. He gets on better with animals than people. As the zoo lurches towards bankruptcy, his future looks bleak. Co-stars Chris Emmet as Leonard.

DA Barham - alias Debbie Ann - used her gently gender-obscured writing name. Aged just 15, she'd sent in scripts to BBC comedy programmes. In 2003 she tragically died from heart failure due to anorexia, aged only 26. In her short, brilliant comedy career, she'd written for The News Huddlines, Spitting Image, The News Quiz, Weekending, Loose Ends, as well as big names like Bob Monkhouse, Graham Norton, Rory Bremner and Clive Anderson.

Produced by Richard Wilson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


SAT 05:30 Clare in the Community (b08587nz)
Series 11

You Take the High Road

It's the social work event of the year and Clare Barker is giving the keynote speech; it's the biggest moment of her career. Provided she can actually get there for it. Back at home Brian and Nali have been taken in by Ray after a barbecue got out of hand. His housekeeping leaves a bit to be desired as far as Nali's concerned.

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 Hercule Poirot (b009v35c)
Cards on the Table

1936: The enigmatic Mr Shaitana hosts an unusual dinner party. His guests include four sleuths - including Hercule Poirot - and four suspected murderers.

After dinner, the guests play bridge, with the sleuths in one room and the suspects in another, where Shaitana watches on. By the end of the game, Shaitana has been fatally stabbed with a weapon from his collection.

Agatha Christie's thriller stars John Moffat as Poirot, Stephanie Cole as Ariadne Oliver, Donald Sinden as Colonel Race, Ioan Meredith as Superintendent Battle, Christopher Godwin as Mr Shaitana, David Timson as Dr Roberts, Mary Wimbush as Mrs Lorrimer, Helen Longworth as Anne Meredith, Nigel Anthony as Major Despard, Sarah Paul as Rhoda Dawes, Marlene Sidaway as Mrs Luxmore and Ewan Bailey as The Butler.

From Agatha Christie's 1936 novel dramatised by Michael Bakewell.

Director: Enyd Williams.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.


SAT 07:30 Last Chance to See (m00034lt)
The Sultan Of Juan Fernandez

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine visit Robinson Crusoe Island, near Chile, to find: a Juan Fernandez Fur Seal. From 1989.

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 (b00766q4)
The Escape Factory

During World War II British prisoners-of-war had a remarkable ally in the shape of Britain's other secret service, MI9.

Its job was to smuggle information and ingenious devices into camps to ensure the success of some of the most daring escape stories ever.

John Stephen Dalziel finds out more about the organisation which was to provide inspiration for Ian Fleming's "Q" in one of the most amazing untold stories of World War II.

Produced by Pamela Rutherford.

First broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2002.


SAT 09:00 The Sondheim Archive (m00034lw)
Multi-award winning actor, singer and director Maria Friedman has had an association with the musicals of Stephen Sondheim for 30 years ever since she starred in the National Theatre’s production of “Sunday in the Park With George” in 1990.

For this Radio 4 Extra showcase, she is joined by a panel of guests in the BBC Radio Theatre to explore Sondheim programmes in the BBC’s archive, discuss the incredible impact of his work and perform some of the songs from his hit shows.

Maria is joined by actor Mark Umbers who starred in her recent production of "Merrily We Roll Along", pianist and composer Jason Carr who has done orchestrations for Sondheim musicals, critic David Benedict who is writing Sondheim's authorised biography and Catherine Jayes who has worked as Musical Director on Sondheim shows.


SAT 12:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mdyl9)
Series 2

Episode 4

James Walton and the music quiz for all the young, and not so young, dudes.

Team captains Tracey MacLeod and Andrew Collins are joined by Dave Gorman and Mary Anne Hobbs 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.


SAT 12:30 Dad's Army (b007k1s5)
Series 1

The Man and the Hour

14th May 1940: George Mainwaring, manager of Swallow's Bank in Walmington-on-Sea, answers his country's wartime call to form a platoon of Local Defence Volunteers - with the help of a misfit bunch of tradesmen and bankers.

Six years after legendary sitcom Dad's Army started on BBC TV, these specially adapted radio versions began recording with the original cast.

Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, John Laurie as Private Fraser, James Beck as Private Walker, Arnold Ridley as Godfrey and John Snagge as the announcer.

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

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.


SAT 13:00 A Small Town Murder (Omnibus) (m00034ly)
Meera Syal stars as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.

Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances. He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.

If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?

However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.

But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.

Cast:
Jackie................Meera Syal
Peter..................Mathew Marsh
Dee.....................Ayesha Antoine
Angela................TBA
Claire...................TBA

Written by Scott Cherry
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4


SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m00034m0)
Simon Williams

The Upstairs, Downstairs actor chooses ‘I Whistle A Happy Tune’ from the musical ‘The King and I’ and ‘Lullabye’ by Billy Joel.


SAT 14:15 Down Your Way (m00034m2)
Simon Weston at Pinderfields Hospital

Simon Weston, the Falklands War veteran, explores new advances in care at the Yorkshire Regional Burns Unit.

Down Your Way was a schedule staple for decades - starting on the BBC Home Service in 1946 and ending its run on BBC Radio 4 in 1992. Using a variety of hosts, including Richard Dimbleby and Brian Johnston, the programme toured villages, towns and cities across the UK. At the height of the series' success in the 1950s, it was attracting 10 million listeners a week.

Producer: Kerry McGeever.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.


SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00766q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


SAT 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b009v35c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 17:30 Last Chance to See (m00034lt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 18:00 John Wyndham - Chocky (m00034m4)
12-year-old Matthew Gore sparks concern for his parents when he appears to develop an intelligent, persistent imaginary friend whom he calls Chocky.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that, far from being imaginary, Chocky is a very real alien intelligence. But then Matthew comes to the attention of sinister government forces...

First published in Amazing Stories magazine in 1963, John Wyndham's developed his story as a full sci-fi novel five years later.

Stars Judy Bennett as Matthew, Eric Thompson as David, Sheila Grant as Mary, Peter Baldwin as Alan, Michael Spice as Landis, Rolf Lefebvre as Sir William Thorbe, Lockwood West as Dr Frost, John Baddeley as Dennis Chattery and a cameo appearance from Jack De Manio.

Adapted and directed by John Tydeman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1968.


SAT 19:00 The Sondheim Archive (m00034lw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 22:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01rgmfd)
Series 1

Episode 4

Bridget investigates women in comedy as she answers that old chestnut 'Are Women Funny?'.

Last of a four-part stand-up comedy series on the state of British feminism today.

With Fred MacAulay

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


SAT 22:30 Liam Williams: Ladhood (b06qk005)
Series 1

House Party

Liam Williams - a two-time Edinburgh Festival Award nominated comedian - shares his teenage misadventures in the Yorkshire suburbs.

With evocative monologues by "Adult Liam" being interjected with flashback scenes from his teenage years, this four-part series was recorded in Leeds and stars teens from Yorkshire.

Each episode delves into Liam's memories of his first fight, virginity loss, the best house party ever organised, and his marvellous outwitting of an entire teaching staff.

This is the New Labour, post-mining, aspirational heartland, meeting 50 Cent and Generation Y ennui, represented in a bourgeois radio format - by one of Britain's most exciting comedians.

Producer: Arnab Chanda

A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.


SAT 23:00 28 Acts in 28 Minutes (b008kmqx)
Series 2

Episode 2

John Humphrys gives 28 performers 60 seconds each to entertain with sketches, stand-up, music and surprises. With Arthur Smith and Carrie Quinlan. From January 2008.


SAT 23:30 Saturday Night Fry (b007jt12)
Episode 6

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

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

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

Producer: Dan Patterson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.



SUNDAY 10 MARCH 2019

SUN 00:00 John Wyndham - Chocky (m00034m4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 A Small Town Murder (Omnibus) (m00034ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (m00034m0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]


SUN 02:15 Down Your Way (m00034m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]


SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b00766q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 Hercule Poirot (b009v35c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 05:30 Last Chance to See (m00034lt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) (b05zllz3)
Swordsman, Philosopher, Poet Raconteur - Cyrano is all of these things, but none of them make him happy. What he wants more than anything is the love of the beautiful Roxane.

But he has one huge problem that’s as plain as the nose on his face. Is he too ugly to be loved? Especially when the new handsome cadet Christian de Neuvillette also declares his love for her.

Omnibus of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac adapted by Glyn Maxwell.

CYRANO, Tom Burke
ROXANE, Emily Pithon
VALVERT, ..Jonathan Keeble
LE BRET, Christopher Harper
DE GUICHE, Conrad Nelson
CHRISTIAN, Kieran Hodgson
RAGUENEAU, Roger Morlidge
DUENNA, Verity May Henry

Music by Harry Blake

Directed at BBC Salford by Susan Roberts

First broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2015


SUN 07:15 Nia Williams - Another View (m00035v7)
A dangerous situation causes a woman to reflect on life, from a childhood pact to memories of her Nan. Read by Helen Griffin.


SUN 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05xglm4)
Series 10

Moby Dave

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

Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.

Producer: Dawn Ellis.

A BBC Radio Comedy production.


SUN 08:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpjp)
The Bishop Gains a Reputation

Clerical confusion abounds over the Archdeacon's tell-all book.

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 Michael Kilgarriff.

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 We're in Business (b007jydp)
Dudley's Granny

Dudley and Harry end up at the mercy of a devious criminal.

Stars Peter Jones as Dudley, Harry Worth as Harry and Irene Handl as Granny. With Paddy Edwards, Wallas Eaton and John Graham.

Peter Jones is small-time businessman, Dudley Grosvenor who's always out to make a fast buck - usually at the expense of his side-kick, Harry Worth.

Written by Peter Jones, George Wadmore and George Evans.

A selection of surviving episodes from two series broadcast between 1959-1960.

Producer: Charles Maxwell.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1959.


SUN 09:00 Walter Gropius: Visionary Founder of the Bauhaus (Omnibus) (m00035vc)
Eleanor Bron reads Fiona McCarthy’s biography of the Bauhaus founder, Walter Gropius.

Gropius was a man of extraordinary charisma. For more than twenty years, from 1910 to 1930, he was at the very centre of European modern art and design. His buildings are still strikingly experimental, his influence on post-war architecture in America and internationally was enormous. As the founder and director of the Bauhaus, he invented a form of creative education that influenced art schools worldwide. But the Bauhaus was more than an art school - it was the birth of a whole new philosophy of art.

The Bauhaus stood for delight, experiment and creative freedom. Gropius gathered talents, including Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky, into an art school that became an alternative way of life. Once Hitler came to power in 1933, Gropius' situation became increasingly untenable. The Nazis opposed everything the Bauhaus stood for. Gropius' beliefs and his affiliations left him little choice but to leave Germany. His story is one of exile in a century of buffeting and conflict.

In this Omnibus of an entertaining biography, Fiona MacCarthy argues that Walter Gropius's visionary ideas still influence the way we live, work, and think today.

Reader: Eleanor Bron
Producer: Elizabeth Burke
Executive Producer: Joanne Rowntree

A Loftus Media production first broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2019


SUN 10:10 The Listening Project (b065xk2f)
Stanley and Sonja – Back on the Bike

Fi Glover with a couple who met through cycling over 50 years ago. He's still pedalling, but she's stopped. If he has his way, though, she'll soon be back in the saddle. Recorded in the mobile Booth at Durrell Wildlife Park in Jersey, it's another conversation in the series that proves it's surprising what you hear when you listen.

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

Producer: Marya Burgess


SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00035vh)
Composers

Debbie Wiseman

Kirsty Young interviews the composer Debbie Wiseman.

Her work is wide ranging, but her talents are most often employed in crafting lyrical, melodic scores for film and TV. Her credits include Land Girls, Judge John Deed, Haunted and Father Brown. Now a visiting Professor at the Royal College of Music, her unlikely introduction to the piano came at the age of 8 when she found a bashed up old instrument sitting in the corner of a hotel dining room.

Producer: Isabel Sargent

From 2014.


SUN 11:00 Radiolab (m00035vm)
Series 5

Looking Back

Radiolab takes an intimate peek into the life, and death, of those who came before.

Our desire to find our beginnings has led to unprecedented discoveries. Here are three stories that provide an intimate peek into the life, and death, of those who came before.

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.

From WNYC. First broadcast on public radio in the USA in 2015.


SUN 12:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpjp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


SUN 12:30 We're in Business (b007jydp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


SUN 13:00 Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) (b05zllz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 14:15 Nia Williams - Another View (m00035v7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


SUN 14:30 Golden Child Omnibus (m00035vr)
Episode 2

Don Warrington concludes Claire Adam's heartrending and lyrical debut set in 1980s Trinidad about betrayal, love and impossible choices.

Paul, the misunderstood son, labelled from birth, is still missing. As the hours turn into days, Clyde thinks back to the boys' first days at school, and his very different plans from his twin boys...

Reader: Don Warrington
Writer: Claire Adam
Abridger: Sara Davies
Producer: Justine Willett

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


SUN 15:45 Key Matters (b00b6x4s)
Series 1

F sharp major

Ivan Hewett examines five musical keys. Today: F sharp major, as used by Beethoven, Mozart and Messiaen. With Liz Garnett.


SUN 16:00 Caroline Gawn - Fraud (b0076cpm)
A daring, amoral female crook pits her wits against a top policeman stuck in an unhappy marriage. Romantic intrigue is inevitable.

Caroline Gawn's entertaining, stylish detective story, with a definite twist.

Starring Philip Glenister as Faulkes, Angela Wynter as Jean Mallory, Ken Bradshaw as Williams, Russell Dixon as Rodriguez and Toby Hadoke as Jack Cooper.

Producer: Polly Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m00035vz)
Listen to Them Breathing

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive and chooses Listen to Them Breathing – an exploration into the Quakers and poetry.

Presenter Sibyl Ruth is a poet who is also a practising Quaker. For many years she thought her poetry had little to do with her Quaker background. But then, after a meeting with the poet and Quaker Dorothy Nimmo, she began to see connections between her Quaker beliefs and the poetry that spoke most clearly to her.

In this programme she goes in search of other poets who are Quakers, to try and find out if there is a relationship between their belief in the Quaker ministry and their writing. She talks to Rosie Bailey about her late partner UA Fanthorpe; to publishers Anne and Peter Sansom about the writing workshops they organise which draw on many of the principles of Quaker meeting; to Gerard Benson, the co-founder of Poems on the Underground, who became a Quaker quite late in life; and to Philip Gross, a line from whose poem 'The Quakers of Pompeii' provides the programme's title.

Producer: Sara Davies

The poems included in the programme are:

Friends Meeting House, Frenchay by UA Fanthorpe
The Black Parrot by Dorothy Nimmo
Pottery Lesson by Dorothy Nimmo
Zero by Philip Gross
Song of Jean by Sybil Ruth
The Quakers of Pompeii by Philip Gross

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.


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


SUN 18:00 The Prisoner (m00035w3)
Series 2

I Met a Man Today 1/2

After escaping from the Village, Number 6 discovers his car and house are now owned by author Kate Butterworth...

The original 17-episode TV series of The Prisoner created intrigue and controversy in equal measure when it first aired in the UK in 1967.

In a taut psychological spy thriller the main character, dehumanised as ‘Number 6’, has committed no crime, save for having resigned from some unspecified branch of the British Secret Service. His prison was a heavily guarded coastal village.

Under constant surveillance, Number 6 can trust no-one and relentlessly works to establish who his captors are. As the audio re-imagining continues, we discover more about the enigma of the personal life of Number 6...

Mark Elstob stars as Number 6, with Lucy Briggs-Owen as Kate Butterworth, Susan Earnshaw as Brenda, Helen Goldwyn as the Barmaid, Jim Barclay as Control, Barnaby Edwards as Danvers and John Heffernan as Thorpe.

Music - Jamie Robertson
Script Editor - Jamie Anderson.

Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs.

A Big Finish Production - based on the classic ITV series.


SUN 18:40 Daphne Du Maurier - The Old Man (m00035w9)
The family shun people. He rules the roost, speaks strangely, forever gazing out at sea.

His wife never speaks. And one day the children vanish...

Daphne Du Maurier’s strange tale read by Anna Massey.

Producer: Duncan Minshull

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988.


SUN 19:00 Radiolab (m00035vm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


SUN 20:00 Walter Gropius: Visionary Founder of the Bauhaus (Omnibus) (m00035vc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 21:10 The Listening Project (b065xk2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]


SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00035vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]


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


SUN 22:30 The Headset Set (b0124pxs)
Series 1

Episode 2

A new phone system is causing chaos in the call centre at Smile5, the mail order catalogue company.

Eavesdrop on both sides of the bizarre, horrific and ludicrous phone calls when customers call in as events unfold with company staff.

Aleesha and other characters ..... Chizzy Akudolu
Bernie and other characters ..... Margaret-Cabourn Smith
Big Tony, Ralph and other characters ..... Colin Hoult
Sailesh, Bradley and other characters ..... Paul Sharma

Writers: James Kettle, Stephen Carlin, Andy Wolton, Colin Hoult, Madeleine Brettingham, Dale Shaw, Kevin Core, Rob Gilroy, Tom Neenan and Jon Hunter.

Script editors: James Kettle and Dan Tetsell
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.


SUN 23:00 Newsjack (m0002z0l)
Series 20

Episode 5

Newsjack is a scrapbook sketch show written entirely by the Great British public. Host Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined this week by Jason Forbes, Luke Kempner and Emily Lloyd-Saini.

Script Editors: Ed Amsden and Tom Coles
Production Coordinator: Gwyn Davies
Producers: Hayley Sterling and Nick Coupe

Newsjack is a BBC Studios Production.


SUN 23:30 Radio Active (b008gdb7)
Series 3

Probe Round the Back

Radio Active's regular analysis programme, Probe, takes a look behind-the-scenes at Britain's first national local radio station

Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins, Philip Pope and Michael Fenton-Stevens.

Written by Angus Deayton and Geoffrey Perkins. With Jon Canter, Moray Hunter and John Docherty.

Producer: Jamie Rix

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1983.



MONDAY 11 MARCH 2019

MON 00:00 The Prisoner (m00035w3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:40 Daphne Du Maurier - The Old Man (m00035w9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:40 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) (b05zllz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:15 Nia Williams - Another View (m00035v7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]


MON 02:30 Golden Child Omnibus (m00035vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]


MON 03:45 Key Matters (b00b6x4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 Caroline Gawn - Fraud (b0076cpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m00035vz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]


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


MON 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00dbwts)
Episode 10

The devastated daredevil sets out to take revenge on his enemies - one by one. Concluded 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.


MON 06:30 There's More to Life Than London (b00sxh94)
Tube fairs. The rattling overcrowded tube itself. The house prices, the negative equity, the schools, the dirt. There are plenty of reasons not to live in London, which may be the reason most people in Britain don't.

Stuart Cosgrove (Commissioning Editor for Nations and Regions of Channel 4 until 2015) presents a programme on the joys and challenges of choosing to live and work outside the capital.

The journalist and broadcaster examines the dark side of Britain's obsessive metrocentrism, the brain-draining draw of the capital, sucking enterprise and energy from the regions and its navel-gazing parochialism, dressed up as cosmopolitanism.

As the Civil Service and the BBC itself begin to grapple with the challenges of moving key departments outside of the capital this will be a timely look at how and why, despite political and institutional devolution, we still allow London to dominate British life, and what price we pay for the largely unexamined assumption that everything happens in London.

Producer David Stenhouse

From July 2010.


MON 07:00 Flying the Flag (b00bx1kd)
Series 3

Our Own Correspondent

Press freedom reaches the People's Republic, closely followed by Henry Treebling, Investigative Reporter.

"Surely diplomatic moves are under foot to slow the pace of reform, Mr Mackenzie?"

"Of course not. But how did Treebling find out about them?"

Series 3 of Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.

Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson, Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov and John Grieve as Treebling.

Producer: Neil Cargill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1990.


MON 07:30 Just a Minute (m0002z98)
Series 83

Episode 5

Tony Hawks, Josie Lawrence, Gyles Brandreth & Angela Barnes join Nicholas Parsons for the panel game where the challenge is to speak without repetition, deviation or hesitation.

Produced by Victoria Lloyd
A BBC Studios Production


MON 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008v13d)
Series 5

The Sleepless Night

The lad tries to get a good night's sleep, but everybody else keeps him awake.

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 June 1958.


MON 08:30 Dad's Army (b007jrv9)
Series 1

Museum Piece

The determination of Captain Mainwaring and his Home Guard platoon to fight to the last man is marred only by one small detail - a total lack of weapons.

Six years after legendary sitcom Dad's Army started on BBC TV, these specially adapted radio versions began recording with the original cast.

Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, John Laurie as Private Fraser, James Beck as Private Walker, Arnold Ridley as Godfrey, Eric Woodburn as George Jones and John Snagge as the announcer.

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

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1974.


MON 09:00 Quote... Unquote (b09cyglk)
Episode 6

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.

Historian: Kate Williams
Actor and Writer: Frog Stone
Actor and Writer: Sally Phillips
Columnist and Broadcaster: Matthew Parris

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

A BBC Studios Production.


MON 09:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00k2qm8)
Series 3

Rumours

Unlike the rolling stone, school gossip at King Street is virtually guaranteed to gather moss...

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 Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid, Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan, Paul Copley as Mr Long and Liza Sadovy as Mrs Sampson.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.


MON 10:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpr7)
Miss Honeychurch, Giotto and Too Much Beethoven

1905: Cousins Lucy and Charlotte arrive at the Pensione Bertolini in Florence to discover they've not been given their promised rooms.

EM Forster's 1908 novel dramatised in four parts by David Wade.

Stars Cathy Sara as Lucy Honeychurch, Sheila Hancock as Charlotte Bartlett, John Moffatt as Mr Emerson, Gary Cady as George Emerson, Stephen Moore as Mr Beebe, Barbara Jefford as Miss Lavish, Anna Cropper as Miss Alan and David Collings as Mr Eager.

Pianist: Terence Allbright

Director: Glyn Dearman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


MON 11:00 The TED Interview (p06ym3t4)
Sir Ken Robinson

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.

Sir Ken Robinson (still) wants an education revolution.
Do schools kill creativity? Back in 2006, Sir Ken Robinson posed this question to the TED audience – and boy, did it touch a nerve. More than fifty million views and a decade later, Chris sits down with Sir Ken to dig into the changes and progress that have been made, and see if the answer now is any different. How are educators thinking about creativity these days? And why should creativity be a focus at all? With his characteristic verve, wit and sparkle, Sir Ken explains all.

A TED original podcast.


MON 11:45 Multi Story (m00036cz)
Open Road

Marianne and Chris Fisher have swapped their five-bedroom family house in Shropshire, for Trudy the camper van.

This is not a holiday, but a complete change in lifestyle - the married couple are aiming to step foot in every country in the world.

Multi Story is a BBC podcast, presented and produced by Becca Bryers.


MON 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008v13d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jrv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00dbwts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 13:30 There's More to Life Than London (b00sxh94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b067wf32)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Six

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Episode Six.
By Simon Mawer. Marian runs into an old friend in Paris. The atomic age is advancing and Marian’s personal and professional life is getting increasingly complicated.

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 14:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03hvn59)
Population

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority (2012-2017), tells the story of a transformation in personal life in Britain, through the numbers that capture change on the grand scale.

He delves into the data for the big patterns and trends in history, finding new ways of thinking about the whole shape of the population - the balance between adults and children, for example, or the shifting shape of what we do with our lives, from infancy to retirement and death. He seeks answers in history to some of the problems that perplex us now, such as how badly austerity has bitten or the paradox of why no-one seems able to afford a house but so many people own one. And he tells these stories not just with data, but through people and the real experiences that bring the numbers to life.

In the search for data to measure how we've changed, the programme counts rotten teeth and adds up what people ate, what they own and throw away. What did we earn through the centuries, how do we know, and what could we do with it? What was our health like, or our homes, our jobs or education? What was the status and experience of women? And how has it all changed?

This is all presented with innovative radio techniques to capture data in sound - for example, new ways of creating graphs for the senses so that we can not just know, but feel, the changes.

Each of these ten programmes takes one theme, to explore how far we have made progress, and why it might continue, or falter.

Population:
Andrew Dilnot presents the first in a ten part series on the history of Britain seen through the numbers that describe the big trends and changes in the way we live, and the people whose stories bring the data to life. First, the population, and how it has abruptly reshaped through the centuries in a way that would make us unrecognisable to our ancestors.

Producer: Michael Blastland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

From 2013.


MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b04lpsbx)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

The Letter

In Rachel Joyce's best selling novel, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Queenie Hennessy is told she has days to live. She sends a letter of rose pink paper in which she bids goodbye to Harold Fry. It is a letter that inspires a walk, a cast of well-wishers, a journey of its own. Harold will save her.

Harold's story began its life as an award winning Radio 4 play so it only seems apt that this companion novel should grace the airwaves too.

In this novel there is a second letter - a quieter, longer, more complicated letter. It is in this one that Queenie reveals the shocking and beautiful truth of her life. It is Queenie's story and it is a love song to the man she loves.

'It's all very well for a man to step out of his front door and tell his friend to wait while he walks the length of England. It's an entirely different kettle of fish when you are the woman at the other end.'

Directed by Tracey Neale.


MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b0415h9w)
The Land Where Lemons Grow

Episode 1

A celebration of the Italian love affair with citrus fruit.

Mixing travel writing, history and horticulture, author Helena Attlee sets out to meet Italy's dedicated gardeners and farmers - whose passion for their life's work is as intoxicating as the sweet scent of zagara (citrus blossom).

In this episode: the elaborate naming systems of Renaissance botanists for the myriad varieties of citrus; and a journey to the Gulf of Naples to experience the mild yet intensely flavoured juice of the Amalfi lemon.

Read by Francesca Dymond

Written by Helena Attlee

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2014.


MON 15:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:00 Quote... Unquote (b09cyglk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 16:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00k2qm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 17:00 Flying the Flag (b00bx1kd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:30 Just a Minute (m0002z98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r0zb9)
Eric

Episode 1

When precocious young Eric Thursley summons a demon from the loathsome pit to fulfil his every wish, he certainly gets what he asked for.

Just... not exactly what he asked for. That's the problem with wishes.

Terry Pratchett's many Discworld novels combine a Technicolor imagination with a razor sharp wit, especially when he rewrites Faust as spotty teenage demonologist Eric.

Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Death ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Archchancellor ..... Robert Blythe
Parrot ..... Ben Crowe
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Mother ..... Christine Absalom
Narrator ..... Rick Warden

Adapted in four parts by Robin Brooks.

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


MON 18:15 Book at Bedtime (b03cmnzx)
Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories

Keeping His Promise

Marriott is cramming for an exam when he is disturbed by a late-night visitor, and an unexpected reminder of the past. It is an old school friend, but why is he so tired and so hungry?

Stories abridged by Robin Brooks
Read by Matthew Marsh

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


MON 18:30 A Good Read (b00852zs)
Mike Gayle and Deborah Moggach

Sue MacGregor and guests - best-selling novelists Mike Gayle and Deborah Moggach - discuss favourite books by Alan Sillitoe, Eva Hoffman and Sue Townsend.

From the Birmingham Book Festival.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner by Alan Sillitoe
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics

Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman
Publisher: Vintage

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend
Publisher: Penguin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.


MON 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008v13d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 Dad's Army (b007jrv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00dbwts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 20:30 There's More to Life Than London (b00sxh94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 21:00 The TED Interview (p06ym3t4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


MON 21:45 Multi Story (m00036cz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]


MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m0002z98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 22:30 Shappi Talk (b00lpmz7)
Series 1

Religion

Comedy series in which Shappi Khorsandi examines what it is like growing up in multi-cultural families.

Joining Shappi is Bengali comic Paul Sinha sharing his experiences of religion in his family. Shappi will also be joined by another 'related' guest- and she chats to ex Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

There'll also be a chance for Shappi to chat with the audience and a song from Hils Barker.

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


MON 23:00 The Now Show (m000300w)
Series 54

Episode 3

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

This week Neil Delamere visit the Groom Academy, Flo and Joan sing a song for International Women's Day and Marcus Brigstocke asks 'do we get the politicians we deserve.

It was written by the cast, with additional material from Jenny Laville, Robin Morgan, Nathan Roberts, Phoebe Roy and Edward Tew.

Producer: Adnan Ahmed

BBC Studios Production.


MON 23:30 Concrete Cow (b04t6vjy)
Series 2

Marriage

A couple are forced to put an exact price on love, a hi-fi obsessive goes too far and Turing needs IT support..

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 2004.



TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2019

TUE 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r0zb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:15 Book at Bedtime (b03cmnzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 A Good Read (m00036d1)
Mike Gayle & Deborah Moggach

Best-selling novelists Mike Gayle and Deborah Moggach join Sue MacGregor at the Birmingham Book Festival to discuss their favourite books.

BOOKS DISCUSSED:
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner by Alan Sillitoe
Publ: Harper Perennial Modern Classics

Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman
Publ: Vintage

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend
Publ: Penguin

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2007.


TUE 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00dbwts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 There's More to Life Than London (b00sxh94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b067wf32)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03hvn59)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b04lpsbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b0415h9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Quote... Unquote (b09cyglk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00k2qm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Flying the Flag (b00bx1kd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (m0002z98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt72)
Series 1

In Dominic's Memory

After attending the funeral of an elderly Irish priest – intelligence officers Colvil and Soames get a tip-off that his death has a controversial link...

Christopher Lee's six-part murder-mystery starring Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman as Alex Soames.

With Dudley Sutton as Arthur Guscott, Stephen Thorne as Joseph Kutner, Colette O'Neil as Mrs Wedlock, Peter Yapp as Monsignor and Joseph O'Conor as Father Dominic Byrne.

Producer: Pete Atkin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


TUE 06:30 Hits of the Blitz (b00tn8sz)
Paul Morley tries to discover what people were really listening to during the Blitz of WWII, and finds that there is much more to it than 'We'll Meet Again'.

We all think we know what people were dancing and listening to in their homes, in shelters and in night spots, but Morley hears hit tunes of the time which might come as a surprise to many of us. Morley goes in search of what these hit tunes tell us about how people were really feeling and coping during those difficult days.

If you had eavesdropped on a living room in 1940, you were more likely to have caught a burst of 'When You Wish Upon A Star' from Pinocchio than 'White Cliffs of Dover'. He speaks to Tony Benn about his memories of popular music during the Blitz as he experienced it, and what other members of the public were really humming during this time of crisis. He speaks to social historian Juliet Gardiner, musicologist Tim Healey and music therapist Stewart Wood about the mood of the time and why the music that evokes the war to us is often not the music that was actually being listened to.

Morley goes in search of what people were singing and dancing to in the Cafe de Paris in London's West End on the night that it was bombed in March 1940, and finds that it was not the American Lindy Hop swing that many of us picture of when we think of nightlife during the Blitz. In fact, it was a world where people still did the foxtrot and the waltz to numbers such as 'Oh Johnny Oh,' played by the band.

Producer: Victoria Shepherd
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k1tg)
Series 2

Trade Secrets

Confidentiality proves a headache for Rosie when she, Kate and Jo are all asked to organise top secret events...

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, Edward de Souza as Oleg, Gillian Hanna as Kirsten and Simon Trinder as Robert.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.


TUE 07:30 Small Scenes (m0002z4f)
Series 4

Episode 4

Award-winning sketch series set to music and starring Daniel Rigby, Mike Wozniak, Cariad Lloyd, Henry Paker and Freya Parker. This week a man discovers that his real name is Ian and his life starts to spiral into chaos. Meanwhile, a young woman exposes a dark conspiracy at the heart of West End musicals.

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 Play It Cool (b05pb52t)
Episode 1

Fast moving sketches and a plethora of comedy characters starring Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick.

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

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

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

Produced by John Simmonds

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1964.


TUE 08:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr9f)
Home Is the Hero

Bob's fiancee Thelma is appalled by the return of Terry to his home town after seven years.

Starring James Bolam as Terry Collier, Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris and Brigit Forsyth as Thelma Chambers. With Sheila Fearn and Peter Whitman.

Created and scripted for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Adapted for radio by Patrick Tilley.

Producer: John Browell
Originally lost from the archive, the audio was recovered in the BBC's Archive Treasure Hunt in 2003.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.


TUE 09:00 The Now Show (m000300w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]


TUE 09:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0081s34)
Series 1

Episode 3

Cads and Swine, The Giddy Girlhood of Mrs Wretch, plus a few problems with parrots.

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 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpty)
Good Men and Violets

Lucy Honeychurch has witnessed a murder in Florence, but George's actions disturb her more...

EM Forster's 1908 novel dramatised in four parts by David Wade.

Stars Cathy Sara as Lucy Honeychurch, Sheila Hancock as Charlotte Bartlett, John Moffatt as Mr Emerson, Gary Cady as George Emerson, Stephen Moore as Mr Beebe, Barbara Jefford as Miss Lavish, David Collings as Mr Eager and Andrew Branch as Phaeton.

Pianist: Terence Allbright

Director: Glyn Dearman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


TUE 11:00 Telling Tales (m00035pd)
Tim Key

This week’s episode takes a delightfully surreal turn, with the award-winning writer and comedian Tim Key.

Tim won the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award with a show that combined poetry, stand-up and film, and drew praise for the beauty peeping through the silliness.

His last show, Megadate, saw Tim weaving a comic tale around a night out at a popular tourist attraction, while reading short poems from pornographic playing cards.

As well as appearing on stage and screen - most recently as Sidekick Simon, on Mid Morning Matters, alongside Alan Partridge - Tim has been a radio regular since 2006. He has starred in sketch shows, dramas and documentaries which have explored first lines in literature and Russian writers.

We’ll delve into the archives to enjoy highlights, including Tim's Late Night Poetry Programme. Since it first aired in 2012, and over four series, Tim has taken listeners on adventures from the studio, to the Shard, St Albans and space. All while sharing poems, quips, and the regular torment of Lord, a long-suffering musician played by Tom Basden.


TUE 12:00 Play It Cool (b05pb52t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 12:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt72)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 13:30 Hits of the Blitz (b00tn8sz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b067x7gg)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Seven

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Episode Seven.
By Simon Mawer. Marian and Absolon get closer – but who is using who? And who else knows about them?

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 14:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j50qn)
Prosperity

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority (2012-2017), tells the story of a transformation in personal life in Britain, through the numbers that capture change on the grand scale.

He delves into the data for the big patterns and trends in history, finding new ways of thinking about the whole shape of the population - the balance between adults and children, for example, or the shifting shape of what we do with our lives, from infancy to retirement and death. He seeks answers in history to some of the problems that perplex us now, such as how badly austerity has bitten or the paradox of why no-one seems able to afford a house but so many people own one. And he tells these stories not just with data, but through people and the real experiences that bring the numbers to life.

In the search for data to measure how we've changed, the programme counts rotten teeth and adds up what people ate, what they own and throw away. What did we earn through the centuries, how do we know, and what could we do with it? What was our health like, or our homes, our jobs or education? What was the status and experience of women? And how has it all changed?

This is all presented with innovative radio techniques to capture data in sound - for example, new ways of creating graphs for the senses so that we can not just know, but feel, the changes.

Each of these ten programmes takes one theme, to explore how far we have made progress, and why it might continue, or falter.

Prosperity
Andrew Dilnot continues the story of Britain in numbers by looking at the history of how well off we have been over the years. He reveals the rich man's income from only a few generations ago that would be worth less than today's minimum wage, and uses striking audio techniques to capture the changes in our prosperity.

Producer: Michael Blastland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

From 2013.


TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m0q75)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

Harold Fry

By Rachel Joyce

While Harold Fry walks from Devon to the hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Queenie makes notes and Sister Mary Inconnue types them up. They won't stop until he arrrives and that is how Queenie will keep waiting.

Queenie ..... Sophie Thompson
Harold ..... Paul Venables
Sister Mary Inconnue ..... Roslyn Hill
Sister Catherine ..... Elaine Claxton
Sister Lucy ..... Hannah Genesius
Finty ..... Jane Slavin
Mr Henderson ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Napier ..... Shaun Mason

Directed by Tracey Neale


TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b0415j5g)
The Land Where Lemons Grow

Episode 2

Sicily's rich tradition of citrus cultivation.

Citrus first arrived on the island in the ninth century, brought by the Arabs whose sophisticated irrigation systems made it viable there as a crop. The island is still renowned for the quality of its fruit, particularly the arancia rossa, the blood orange, hailed as the 'prince among oranges', which is grown in the shadow of Mount Etna.

Mixing travel writing, history and horticulture, author Helena Attlee takes a celebratory journey through Italy, exploring the special place that citrus holds in the Italian imagination.

Read by Francesca Dymond

Written by Helena Attlee

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2014.


TUE 15:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:00 Genius (b00brvcm)
Series 1

Neil Innes

From bunk chairs to helium-filled bubble wrap. Dave Gorman asks musical comedian Neil Innes 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 (m00035pm)
Series 6

Episode 3

Speculation over the Hoover cottage – and who will accompany Guard Gallagher to 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, John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher and Gerard McSorley as Stumpy Bonnar.

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 (b007k1tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:30 Small Scenes (m0002z4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r5pxv)
Eric

Episode 2

Young Eric Thursley wants to rule the world, and junior wizard Rincewind actually manages to magic him up a tribal kingdom among the Tezumen, in the rainforests of Klatch.

But all that changes when they meet the Tezumen's bloodthirsty deity: Quetzovercoatl.

Terry Pratchett's many Discworld novels combine a Technicolor imagination with a razor sharp wit, especially when he rewrites Faust as spotty teenage demonologist Eric.

Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Parrot ..... Ben Crowe
Ponce Da Quirm ..... Jack Klaff
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Quetzovercoatl ..... Robert Blythe
Narrator ..... Rick Warden

Adapted in four parts by Robin Brooks.

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


TUE 18:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6hfh)
Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories

The Land of Green Ginger

Elderly novelist Mr Adam has been asked to describe what made him start to write. He recalls an inexplicably bizarre and murderous encounter in an old furniture shop.

Stories abridged by Robin Brooks

Read by Matthew Marsh

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


TUE 18:30 The Radio Detectives (b007jp9y)
Series 2

The Wisdom of Miss Marple

Examining the continual appeal of Agatha Christie's shrewd detective, Miss Jane Marple.

"A fluffy old dear with a dreadful hat." Discovering the inspiration and progression of St. Mary Mead's ever acute observer of deadly events.

Presented by Cultural historian Jeffrey Richards. With June Whitfield and Simon Brett.

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.


TUE 19:00 Play It Cool (b05pb52t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 20:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt72)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 20:30 Hits of the Blitz (b00tn8sz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 21:00 Telling Tales (m00035pd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


TUE 22:00 Small Scenes (m0002z4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 22:30 Susan Calman Is Convicted (b01qjb1y)
Series 1

Equal Marriage

Susan Calman explores issues on which she has strong opinions - starting with the hot political topic of Equal Marriage from a personal perspective.

When Susan was younger, she thought marriage was silly. A patriarchal institution which she would never buy into. That was until she grew up, fell in love and wanted more than anything to get married - except she couldn't.

Susan relates her own personal experiences on this matter; including the minutiae of the legislation governing her recent civil partnership ceremony, as well as examining the well-trodden arguments against the issue.

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013 - before new legislation was passed.


TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0003hn9)
Rob Carter 1/2

Sarah Campbell chats to Rob Carter.


TUE 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b00hv1f4)
Series 7

Episode 3

The presence of a baby is turning the residents of Hell all soft - Scumspawn becomes the first demon to wear a papoose, and Satan tries to locate "Satan Junior's" real family.

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 March 2009.


TUE 23:30 The Maltby Collection (b00m67w1)
Series 3

Episode 1

Massive budget cuts are needed – so who will museum director Walter put forward for the chop?

Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt star in series 3 of David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small museum of paintings and sculpture.

Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis ...... Chris Pavlo
Gloria Brindle ...... Helen Atkinson Wood.

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.



WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019

WED 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r5pxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]


WED 00:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6hfh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Tuesday]


WED 00:30 The Radio Detectives (b007jp9y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt72)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 Hits of the Blitz (b00tn8sz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b067x7gg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j50qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m0q75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b0415j5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007jpty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 Genius (b00brvcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 Ballylenon (m00035pm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 Smelling of Roses (b007k1tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 05:30 Small Scenes (m0002z4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 06:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt78)
Series 1

The Penitent

Probing the mysterious death of Father Dominic, intelligence officers Colvil and Soames uncover links to his past...

Christopher Lee's six-part murder-mystery starring Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman as Alex Soames.

With Dudley Sutton as Arthur Guscott, Stephen Thorne as Joseph Kutner, Colette O'Neil as Mrs Wedlock, Peter Yapp as Monsignor, Neil McCaul as Roger Brown and Joseph O'Conor as Father Dominic Byrne.

Producer: Pete Atkin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


WED 06:30 Selling British Luxury (b03cdzk8)
Why do British luxury brands outperform other sectors in the international market? Why are earnings from UK luxury good set to double to £12 billion by 2017? Laurence Llewelyn Bowen reports on the appeal of British goods from Rolls Royce cars to high fashion handbags, from fine cloth and cashmere to jewellery and gentleman's accessories.

He discovers that, while heritage and history play a part in the appeal of British Luxury brands, today's rich young consumers want far more than this. He reports on the ways British firms are bespoking their goods, offering re-assurance on authenticity and quality, investing in state of the art manufacture and reaching new customers through innovative use of digital platforms.

Laurence talks to Deborah Meaden about her recent purchase of a woollen mill making luxury flannel and accessories and asks why so many British luxury firms are taken over by foreign companies - and whether it matters.

He also discovers that, although British luxury firms cannot rival the powerful conglomerates of France and Italy, it's the very niche status of British brands that makes them so attractive to the new, discerning customer.

Producer: Susan Marling

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2013.

A Just Radio production for BBC Radio


WED 07:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
Series 4

Episode 5

Will singers Tommy and Sheila finally achieve the recognition they deserve – a Golden Goblet?

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 Nicola Blake.

Music by Frido Ruth.

Producer: Steve Doherty

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.


WED 07:30 Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? (m0001f1l)
Episode 2

What do CenterParcs, Sky Sports and The Royal Horticultural Society all have in common? They’ve all accidentally omitted Anglesey from their official maps of the UK in the recent past.

It seems that despite being the largest island in the Irish Sea and the largest island of Wales, Anglesey remains a mystery to most and so one man is going to have to work his socks off to put it firmly back on the map.

Hosted by Wales and Anglesey’s very own favourite stand-up, Tudur Owen, this programme is one man’s mission to both rejoice in and roast the island he calls home.

In Episode 2 Tudur introduces us to the people of Anglesey and asks if it's fair to call them a rather unique bunch.

Written by Tudur Owen with additional material by Gareth Gwynn. Also featuring Gareth Pierce and Lisa-Jên Brown.

Recorded at Canolfan Beaumaris on Anglesey.

Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production


WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b0151xwx)
The Mysterious Pudding Mine

Able Seaman Johnson's culinary efforts cause havoc on HMS Troutbridge - with unexpected consequences!

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 AS Johnson, Michael Bates as the Padre 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 September 1965.


WED 08:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08gjzsv)
Series 2

A Yap in the Night

A spate of break-ins in the neighbourhood sparks a security crackdown in the Corner household.

Starring Wendy Craig as Jennifer Corner, Francis Matthews as Henry Corner, Charlotte Mitchell as Mary, Roberta Tovey as Trudi, Jill Riddick as Amanda, Hugo Keith-Johnston as Robin, Frederick Treves as the Detective, David Tate as Mr Wilkinson and Benny Lee as the Pet Shop Owner.

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 November 1970.


WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b009rzmx)
Series 22

2008 Heat 3

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz, covering the whole musical spectrum from the classics to jazz, stage and film music, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out - Graham Bandy from Woking, Chris Cook from Haslemere and Brian Thorne from Blandford.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.


WED 09:30 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqb0)
The Menace of Totleigh Towers

Bertie Wooster is obliged to sort out an amorous mix-up between his friends.

PG Wodehouse romp adapted in six-parts by Richard Usborne.

Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Vivian Pickles as Aunt Dahlia, Ann Davies as Emerald Stoker, Douglas Blackwell as the Reverend Harold Pinker and Jonathan Cecil as Boko Fittleworth.

Producer: David Hatch

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.


WED 10:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qx2z)
A Proposal and a Bathing Party

Lucy Honeychurch returns to England much changed after her disturbing trip to Italy.

EM Forster's 1908 novel dramatised in four parts by David Wade.

Stars Cathy Sara as Lucy Honeychurch, Sheila Hancock as Charlotte Bartlett, John Moffatt as Mr Emerson, Stephen Moore as Mr Beebe, Julia McKenzie as Mrs Honeychurch, Roger May as Freddy Honeychurch, Nathaniel Parker as Cecil Vyse, Gary Cady as George Emerson, Tessa Worsley as Mrs Phipps, Derek Waring as Sir Harry Otway, Sara-Jane Derrick as Minnie Beebe, Jonathan Keeble as Floyd and Pauline Letts as Mrs Vyse.

Pianist: Terence Allbright

Director: Glyn Dearman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


WED 11:00 Stories by Teffi (b05qk6z1)
Heart of a Valkyrie

A series of tales by Teffi, a literary star in pre-revolutionary Russia who has been published again:

3. In Heart of a Valkyrie, translated by Anne Marie Jackson, the husband does little as his wife works all hours. The neighbours laugh at him, until a remarkable 'change' takes place..

Reader Hattie Morahan

Producer Duncan Minshull


WED 11:15 Christopher Reason - Box of Chocolates (b04vk8pn)
When Christine receives a box of her favourite chocolates from her recently estranged Aunt Shirley, she’s prompted to show how soft-centred she really is.
But watch out for the nuts!

A black chocolate comedy by Christopher Reason.

Starring Prunella Scales as Christine.

Director: Clive Brill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.


WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b0151xwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 12:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08gjzsv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 13:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 13:30 Selling British Luxury (b03cdzk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b0680k6n)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Eight

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no one moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Episode Eight.
By Simon Mawer. Marian feels vulnerable without Absolon and unsure about who to trust. Then she receives some unexpected news.

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4


WED 14:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j4y82)
Health

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority, tells the story of a transformation in personal life in Britain, through the numbers that capture change on the grand scale.

He delves into the data for the big patterns and trends in history, finding new ways of thinking about the whole shape of the population - the balance between adults and children, for example, or the shifting shape of what we do with our lives, from infancy to retirement and death. He seeks answers in history to some of the problems that perplex us now, such as how badly austerity has bitten or the paradox of why no-one seems able to afford a house but so many people own one. And he tells these stories not just with data, but through people and the real experiences that bring the numbers to life.

In the search for data to measure how we've changed, the programme counts rotten teeth and adds up what people ate, what they own and throw away. What did we earn through the centuries, how do we know, and what could we do with it? What was our health like, or our homes, our jobs or education? What was the status and experience of women? And how has it all changed?

This is all presented with innovative radio techniques to capture data in sound - for example, new ways of creating graphs for the senses so that we can not just know, but feel, the changes.

Each of these ten programmes takes one theme, to explore how far we have made progress, and why it might continue, or falter.

3. Health
Andrew Dilnot explores the history of our health numbers, turning statistics into sound to reveal the startling changes in what we have come to think of as normal, and discovering how the numbers translated into lives through the centuries.

Producer: Michael Blastland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m0rzf)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

David

By Rachel Joyce

As Harold walks, Queenie writes. She tells of how she fell in love with Harold twenty four years ago and the day she met his son, David.

Queenie ..... Sophie Thompson
Harold ..... Paul Venables
Sister Mary Inconnue ..... Roslyn Hill
David ..... Monty d'Inverno
Sister Catherine ..... Elaine Claxton
Sister Lucy ..... Hannah Genesius
Finty ..... Jane Slavin
Mr Henderson ..... Michael Bertenshaw

Directed by Tracey Neale


WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b0418lny)
The Land Where Lemons Grow

Episode 3

The extraordinary story of the Lake Garda lemon. In spite of the coolness of its northern latitude, Lake Garda was once the centre of a thriving citrus industry, producing extremely bitter lemons that were exported all over northern Europe. It was a feat only made possible by dogged determination and a lot of hard work.

Mixing travel writing, history and horticulture, Helena Attlee's celebratory journey through Italy explores the special place that citrus holds in the Italian imagination.

Read by Francesca Dymond

Written by Helena Attlee

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2014.


WED 15:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qx2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


WED 16:00 Counterpoint (b009rzmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 16:30 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 17:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:30 Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? (m0001f1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r9rtv)
Eric

Episode 3

Eric has summoned a demon and wished to meet the most beautiful woman in the world. Unfortunately, this lands him in a wooden horse in the middle of a rather famous siege.

Fortunately, he is accompanied by junior wizard Rincewind, and his indefatigable Luggage.

Terry Pratchett's many Discworld novels combine a Technicolor imagination with a razor sharp wit, especially when he rewrites Faust as spotty teenage demonologist Eric.

Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Death ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Eric ..... Will Howard
Lavaeolus ..... Rick Warden
Elenor ..... Christine Absalom
Sergeant ..... Ben Crowe
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Creator ..... Robert Blythe

Adapted in four-parts by Robin Brooks.

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


WED 18:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6j3j)
Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories

The Transfer

Uncle Frank is coming to visit his young nephew Jamie. But Jamie is a sensitive soul, and his governess has watched a strange obsession growing in him, and an unexplained terror at the forthcoming visit.

Stories abridged by Robin Brooks

Read by Ruth Gemmell

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


WED 18:30 My Life in Five Books (b012rbts)
Series 2

Robin Pilcher

Robin Pilcher didn't take up writing until he was 48 years old but he has made up for his late start by publishing many successful books. An Ocean Apart in 1999 was followed by Starting Over and A Risk Worth Taking and all three were adapted for television. His latest novel, A Matter of Trust has now been published in paperback.

Robin is also passionate about short stories and is a co-director of the website Shortbread Stories.

Chatting to Stuart Cosgrove about his 5 books Robin reveals his love of maps, picks a life changing book and they share a love of John Buchan's books.

Robin picks the following five books:

1: Favourite Childhood Book: A HIGH WIND IN JAMAICA by Richard Hughes

2: Life-Changing book: I HEARD THE OWL CALL MY NAME by Margaret Craven

3: Favourite Reference Book: AA ROAD MAP OF THE BRITISH ISLES

4:Book you've read most often: THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS by John Buchan

5: Favourite novel no one has heard of: LOVESONG by Alex Miller.

Produced by Mike Walker.

First broadcast on Radio Scotland in 2011.


WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b0151xwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 19:30 Not in Front of the Children (b08gjzsv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 20:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 20:30 Selling British Luxury (b03cdzk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 21:00 Stories by Teffi (b05qk6z1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


WED 21:15 Christopher Reason - Box of Chocolates (b04vk8pn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


WED 22:00 Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? (m0001f1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 22:30 Everyone Quite Likes Justin (b01mqmgl)
Series 2

Episode 3

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 a visit from his dad.

Justin ..... Justin Moorhouse
Gran ..... Anne Reid
Lisa ..... Christine Bottomley
Bryn ..... Lloyd Langford
Ray ..... Paul Copley
Miles ..... Rob Rouse
Dad ..... John Henshaw
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, a previous show for Radio 4 and the first series of Everyone Quite Likes Justin. Jim Poyser is a writer and producer of enormous experience in both radio and television.

Recorded in front of an audience in Manchester.


WED 23:00 Radio 9 (b0419ml6)
Series 1

Episode 3

"The 'accidentalist' movement in art explained plus sponsored surgery.

Delve into the recesses of a twisted comedy brain. 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! (b00plzyg)
Series 5

Yes Count Arthur

Outraged by an optician's dispute, Arthur seeks high office in the council elections. Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2010.



THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019

THU 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b01r9rtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]


THU 00:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6j3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Wednesday]


THU 00:30 My Life in Five Books (b012rbts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]


THU 01:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]


THU 01:30 Selling British Luxury (b03cdzk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]


THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b0680k6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]


THU 02:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j4y82)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]


THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m0rzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]


THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b0418lny)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]


THU 03:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qx2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b009rzmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:30 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]


THU 05:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]


THU 05:30 Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? (m0001f1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]


THU 06:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7k)
Series 1

The Wages of Sin

The late Father Dominic's mother was a Flynn, Mrs Wedlock was a Flynn, and the mysterious confessor was a Flynn.

But is this anything more than coincidence?

Christopher Lee's six-part murder-mystery starring Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman as Alex Soames.

With Dudley Sutton as Arthur Guscott, Stephen Thorne as Joseph Kutner, Colette O'Neil as Mrs Wedlock, Neil McCaul as Roger Brown, Christian Rodska as Father Williamson and Joseph O'Conor as Father Dominic Byrne.

Producer: Pete Atkin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


THU 06:30 Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues (b01pnmxg)
Danny Robins explores the little known story of Johnny Cash the prison reformer.

Cash's classic albums recorded at Folsom Prison and San Quentin are well known but few are aware that these were just two of many prison concerts he played over decades. Robins discovers how the singer became a passionate prison reformer who donated his own money to the cause, took a prisoner into his home and met Richard Nixon to force the issue.

Away from the spotlight of Folsom and San Quentin, Robins uncovers two neglected prison concerts. In Arkansas, he discovers a forgotten concert from one of the worst prisons in America at the time, Cummins Penitentiary. We go inside the prison, a place only few journalists have been allowed, and discover footage of Cash performing there. Robins looks at instruments of torture and meets one of the few men still alive who was at the concert, to discover what daily life was like in the prison a federal judge called "a dark and evil place".

He also unearths a prison album recorded at a Swedish prison in 1972, the only prison concert Cash ever performed outside America. Whereas Cummins represented everything Cash wanted to change about American prisons, Stockholm's Österåker prison represented everything he hoped they might become. Life at Österåker in the late 1960s and 70s was as liberal as Cummins was harsh, but was the Swedish way any more successful when it came to rehabilitating criminals?

Producer: Jo Wheeler
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 07:00 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
Episode 2

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

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

With music supplied by the Lorraine Bowen Experience.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1999.


THU 07:30 The Wilsons Save the World (m0002zrd)
Series 2

You Can’t Do That Anymore

Mike Wilson has some key loves in his life – his sourdough starter, his wife and children (obviously), but also the cult rock group of his formative years - The Smiths. Jangly and heartfelt it’s perfect music for the tortured soul; albeit one with a comfortable and privileged life. Until that is, Cat comes crashing in with her questions. Are some of Morrissey’s more recent statements problematic and if so, can we separate the arts from the artist? What else can’t we enjoy anymore? A rummage through his parent’s attic suggests LOTS, it turns out. Mike’s dilemma contorts him with anxiety as the family pick their way through this new minefield. Can we ‘offset’ liking problematic things?

Mike…Marcus Brigstocke
Max…Kerry Godliman
Cat..Mia Jenkins
Lola…India Brown
Jennifer...Vicki Pepperdine
Phillip…Rupert Vansittart
Writers...Marcus Brigstocke and Sarah Morgan
Producer...Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios production


THU 08:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s254c)
Series 2

Episode 3

Cinema shenanigans for the much-loved duo and the heroic deeds of Private Morecambe.

Written by Eddie Braben

With Richard Mathews, Ann Hamilton and Michael Kilgarriff.

Special singing guest: Clodagh Rodgers

Music from Peter Knight and his Orchestra

Producer: John Browell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1976.


THU 08:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
World War One

England and France are at war. Eccles is at lunch. With Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers. From February 1958.


THU 09:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mjktm)
Series 2

Episode 5

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 Stewart Lee and David Quantickto 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 (b00752lq)
Series 3

Episode 4

Maria turns agony aunt, but is Paul finally turning all grown-up and responsible?

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 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qvgf)
The Triumph of Phaeton

Engaged to Cecil Vyse but haunted by her dreams of George Emerson, Lucy Honeychurch feels muddled...

EM Forster's 1908 novel dramatised in four parts by David Wade.

Stars Cathy Sara as Lucy Honeychurch, Sheila Hancock as Charlotte Bartlett, John Moffatt as Mr Emerson, Stephen Moore as Mr Beebe, Julia McKenzie as Mrs Honeychurch, Roger May as Freddy Honeychurch, Nathaniel Parker as Cecil Vyse, Gary Cady as George Emerson, Sara-Jane Derrick as Minnie Beebe, Jonathan Keeble as Floyd, Anna Cropper as Miss Alan and Andrew Branch as Phaeton.

Pianist: Terence Allbright

Director: Glyn Dearman.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.


THU 11:00 Aunt Mirrie and the Child (b055dttn)
A new short story from award-winning author Kate Clanchy about what we inherit, and what we pass on.

Kate Clanchy was born and grew up in Scotland but now lives in Oxford. She is an award-winning novelist, short story writer and poet. Her work includes poetry collections 'Slattern', 'Samarkand' and 'Newborn' and the acclaimed novel 'Antigona and Me'. Her first novel, 'Meeting the English', was published by Picador in 2013 and was shortlisted for the 2013 Costa First Book Award.

'Aunt Mirrie and the Child' will appear in her forthcoming collection of short stories, 'The Not-Dead and the Saved', which will be published by Picador in 2015.

Producer: Mair Bosworth.


THU 11:15 Sarah Wooley - Planning Permission (b04nvbpc)
In the 1930s, the Brutalist architect Erno Goldfinger bought a row of Georgian terrace houses in Hampstead.

His plan was to knock down the houses and build a modernist dream home for his family to live in. The only problem was - the neighbours.

Justin Salinger stars as Erno Goldfinger in Sarah Wooley's comedy about neighbours, architecture, tradition versus modernism - and James Bond.

Director: Gaynor Macfarlane

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.


THU 12:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s254c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 12:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 13:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 13:30 Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues (b01pnmxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b0680t87)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Nine

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Episode Nine.
By Simon Mawer. Marian encounters a man from her past with disastrous consequences. She receives news that forces her to take action and make a plan.

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 14:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j53lh)
Stuff

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority (2012-2017), tells the story of a transformation in personal life in Britain, through the numbers that capture change on the grand scale.

He delves into the data for the big patterns and trends in history, finding new ways of thinking about the whole shape of the population - the balance between adults and children, for example, or the shifting shape of what we do with our lives, from infancy to retirement and death. He seeks answers in history to some of the problems that perplex us now, such as how badly austerity has bitten or the paradox of why no-one seems able to afford a house but so many people own one. And he tells these stories not just with data, but through people and the real experiences that bring the numbers to life.

In the search for data to measure how we've changed, the programme counts rotten teeth and adds up what people ate, what they own and throw away. What did we earn through the centuries, how do we know, and what could we do with it? What was our health like, or our homes, our jobs or education? What was the status and experience of women? And how has it all changed?

Each of these ten programmes takes one theme, to explore how far we have made progress, and why it might continue, or falter.

Stuff
Andrew Dilnot's history of the big trends in history in numbers continues with the story of stuff - the things we consume, from light to concrete - packed with revealing statistics and stories of the way stuff changed our lives.

Producer: Michael Blastland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

From 2013.


THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m3ckm)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

Poems

By Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry has been walking forty days and Queenie waits. She writes and Sister Mary types. Did David steal the poems and will Queenie's secret be revealed?

Queenie ..... Sophie Thompson
Harold ..... Paul Venables
Sister Mary Inconnue ..... Roslyn Hill
David ..... Monty d'Inverno
Sister Catherine ..... Elaine Claxton
Sister Lucy ..... Hannah Genesius
Finty ..... Jane Slavin
Mr Henderson ..... Michael Bertenshaw

Directed by Tracey Neale


THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b0418rc7)
The Land Where Lemons Grow

Episode 4

Uncovering the origins of the fantastically violent and messy Battle of the Oranges - an annual event that marks the end of carnival in the Northern Italian town of Ivrea.

Mixing travel writing, history and horticulture, Helena Attlee's celebratory journey through Italy explores the special place that citrus holds in the Italian imagination.

Read by Francesca Dymond

Written by Helena Attlee

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2014.


THU 15:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qvgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


THU 16:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mjktm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


THU 16:30 Rent (b00752lq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


THU 17:00 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


THU 17:30 The Wilsons Save the World (m0002zrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b01rgj25)
Eric

Episode 4

Demon King Astfgl surfs the space-time continuum in a rage, determined to lure Eric and Rincewind finally to Hell.

But when they arrive at the Dread Portal, there's a bit of a staff motivation issue.

Terry Pratchett's many Discworld novels combine a Technicolor imagination with a razor sharp wit, especially when he rewrites Faust as spotty teenage demonologist Eric.

Rincewind ..... Mark Heap
Eric ..... Will Howard
Demon King Astfgl ..... Nicholas Murchie
Urglefloggah ..... Jack Klaff
Duke Vassenego ..... Ben Crowe
Screwpate ..... Michael Shelford
Drazometh ..... Robert Blythe
Narrator ..... Rick Warden

Last of four-parts adpated by Robin Brooks.

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


THU 18:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6qb7)
Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories

The Man Who Lived Backwards

Musing in his chair one evening, Professor Zeitt stumbles on a way of looking at the events of his life from outside time, and reviews a crucial decision he made as a young man which has left him unhappy in love - unhappy in life.

Stories abridged by Robin Brooks

Read by Matthew Marsh

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


THU 18:30 Great Lives (b01mw358)
Series 28

Edith Wharton

"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." Edith Wharton is as well known for her wit as for her novels. Born in 1862, she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, for The Age of Innocence in 1921. She is nominated by Naomi Wolf, the provocative American commentator and author of The Beauty Myth.
Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined in the studio by Janet Beer and Avril Horner.

The producer is Jolyon Jenkins.

From 2012.


THU 19:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s254c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 19:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 20:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 20:30 Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues (b01pnmxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 21:00 Aunt Mirrie and the Child (b055dttn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


THU 21:15 Sarah Wooley - Planning Permission (b04nvbpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]


THU 22:00 The Wilsons Save the World (m0002zrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 22:30 Newsjack (m000346v)
Series 20

Episode 6

Newsjack is a scrapbook sketch show written entirely by the Great British public. Host Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined this week by Celeste Dring, George Fouracres and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Script Editors: Ed Amsden and Tom Coles
Production Coordinator: Gwyn Davies
Producers: Suzy Grant and Andy Goddard

Newsjack is a BBC Studios Production.


THU 23:00 The Consultants (b007k2w7)
Series 3

Episode 6

Unisex barbers and wrong telephone numbers. Cerebral sketch show with Neil Edmond and Justin Edwards. From January 2005.


THU 23:30 Hut 33 (b01jk1bx)
Series 3

Big Machine

1942: can Gordon's new computing invention help the Bletchley Park code-breakers?

Stars Tom Goodman-Hill as Archie, Robert Bathurst as Professor Charles Gardner, Fergus Craig as Gordon, Alex MacQueen as 3rd Lt. Joshua Featherstonhaugh-Marshall, Olivia Colman as Minka and Lill Roughley as Mrs Best.

Written by James Cary.

Producer: Adam Bromley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.



FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2019

FRI 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b01rgj25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]


FRI 00:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6qb7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b01mw358)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]


FRI 01:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]


FRI 01:30 Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues (b01pnmxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]


FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b0680t87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]


FRI 02:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j53lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]


FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m3ckm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]


FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b0418rc7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]


FRI 03:00 EM Forster - A Room with a View (b007qvgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mjktm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:30 Rent (b00752lq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]


FRI 05:00 Heated Rollers (b007qg19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]


FRI 05:30 The Wilsons Save the World (m0002zrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]


FRI 06:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7v)
Series 1

Requiescant in Pace

"Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead."

Two are indeed now dead, so who keeps the secret?

Christopher Lee's six-part murder-mystery starring Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman as Alex Soames.

With Dudley Sutton as Arthur Guscott, Stephen Thorne as Joseph Kutner, Christian Rodska as Father Williamson Beth Porter as Donna Hanley, Elaine Claxton as Theresa and Joseph O'Conor as Father Dominic Byrne.

Producer: Pete Atkin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.


FRI 06:30 The Race to Dover (b00kpw1z)
BBC cricket correspondent and keen pilot Jonathan Agnew tells the story of the competition held in July 1909 to become the first pilot to fly across the English Channel.

Louis Bleriot, a 37-year-old engineer with a badly burned foot, took the prize offered by Lord Northcliffe, owner of the Daily Mail. Jonathan finds out what happened to the favourite, the young international playboy and sportsman Hubert Latham, and climbs into the cockpit of the first flying machine to make the crossing, the Bleriot XI.


FRI 07:00 The Elephant Man (b04phhxw)
It Could Be the Zoo

Tax problems and incompetent staff are just two of Southwood Zoo's problems.

But the National Lottery is designed to come to the aid of such hopeless causes.

Debbie Barham's 8-part sitcom about sitcom about the life of an elephant zoo keeper.

Starring Peter Serafinowicz as Terry Lyon, Chris Emmet as Leonard, Geoff McGivern as George, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Maureen, Richard Pearce as Adam, Joanna Monro as Stephanie and Wayne Forester as Morse.

Producer: Richard Wilson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.


FRI 07:30 Where's the F in News (m0002zrr)
Series 2

Episode 1

An energetic, intelligent female-anchored show with a female panel - using the events, trends and talking points they think should really be top of the news agenda in a series of fresh and funny challenges.

Host Jo Bunting is joined by a panel of women including Gemma Cairney, Julia Hartley-Brewer and comedians Jayde Adams and Zoe Lyons.

Jo Bunting is a producer and writer of topical comedy and satire, with credits including Have I Got News For You, the Great British Bake Off spin off show An Extra Slice with Jo Brand, and the successful topical chat show That Sunday Night Show presented by Adrian Chiles on ITV. Jo was a guest interviewer on Loose Ends for several years and a panellist on Loose Women.

An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4


FRI 08:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
From 19/02/1984

From Russian spies to a tour of BBC sound effects department.

Michael Bentine in the ultimate one-man show written and performed by the host.

Producer: Jamie Rix

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1984.


FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b013fj7r)
Series 2

The Wooden Overcoats

Trouble ensues when Harold brings home coffins on the cart, sparking a burst of manic superstition from Albert.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.

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 Who Goes There? (b0075yzs)
Series 4

Episode 3

Martin Young chairs the quiz which looks at the noteworthy and the notorious from history.

Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego with guests Vivienne Parry and Jonathan Meades

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.


FRI 09:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k17f)
Episode 3

Edgar Finchley gets captured, wins an unlikely prize and hits the wrong note with an army band.

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 Ronald Fraser as Colonel Greatorex, Joe Melia as Marshall, Chris Emmett as Garge, Jon Glover as Ernie and Susie Brann as the Young Woman.

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 (b04nqpd0)
The Boy from Aleppo Who Painted the War

Farshid Rokey, Noof Ousellam and Jalleh Alizadeh lead an outstanding young cast in this heart-rending drama, based on the moving debut novel by Sumia Sukkar.

'The Boy from Aleppo who Painted the War' presents the Syrian conflict through the eyes of Adam, a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome, who can only speak the truth.

As the war creeps ever closer to home, it devastates and disrupts the life of his family.

Struggling to make sense of the conflict, as he and his family try to survive in an impossibly brutal world, Adam paints as a way to record and cope with the horrors he witnesses.

His older brothers face the dilemma of whether to take sides - and the consequences of their choices have repercussions for the entire family. But can they make it to safety as the conflict in Aleppo rages all around them?

The immediacy and impact of this drama bear witness to the horrors of war, its effect upon the innocent, and the triumph of the human spirit over almost unbearable adversity.

Dramatised for radio by Richard Kurti and Bev Doyle.

Original Music: Imran Ahmad
Sound Design: Wilfredo Acosta

Executive Producer: Andrew Mark Sewell
Producer: Patrick Chapman
Director: Fiona McAlpine

A B7 Production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m00036q4)
Alex Lowe: Brian & Roger and I am the EggPod

Presenters recommend their favourite podcasts and speak to the people who make them.


FRI 12:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b013fj7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 13:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 13:30 The Race to Dover (b00kpw1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b06811qf)
Simon Mawer - Tightrope

Episode Ten

A tale of love, betrayal and espionage as the political alliances forged during the Second World War give way to the moral uncertainties of the Cold War.

Marian Sutro is a highly successful British SOE operative working with the French Resistance. Then she is betrayed and imprisoned in Ravensbrück by the Nazis.

Returning to England a broken woman, she attempts to immerse herself in a normal life with a mundane job in London. However, the lure of the secret service and her desire to work for the greater good is never far away.

As the Americans test ever more deadly atomic weapons and the Russians join the frantic race to match them, Marian finds herself in demand by all sides with no moral compass to guide her.

She must walk an increasingly precarious tightrope between her beliefs, her profession and her desires.

Episode Ten.
By Simon Mawer. Sam, now a young man, helps Marian put her final plan into action. Back to the present and she tells him what happened with the rest of her life.

Reader: Peter Firth
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 14:15 A History of Britain in Numbers (b03j5czm)
Homes

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority (2012-2017) tells the story of a transformation in personal life in Britain, through the numbers that capture change on the grand scale.

He delves into the data for the big patterns and trends in history, finding new ways of thinking about the whole shape of the population - the balance between adults and children, for example, or the shifting shape of what we do with our lives, from infancy to retirement and death. He seeks answers in history to some of the problems that perplex us now, such as how badly austerity has bitten or the paradox of why no-one seems able to afford a house but so many people own one. And he tells these stories not just with data, but through people and the real experiences that bring the numbers to life.

In the search for data to measure how we've changed, the programme counts rotten teeth and adds up what people ate, what they own and throw away. What did we earn through the centuries, how do we know, and what could we do with it? What was our health like, or our homes, our jobs or education? What was the status and experience of women? And how has it all changed?

Each of these ten programmes takes one theme, to explore how far we have made progress, and why it might continue, or falter.

Homes
Andrew Dilnot tackles the history of our homes in numbers, looking for the big trends and statistical details over the centuries that might help explain why housing has become a national obsession. Continues next week.

Producer: Michael Blastland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

From 2013.


FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b04m3cf2)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

The Arrival

By Rachel Joyce

Queenie is waiting for Harold Fry to arrive but she is runnng out of time. As she writes we discover why she has hidden away from him for over twenty years.

Queenie ..... Sophie Thompson
Harold ..... Paul Venables
Sister Mary Inconnue ..... Roslyn Hill
Sister Catherine ..... Elaine Claxton
Sister Lucy ..... Hannah Genesius
Finty ..... Jane Slavin
Mr Henderson ..... Michael Bertenshaw
David ..... Monty d'Inverno

Directed by Tracey Neale


FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b0418wy7)
The Land Where Lemons Grow

Episode 5

A journey to Calabria, in the deep south of Italy, to discover one of the rarest and most precious of citrus fruits: the bergamot.

Bergamot is the product of a natural cross-pollination between a lemon tree and a sour orange that occurred in Calabria in the mid-seventeenth century. It's very particular about its environment and fruits successfully only on a thin strip of land that runs for seventy-five kilometres from the Tyrrhenian coast to the shores of the Ionian Sea.

Mixing travel writing, history and horticulture, Helena Attlee's celebratory journey through Italy explores the special place that citrus holds in the Italian imagination.

Read by Francesca Dymond

Written by Helena Attlee

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2014.


FRI 15:00 Saturday Drama (b04nqpd0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


FRI 16:00 Who Goes There? (b0075yzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


FRI 16:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k17f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


FRI 17:00 The Elephant Man (b04phhxw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


FRI 17:30 Where's the F in News (m0002zrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


FRI 18:00 Philip Levene - The Disposal of Digby (b08hld40)
Deemed a security threat, an employee is swiftly "removed" in an unusual way.

Stars John Baddeley as Digby, Garard Green as Kendrick, Austin Trevor as Sir Gerald, Peter Pratt as Taxi Driver/Doctor, Margaret Wolfit as Miss Trevelyan, Valerie Kirkbright as Air Hostess and Peter Bartlett as Passport Official / Braithwaite.

Producer: Michael Bakewell

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1964.


FRI 18:15 Book at Bedtime (b03d6r34)
Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories

The Kit Bag

Johnson has attended a shocking court-case and, as he packs for his holiday, the memories of the details of a brutal murder comes back to haunt him. But so does something else.

Stories abridged by Robin Brooks
Read by Matthew Marsh
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b0076d34)
Crowds

John Cooper Clarke, Kathryn Flett and Owen Shears are the writers with Matthew Parris for a bout of intense interest in the theme of crowds.

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 Jane Greenwood.

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2003.


FRI 19:00 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b013fj7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 20:00 Colvil and Soames (b007jt7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 20:30 The Race to Dover (b00kpw1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m00036q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


FRI 22:00 Where's the F in News (m0002zrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


FRI 22:30 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b00vhf5y)
July and August

School's out for Barack Obama, Frank McCourt and Germaine Greer.

Satirist Craig Brown dips into the private lives of public figures from the 1960s to the present day.

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 (m0003dx5)
Lizzie Roper 1/3

Jake Yapp chats to actress, comic, podcaster and all-round hoot Lizzie Roper.


FRI 23:00 Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes (b01pbxz2)
Series 2

Myths

The Welsh dragon, Merlin and Fireman Sam. Determining the ultimate mythical hero of Wales. From December 2012.


FRI 23:30 Thom Tuck Goes Straight to DVD (b01bwp8v)
Pilot

Thom Tuck recounts heart-rending tales of love and loss, laying bare all the failures he's suffered in his relationships and drawing comparisons with the 54 straight-to-DVD Disney movies he's watched, so we don't have to. These underrated gems - perhaps rightfully ignored and forgotten - mirror his experiences with women he has loved too often and too soon.

A show with a huge heart, all about heartbreak in various forms...the perfect antidote for Valentines Day.

Thom Tuck's brilliant debut solo show was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Fosters Comedy Awards in Edinburgh 2011. He is also part of acclaimed sketch group "The Penny Dreadfuls".

"...a seductive experience" The Guardian

Produced by Lianne Coop.




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 02:30 SAT (b05y16ms)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 MON (b04lpsbx)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 TUE (b04lpsbx)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 TUE (b04m0q75)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 WED (b04m0q75)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 WED (b04m0rzf)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 THU (b04m0rzf)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 THU (b04m3ckm)

15 Minute Drama 02:30 FRI (b04m3ckm)

15 Minute Drama 14:30 FRI (b04m3cf2)

28 Acts in 28 Minutes 23:00 SAT (b008kmqx)

A Good Read 18:30 MON (b00852zs)

A Good Read 00:30 TUE (m00036d1)

A History of Britain in Numbers 14:15 MON (b03hvn59)

A History of Britain in Numbers 02:15 TUE (b03hvn59)

A History of Britain in Numbers 14:15 TUE (b03j50qn)

A History of Britain in Numbers 02:15 WED (b03j50qn)

A History of Britain in Numbers 14:15 WED (b03j4y82)

A History of Britain in Numbers 02:15 THU (b03j4y82)

A History of Britain in Numbers 14:15 THU (b03j53lh)

A History of Britain in Numbers 02:15 FRI (b03j53lh)

A History of Britain in Numbers 14:15 FRI (b03j5czm)

A Piece of Cake 02:15 SAT (m000303q)

A Short History of Vampires 00:00 SAT (b00z55h6)

A Small Town Murder (Omnibus) 13:00 SAT (m00034ly)

A Small Town Murder (Omnibus) 01:00 SUN (m00034ly)

All Gas and Gaiters 08:00 SUN (b007jpjp)

All Gas and Gaiters 12:00 SUN (b007jpjp)

All the Way from Memphis 12:00 SAT (b00mdyl9)

All the Way from Memphis 09:00 THU (b00mjktm)

All the Way from Memphis 16:00 THU (b00mjktm)

All the Way from Memphis 04:00 FRI (b00mjktm)

Archive on 4 08:00 SAT (b00766q4)

Archive on 4 15:00 SAT (b00766q4)

Archive on 4 03:00 SUN (b00766q4)

Aunt Mirrie and the Child 11:00 THU (b055dttn)

Aunt Mirrie and the Child 21:00 THU (b055dttn)

Ballylenon 16:30 TUE (m00035pm)

Ballylenon 04:30 WED (m00035pm)

Beachcomber... By the Way 09:30 TUE (b0081s34)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 SAT (b067h157)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 MON (b067wf32)

Book at Bedtime 18:15 MON (b03cmnzx)

Book at Bedtime 00:15 TUE (b03cmnzx)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 TUE (b067wf32)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 TUE (b067x7gg)

Book at Bedtime 18:15 TUE (b03d6hfh)

Book at Bedtime 00:15 WED (b03d6hfh)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 WED (b067x7gg)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 WED (b0680k6n)

Book at Bedtime 18:15 WED (b03d6j3j)

Book at Bedtime 00:15 THU (b03d6j3j)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 THU (b0680k6n)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 THU (b0680t87)

Book at Bedtime 18:15 THU (b03d6qb7)

Book at Bedtime 00:15 FRI (b03d6qb7)

Book at Bedtime 02:00 FRI (b0680t87)

Book at Bedtime 14:00 FRI (b06811qf)

Book at Bedtime 18:15 FRI (b03d6r34)

Book of the Week 02:45 SAT (b040qxkl)

Book of the Week 14:45 MON (b0415h9w)

Book of the Week 02:45 TUE (b0415h9w)

Book of the Week 14:45 TUE (b0415j5g)

Book of the Week 02:45 WED (b0415j5g)

Book of the Week 14:45 WED (b0418lny)

Book of the Week 02:45 THU (b0418lny)

Book of the Week 14:45 THU (b0418rc7)

Book of the Week 02:45 FRI (b0418rc7)

Book of the Week 14:45 FRI (b0418wy7)

Bridget Christie Minds the Gap 22:00 SAT (b01rgmfd)

Caroline Gawn - Fraud 16:00 SUN (b0076cpm)

Caroline Gawn - Fraud 04:00 MON (b0076cpm)

Christopher Reason - Box of Chocolates 11:15 WED (b04vk8pn)

Christopher Reason - Box of Chocolates 21:15 WED (b04vk8pn)

Clare in the Community 05:30 SAT (b08587nz)

Colvil and Soames 06:00 TUE (b007jt72)

Colvil and Soames 13:00 TUE (b007jt72)

Colvil and Soames 20:00 TUE (b007jt72)

Colvil and Soames 01:00 WED (b007jt72)

Colvil and Soames 06:00 WED (b007jt78)

Colvil and Soames 13:00 WED (b007jt78)

Colvil and Soames 20:00 WED (b007jt78)

Colvil and Soames 01:00 THU (b007jt78)

Colvil and Soames 06:00 THU (b007jt7k)

Colvil and Soames 13:00 THU (b007jt7k)

Colvil and Soames 20:00 THU (b007jt7k)

Colvil and Soames 01:00 FRI (b007jt7k)

Colvil and Soames 06:00 FRI (b007jt7v)

Colvil and Soames 13:00 FRI (b007jt7v)

Colvil and Soames 20:00 FRI (b007jt7v)

Concrete Cow 23:30 MON (b04t6vjy)

Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! 23:30 WED (b00plzyg)

Counterpoint 09:00 WED (b009rzmx)

Counterpoint 16:00 WED (b009rzmx)

Counterpoint 04:00 THU (b009rzmx)

Craig Brown's Lost Diaries 22:30 FRI (b00vhf5y)

Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) 06:00 SUN (b05zllz3)

Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) 13:00 SUN (b05zllz3)

Cyrano de Bergerac (Omnibus) 01:00 MON (b05zllz3)

Dad's Army 12:30 SAT (b007k1s5)

Dad's Army 08:30 MON (b007jrv9)

Dad's Army 12:30 MON (b007jrv9)

Dad's Army 19:30 MON (b007jrv9)

Daphne Du Maurier - The Old Man 18:40 SUN (m00035w9)

Daphne Du Maurier - The Old Man 00:40 MON (m00035w9)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 10:15 SUN (m00035vh)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 21:15 SUN (m00035vh)

Down Your Way 14:15 SAT (m00034m2)

Down Your Way 02:15 SUN (m00034m2)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 10:00 MON (b007jpr7)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 15:00 MON (b007jpr7)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 03:00 TUE (b007jpr7)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 10:00 TUE (b007jpty)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 15:00 TUE (b007jpty)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 03:00 WED (b007jpty)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 10:00 WED (b007qx2z)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 15:00 WED (b007qx2z)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 03:00 THU (b007qx2z)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 10:00 THU (b007qvgf)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 15:00 THU (b007qvgf)

EM Forster - A Room with a View 03:00 FRI (b007qvgf)

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

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

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

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

Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes 23:00 FRI (b01pbxz2)

Everyone Quite Likes Justin 22:30 WED (b01mqmgl)

Flying the Flag 07:00 MON (b00bx1kd)

Flying the Flag 17:00 MON (b00bx1kd)

Flying the Flag 05:00 TUE (b00bx1kd)

Genius 16:00 TUE (b00brvcm)

Genius 04:00 WED (b00brvcm)

Golden Child Omnibus 14:30 SUN (m00035vr)

Golden Child Omnibus 02:30 MON (m00035vr)

Great Lives 18:30 THU (b01mw358)

Great Lives 00:30 FRI (b01mw358)

Hancock's Half Hour 08:00 MON (b008v13d)

Hancock's Half Hour 12:00 MON (b008v13d)

Hancock's Half Hour 19:00 MON (b008v13d)

Heated Rollers 07:00 THU (b007qg19)

Heated Rollers 17:00 THU (b007qg19)

Heated Rollers 05:00 FRI (b007qg19)

Hercule Poirot 06:00 SAT (b009v35c)

Hercule Poirot 16:00 SAT (b009v35c)

Hercule Poirot 04:00 SUN (b009v35c)

Hits of the Blitz 06:30 TUE (b00tn8sz)

Hits of the Blitz 13:30 TUE (b00tn8sz)

Hits of the Blitz 20:30 TUE (b00tn8sz)

Hits of the Blitz 01:30 WED (b00tn8sz)

Hut 33 23:30 THU (b01jk1bx)

Inheritance Tracks 14:10 SAT (m00034m0)

Inheritance Tracks 02:10 SUN (m00034m0)

John Wyndham - Chocky 18:00 SAT (m00034m4)

John Wyndham - Chocky 00:00 SUN (m00034m4)

Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues 06:30 THU (b01pnmxg)

Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues 13:30 THU (b01pnmxg)

Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues 20:30 THU (b01pnmxg)

Johnny Cash and the Forgotten Prison Blues 01:30 FRI (b01pnmxg)

Just a Minute 07:30 MON (m0002z98)

Just a Minute 17:30 MON (m0002z98)

Just a Minute 22:00 MON (m0002z98)

Just a Minute 05:30 TUE (m0002z98)

Key Matters 15:45 SUN (b00b6x4s)

Key Matters 03:45 MON (b00b6x4s)

King Street Junior Revisited 09:30 MON (b00k2qm8)

King Street Junior Revisited 16:30 MON (b00k2qm8)

King Street Junior Revisited 04:30 TUE (b00k2qm8)

Last Chance to See 07:30 SAT (m00034lt)

Last Chance to See 17:30 SAT (m00034lt)

Last Chance to See 05:30 SUN (m00034lt)

Liam Williams: Ladhood 22:30 SAT (b06qk005)

Like They've Never Been Gone 07:00 WED (b00cvjvf)

Like They've Never Been Gone 17:00 WED (b00cvjvf)

Like They've Never Been Gone 05:00 THU (b00cvjvf)

Mr Finchley Takes the Road 04:30 SAT (b007k0zf)

Mr Finchley Takes the Road 09:30 FRI (b007k17f)

Mr Finchley Takes the Road 16:30 FRI (b007k17f)

Multi Story 11:45 MON (m00036cz)

Multi Story 21:45 MON (m00036cz)

My Life in Five Books 18:30 WED (b012rbts)

My Life in Five Books 00:30 THU (b012rbts)

Newsjack 23:00 SUN (m0002z0l)

Newsjack 22:30 THU (m000346v)

Nia Williams - Another View 07:15 SUN (m00035v7)

Nia Williams - Another View 14:15 SUN (m00035v7)

Nia Williams - Another View 02:15 MON (m00035v7)

Not in Front of the Children 08:30 WED (b08gjzsv)

Not in Front of the Children 12:30 WED (b08gjzsv)

Not in Front of the Children 19:30 WED (b08gjzsv)

Off the Page 00:30 SAT (b0076czy)

Off the Page 18:30 FRI (b0076d34)

Old Harry's Game 23:00 TUE (b00hv1f4)

PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves 09:30 WED (b007jqb0)

PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves 16:30 WED (b007jqb0)

PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves 04:30 THU (b007jqb0)

Philip Levene - The Disposal of Digby 18:00 FRI (b08hld40)

Play It Cool 08:00 TUE (b05pb52t)

Play It Cool 12:00 TUE (b05pb52t)

Play It Cool 19:00 TUE (b05pb52t)

Podcast Radio Hour 11:00 FRI (m00036q4)

Podcast Radio Hour 21:00 FRI (m00036q4)

Poetry Extra 17:00 SUN (m00035vz)

Poetry Extra 05:00 MON (m00035vz)

Quote... Unquote 09:00 MON (b09cyglk)

Quote... Unquote 16:00 MON (b09cyglk)

Quote... Unquote 04:00 TUE (b09cyglk)

Radio 9 23:00 WED (b0419ml6)

Radio Active 23:30 SUN (b008gdb7)

Radiolab 11:00 SUN (m00035vm)

Radiolab 19:00 SUN (m00035vm)

Rent 09:30 THU (b00752lq)

Rent 16:30 THU (b00752lq)

Rent 04:30 FRI (b00752lq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 01:00 SAT (b00dbqwq)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 06:00 MON (b00dbwts)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 13:00 MON (b00dbwts)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 20:00 MON (b00dbwts)

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn 01:00 TUE (b00dbwts)

Sarah Wooley - Planning Permission 11:15 THU (b04nvbpc)

Sarah Wooley - Planning Permission 21:15 THU (b04nvbpc)

Saturday Drama 03:00 SAT (b041469s)

Saturday Drama 10:00 FRI (b04nqpd0)

Saturday Drama 15:00 FRI (b04nqpd0)

Saturday Night Fry 23:30 SAT (b007jt12)

Selling British Luxury 06:30 WED (b03cdzk8)

Selling British Luxury 13:30 WED (b03cdzk8)

Selling British Luxury 20:30 WED (b03cdzk8)

Selling British Luxury 01:30 THU (b03cdzk8)

Shappi Talk 22:30 MON (b00lpmz7)

Small Scenes 07:30 TUE (m0002z4f)

Small Scenes 17:30 TUE (m0002z4f)

Small Scenes 22:00 TUE (m0002z4f)

Small Scenes 05:30 WED (m0002z4f)

Smelling of Roses 07:00 TUE (b007k1tg)

Smelling of Roses 17:00 TUE (b007k1tg)

Smelling of Roses 05:00 WED (b007k1tg)

Steptoe and Son 08:30 FRI (b013fj7r)

Steptoe and Son 12:30 FRI (b013fj7r)

Steptoe and Son 19:30 FRI (b013fj7r)

Stories by Teffi 11:00 WED (b05qk6z1)

Stories by Teffi 21:00 WED (b05qk6z1)

Susan Calman Is Convicted 22:30 TUE (b01qjb1y)

Telling Tales 11:00 TUE (m00035pd)

Telling Tales 21:00 TUE (m00035pd)

Terry Pratchett 18:00 MON (b01r0zb9)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 TUE (b01r0zb9)

Terry Pratchett 18:00 TUE (b01r5pxv)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 WED (b01r5pxv)

Terry Pratchett 18:00 WED (b01r9rtv)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 THU (b01r9rtv)

Terry Pratchett 18:00 THU (b01rgj25)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 FRI (b01rgj25)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 TUE (m0003hn9)

The Comedy Club Interviews 22:55 FRI (m0003dx5)

The Consultants 23:00 THU (b007k2w7)

The Elephant Man 05:00 SAT (b007jsfp)

The Elephant Man 07:00 FRI (b04phhxw)

The Elephant Man 17:00 FRI (b04phhxw)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 08:00 THU (b01s254c)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 12:00 THU (b01s254c)

The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show 19:00 THU (b01s254c)

The Goon Show 08:30 THU (b00f6gsn)

The Goon Show 12:30 THU (b00f6gsn)

The Goon Show 19:30 THU (b00f6gsn)

The Headset Set 22:30 SUN (b0124pxs)

The Listening Project 10:10 SUN (b065xk2f)

The Listening Project 21:10 SUN (b065xk2f)

The Maltby Collection 23:30 TUE (b00m67w1)

The Michael Bentine Show 08:00 FRI (b008x0wg)

The Michael Bentine Show 12:00 FRI (b008x0wg)

The Michael Bentine Show 19:00 FRI (b008x0wg)

The Navy Lark 08:00 WED (b0151xwx)

The Navy Lark 12:00 WED (b0151xwx)

The Navy Lark 19:00 WED (b0151xwx)

The Now Show 23:00 MON (m000300w)

The Now Show 09:00 TUE (m000300w)

The Prisoner 18:00 SUN (m00035w3)

The Prisoner 00:00 MON (m00035w3)

The Race to Dover 06:30 FRI (b00kpw1z)

The Race to Dover 13:30 FRI (b00kpw1z)

The Race to Dover 20:30 FRI (b00kpw1z)

The Radio Detectives 18:30 TUE (b007jp9y)

The Radio Detectives 00:30 WED (b007jp9y)

The Sondheim Archive 09:00 SAT (m00034lw)

The Sondheim Archive 19:00 SAT (m00034lw)

The TED Interview 11:00 MON (p06ym3t4)

The TED Interview 21:00 MON (p06ym3t4)

The Wilsons Save the World 07:30 THU (m0002zrd)

The Wilsons Save the World 17:30 THU (m0002zrd)

The Wilsons Save the World 22:00 THU (m0002zrd)

The Wilsons Save the World 05:30 FRI (m0002zrd)

There's More to Life Than London 06:30 MON (b00sxh94)

There's More to Life Than London 13:30 MON (b00sxh94)

There's More to Life Than London 20:30 MON (b00sxh94)

There's More to Life Than London 01:30 TUE (b00sxh94)

Thom Tuck Goes Straight to DVD 23:30 FRI (b01bwp8v)

Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? 07:30 WED (m0001f1l)

Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? 17:30 WED (m0001f1l)

Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? 22:00 WED (m0001f1l)

Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? 05:30 THU (m0001f1l)

Vital Mental Medicine: Shackleton's Banjo 01:30 SAT (b00wdgr5)

Walter Gropius: Visionary Founder of the Bauhaus (Omnibus) 09:00 SUN (m00035vc)

Walter Gropius: Visionary Founder of the Bauhaus (Omnibus) 20:00 SUN (m00035vc)

We're in Business 08:30 SUN (b007jydp)

We're in Business 12:30 SUN (b007jydp)

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 08:30 TUE (b007jr9f)

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 12:30 TUE (b007jr9f)

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 19:30 TUE (b007jr9f)

Where's the F in News 07:30 FRI (m0002zrr)

Where's the F in News 17:30 FRI (m0002zrr)

Where's the F in News 22:00 FRI (m0002zrr)

Who Goes There? 04:00 SAT (b0075yw8)

Who Goes There? 09:00 FRI (b0075yzs)

Who Goes There? 16:00 FRI (b0075yzs)