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 24 APRIL 2021

SAT 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b008pc0b)
Guards! Guards!

Episode 5

"That dragon isn't going to accept any mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy liberal nonsense.... Do you know what you're getting with a dragon? Unashamed strong leadership."

The dragon strikes. But will Captain Vimes triumph?

Stars John Wood and Martin Jarvis.

The 8th of Terry's Pratchett's comic fantasy stories set on Discworld.

Narrator …. Martin Jarvis
Captain Vimes …. John Wood
Nobby …. Melvyn Hayes
Sergeant Colon …. Stephen Thorne
Lady Ramkin …. Helen Atkinson-Wood
Carrot …. Robert Gwilym
Lord Vetinari …. Crawford Logan
Supreme Grand Master …. Brett Usher
Chief Merchant …. Jeff Nuttall
Librarian …. Michael Roberts
Little Girl …. Kate McEnery

Director: John Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1992.


SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b00ny8gr)
I'm H.A.P.P.Y

From euphoria to contentment.

Miriam Akhtar, Dr Phil Hammond, Lucy Mangan and Dominic Arkwright focus on happiness.

Producer: Paul Dodgson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.


SAT 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qsk3)
11. The Gambler

The psychiatrist-sleuth tackles a desperate gambling addict in a mysterious case of murder.

Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.

Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle.

Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Mrs Ludlow …. Harriet Johns
Mr Ellis …. Desmond Carrington
Felix Grey …. Jimmy Lavall
Simmons …. Arthur Young
Man …. Simon Lack
Girl …. Beryl Calder

Director: Leslie Bridgmont

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1957.


SAT 01:30 The Toff (b007jrmb)
The Toff and the Runaway Bride

6. Confrontation in Paris

Can the Honourable Richard Rollison finally unravel the mystery - and reveal the murderer's identity?

Terence Alexander stars as the Toff - upper-class amateur sleuth, the Honourable Richard Rollison.

The gripping conclusion of John Creasey's thriller.

Jolly ...... Robert Dorning
Carruthers ...... David Graham
Major Guy Lessing ...... Alan Cuthbertson
Robert Lawn ...... Kevin Brennan
Barbara Lessing ...... Rosalind Shanks
Inspector ...... Jean Dryant

Dramatised by Roy Lomax.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1975.


SAT 02:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09m7n7t)
Episode 5

As Mrs Hawkins makes good use of her contacts, she hopes to put her professional troubles at the Ullswater Press behind her.

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

Read by Maggie Service.

Abridged by Rosemary Goring

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


SAT 02:15 Gudrun (b0b490sq)
Series 4

Episode 5

Delirious from his injury, Grim is gripped by religious fervour and threatens the safety of the ship.

Starring Kate Phillips.

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the 11th-century Icelandic sagas.

Gudrun ...... Kate Phillips
Freija ...... Samantha Dakin
Marlas ...... Amir El-Masry
Grim ...... Joseph Ayre

Producer: Gemma Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


SAT 02:30 Composer Joseph Horovitz: No Ordinary Joe (b012qsdp)
This is the story of a composer of the kind of music that just fits so beautifully, that you hardly notice yourself humming along.

Joseph Horovitz composes concertos and ballets, operas and chamber music, yet he’s best known for Rumpole of the Bailey, and Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo.

Joseph journeys through his remarkable life and career in conversation with composer, Debbie Wiseman.

Captain Noah has been translated into six languages, and is one of Horovitz’s best sellers. The Berkshire Maestros, and conductor David Hill with the Bach Choir, have all rehearsed and performed this work, and give their views on its lasting popularity. Dancer Wayne Sleep, conductor John Wilson, and TV executive producer Tony Wharmby, also discuss their musical collaborations with Horovitz.

Horovitz's story begins with his escape from the Nazis as they entered Vienna in 1938, to then include giving wartime musical appreciation lectures to the forces, being awarded two Ivor Novello awards for later compositions, and working with such comic legends as Gerard Hoffnung and Michael Flanders.

This life journey has been one of distinction in many ways, yet Horovitz has not been taken as seriously as he'd like. Debbie Wiseman grapples with this issue, to understand why Horovitz has not received the acclaim that his artistry deserves.

Producer: Luke Whitlock

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.


SAT 03:00 David Pownall (b01sdty0)
I Want to Go Home

And on the eighth day God created language. Little did he expect the confusion that would ensue...

David Pownall's comedy about the evolution of the English language.

I .... David Bamber
Want .... Joanna Monro
To Go .... Ben Crowe
Home .... Georgie Alexander
Cark .... Struan Rodger
Angel of the Eighth Day .... Andrew Scott
With John Hartley as the voice of God

Director: Peter Kavanagh

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2000.


SAT 04:00 Counterpoint (b00rrljw)
Series 24

2010 Heat 3

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz from Manchester.

The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

The three contestants from Scotland and the North of England are:

Douglas Macleod
Alastair Gillies
Alan Shutt

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.


SAT 04:30 Two Doors Down (b008fdj0)
Series 2

The Feminine Thrust

Sally the cleaner smoothes the way for Clare's important lecture.

She also helps her realise that she might have more important things to worry about than her job...

Starring Stella McCusker.

The return of Annie McCartney's sitcom about the bohemian Belfast residents of Marlborough Road, saved from chaos by their cleaning lady, Sally.

Sally ...... Stella McCusker
Clare ...... Marcella Riordan
Evie ...... Katy Gleadhill
Trevor ...... Des McAleer
Tony ...... Robert Patterson
Fidelma ...... Aine McCartney
Anna ...... Hannah R Gordon
Simon ...... Patrick Gleadhill

Director: Tanya Nash

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.


SAT 05:00 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.

Clare continues her 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.

Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Nali ...... Nina Conti
Libby ...... Sarah Kendall
Joan ...... Sarah Thom
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
Brendan ...... Andrew Wincott
Mrs Singh ...... Nina Wadia
Cilla ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo
Colin ...... Sean Baker
Gary ...... Sean Baker
Burglar ...... Sean Baker

Producer: Alexandra Smith

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2016.


SAT 05:30 The Confessional (m000v848)
Series 1

The Confession of Cariad Lloyd

Actor, comedian and broadcaster Stephen Mangan presents a new comedy chat show about shame and guilt.

Each week, Stephen invites a different guest into his virtual confessional box to make three confessions - with remarkable storytelling and surprising insights.

We’re used to hearing celebrity interviews where stars are persuaded to show off about their achievements. Stephen's not interested in that. He doesn’t want to know about his guests' proudest moments, he wants to know what they’re ashamed of. That’s surely the way to find out what really makes a person tick.

Stephen and his guest reflect with empathy and humour on why we get embarrassed, where our shame thresholds should be, and the value of guilt.

Series guests include Joan Bakewell, Clarke Peters, Phil Wang, Dr Phil Hammond and more.

In this first episode, he takes the confession of the award winning improvisational comedian, actor and presenter of Griefcast, Cariad Lloyd.

Written and presented by Stephen Mangan
With extra material by Nick Doody
Produced by Dave Anderson and Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4


SAT 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jvjj)
The Moving Finger

The sleepy little market town of Lymstock harbours more than its share of shameful secrets. A town where even a sudden outbreak of anonymous hate-mail causes only a minor stir.

But all of that changes when one of the recipients tragically commits suicide.

Miss Marple's knowledge of wickedness and her nose for evil are desperately needed.

Can she manage to prevent another suicide - or even, murder...?

First published in 1943, Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple.

Miss Marple ...... June Whitfield
Jerry Burton ...... Nicholas Boulton
Joanna Burton ...... Clare Corbett
Mrs Calthrop ...... Patricia Scott
Megan Hunter ...... Annabelle Dowler
Mr Symmington ...... Hugh Dickson
Superintendent Nash ...... Sion Probert
Dr Owen Griffith ...... Roger May
Miss Partridge ...... Katherine Parr
Aimee Griffith ...... Elizabeth Bell
Elsie Holland ...... Jenny Funnell

Dramatist: Michael Bakewell

Director: Enyd Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.


SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b07syv25)
Series 40

Maureen Lipman on Dame Cicely Saunders

Actress and writer Maureen Lipman chooses the end-of-life care campaigner, Dame Cicely Saunders.

Dame Cicely Saunders was known as ‘the woman who changed the face of death’. At almost 6 foot tall, she could be intimidating, tiresome and relentless as she devoted her life to ensuring that terminally ill people could die with dignity and without pain.

Championing the life of Cicely Saunders as her great life is the actress and writer Maureen Lipman.

The expert witness is, Professor David Clark, from the University of Glasgow.

Presenter: Matthew Parris

Producer: Perminder Khatkar.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2016.


SAT 08:00 The Motion Show (b00768mm)
Series 3

Episode 3

Debates galore over staying home and getting fit.

Graeme Garden chairs the quirky battle of words and wit.

With Hugh Dennis, Gyles Brandreth, Arthur Smith and Emma Kennedy.

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000


SAT 08:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jzcd)
Series 1

Wise after the Event

The lives of Rosie and her granddaughter Jo are shaken by the return of Rosie's daughter Kate after a long spell working abroad.

The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.

Prunella Scales in the first of four series of Simon Brett's sitcom

Rosie ...... Prunella Scales
Kate ...... Arabella Weir
Jo ...... Rebecca Callard
Bob ...... Duncan Preston
Tess ...... Annette Badland
Mr Blantyre ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Mr Joost ...... Stephen Thorne

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000


SAT 09:00 Isy Suttie’s Guide to Love and Romance (b09r3zyp)
Comedian Isy Suttie uses her unique brand of humour to share lessons in life and love.

Suttie has often observed other people's love lives and regularly intervened, changing the action dramatically - for better or worse. Discussing 'all things love' in the 21st century with friends, gathering fresh contributions and introducing extracts from The Listening Project she builds a hilarious and often moving account of amour and desire.

Tangled with the speakers and archive, Suttie relates real life anecdotes from her own, often disastrous, love life and performs a few new songs on the subject.

Featuring a collection of new material, archive clips and Isy's own programmes:

* Valentine's Day

A young man discovers a box of letters, cards and gig tickets he's saved from over the years. And through these we come to understand the recent events in his life.

* Isy Suttie's Love Letters: Bob and Marie

Isy returns to Matlock to take driving lessons from instructor Bob, who she learns has a crush on another pupil, the mysterious Marie. While Isy tries to master an impeccable 3 point turn, she attempts to unite Bob with the girl of his dreams and discovers some important lessons in love of her own.

* The Listening Project

A selection of highlights from the BBC Radio audio collection exploring the theme of love and romance

* Isy Suttie's Love Letters: Mr Mississippi

Isy tries to save her failing relationship with a papier-mâché penguin, while at the same time helping Matlock's resident busker, Mr Mississippi, capture the heart of his unrequited love Lorna, a shelf stacker at the local supermarket.

Producer: Stephen Garner

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2018.


SAT 12:00 Beauty of Britain (b0100gqp)
Series 2

Citroen UXB

No professional care-worker can afford to miss Beauty Olonga's survival guide to Britain – with overheated houses, disappointing church services and world-class charity shops.

Series 2 sees Beauty sent by the Featherdown Agency to provide care for those who need it - and some who don't, but all of whom have relatives with guilty consciences.

Beauty sees herself as an inspiration to other African girls hoping to live the dream in Britain – a land of opportunities. The professional classes are off sick through binge drinking and the rest too lazy to get off the couch to answer the pizza delivery man.

The series breaks the embarrassed silence about what happens to us when we get old and start to lose our faculties. It’s a chaotic, tragi-comedy, from Beauty’s point of view, whose Zimbabwean Shona background has taught her to respect age.

Beauty is sent to look after Sarah, who lives with both her mother and daughter. A perfect, happy modern family, like the kind Beauty has seen in feel-good British movies. With her own family being very demanding, it is understandable when Beauty begins to get too close.

Written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson

Beauty... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Joyce ... Julia McKenzie
Sarah ... Jenny Agutter
Lucy ... Catherine Shepherd
Sally ... Felicity Montagu
Karen ... Nicola Sanderson

Music by The West End Gospel Choir.

Producer : Tilusha Ghelani

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.


SAT 12:30 The Goon Show (b00fgzr6)
Tiddlywinks

After defeat at the hands of Cambridge, Neddie Seagoon seeks his gameful revenge.

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan

First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.

With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.

Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.

Announcer: Wallace Greenslade

Producer: Charles Chilton

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1958.


SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (b09zn0ln)
The Long Shadow of Canary Wharf

In April 1988, work began on a tower destined to transform London into a global financial capital.

Completed in 1991, One Canada Square at Canary Wharf heralded a new world order in which new jobs and new buildings were meant to improve the lives of all Londoners, not least the mainly white, working class local residents.

Back then, the Isle of Dogs was an area of high unemployment and had the highest concentration of council homes in England. Whilst there have been winners and losers from the changes of the past three decades, the voices of these residents, particularly white working class women, have all too rarely been heard.

Jane Martinson, lived in a council house, attended the local comprehensive and worked on a local market stall on Saturdays before going on to become a journalist. Join her on a journey home to a changed Britain, in a programme mixing archive of the time - rich in promise of future prosperity - with a series of intimate and revealing conversations with the East London denizens of the Isle of Dogs.

A documentary originally made to mark the 30th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher ceremonially driving the first pile of the building.

Producer: Sue Mitchell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2018.


SAT 14:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04vkl9j)
Series 6

Ann Widdecombe

Marcus Brigstocke persuades his guests to try new experiences - starting with politician Ann Widdecombe.

Ann tries camping in a tent for the first time and watches as much of The Thick Of It as she can stand on TV.

Marcus also offers Ann the chance to drink a Jagerbomb - but will she accept?

Director: Bill Dare

First broadcast on BBC Radio in December 2014.


SAT 14:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007tm8f)
Series 2

Magic

Did witches really fly with broomsticks between their legs or did they just get a bit overexcited?

Series two of the cult comedy that answers the questions which leave other shows scratching their beards.

Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring.

With:
Rebecca Front
Armando Iannucci

And the voice of Tom Baker.

Producer: Sarah Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.


SAT 15:00 John Kearns (b05vhf6x)
Episode 1 - The Ticket

A glimpse into the oddball mind of John Kearns as he returns home from work...

The first of four 14 minute vignettes from the Winner of the Main Prize at 2014's Edinburgh Comedy Festival, as well as 2013 Best Newcomer.

Producer: Arnab Chanda

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015


SAT 15:15 Warhorses of Letters (b01681l4)
Series 1

Episode 1

Deep in the British Library tucked into the slipcover of a book on the history of Blenheim Palace a packet of extraordinary letters has been discovered.

"Dear Marengo brackets Napoleon's horse close brackets, I've never written a letter like this before...."

Thus begins the first passionate letter from Copenhagen, the Duke of Wellington's horse, to his hero Marengo in this epistolary equine love story. A story of two horses united by an uncommon passion, cruelly divided by a brutal conflict.

Stephen Fry stars as Marengo, the seasoned, famous and just-a-little-bit-short mount of Emperor Napoleon. Daniel Rigby stars as Copenhagen, the frisky young racehorse who as our story begins is about to be the new mount for the Duke of Wellington.

Introduced by Tamsin Greig.

In this opening episode, the early days of their romance and the early days of the Peninsular Campaign, and as their love blossoms the shadow of impending combat looms over our two heroes.

Marengo ..... Stephen Fry
Copenhagen ..... Daniel Rigby
Narrator ..... Tamsin Greig

Written by Robbie Hudson and Marie Phillips.

Director: Steven Canny
Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.


SAT 15:30 Polyoaks (b07cx09k)
Series 4

Ladies Strike

Patients are complaining about the lack of female doctors at the surgery.

The Polyoaks team want to recruit a woman doctor, but that is easier said than done in the current climate. And when they do find a candidate, she may be about to strike.

Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer.

The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently.

Roy ...... Nigel Planer
Hugh ...... Simon Greenall
Monica ...... Polly Frame
Jeremy ...... David Westhead
Justice Spicer-Hammond/Ruth ...... Zalie Burrow
Stephanie Simons/Mrs Vinyl ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Mr Justice/Mr Stickler/Mr Toshack ...... Julian Dutton

Director: Frank Stirling

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.


SAT 16:00 Miss Marple (b007jvjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b07syv25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 18:00 Fear on 4 (b0080hnc)
The Blood of Eva Bergen

Claire is a talented young pianist who falls under the spell of Mr Iliev, a musician haunted by a woman called Eva Bergen - and the power she once had over him...

Tales of horror and suspense.

Written by Paul Sirett.

Claire …. Tilly Gaunt
Anatoli Iliev …. John Castle
Tom …. Giles Fagan

Pianist: Mary Nash

Producer: Marilyn Imrie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1999.


SAT 18:30 Robert Holmes - Aliens in the Mind (b007jlw9)
5. Genetic Revelation

Professor Curtis Lark and John Cornelius have established the existence of another colony of mutants in the heart of London, but the only person who could fight them is dead...

Starring Peter Cushing and Vincent Price.

John Cornelius .... Peter Cushing
Curtis Lark .... Vincent Price
Flora Kiery .... Sandra Clarke
Ian Sanderson .... Frazer Carr
Gulliver .... William Eadle
Brigadier Sherman .... Clifford Norgates
Gwynt .... Michael Harbour
Manson .... Andrew Sear
Home Office Official .... James Thomason

Written by Rene Basilico from an idea by Robert Holmes.

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1977.


SAT 19:00 Isy Suttie’s Guide to Love and Romance (b09r3zyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 22:00 Rigor Mortis (b007k4h5)
Series 1

Episode 3

When a new coroner arrives, Ruth wants him to send her the most interesting autopsy cases.

Laurence Howarth’s sitcom set in the fascinating, but misunderstood world of the pathology lab.

Dr Anthony Webster ...... Peter Davison
Dr Ruth Anderson ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Professor Donaldson ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Gordon ...... Tom Price
Chloe ...... Marianne Levy
Simon ...... Gus Brown
Daniel Kasper ...... Laurence Howarth

With Stephen Critchlow and Beth Chalmers

Music by Paul Mottram and Stephanie Benavente.

Producer: Dawn Ellis

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2003.


SAT 22:30 Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (b0460v1z)
Pilot

A woman called Josie leaves London for better life in Glasgow – at the indie band theme park, where she will finally be happy and accepted.

Her flatmate Darren is just happy having his meals cooked by someone other than his mum.

Together they drink tea and wander the streets searching for romance and adventure, making fun of squares and making up games. It's them against the world, or so Josie hopes. How much can you rely on a friend who doesn't want to grow up?

Based on characters from the short films "Romance and Adventure" and "Let's Go Swimming" by Josie Long and Douglas King.

Written by and starring Josie Long

Successful pilot which sparked the following series.

Josie ...... Josie Long
Darren ...... Darren Osborne
Roddy ...... Roddy MacNeill
Kerry ...... Hatty Ashdown
Eleanor ...... Clare Grogan
Geoff ...... Geoff McGivern
Heidi...... Jaimi Barbakoff
Helen ...... Elaine Claxton
Chris ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Mark ...... Douglas King

Other parts played by the cast.

Photograph of Josie in the Cafe by Stephanie Gibson

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2014.


SAT 23:00 What Does the K Stand For? (b08csqyb)
Series 3

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Relationships in the Amos household are strained by a new arrival.

Stephen K Amos's sitcom about growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s south London.

Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.

Starring Ellen Thomas, Laurie Kynaston, Stephen K Amos, Frances Barber, Bola Okun, Emerald Crankson, Karen Bartke and David Sterne.

Producer: Paul Sheehan.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2017.


SAT 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04wv049)
Series 6

Roy Walker

Marcus Brigstocke persuades Roy Walker to see his first ever Shakespeare play and banter with the audience for the first time.

Roy is best known as the host of ITVs Catchphrase.

Series persuading guests to try new experiences: things they really ought to have done by now. Some are loved, some are loathed, in this show all about embracing the new.

Director: Bill Dare

First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 2015.



SUNDAY 25 APRIL 2021

SUN 00:00 Fear on 4 (b0080hnc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 Robert Holmes - Aliens in the Mind (b007jlw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (b09zn0ln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04vkl9j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007tm8f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:00 John Kearns (b05vhf6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Saturday]


SUN 03:15 Warhorses of Letters (b01681l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:15 on Saturday]


SUN 03:30 Polyoaks (b07cx09k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 Miss Marple (b007jvjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 05:30 Great Lives (b07syv25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Muriel Spark - A Far Cry From Kensington (Omnibus) (b09m5ys6)
Episode 1

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

War widow Mrs Hawkins enjoys her life; her rooms suit her, she cherishes good friends and holds a coveted job working with books.

But when an author starts to make a nuisance of himself, her life will change beyond recognition.

Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes.

Read by Maggie Service.

Abridged by Rosemary Goring.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06gy2s1)
Julian Lennon

Beatle John Lennon's son chooses 'Hey Jude', written for him by Paul McCartney, and his own poignant composition 'Saltwater'.


SUN 07:20 Lucy Catherine - Gudrun (b0b4zrtk)
Series 4 (Omnibus)

Episode 1

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas

Gudrun, a young woman from 11th century Iceland, forges her path through a world of unearthly beauty yet uncompromising harshness.

Gudrun has risked everything to save her daughter, Sigrid, only to be double-crossed by her supposed ally, King Sweyn of Denmark. Knowing he's made a powerful enemy he plans to get rid of her.

Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes

Gudrun.....Kate Phillips
Freija.....Samantha Dakin
Marlas.....Amir El-Masry
Orm.....John Lightbody
Grim..... Joseph Ayre
Sweyn's Guard.....Sean Murray

Director: Gemma Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2018.


SUN 08:30 A Life of Bliss (b04cfpy2)
The Flat

David prepares to move back into his flat, but with warnings from Tony ringing in his ears.

George Cole stars in Godfrey Harrison's sitcom about bashful, bumbling bachelor David Alexander Bliss.

David Bliss …. George Cole
Ann …. Diana Churchill
Tony …. Colin Gordon
Psyche the Dog …. Percy Edwards
Maxine …. Sarah Lawson

Six series of 118 episodes of A Life of Bliss ran on the BBC Home Service from 1953. It moved to BBC TV for a run of six episodes in 1969.

Sadly very few episodes survive in the BBC archive, including the first seven starring David Tomlinson. His replacement George Cole went to to star in the St Trinian's films and later as dodgy Arthur Daley in ITV's Minder.

The BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenhoulet.

Producer: Leslie Bridgmont

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in August 1957.


SUN 09:00 Drop Me Here, Darling (m000vgw5)
A Case of Exposure

Leslie agrees to drive Caroline to Wick, but he has an ulterior motive.

Starring Leslie Phillips.

Andrew Palmer's comedy about a former property tycoon who’s fallen on hard times and is now chauffeur to his wealthy ex-wife.‘

Leslie Duggan …. Leslie Phillips
Caroline Duggan …. Jill Bennett
Claire/Flora …. Norma Ronald
Innkeeper/AA Man …. Joe Dunlop

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1983.


SUN 09:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b013plyb)
Series 3

Arrivederci Coma

Robin gets run over by a fork lift truck and ends up in a coma and Wendy has to decide whether to turn off his life support system.

But then she meets an attractive young patient on another ward, who's in need of some mothering.

Meanwhile, Maureen can't decide how to spend the compensation money...

Sitcom about the mundane lives of childless couple, Robin and Wendy and their friends and neighbours - with a twist.

Wendy ...... Kay Stonham
Robin ...... Brian Capron
Derek ...... Martin Trenaman
Maureen ...... Amelia Bullmore

Written by Kay Stonham.

Devised by Kay Stonham and Simon Greenall

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.


SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000vgw7)
Comic Castaways 2

Paul Whitehouse

From Maria Callas to The Sex Pistols.

Comedian, actor and writer Paul Whitehouse shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley.

Born in the Rhonda Valley in Wales, Paul and his family soon moved to Enfield, North London where he grew up. Paul was never particularly ambitious, but he was bright and got a place at University, although he dropped out in his first year. He went on to work as a plasterer and was quite content, enjoying a bit of humorous banter in the pub with his friends who included Harry Enfield and Charlie Higson.

Harry was first to get employed as a comedian - on Saturday Night Live - and he got Paul and Charlie to write for him. Soon, Paul was a regular contributor to Harry's show Harry Enfield and Chums. But Paul and Charlie were awash with ideas and characters and The Fast Show was born, laden with an influx of catchphrases that swamped common vernacular, such as "Brilliant!" "Very, very drunk" "Suit you, sir!" and "which was nice".

After various acting roles on TV and completing a live tour of The Fast Show, Paul decided to write a situation comedy, and in 2001 the series Happiness was born.

At the 1998 BAFTA Awards, Paul won the Best Light Entertainment Performance prize and The Fast Show won Best Light Entertainment Programme.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.


SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
Series 2

Charnia

David Attenborough has always been fascinated by fossils; even as a boy he'd spend many hours exploring the local quarry near his home in Leicestershire.

Near his family home was a forest which he visited frequently, but didn't hunt for fossils there because he knew the rocks were too old to have any post cards of early life embedded in their layers.

But he was wrong - those rocks harboured a wonderful secret - a secret that would rattle the cages of the big thinkers of the time and would change the story of life on earth for ever.

Written and presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Producer: Julian Hector.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.


SUN 11:00 Radiolab (m000vgw9)
Series 7

Right to be Forgotten

Radiolab explores an online world where that story about you lives forever. Can we shake our internet past?

In an online world, that story about you lives forever. The tipsy photograph of you at the college football game? It’s up there. That news article about the political rally you were marching at? It’s up there. A DUI? That’s there, too. But what if ... it wasn’t.

In Cleveland, Ohio, a group of journalists are trying out an experiment that has the potential to turn things upside down: they are unpublishing content they’ve already published. Photographs, names, entire articles. Every month or so, they get together to decide what content stays, and what content goes. On today’s episode, reporter Molly Webster goes inside the room where the decisions are being made, listening case-by-case as editors decide who, or what, gets to be deleted. It’s a story about time and memory; mistakes and second chances; and society as we know it.
This episode was reported by Molly Webster, and produced by Molly Webster and Bethel Habte.

Special thanks to Kathy English, David Erdos, Ed Haber, Brewster Kahle, Imani Leonard, Ruth Samuel, James Bennett II, Alice Wilder, Alex Overington, Jane Kamensky and all the people who helped shape this story.

Radiolab explores what does it mean and what does it take to belong to a place? With Jad Abumrad.

From WNYC. First broadcast on national public radio in the USA in 2019.


SUN 11:55 Inheritance Tracks (b06gy2s1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]


SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m000vgwc)
Rites of Passage - Changing Schools

Poet Dajlit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Rites of Passage - Changing Schools featuring poems from children leaving primary.

Ian McMillan meets people who turn to poetry for inspiration or solace at key moments in their lives. Changing Schools. McMillan visits Year 6 at Hoyland Springwood Primary School in Barnsley, Yorkshire, where he encourages the children to write a poem about going up to "big" school.

Producer Liz Leonard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.


SUN 12:30 Polyoaks (b07dlygk)
Series 4

Duty of Candour

Jeremy raises the obligation doctors now have to tell the truth to patients and to apologise for their mistakes.

All at Polyoaks set out to be rigorously truthful to service users, a particular problem with one patient who has a really unusual and embarrassing problem.

Meanwhile Dr. Roy has problems with patients who insist on being rigorously truthful to him.

Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer.

The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently.

Roy ...... Nigel Planer
Hugh ...... Simon Greenall
Monica ...... Polly Frame
Jeremy ...... David Westhead
Lauren ...... Zalie Burrow
Mrs Shaw/ Mrs Cox ...... Katie McDaniel
Mr Cox/ Mr Todd ...... Julian Dutton

Director: Frank Stirling

A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.


SUN 13:00 Upbeat by Paul MacAlindin (Omnibus) (b07pwyhp)
‘The great adventure of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq deserves not only to be recorded for posterity but also to serve as an example of how the essential can survive catastrophe.’ - Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

Musician and conductor Paul MacAlindin was eating fish and chips in an Edinburgh cafe in 2008 when he first read the story in the Herald newspaper – 'Iraqi teen seeks Maestro'. That Iraqi teen was the astonishing Zuhal Sultan, a pianist who dreamed up the idea of a National Youth Orchestra of Iraq aged only 17.

Paul was intrigued. Barely out of war, with no discernible orchestral tradition that he knew of, what could there be to work with? What instruments did they even have? How could it be that we in the West had heard so much about war and bloodshed in Iraq, but know so little of who the Iraqis really were? Fixated on the article, fish trembling at the end of his fork, Paul simply said to himself, ‘I know how to do this.’

The following year, after auditions via skype, a promise of a bespoke piece from the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, favours called in, massive logistical complexities and financial hiccups, they ran their first summer school. And so the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq was born. In a few short years this group of young musicians came through the most difficult and dangerous times to produce fine music, not only in Iraq.

Omnibus of five parts read by Kenny Blyth.

Directed and abridged by Polly Coles.
Producer: Clive Brill.

A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.


SUN 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06j2h4d)
Raymond Blanc

Renowned chef Raymond Blanc selects Edith Piaf's 'La Vie En Rose' and Arvo Part's 'Spiegel Im Spiegel'.


SUN 14:20 Tinsel Girl (b08q8g1w)
Tinsel Girl and the Support Worker (Omnibus)

Uplifting comedy drama about the life, loves and misadventures of wheelchair user Maz.

Maz's first day with her support worker Hayley doesn't go quite as planned.

Omnibus of five parts.

Maz ...... Cherylee Houston
Hayley...... Sarah McDonald Hughes
Andy ...... Chris Jack
Rachel ...... Kathryn Pemberton

Written by Lou Ramsden - inspired by the adventures and experiences of Cherylee Houston.

Producer: Charlotte Riches

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.


SUN 15:30 Erich Honecker's Rock and Roll Years (b010mt30)
Henning Wehn investigates 'Ostrock' - the rock and pop music scene in the old East Germany.

During the Cold War, we were given the impression that life behind the Iron Curtain was unrelentingly grim and that communist youth suffered from a lack of fashionable clothing and an earnest adherence to the socialist dream.

But this wasn’t always the case and despite the fact that Erich Honecker believed 'beat music' was being used by the enemy to send East German Youth into 'overdrive', he had only limited success in placing controls on a thriving rock and pop music scene in the GDR.

It’s true that his musicians had to perform in front of a committee to obtain a licence, that there was only one - state controlled - record company and that if you fell foul of those in power, your music 'ceased to exist'. But East German youngsters were listening to Western music being played on radio stations on the other side of the Wall and so Honecker ultimately failed to control their musical tastes.

German comedian Henning Wehn goes to Berlin in search of a scene unknown to him when he was growing up in West Germany. He talks to Ostrock musicians and fans and uncovers a story that involves, the Stasi, disappearing musicians, lyrics with hidden meanings and music that was 'Western' in all but name.

Producer: Helen Lee.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.


SUN 16:00 Don Haworth - Challenged (b0075s00)
Set in a remote part of the Pennines, a widowed mother and her son battle to come to terms with the passage of time when hired worker, Tom arrives.

Son Harry, who has learning difficulties, is described by his school as 'challenged'.

With Tom's encouragement he finds new confidence, but this creates fresh conflict for the trio.

Atmospheric drama by Don Haworth.

Anne ...... Brigit Forsyth
Tom ...... Paul Copley
Harry ...... Matthew Booth

Producer: Pauline Harris

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m000vgwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]


SUN 17:30 Polyoaks (b07dlygk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]


SUN 18:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Curious, If True (b00tvmkb)
The Squire's Story

1849: Mr Higgins appears every inch the perfect jovial gentleman.

But his strange manners - not to mention a tendency to disappear - suggest a less ordinary source for his comfortable lifestyle.

Elizabeth Gaskell's collection of intriguing "true" tales dramatised by Sally Hedges.

Mrs Gaskell ...... Elizabeth Spriggs
Miss Pratt ...... Angela Thorne
Higgins ...... Michael Lumsden
Squire Hearn ...... Peter Jeffrey
Sir Harry ...... Michael Tudor Barnes

With Andrew Harrison, Simon Carter, Brett Usher, Jonathan Wyatt and Nick Aikens.

Producer: Nigel Bryant

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.


SUN 18:45 Black and White by Jan Mark (b08bs3pk)
4. Who's a Pretty Boy Then?

When Dad builds a budgerigar aviary on the strange, bare garden patch, the birds’ behaviour turns alarming.

Read by Ann Rye.

Written by Jan Mark and abridged by Peter Kerry.

Producer: Martin Jameson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in September 1993.


SUN 19:00 Radiolab (m000vgw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


SUN 19:55 Inheritance Tracks (b06gy2s1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]


SUN 20:00 Don Haworth - Challenged (b0075s00)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 today]


SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000vgw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]


SUN 22:00 Polyoaks (b07dlygk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]


SUN 22:30 The Iguanodon (b0075cbr)
Away and Slightly to the Left

Sam Varley is looking for a lift back to the mainland when his boat is wrecked in a storm.

Mr Brook is looking for an unforgettable adventure at sea, after a lifetime in custards.

Neither of them get quite what they're expecting on a boat called 'The Iguanodon'...

Three-part comedy adventure by Paul Lucas.

Sam Varley ...... Paul Haigh
Mr Brook ...... Bernard Cribbins
Don O'Reilly ...... Dermot Crowley
Isabel ...... Rosemary Leach
The Captain ...... John Arthur
Laura ...... Sally Phillips
Harriet ...... Patsy Byrne

Producer: Jo Clegg

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997.


SUN 23:00 As Told To Craig Brown (b00b7qs7)
Episode 1

Craig Brown introduces a mixture of satire, social observation and nonsense.

Narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Steve Wright.

With John Humphrys, Ronni Ancona, Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Ewan Bailey and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008.


SUN 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007v2y5)
Series 2

The Future

What is the future and why is it kept hidden from us? - when if we knew what it was we’d at least know if we needed to take a change of pants?

Series two of the cult comedy that answers the questions which leave other shows scratching their beards.

Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring.

With Rebecca Front, Armando Iannucci and the voice of Tom Baker.

Producer: Sarah Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.



MONDAY 26 APRIL 2021

MON 00:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Curious, If True (b00tvmkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:45 Black and White by Jan Mark (b08bs3pk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 Upbeat by Paul MacAlindin (Omnibus) (b07pwyhp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06j2h4d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Sunday]


MON 02:20 Tinsel Girl (b08q8g1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:20 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 Erich Honecker's Rock and Roll Years (b010mt30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 Don Haworth - Challenged (b0075s00)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m000vgwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:30 Polyoaks (b07dlygk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 on Sunday]


MON 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qskh)
12. Poisoned Air

The cantankerous criminal psychologist tackles a mysterious case of deadly experiments and thwarted love.

Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.

A BBC Radio crime based on the characters established in the popular 1949 Hammer Film 'Dr Morelle: The Case Of The Missing Heiress'.

CAST:

Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Kurt Emmanuel …. David Hurst
Bella Goodwyn …. Maureen Riscoe
Mrs Atkins …. Elsa Palmer
Hugo Russell …. John Horsley
Sgt Hammond …. Haydn Jones

Director: Leslie Bridgmont

Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1957.


MON 06:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vh0h)
1. Childhood

Multitalented writer, director, actor and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, Sir Peter Ustinov CBE read his autobiography.

Starting with his earliest days when his parents had newly arrived in London from Leningrad in 1920. The young Peter discovered an early talent for mimicry - which landed a nanny in serious trouble!

Abridged in eight parts by Jack Singleton.

Producer Rosemary Hart

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1978.


MON 07:00 Ayres on the Air (b01n6yj5)
Series 4

Winter

Popular poet Pam Ayres concludes her series of poetry and sketch shows about the seasons with a look at winter.
.
Subjects include that magic combination of cold weather and broken boilers; the art of comparing ailments with an update of the Yuletide song The 12 Days of Christmas and, as we reach the end of the Winter season ,Pam tells how to fan the dying flame of passion, come Valentine's Day.

Poems include: Who's Had My Scissors, Ever Since I Had Me Op and Insomnia.

With Felicity Montagu and Geoffrey Whitehead

Producer: Claire Jones.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2012.


MON 07:30 Just a Minute (m000v8b3)
Series 86

Episode 9

Tom Allen hosts a special episode of Just a Minute where he challenges guests Josie Lawrence, Mark Watson, Paul Merton and Felicity Ward to talk on the subjects of his choice for 60 seconds. Hesitation, deviation, and repetition are strictly forbidden. This episode was produced using remote recording technology, with both panel and audience joining in from their homes all over the world. Caroline Barlow blows the whistle.

Devised by Ian Messiter

Produced by Victoria Lloyd

A BBC Studios Production


MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
Series 3

Without Prejudice

Harold persuades Albert to leave their rag and bone yard to move out to suburbia.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Edward Kelsey, Garrard Green and Trevor Martin.

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 BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.


MON 08:30 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k00f)
Episode 4

Edgar and young Robert have been kidnapped - but is it a case of mistaken identity?

CAST

Edgar Finchley .... Richard Griffiths
Lawrence Hume .... Piers Gibbon
Robert Gillespie .... James Cohen
Mr Hammerton .... Nicky Henson
Michel .... Jeffrey Holland
Jerome Giraud .... Simon Roberts
Robert Gillespie .... James Cohen
Marie Peters .... Serena Evans
Jacques .... David Howarth
Baptiste Mignard .... Albert Welling
Madame Mignard .... Jacqueline Tong

Narrated by James Villiers.

Written by Victor Canning and adapted for radio by Andy and Eric Merriman.

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1994.


MON 09:00 Act Your Age (b00pxn13)
Series 2

Episode 1

Simon Mayo hosts the comedy show that pits the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest.

Team captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Adrian Walsh are joined by Kevin Bridges, Jason Byrne and Johnnie Casson.

Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2010.


MON 09:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076j4t)
Episode 4

Venturing away from home for the first time, Anne of Cleves comes to England. Henry thinks he has a demure and compliant wife, but he reckons without Mrs Loew.

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

Starring Jonathan Coy as Henry VIII, Milton Jones as Thomas Cromwell, Alfred Burke as the Chronicler, Jasmin Hyde as Jane Seymour, Eve Matheson as Lady Margaret, John Webb as Sir John and Jonathan Kydd as Antonio.

Music by Jim Parker.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.


MON 10:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009swy)
1. What Hope?

Caroline Harding's only suitor disappeared to India without her and forgot that he'd ever planned to marry her.

She was left with few hopes, for what was there for a parson's daughter - of limited means and no looks - to expect in 1775?

Written by Joanna Trollope under her nom de plume, Caroline Harvey.

Dramatised in three parts by Eric Pringle.

Caroline Harding .... Rebecca Egan
Johnnie Gates .... Charles Simpson
Henry .... Ross Livingstone
Parson Harding .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Eleanor .... Jane Whittenshaw
Robert .... Roger May
Lady Lennox …. Jennifer Hilary
Lord Lennox …. David Collings
Georgiana .... Jilly Bond
Frank Lovell ....Paul Jenkins
Sir Edward Ashton .... Nicholas Le Prevost
Ralph Buxby .... Andrew Wincott
Sircar ... Dhirendra
George Carew .... Stephen Critchlow
Anne Hedges .... Patience Tomlinson
Mary Wells .... Tessa Worsley
Mr Pears .... David Timson

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Director: Jane Morgan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.


MON 11:00 Here's the Thing (b0b5rtfg)
Mickey Rourke, John Turturro and Viggo Mortensen

Alec Baldwin delves into the lives of three celebrated actors, Mickey Rourke, John Turturro and Viggo Mortensen.

Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin gives the listener unique entrée into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers. Alec sidesteps the predictable by taking listeners inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices.

Mickey Rourke talks about how he was trying to make it as a boxer when he decided that acting might let him make a buck without getting beat up

Child of an Italian father and a second-generation Sicilian in Queens, John Turturro was expected to achieve middle-class success, but fell deep in love with acting as both a craft and a field of study.

Viggo Mortensen had a highly eccentric childhood, moving as a young boy with his Danish father to South America where his father managed chicken farms. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother to upstate New York, and after college drove a truck and sold flowers on the street, before trying acting. It was just one more odd job, at first.

Here's the Thing has its roots in public radio. In 2009, Alec joined with producers Lu Olkowski, Trey Kay, Kathie Russo, and Emily Botein to find fresh ways to engage in conversation on the radio. The group developed the idea of a new show that at its heart would look at what makes interesting people tick and create a platform for new and emerging ideas to be presented.

From WNYC Studios, New York.


MON 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 12:30 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k00f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qskh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 13:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vh0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 14:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09msf89)
Episode 6

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

Mrs Hawkins is thriving in her new job and continues to lose weight. But a figure from her past is about to make an unwelcome appearance.

Read by Maggie Service
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


MON 14:15 Gudrun (b0b4ztdj)
Series 4

Episode 6

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Gudrun and Marlas finally arrive in Constantinople and meet Marlas' influential friends. Gudrun allows herself to hope once more that a return to Iceland to rescue her daughter will become a reality. Marlas shows her round the city he loves. She's impressed by its ordered grandeur but there's talk of religious unrest on the streets.

Gudrun ..... Kate Phillips
Freija ..... Samantha Dakin
Marlas ..... Amir El-Masry
Demetrious ..... Ryan Whittle
Bishop Arascius ..... Sean Murray
Alexandra ..... Lauren Cornelius
Nonna ..... Kerry Gooderson

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


MON 14:30 Femme Fatale: The Story of Nico (b00gd1t0)
Marc Riley tells the story of Christa Paffgen, the German model and actress who would become better known as Nico, the singer with influential 1960s rock band The Velvet Underground.

Featuring interviews with her son Ari; her manager during her time in Manchester, Alan Wise; her biographer Richard Witts; John Cale, one of her colleagues in The Velvet Underground; and James Young, author and musician who worked with Nico for six years.

Producer: Nicola Swords

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.


MON 15:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009swy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:00 Act Your Age (b00pxn13)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 16:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076j4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 17:00 Ayres on the Air (b01n6yj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:30 Just a Minute (m000v8b3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b008p506)
Guards! Guards!

Episode 6

"Last Desperate Chances always work. Besides, I'll be using my lucky arrow..."

All Captain Vimes needs to save the city is a million-to-one chance.

First published in 1989, the 8th of Terry's Pratchett's comic fantasy stories set on Discworld. Conclusion of six parts dramatized by Michael Butt.

CAST:

Narrator …. Martin Jarvis
Captain Vimes …. John Wood
Nobby …. Melvyn Hayes
Sergeant Colon …. Stephen Thorne
Lady Ramkin …. Helen Atkinson-Wood
Carrot …. Robert Gwilym
Lord Vetinari …. Crawford Logan
Supreme Grand Master …. Brett Usher
First Guard …. Jeff Nuttall
Joint First Guard …. Michael Roberts
Death …. Himself

Director: John Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1992.


MON 18:30 A Good Read (b01cjwv5)
Brian Sewell and Wendy Cope

Harriett Gilbert's guests this week are the art critic Brian Sewell and the poet Wendy Cope.

Books chosen:

"From the City, From the Plough," by Alexander Baron

"The Moving Toyshop," by Edmund Crispin

"Evening in the Palace of Reason," by James Gaines

Producer Christine Hall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.


MON 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k00f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qskh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 20:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vh0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 21:00 Here's the Thing (b0b5rtfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m000v8b3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 22:30 Chain Reaction (b03m81pm)
Series 9

Terry Christian talks to Kevin Bridges

Manchester's very own Terry Christian talks to Scotland's comedy superstar Kevin Bridges.

Chain Reaction is the long-running host-less chat show where last week's interviewee becomes this week's interviewer.

Producer: Carl Cooper

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.


MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m000v9v6)
Series 105

Episode 2

Andy Zaltman presents a look back at the week's headlines with panellists Andrew Maxwell, Athena Kugblenu, Anne McElvoy and Chris McCausland.

This week super leagues, super texts and a super example of someone being told to get out of a pub.

Written by Andy Zaltzman with additional material from Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard, Rajiv Karia and Jenan Younis.

Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production


MON 23:30 Sean Lock - 15 Storeys High (b09jmjnl)
Series 1

Episode 3

Thwarted by inertia, Sean has never allowed his dreams and ambitions to come true. Until, that is, the local supermarket shows him the way.

Sean Lock is still hiding in Flat 76, Elderberry House, Maydew Estate, failing to keep the world at bay.

Starring Sean Lock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Peter Serafinowicz, Martin Trenaman and Chris Pavlo.

Written by Sean Lock and Martin Trenaman.

Script Editor: Robert Fraser-Steele

Producer: Chris Neill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.



TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2021

TUE 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b008p506)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b01cjwv5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qskh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vh0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09msf89)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 Gudrun (b0b4ztdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 Femme Fatale: The Story of Nico (b00gd1t0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009swy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Act Your Age (b00pxn13)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076j4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Ayres on the Air (b01n6yj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (m000v8b3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qs14)
13. Mr X

A man loses his memory and a woman gets nuisance calls in another case for the cantankerous criminal psychologist.

Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.

Following on from the success of the 1949 Hammer Film 'Dr Morelle: The Case Of The Missing Heiress', this is the last of 13 BBC radio episodes.

CAST:

Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Paula Maitland …. Lana Morris
The Nurse …. Maureen Riscoe
Mr X …. David Spenser
Mr Maitland …. Simon Lack
The Matron …. Joan Sanderson
Inspector Hood …. Fred Yule

Director: Leslie Bridgmont

Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1957.


TUE 06:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhc4)
2. Drama School

"I had a choice", said my parents, who couldn't afford either, "between St Paul's and Westminster Schools".

School days with the son of a Nazi politician, a first proper taste of treading the boards at drama school and meeting his first girlfriend, Isolde.

Multitalented writer, director, actor and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, Sir Peter Ustinov CBE continues his autobiography

Abridged by Jack Singleton.

Producer Rosemary Hart

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1978.


TUE 07:00 Beauty of Britain (b01064yj)
Series 2

Laurelmead

No professional care-worker can afford to miss Beauty Olonga's survival guide to Britain - its overheated houses, its disappointing church services and its world-class charity shops. Series 2 of this Radio 4 comedy follows Beauty's continuing adventures as the Featherdown Agency sends her to provide care for the elderly.

Beauty sees herself as an inspiration to other African girls hoping to live the dream in Britain. The series breaks the embarrassed silence about what happens to us when we get old and start to lose our faculties. It shows the process in all its chaotic, tragi-comedy but it does so from the point of view of Beauty, whose Zimbabwean Shona background has taught her to respect age. Beauty sees Britain at its best, its worst and also sometimes without its clothes on running the wrong way down the M6 with a toy dog shouting 'Come on!'

'A British care home is basically a big house named after a tree' observes Beauty, as she decides to work at Laurelmead this week. A change from her usual live in work, but working for the care home brings its own difficulties. There is some good news- her church choir is through to the regional finals of 'Go for Gospel'.

Beauty ... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Kriss ... Felix Dexter
Neville ... Clive Swift
Mrs Gupte ... Indira Joshi
Anil ... Paul Sharma
Worship Leader Wayne ... Lloyd Thomas
Uncle Custard ... Chris Douglas
Sandra ... Nicola Sanderson

The music for the series was performed by The West End Gospel Choir.
Written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson
The producer is Tilusha Ghelani.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.


TUE 07:30 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v7q9)
Life

Episode 2 - Life

Following on from her hugely successful, award-winning previous series – ‘Minds The Gap’ and ‘Utopia’, Bridget now turns her attention to Mortality, covering ‘Birth’, ‘Life’, ‘Death’ and ‘The Afterlife’.

Like many of us forced to work from home during lockdown, Bridget has recorded this series herself in her house, and in her local park, on a pre-sanitised recording device sent to her in the post. Batteries weren’t included. She had to buy them all herself.

In a collection of informative, personal and absurd recordings, she confronts the difficult questions most of us spend our lives avoiding - all whilst being interrupted by cats, bad WiFi, life admin and her own dead self from beyond the grave.

"Does life have meaning?", "How do you live in the moment?", "Why is life like a washing machine cycle?" and "What's that dog barking at?"

If you are mortal, then this is the show for you.

Written and performed by Bridget Christie
With guest appearances from her sister Eileen and her friend Ash.
Producer... Carl Cooper
Sound Mixer... Olga M. Reed

Bridget Christie: Mortal is a BBC Studios Production


TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
The Evils of Bushey Spon

Neddie is called in to oversee the decoration of a council lamppost. With special guest star AE Matthews. From March 1958.


TUE 08:30 King Street Junior (b007jm4f)
Series 3

The History Game

Mr Sims brings history alive for the class, then faces a real-life battle Mrs Rudd.

The third series of the gentle sitcom based around life in a junior school. Devised and written by Jim Eldridge, it ran to ten series between March 1985 and November 1998.

CAST:

Philip Sims …. Karl Howman
Mr Beeston, the Headmaster …. James Grout
Miss Lewis …. Marlene Sidaway
Mr Holliday, the Deputy Head …. Tom Watson
Mrs Patterson …. Deirdre Costello
Mr Long …. Paul Copley
Mrs Rudd …. Vivienne Martin
Mrs Stone, the School Secretary …. Margaret John
Ben …. John Challis
Mick …. Phil Nice
Hanif …. Robert Lynam
Janine …. Victoria Ludlow
Andy …. Nicholas Askew
Alice …. Lindsay Pearce

John Fawcett Wilson : Producer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1988.


TUE 09:00 The News Quiz (m000v9v6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]


TUE 09:30 The Brothers (b007mc8t)
Series 1

Episode 4

Arson and revolving bow ties - just another day for Nigel and Michael. Stars Adam Godley and Raymond Coulthard. From June 2004.


TUE 10:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009rkb)
2. Setting Sail

In 1776 Caroline Harding sets sail for India, bound for marriage to a man whom she's not seen in 8 years and whom she suspects of having no real desire to wed her...

Written by Joanna Trollope under her nom de plume, Caroline Harvey.

CAST:

Caroline Harding .... Rebecca Egan
Lady Lennox …. Jennifer Hilary
Lord Lennox .... David Collings
Isobel Grant .... Emma Gregory
General North .... John Turner
Bella Rathbone .... Jillie Meers
Johnnie Gates …. Charles Simpson
Ranjit .... Sam Dastor
George Carew .... Stephen Critchlow
Sir Edward Ashton .... Nicholas le Prevost
Sircar …. Dhirendra
Moneylender .... Raj Patel
Servant .... Becky Hindley
Ship's Officer.... Paul Jenkins
Sailor .... Joshua Towb

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Director Jane Morgan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.


TUE 11:00 Archive on 4 (b09x8ygn)
Per Ardua Ad Astra: RAF Voices

From top brass to gunners, pilots and ground crew, the voices of a much-respected service.

When the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged on April 1st, 1918, Britain witnessed the creation of an extraordinary new armed service - one that the existing Army and Navy greeted with suspicion and distrust. Here was a fully-fledged force, complete with exotic flying machines and pilots who seemed to have stepped out of the pages of an adventure book for boys.

Their devil-may-care attitude and sang froid in the face of the fledgling German Air Force, and the completely haphazard construction of the machines they flew, gained them a reputation and respect that the RAF still enjoys a hundred years later.

The average speed of the canvas and wire machines of the First World War was 50mph, while jets today can fly at over 1500 mph, but there was something about the act of flying at speed over the heads of those on the ground that evoked a feeling of freedom. Of course, the WW1 pilots knew and felt this freedom and a mystique grew up around their exploits - a mystique mingled with the bitter-sweet and made even more poignant by the fact that the average life of a First World War pilot was just three weeks. In the Second World War, the lifespan of a fighter pilot was again short and often brutal.

This programme features of the voices of some of the survivors of those conflicts, and from more recent theatres of war such as Desert Storm and Afghanistan. To listen in to the pilots is chilling as they fly through enemy fire and - certainly in the early days - in planes with engines that could fail at any time, where the navigation systems were so rudimentary that they little idea where they were or where they were heading.

A Spools Out production

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.


TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 12:30 King Street Junior (b007jm4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qs14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 13:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 14:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09mt8wp)
Episode 7

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

Wanda continues to behave strangely as Mrs Hawkins mulls on the loss of another job in publishing. Before long her thoughts turn to her brief wartime marriage to the late Tom Hawkins.

Read by Maggie Service
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


TUE 14:15 Gudrun (b0b50kx1)
Series 4

Episode 7

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Marlas gets sucked back into the intrigues of his former life leaving Gudrun to explore Constantinople alone. She befriends a fellow Icelander who is a member of the elite Varangian Guard.

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


TUE 14:30 The Luddite Lament (b0112y4d)
In The Luddite Lament, the award winning folk singer John Tams looks back at the machine breakers of the 19th century, through the prism of the songs they inspired.

Two hundred years ago parts of Britain were on the brink of rebellion - and you could be imprisoned for singing a song. There were said to be more troops on the border of Yorkshire and Lancashire than on the Continent with Wellington. The reason? Men armed with hammers, pikes and even guns were attacking mills in protest at the introduction of new machinery. Luddism began in the Midlands in 1811 and swept northwards to Yorkshire and then Lancashire.

In just one month in 1812 a mill was attacked by over a hundred men, two Luddites were killed, a manufacturer was shot dead and then, to add to the air of fear and paranoia, the Prime Minister was assassinated. Spies and informers criss crossed the Luddite areas passing what information they could to the authorities - but the Luddites were notoriously difficult to infiltrate. They sang songs about their exploits - about hardship, about machine breaking and about their hero General Ludd. This programme examines the story of the Luddites using some of those songs.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.


TUE 15:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009rkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:00 The 3rd Degree (b07ffd8g)
Series 6

The University of Bath

A funny and dynamic quiz show hosted by Steve Punt - this week from the University of Bath, with specialist subjects including Biology, Politics and Maths, and questions ranging from Sierpinski Gaskets to Scottish Nationalism via Francois Mitterand and Adele.

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

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

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

Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.


TUE 16:30 The Brothers (b007mc8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 17:00 Beauty of Britain (b01064yj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:30 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v7q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007x08g)
1. The Manuscript

Two friends are camping near the bleak ruins of a huge old house in a remote spot in the west of Ireland, when they discover a ragged manuscript.

It purports to be the journal of an old recluse who once lived in the house with his sister. The manuscript describes his terrifying experiences of being besieged by supernatural creatures and another dimension...

Read by Jim Norton.

First published in 1908, William Hope Hodgson's fantasy novella is now seen as a classic of early, Edwardian sci-fi.

Abridged in four parts by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.

First broadcast in September 2007.


TUE 18:30 Soul Music (b00zdl20)
Series 11

The Impossible Dream

In this series that explores those pieces of music that never fail to move us, this week we feature, 'The Impossible Dream', a song that talks of the resilience of the human spirit.

It tells the story of a quest and it's had a surprising journey of it's own. It was originally composed for the 1965 musical The Man of La Mancha which was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes story of Don Quixote. The music was written by Mitch Leigh and the lyrics by Joe Darion. Now in his 80's Leigh explains how his first writing partner was WH Auden and talks about why this particular piece struck a chord with African American friends at that time. Generations on, international Soprano Lesley Garrett recalls how this song inspired her childhood dreams in Doncaster, Yachtsman of the Year Geoff Holt talks about how this song carried him across the Atlantic on one of the most important voyages of his life and former advertising executive Rob Chew explains how this piece is helping him face lifes biggest challenge.

Contributors:
Geoff Holt
Rob Chew
Mitch Leigh
Stuart Pedlar
Lesley Garrett

Producer: Nicola Humphries

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.


TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 King Street Junior (b007jm4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qs14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 20:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 21:00 Archive on 4 (b09x8ygn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


TUE 22:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v7q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 22:30 Danny Robins Music Therapy (b00ft476)
Episode 4

Danny Robins harnesses the power of music to improve the world and solve listeners' problems.

Danny campaigns for bagpipes to be celebrated rather than reviled and tries his hand at writing a 'Winterval' No 1 hit single.

With Isy Suttie and special musical guest rapper Doc Brown.

Producer: Ben Walker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.


TUE 23:00 Small Scenes (b03fb925)
Series 1

Episode 2

Listen in as a pair of long-lost brothers meet for the first time.

Elsewhere, a moth runs amok on a submarine and we also meet the world's most literal voiceover artist.

Series one of the symphonious sketch show starring Daniel Rigby, Mike Wozniak, Sara Pascoe and Henry Paker.

Written by the cast and Benjamin Partridge, with additional material from Jon Lynes and Dan O'Donohue.

Producer: Simon Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.


TUE 23:30 The (Almost) Accidental Adventures of Bell and Todd (m00055bk)
Episode 5

Stuck in a swamp pretending to be frogs, Todd and Bell are still in danger.

Mischievous narrator Diana is suffering too

June Whitfield stars as Diana in John Eggleston's six-part comedy adventure series.

With Matthew Bell as Bell and Toby Longworth as Todd

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.


TUE 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b00bbnvw)
Series 1

Episode 5

The poet laureate of alternative comedy, John Hegley, presents a selection of his work.

With contributions from Keith Moore, Susan Norton, Andrew Bailey and Nigel Piper.

Producer: Phil Clarke

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1996.



WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL 2021

WED 00:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007x08g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]


WED 00:30 Soul Music (b00zdl20)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qs14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09mt8wp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 Gudrun (b0b50kx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 The Luddite Lament (b0112y4d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009rkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 The 3rd Degree (b07ffd8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 The Brothers (b007mc8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 Beauty of Britain (b01064yj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 05:30 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v7q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzdt)
The Nine Tailors

1 The Bells are Rung Up

The elegant, intelligent amateur sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey is drawn into the case of an unsolved jewel theft - which turns into a grave mystery.

CAST:

Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Ezra Wilderspin …. John Church
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Stephen Driver …. Stephen Greiff
The Rev Theodore Venable …. Phillip Latham
Emily …. Jenny Twigg
Mr Godfrey/Johnson …. Hayden Wood
Narrator …. John Westbrook

British gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers. The Nine Tailors was first published in 1934.

Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.

Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.

Adapted for radio in six episodes by Alistair Beaton.

Producer: Martin Fisher

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.


WED 06:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhrb)
3. War

"In January 1942, I received my call-up papers. Asked if I had any preference as to the arm I wished to serve in, I told the officer I was interested in Tanks. " Why tanks? " he asked, keenly. I replied that I preferred to go into battle sitting down."

Memories of the Second World War.

Multitalented writer, director, actor and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, Sir Peter Ustinov CBE continues his autobiography

Abridged by Jack Singleton.

Producer Rosemary Hart

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1978.


WED 07:00 A Short Gentleman (b0196rnd)
Episode 2

Robert woos Elizabeth, by means of a putty-coloured carpet.

Hugh Bonneville stars as Robert Purcell, QC, a perfect specimen of the British Establishment, who applies faultless legal logic to his disastrous personal life.

Jon Canter's comic novel 'A Short Gentleman' adapted by Robin Brooks.

Elizabeth ..... Lyndsey Marshal
Guy ..... Adam Billington
Sophie ..... Francine Chamberlain
Anthony ..... Carl Prekopp
Isabel ..... Lauren Mote
Alan ..... Gerard McDermott

Director: Jonquil Painting.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.


WED 07:30 Alone (m000v8x2)
Series 3

Undercover Hamster

A sitcom about five single, middle aged neighbours living in flats in a converted house in North London .- written by Moray Hunter and starring Angus Deayton, Abigail Cruttenden, Pearce Quigley, Kate Isitt and Bennett Arron,

Mitch (Angus Deayton) is a widower and part-time therapist who is looking to put his life back together now that he is single and living with Will (Pearce Quigley), his younger, more volatile and unhappily divorced half-brother. Elsewhere in the building are schoolteacher Ellie (Abigail Cruttenden) who is shy, nervous and holds a secret candle for Mitch. Overly honest, frustrated actress Louisa (Kate Isitt), and socially inept IT nerd Morris (Bennett Arron) complete the line-up of mis-matched neighbours.

In the third episode, Undercover Hamster, Morris secures a date with Nina (Jocelyn Jee Esien), a woman who works in a local pet shop, after impressing her with his love of hamsters. Not that he has one. Ellie meanwhile needs someone, preferably Mitch but anyone will do, to talk to her school assembly.

Cast:
Angus Deayton- Mitch
Abigail Cruttenden- Ellie
Pearce Quigley- Will
Kate Isitt- Louisa
Bennett Arron- Morris
Nina- Jocelyn Jee Esien

Created and Written by Moray Hunter
Script Edited by Ian Brown and James Hendrie
Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy
Recorded and Edited by Jerry Peal
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling
Based on an original idea developed in association with Dandy Productions
Recorded at The Soundhouse Studios
Produced by Gordon Kennedy

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4


WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygf)
Series 1

The Boxing Champion

When the lad hits the gym, he knocks down a prize boxer completely by chance - which gives Sid an idea...

Starring Tony Hancock. With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Kenneth Williams and Paul Carpenter.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

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

Producer: Dennis Main Wilson

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1954.


WED 08:30 Alison and Maud (b007k31q)
Series 1

Speaking in Tongues

Will Mr Mullet and The Bishop of Norwich get too close for comfort over tea? Maud gets a computer and there's an incident on the road...

First of two series of Sue Limb's Bed and Breakfast sitcom about sisters Alison and Maud and their guests at the Abbeyfield Guest House in Norwich.

Starring Denise Coffey as Alison, Miriam Margolyes as Maud, Chris Emmett as Mr Mullett, Geoffrey Whitehead as Bernard, Nickolas Grace as Leslie and Nicholas Le Prevost as the Bishop of Norwich

Producer: Jonathan James-Moore.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.


WED 09:00 The Motion Show (b070wg2g)
Series 3

Episode 4

Graeme Garden's debating game with Gyles Brandreth, Hugh Dennis, Arthur Smith and Antony Worrall Thompson. From August 2000.


WED 09:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jzm2)
Series 1

Out To Launch

Rosie's company is set to launch the autobiography of the country's most famous footballer, Lloyd Gratton.

The lives of Rosie and her granddaughter Jo are shaken by the return to Rosie's daughter Kate after a long spell working abroad.

Prunella Scales in the first 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, Jon Glover as Greg Turnball, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Lalage Croxton-Sackville and Will Ing as Lloyd Gratton.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.


WED 10:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009tcz)
3. The Bargain

Caroline's marriage to Johnnie Gates is a charade, but she has made a bargain and is determined to stick to her side of it.

Written by Joanna Trollope under her nom de plume, Caroline Harvey.

CAST:

Isobel Grant …. Emma Gregory
Sir Edward Ashton .... Nicholas Le Prevost
Caroline Harding .... Rebecca Egan
Johnnie Gates .... Charles Simpson
Nawab of Fultar .... Badi Uzzaman
Ralph Buxby …. Andrew Wincott
Ranjit .... Sam Dastor
George Carew …. Stephen Critchlow
John Eyre ... Gavin Muir
Bella Rathbone .... Jillie Meers
Ann Wheeler .... Monica Dolan
Lady Lennox .... Jennifer Hilary
with John Hartley and Tessa Worsley

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Director Jane Morgan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.


WED 11:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
1. In the Offing

“Everything in life that’s any fun, as somebody wisely observed, is either immoral, illegal or fattening.” PG Wodehouse, Girl in Blue [1970]

Alexander Armstrong attended the special dedication to PG Wodehouse [1881-1975] at Westminster Abbey in September 2019, where sections of this programme were recorded.

Wodehouse was widely regarded as the greatest comic author of the 20th century, and during these three one-hour episodes, we’ll hear a collection of some his best loved work, including a celebration of his creations, such as the feckless Bertie Wooster and his phlegmatic manservant, Jeeves, and his many other characters. All brought to life on radio by stars including Simon Cadell, Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.

We’ll also hear rare interviews and archive along with contributions from fans, friends and family.

Celebrating the comic brilliance of PG Wodehouse is a personal passion for presenter Alexander Armstrong [Armstrong and Miller, Pointless], especially as he’s president of the PG Wodehouse Society – which attracts followers from all over the world.

Producer: Stephen Garner

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in January 2020 as part of a three-hour showcase.


WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 12:30 Alison and Maud (b007k31q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 13:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 14:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09my2f5)
Episode 8

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

As Wanda Podolak edges ever closer to breakdown, Nancy has spent an unexpected night with neighbour and medical student William Todd.

Read by Maggie Service
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


WED 14:15 Gudrun (b0b52cmn)
Series 4

Episode 8

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Marlas gets sucked back into the intrigues of his former life leaving Gudrun to explore Constantinople alone. She befriends a fellow Icelander who is a member of the elite Varangian Guard.

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


WED 14:30 The Secret Catacombs of Paris (b01b9h73)
Take a trip into the underground maze of Paris, revealing a mysterious and intriguing history.

Famously known as the City of Light, Paris is a diverse metropolis rich in architecture and steeped in history. But it has a dark alter ego that lies 30 metres under the ground, mirroring centuries of bloody wars, revolutions and riots on the surface.

For Paris is porous - built on 177 miles of tunnels that were formed when limestone and gypsum were quarried to build the capital. Most people are only aware of just a tiny fraction of these tunnels - the world famous ossuary known as The Catacombs. The authorities have tried to keep a lid on the full extent of the labyrinthine remainder for hundreds of years. But there are little known entry points everywhere - in basements, in train stations, cellars and sewers.

Throughout history, invaders have always found a way in, whether they were fighting Prussian soldiers, fleeing royalty of the French Revolution, the Nazis or The Resistance. Today they're home to the cataphiles - urban explorers who use the tunnels as an art space, a music venue or even a clandestine meeting point for secret societies.

Architecture and design writer, Jonathan Glancey investigates.

Producer: James Hale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 January 2012.


WED 15:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009tcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


WED 16:00 The Motion Show (b070wg2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 16:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jzm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 17:00 A Short Gentleman (b0196rnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:30 Alone (m000v8x2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007wznx)
2. The Siege

After beginning to read the ragged manuscript purporting to be written by an old recluse, the narrator and his sister face the swine-like supernatural creatures' terrifying siege...

Read by Jim Norton.

First published in 1908, William Hope Hodgson's fantasy novella is now seen as a classic of early, Edwardian sci-fi.

Abridged in four parts by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.

First broadcast in September 2007.


WED 18:30 Short Cuts (m00035vd)
Series 18

Oulipo

Josie Long presents a series of short documentaries and audio adventures inspired by the work of the Oulipo, a loose collective of writers and mathematicians who use playful constraints in their work to spark new ideas.

The Oulipo's name - Ouvroir de littérature potentielle - roughly translates as 'the workshop of potential literature'. They have produced works such as Georges Perec's La Disparition; A Void in the English translation, in which the letter e never appears; If on a Winter's Night a Traveller..., Italo Calvino's novel which features ten different first chapters of novels; and Raymond Queneau's Exercises in Style, in which the same story is retold 99 times in a different style.

Our workshop for potential radio features literary reviews, audio games and new stories from Joe Dunthorne, Jon Tjhia, John-Luke Roberts and Ross Sutherland.

As Far As The I
Produced by Jon Tjhia

Peanut Butter
Featuring Joe Dunthorne

A Void
Featuring John-Luke Roberts

The Other Ross Sutherland
Featuring Roddy Forsyth and Ross Sutherland
An alternate version of this story first appeared on the podcast Imaginary Advice
Produced by Ross Sutherland

Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall

A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.


WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 19:30 Alison and Maud (b007k31q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 20:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 21:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


WED 22:00 Alone (m000v8x2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 22:30 Bleak Expectations (b00ngz6q)
Series 3

A Lovely Life Re-Kippered Again Once More

In Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof, even death cannot prevent an old enemy from returning. Stars Tom Allen. From October 2009.


WED 23:00 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b007m94n)
Series 1

Restaurants

Adam Bloom investigates bad service in restaurants with stand-up and reconstructions. It's comedy with a mission.

Helping Adam transform service culture are Sarah Kennedy, Brendon Burns and Rob Rouse

Written by Adam Bloom.

Producer: Adam Bromley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.


WED 23:15 Tina C (b0196rq2)
Tina C's Global Depression Tour

The United States

Country legend Tina C challenges the Secretary for the US Treasury, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve and the former CEO of Goldman Sachs that where they have failed, she can come up with a solution to the Global Recession, and sets off on a six country tour to prove it. With guest appearances from economists and financial journalists, including Will Hutton, Paul Mason and Gillian Tett.

This week she visits the United States.

Tina C ...Christopher Green
With Gillian Tett, Victoria Inez Hardy and James Lailey
Musical arrangements by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Christopher Green
Directed by Jeremy Mortimer

"Christopher Green's Tina C is one of the great comic creations of the age. A genuinely fine country singer, but with a twist of satire and insight which is rare and highly to be prized." Stephen Fry.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.


WED 23:30 Bunk Bed (b07ggbfs)
Series 3

Episode 3

Everyone craves a place where their mind and body are not applied to a particular task. The nearest faraway place. Somewhere for drifting and lighting upon strange thoughts which don't have to be shooed into context, but which can be followed like balloons escaping onto the air. Late at night, in the dark and in a bunk bed, your tired mind can wander.

This is the nearest faraway place for Patrick Marber and Peter Curran. Here they try to get the heart of things in an entertainingly vague and indirect way. This is not the place for typical male banter. From under the bed clothes they play each other music and archive of Angela Carter, ex-Prime Ministers, a Castrato singer, and an elephant playing the piano.

Work, family, literature, and their own badly-scuffed dreams are the funny, if warped conversational currency.

A Foghorn Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.


WED 23:45 Fabulous (b00hs90r)
Series 1

Episode 3

Faye's cooker is beeping, work deadlines are looming and flat-hunting sucks. Stars Daisy Haggard and Adam Buxton. From May 2007.



THURSDAY 29 APRIL 2021

THU 00:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007wznx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]


THU 00:30 Short Cuts (m00035vd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]


THU 01:00 Wimsey (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]


THU 01:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]


THU 02:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09my2f5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]


THU 02:15 Gudrun (b0b52cmn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]


THU 02:30 The Secret Catacombs of Paris (b01b9h73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]


THU 03:00 Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter (m0009tcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 The Motion Show (b070wg2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]


THU 04:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jzm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]


THU 05:00 A Short Gentleman (b0196rnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]


THU 05:30 Alone (m000v8x2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]


THU 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzg3)
The Nine Tailors

2 Lord Peter Is Called In

Back in Fenchurch St Paul, Lord Peter Wimsey speculates on mystery of the unidentified and badly battered body...

CAST:

Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
The Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Ezra Wilderspin …. John Church
Liz Widerspin …. Diana Bishop
Coroner …. Martin Friend
Harry Gotobed …. Alexander John
Dr Baines …. Brian Haynes
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Hilary Thorpe …. Fiona Matheson
Narrator …. John Westbrook

British gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers. The Nine Tailors was first published in 1934.

Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.

Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.

Adapted for radio in six episodes by Alistair Beaton.

Producer: Martin Fisher

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.


THU 06:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhr4)
4. Frustrations

'We were supposed to be Germans. Our duty was to try and capture Maidstone from the Home Guard - that civilian task force of veterans and the infirm, who were supposed to harass the Germans in case of landing and hold vital positions until better-armed units of the army could be deployed.'

Peter Ustinov uses his acting talents in army manoeuvres and war films - but becomes increasingly frustrated with military life.

The writer, director and actor continues his autobiography

Abridged by Jack Singleton.

Producer Rosemary Hart

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1978.


THU 07:00 The Architects (b052hffj)
Series 2

Turret

Matt's got a problem with a turret, Sarah's got the clients from hell, Sir Lucien's got family trouble and Tim just got off with his old biology teacher.

Just a regular day at Sir Lucien and Partners.

Comedy by Jim Poyser with Neil Griffiths.

Sir Lucien ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Tim ..... Alex Carter
Sarah ..... Anna Crilly
Matt ..... Dominic Coleman
Jemima ..... Hannah Genesius
Bob ..... David Acton
Jane ..... Jane Slavin
Dave ..... Stephen Critchlow

Director: Toby Swift

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.


THU 07:30 Meet David Sedaris (m000v9ck)
Series 8

Instalment 6

What with the whole world grinding to a viral halt and everything, this special series of essays and diary entries is recorded at the Sussex home of the world-renowned storyteller.

In 2021, it's 25 years since David Sedaris first shared his very particular world view with the listeners to BBC Radio 4, having brought us The SantaLand Diaries back in 1996. In this eighth series of Meet David Sedaris, he continues to entertain with sardonic wit and incisive social critiques.

David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humour writers and, in 2019, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that he's a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

Sedaris's first book, Barrel Fever (1994), which included The SantaLand Diaries, was a critical and commercial success, as were his follow-up efforts, Naked (1997), Holidays on Ice (1997) and Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000). He became known for his bitingly funny recollections of his youth, family life and travels, making semi-celebrities out of his parents and siblings.

David Sedaris has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. His latest international best-selling book is a collection of stories entitled Calypso. A feature film adaptation of his story C.O.G. was released after a premier at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013.

Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4


THU 08:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0100lqz)
Series 7

Episode 1

Dave the Rave shares all the gossip from this diary and Professor Prune dons his electrical time trousers.

Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.

Sketches written by Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.

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

Music and songs by Liam Cohen, Dave Lee, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.

Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge

First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in January 1969.


THU 08:30 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jr6k)
To Begin At The End

Nick Revell’s six-part comedy serial travels between the Andes, St Petersburg and a town in west Yorkshire, where Tony Hardstaff returns after a 10-year absence.

He encounters his 183-year-old father Obadiah, his Bronte obsessed ex-girlfriend and the Morris Dancing Survivalist Militia.

In this opening episode, Tony is seduced by the charms of the beautiful Natassia Fillipovna Karamazov and has to escape from the ruthless Russian mafia in St Petersburg.

Tony ...... Nick Revell
Natasha Fillipovna ...... Morwenna Banks
The Narrator ...... Alistair McGowan
Mrs Yepanchin ...... Joanna Brooks
Ivan ...... Jonathan Kydd
Sergei ...... Peter Gunn
Kropotkin ...... Peter Serafinowcz
Vladimir ...... Chris Pavlo

Other parts played by the cast.

Music composed by Paul Mottram.

Producer: Paul Schlesinger

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1997.


THU 09:00 The Write Stuff (m000vhr6)
Series 7

Rudyard Kipling

James Walton's literary quiz.

Team captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh are joined by Nicholas Lezard and novelist Nigel Williams .

Author of the week is Rudyard Kipling.

Reader: Beth Chalmers

Producer: Katie Marsden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.


THU 09:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0141v9z)
Series 3

Anniversary Waltz

Queasy Wendy tackles party food for Maureen, as Robin tries to bond with their foster child. Stars Kay Stonham. From July 2004.


THU 10:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t18j1)
The Duel

An unfortunate duel is the catalyst for young Redmond Barry to leave his native Ireland and serve on the battlefields of the Seven Years War - before a chance reunion with his long-lost uncle offers a way to make their fortune at the gaming-tables of the highest courts of Europe.

William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel (1844) about the rise and fall of an Irish adventurer, set during the last half of the 18th century. The action moves from rural Ireland to the courts of Europe to the drawing rooms of English society.

The first of two-parts dramatised by Don McCamphill

Barry ...... Gerard McSorley
Redmond ...... Andrew Scott
Chevalier de Balibari ...... David Kelly
Bell Barry ...... Sheila Hancock
Lord Lyndon ...... Kenneth Cranham
Sir Rumford Bumford ...... Jamie Foreman
Mme Fitzsimons ...... Tina Kellegher
Fitzsimons ...... Kevin Flood
Captain Fagan ...... Frank O'Sullivan
John Quin ...... Mark Lambert
Von Potzdorff ...... Don Wycherley
Ulick ...... Darragh Kelly
Mick ...... Eanna MacLiam
Nora ...... Alice Barry

Directed at BBC Belfast by Lawrence Jackson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.


THU 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000vgw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


THU 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]


THU 12:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0100lqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 12:30 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jr6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 13:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 14:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09mxfr7)
Episode 9

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

Still grieving after Wanda's tragic death, Nancy Hawkins is heading for an interview with a new literary magazine.

Read by Maggie Service
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


THU 14:15 Gudrun (b0b52f31)
Series 4

Episode 9

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Recalling her own violent first marriage, Gudrun is determined to stop a political alliance that will see Alexandra married to a brute.

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


THU 14:30 Hot Gossip! (b04pvb7m)
1. Origins

If language elevates us above other animals, why does human society seem to spend so much time gossiping? Perhaps it's because without gossip there would be no society and language would be much less interesting. In the first of two programmes, Geoff Watts explores our fascination with small talk and chit chat. Where did gossip come from, why did it evolve and how has it changed (and changed us) in the digital age?

If your guilty pleasure is rifling through gossip magazines, then here's a reassuring message: you are merely fulfilling an evolutionary drive. The brain is 'hard-wired' to be fascinated by gossip - which not only helps members of your social group to bond but can also help to police those in the group who transgress. Biologist call them ‘free-riders’ and in large social groups, free-riders can wreak havoc with the society unless they’re policed – by gossip.

For anthropologist Robin Dunbar, author of the now classic text, ‘Grooming, Gossip and The Evolution of Language’, it is not the pearls of wisdom that makes the world go round but everyday tittle tattle: “we are social beings and our world is cocooned in the interests and minutiae of everyday social life. They fascinate us beyond nature”. Gossip, which Dunbar says can be traced back to social grooming in apes, makes up around two-thirds of general conversation according to his research. Without gossip says Dunbar “there can be no society”.

Of course, historically, culturally, morally gossip has rarely been seen as anything but good. In Judaism where derogatory speech about another person has a special name – ‘Lashon Hara’ or 'evil tongue', it is, says Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “…regarded it as one of the worst of all sins’. Gossip is said to kill three people, “the one who says it, the one he/she says it about, and the one who listens in. Gossip is not just a sinful act but one that contaminates others”. Nowhere is this more evident than recent cases of internet trolling and cyber bullying. “we need a new ethic” argues Sacks. But are we even capable of changing our nasty habits?

Producer: Rami Tzabar

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.


THU 15:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t18j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


THU 16:00 The Write Stuff (m000vhr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


THU 16:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0141v9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


THU 17:00 The Architects (b052hffj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


THU 17:30 Meet David Sedaris (m000v9ck)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 18:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007www2)
3. The Pit

Will the narrator and his dog survive a watery entrapment?

First published in 1908, William Hope Hodgson's fantasy novella is now seen as a classic of early, Edwardian sci-fi.

Read by Jim Norton.

Abridged in four parts by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.

First broadcast in September 2007.


THU 18:30 Great Lives (b018xs8c)
Series 26

Lonnie Donegan

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter tells Matthew Parris why skiffle king Lonnie Donegan is his hero.

Lonnie Donegan is probably best remembered for the novelty hits "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour? " However, early hits like "Rock Island Line" were instrumental in inspiring the likes of John Lennon, Brian May and Roger Daltrey to perform.

Donegan played a decisive role in the development of British popular music. His revitalisation of skiffle provided the inspiration for the whole British beat movement that was to come. Ironically, although Donegan was the catalyst, he was soon eclipsed by the young electric guitar heroes of the mid-sixties, and he was left with the comedy and cabaret circuits.


THU 19:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0100lqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


THU 19:30 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jr6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


THU 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


THU 20:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


THU 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000vgw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


THU 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]


THU 22:00 Meet David Sedaris (m000v9ck)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


THU 22:30 John Kearns (b05w3x5l)
Episode 2 - Half-Time

Passions flare and loyalty is tested at a football ground in London.

The second of four 14 minute vignettes in a series from John Kearns, the Winner of the Main Prize at the 2014 Edinburgh Comedy Festival, as well as the Best Newcomer Award in 2013.

Producer: Arnab Chanda

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.


THU 22:45 Warhorses of Letters (b016wzyt)
Series 1

Episode 2

This is the world's first epistolary equine love story, comprising the recently discovered passionate love letters between Copenhagen, the Duke of Wellington's horse (played by Daniel Rigby), and his hero Marengo (Stephen Fry). It is the story of two horses united by an uncommon passion, cruelly divided by a brutal conflict.

Warhorses of Letters stars Stephen Fry as Marengo, the seasoned, famous and just-a-little-bit-short mount of Emperor Napoleon. Daniel Rigby stars alongside him as Copenhagen, the frisky young former racehorse ridden by the Duke of Wellington. This collection of their moving letters to each other is introduced by Tamsin Greig.

Episode 2 sees Copenhagen becoming a warhorse, and Marengo setting out into the vast Russian Steppe as he carries Napoleon at the head of his vast army towards Moscow. As uncertainty and conflict beset our heroes it puts strains on their new relationship, especially when Copenhagen begins to explore his physical side with really quite a lot of other horses, and things begin to go less well for the French army and its horses as winter sets in.

Written by novelists Robert Hudson (The Kilburn Social Club) and Marie Phillips (Gods Behaving Badly - soon to be a feature film starring Christopher Walken and Sharon Stone), directed by Steven Canny and produced by Gareth Edwards.


THU 23:00 1966 and All That (b0100q4y)
The 1920s and 30s

King George utters some unmemorable last words; DH Lawrence of Arabia writes Lady Chatterbox's Llama; and John Yogi Bear discovers the BBC but finds there's not much on.

Craig Brown's satirical history of Britain begins in the 1920s and 1930s.

Stars Joss Ackland, Eleanor Bron, Rory Bremner, Ewan Bailey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and John Humphrys,

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.


THU 23:30 Children's Hour with Armstrong and Miller (b00911f4)
Episode 3

In an optimistic attempt at cultural review, Craig Children and Martin Bain-Jones throw a Come As You Aren't party.

Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong star as the pompous critics.

With Charlie Condou, Melissa Lloyd and Tony Gardner.

Written by Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong, David Mitchell and Robert Webb.

Producer: Jon Rolph

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.



FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021

FRI 00:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007www2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b018xs8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]


FRI 01:00 Wimsey (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]


FRI 01:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vhr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]


FRI 02:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09mxfr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]


FRI 02:15 Gudrun (b0b52f31)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]


FRI 02:30 Hot Gossip! (b04pvb7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]


FRI 03:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t18j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 The Write Stuff (m000vhr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]


FRI 04:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0141v9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]


FRI 05:00 The Architects (b052hffj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]


FRI 05:30 Meet David Sedaris (m000v9ck)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]


FRI 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
The Nine Tailors

3 Bunter Breaks the Law

As Lord Peter Wimsey's murder probe moves to the church bell tower, his manservant Bunter uses his initiative.

CAST:

Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Mary Thoday …. Claire Clifford
Potty Peak …. Anthony Hyde
Mrs Ashton …. Marjorie Withers
Mr Ashton …. Brian Haynes
Sluice Keeper …. Peter Tudenham
Narrator …. John Westbrook

British gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers. The Nine Tailors was first published in 1934.

Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.

Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.

Adapted for radio in six episodes by Alistair Beaton.

Producer: Martin Fisher

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.


FRI 06:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vjq5)
5. Finding Work

Peter Ustinov struggles with army life but his acting and writing career gradually take over.

His daughter Tamara is born and he has fun working with legendary actors, Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud.

The writer, director and actor continues his autobiography

Abridged by Jack Singleton.

Producer Rosemary Hart

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1978.


FRI 07:00 The Break (b07ctt0z)
Series 1

The Key

Welcome to Flamford, the setting for this sitcom starring Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer and Alison Steadman.

Andy Chambers - edgy, sharp-tongued City burn-out - has fled London for his Uncle Jeff's seaside home. When we meet him, all Andy wants to do is sleep, but Jeff is having none of it.

Jeff gets Andy out of bed and gives him breakfast with the promise of an interesting surprise which is safely stowed in the shed. He suddenly realises his keys are missing - his friend Fat Sid borrowed the keys three years ago and hasn't given them back. Jeff leads Andy on a quest around Flamford for Fat Sid and the missing keys.

On their Odyssey they encounter Fish Shop Frank and his outré selection of fish, Pest Control Officer Corinne with whom Jeff has an "understanding", and finally Fat Sid himself in an unexpected new role.

Andy Chambers ...... Tom Palmer
Jeff ...... Philip Jackson
Fish Shop Frank ...... Mark Benton
Pest Control Officer Corinne ...... Alison Steadman

Writers: Ian Brown and James Hendrie

Director: Gordon Kennedy

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2016.


FRI 07:30 The Confessional (m000vgfs)
Series 1

The Confession of Dr Phil Hammond

Actor, comedian and broadcaster Stephen Mangan presents a new comedy chat show about shame and guilt.

Each week, Stephen invites a different guest into his virtual confessional box to make three confessions - with remarkable storytelling and surprising insights.

We’re used to hearing celebrity interviews where stars are persuaded to show off about their achievements. Stephen's not interested in that. He doesn’t want to know about his guests' proudest moments, he wants to know what they’re ashamed of. That’s surely the way to find out what really makes a person tick.

Stephen and his guest reflect with empathy and humour on why we get embarrassed, where our shame thresholds should be, and the value of guilt.

Series guests include Marian Keyes, Cariad Lloyd, Joan Bakewell, Suzi Ruffell, Clarke Peters and many more.

This week, Phil Hammond, doctor, journalist and the medical correspondent for Private Eye, delivers some eye watering accounts of youthful mistakes, dubious diagnoses and Twitter storms.

Written and presented by Stephen Mangan
With extra material by Nick Doody
Produced by Dave Anderson and Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4


FRI 08:00 Dad's Army (b007js9w)
Series 1

A Stripe for Frazer

When Captain Mainwaring promotes Private Frazer, his new powers go to his head...

CAST:

Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Walker …. James Beck
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Captain Bailey …. Michael Knowles
Colonel Square …. Geoffrey Lumsden
Announcer …. John Snagge

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

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 March 1974.


FRI 08:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jv2y)
Series 1

Episode 3

An Everyday Story of Towering Genius.

Sue Limb’s four-part soap opera set in and around the Lake District at the turn of the 18th century

Dorothy is perturbed by William's impending wedding. Percy Jelley is depressed despite his recent bigamous marriage to Mary Godwit. The Leechpedlar reveals that he was 'The Antique Mariner'. Cholericke is inspired....

Dorothy Wordsmith ...... Denise Coffey
William Wordsmith ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Samuel Tailor Cholericke ...... Simon Callow
Stinking Iris ...... Miriam Margolyes
The Leechpedlar ...... Chris Emmett
Percy Jelley ...... Hugh Thomas
Mary Godwit ...... Alison Fiske

Music by Stephen Oliver and sung by Cantabile

Producer: Jonathan James-Moore

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1985.


FRI 09:00 Counterpoint (b00rxh64)
Series 24

2010 Heat 4

The fourth heat in the 2010 series of Counterpoint comes from the BBC Radio Theatre in London, with Paul Gambaccini picking the brains of contestants from East Anglia and the Home Counties.

David Allison from Sheringham, Norfolk
Philip Constantine from Guildford, Surrey
Andrew Langley from Chesham, Buckinghamshire

As always, the questions test the breadth of their musical knowledge and feature a wealth of musical extracts and illustrations.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2010.


FRI 09:30 Two Doors Down (b008gbvs)
Series 2

Mythical Kings and Iguanas

Saffron is a typical mother, multi-tasking her aromatherapy business with trying to feng shui her bathroom and coping with a four year old desperately missing their ex-pet iguana.

So no surprise she needs Sally's help when things go wrong...

Starring Stella McCusker.

Annie McCartney's sitcom about the bohemian Belfast residents of Marlborough Road, saved from chaos by their cleaning lady, Sally.

Sally ...... Stella McCusker
Clare ...... Marcella Riordan
Evie ...... Katy Gleadhill
Trevor ...... Des McAleer
Simon ...... Patrick Gleadhill
Anna ...... Hannah R Gordon
Saffron ...... Ali White
Victor ...... Alan Mckee

Director: Tanya Nash

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.


FRI 10:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
The Squire

Redmond Barry pursues and wins the widowed Lady Lyndon to take the title of Barry Lyndon and play the role of country squire.

However, once arrived at the summit of his good fortune, his luck begins to change for the worse.

Conclusion of William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel about the rise and fall of an Irish adventurer in the 18th century.

Dramatised by Don McCamphill

Barry ...... Gerard McSorley
Lady Lyndon ...... Tina Kellegher
Chevalier de Balibari ...... David Kelly
Bell Barry ...... Sheila Hancock
Earl of Crabs ...... Kenneth Cranham
Wiggins ...... Jamie Foreman
Redmond ...... Andrew Scott
Furniture Dealer ...... Mark Lambert
Poynings ...... Don Wycherley
Ulick ...... Darragh Kelly
Brendan ...... Eanna MacLiam
Maggie-Rose ...... Alice Barry

Directed at BBC Belfast by Lawrence Jackson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.


FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000vjq8)
The UK Tour

Chris Pearson and Laura Grimshaw tour the UK in podcasts.


FRI 12:00 Dad's Army (b007js9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 12:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jv2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 13:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vjq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 14:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (b09mx8n7)
Episode 10

Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's post-war publishing scene.

Although she enjoys her new job and looks forward to the future with William Todd, Nancy dreads the reappearance of hack writer Hector Bartlett.

Read by Maggie Service
Abridged by Rosemary Goring
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


FRI 14:15 Gudrun (b0b539zy)
Series 4

Episode 10

Lucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Gudrun waits anxiously for Marlas to return. Will he be able to stop the wedding in time?

Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.


FRI 14:30 Hot Gossip! (b04sy3qp)
2. Brains

In the second of two programmes, Geoff Watts continues to explore the science, history and cultural implications of gossip.

Gossip has a bad reputation and for the most part, deservedly so. Yet, on-going research appears to suggest that gossip does serve a useful purpose. Not least because our brains may be hard wired for it. Researchers in Boston have used a technique known as binocular rivalry (showing different images to left and right eye at the same time) to suggest that gossip acts as an early warning system, that the brain automatically redirects your attention onto people you've heard negative remarks about. Even though this process happens at a sub-conscious level, your brain is sifting through and weeding out anyone in your surroundings that you may be have good reason to distrust.

Elsewhere, researchers in Manchester have been analysing what makes gossip memorable and are now scanning subjects brains to see if there are specific gossip networks which light up. From preliminary results it appears gossip activates areas in the brain similar to those that produce feelings of pleasure and reward. Next they plan to scan their subjects' brains as they tweet.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, in many of these experiments, it is celebrity gossip that tends to produce the largest response. Thanks to what one commentator calls the perfect storm of 24-hour news, reality TV and social media, the all-pervasive celebrity gossip industry exploits our endless appetite for information about people we will never meet. But could even celebrity gossip serve a purpose? Or are we gorging ourselves on trivia whilst ignoring the plight of those closest to us? And can and should anything be done to stem the negative impacts of gossip in a digital age?

Producer: Rami Tzabar

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.


FRI 15:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


FRI 16:00 Counterpoint (b00rxh64)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


FRI 16:30 Two Doors Down (b008gbvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


FRI 17:00 The Break (b07ctt0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


FRI 17:30 The Confessional (m000vgfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


FRI 18:00 The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (b007wxhs)
4. The Wound

Back from his voyage, the narrator sees a sinister green hand at his window...

First published in 1908, William Hope Hodgson's fantasy novella is now seen as a classic of early, Edwardian sci-fi.

Concluded by Jim Norton.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Lawrence Jackson

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.

First broadcast in September 2007.


FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b00nvzyv)
Porky Pies

According to a recent survey we live in a world full of lies - concluding that most people tell at least two important lies a day, a third of conversations involve some sort of deception and 60 per cent of the population have cheated on their partners at least once.

To debate this and seek out the truth about lies are Professor Richard Wiseman, who has spent a lifetime trying to discover the clues that give away deception, writer Ian Leslie, who described the search for the perfect lie detector, and columnist Michele Hanson, whose mother was only ever able to tell the truth.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.


FRI 19:00 Dad's Army (b007js9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


FRI 19:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jv2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


FRI 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


FRI 20:30 Peter Ustinov - Dear Me (m000vjq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000vjq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]


FRI 22:00 The Confessional (m000vgfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


FRI 22:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b01pgs6z)
Series 3

Episode 6

The Archers and The Waltons with a twist, and the Minx Twins tackle feminism. Stars Sanjeev Bhaskar. From June 1998.


FRI 23:00 The Remains of Foley and McColl (b007k4p6)
Cutting Edge

Sean and Hamish board Boris' Disco Ship to convert offshore ravers into fresh, young listeners.

Surreal comedy starring award-winning double act Sean Foley and Hamish McColl, the Right Size.

With Rose English, Count Arthur Strong, Chris Larner and Mark Stevens.

Producer: Lissa Evans

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.


FRI 23:30 The In Crowd (b00snrxg)
Series 3

Episode 5

How to obtain a privatised name, how to use advertising slogans as part of everyday speech, and the darkest secrets behind those people walking the beach with a metal detector...

A final dose of advice in the sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store.

With Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward.

Producer: Graham Frost

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.




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

1966 and All That 23:00 THU (b0100q4y)

A Case for Dr Morelle 01:00 SAT (b007qsk3)

A Case for Dr Morelle 06:00 MON (b007qskh)

A Case for Dr Morelle 13:00 MON (b007qskh)

A Case for Dr Morelle 20:00 MON (b007qskh)

A Case for Dr Morelle 01:00 TUE (b007qskh)

A Case for Dr Morelle 06:00 TUE (b007qs14)

A Case for Dr Morelle 13:00 TUE (b007qs14)

A Case for Dr Morelle 20:00 TUE (b007qs14)

A Case for Dr Morelle 01:00 WED (b007qs14)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 02:00 SAT (b09m7n7t)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 14:00 MON (b09msf89)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 02:00 TUE (b09msf89)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 14:00 TUE (b09mt8wp)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 02:00 WED (b09mt8wp)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 14:00 WED (b09my2f5)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 02:00 THU (b09my2f5)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 14:00 THU (b09mxfr7)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 02:00 FRI (b09mxfr7)

A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark 14:00 FRI (b09mx8n7)

A Good Read 18:30 MON (b01cjwv5)

A Good Read 00:30 TUE (b01cjwv5)

A Life of Bliss 08:30 SUN (b04cfpy2)

A Short Gentleman 07:00 WED (b0196rnd)

A Short Gentleman 17:00 WED (b0196rnd)

A Short Gentleman 05:00 THU (b0196rnd)

Act Your Age 09:00 MON (b00pxn13)

Act Your Age 16:00 MON (b00pxn13)

Act Your Age 04:00 TUE (b00pxn13)

Alison and Maud 08:30 WED (b007k31q)

Alison and Maud 12:30 WED (b007k31q)

Alison and Maud 19:30 WED (b007k31q)

Alone 07:30 WED (m000v8x2)

Alone 17:30 WED (m000v8x2)

Alone 22:00 WED (m000v8x2)

Alone 05:30 THU (m000v8x2)

Archive on 4 13:00 SAT (b09zn0ln)

Archive on 4 01:00 SUN (b09zn0ln)

Archive on 4 11:00 TUE (b09x8ygn)

Archive on 4 21:00 TUE (b09x8ygn)

As Told To Craig Brown 23:00 SUN (b00b7qs7)

Ayres on the Air 07:00 MON (b01n6yj5)

Ayres on the Air 17:00 MON (b01n6yj5)

Ayres on the Air 05:00 TUE (b01n6yj5)

Beauty of Britain 12:00 SAT (b0100gqp)

Beauty of Britain 07:00 TUE (b01064yj)

Beauty of Britain 17:00 TUE (b01064yj)

Beauty of Britain 05:00 WED (b01064yj)

Black and White by Jan Mark 18:45 SUN (b08bs3pk)

Black and White by Jan Mark 00:45 MON (b08bs3pk)

Bleak Expectations 22:30 WED (b00ngz6q)

Bridget Christie: Mortal 07:30 TUE (m000v7q9)

Bridget Christie: Mortal 17:30 TUE (m000v7q9)

Bridget Christie: Mortal 22:00 TUE (m000v7q9)

Bridget Christie: Mortal 05:30 WED (m000v7q9)

Bunk Bed 23:30 WED (b07ggbfs)

Chain Reaction 22:30 MON (b03m81pm)

Children's Hour with Armstrong and Miller 23:30 THU (b00911f4)

Clare in the Community 05:00 SAT (b08587nz)

Composer Joseph Horovitz: No Ordinary Joe 02:30 SAT (b012qsdp)

Counterpoint 04:00 SAT (b00rrljw)

Counterpoint 09:00 FRI (b00rxh64)

Counterpoint 16:00 FRI (b00rxh64)

Dad's Army 08:00 FRI (b007js9w)

Dad's Army 12:00 FRI (b007js9w)

Dad's Army 19:00 FRI (b007js9w)

Danny Robins Music Therapy 22:30 TUE (b00ft476)

David Attenborough's Life Stories 10:45 SUN (b00yz55m)

David Attenborough's Life Stories 21:45 SUN (b00yz55m)

David Attenborough's Life Stories 11:45 THU (b00yz55m)

David Attenborough's Life Stories 21:45 THU (b00yz55m)

David Pownall 03:00 SAT (b01sdty0)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 10:00 SUN (m000vgw7)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 21:00 SUN (m000vgw7)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 11:00 THU (m000vgw7)

Desert Island Discs Revisited 21:00 THU (m000vgw7)

Don Haworth - Challenged 16:00 SUN (b0075s00)

Don Haworth - Challenged 20:00 SUN (b0075s00)

Don Haworth - Challenged 04:00 MON (b0075s00)

Drop Me Here, Darling 09:00 SUN (m000vgw5)

Elizabeth Gaskell - Curious, If True 18:00 SUN (b00tvmkb)

Elizabeth Gaskell - Curious, If True 00:00 MON (b00tvmkb)

Erich Honecker's Rock and Roll Years 15:30 SUN (b010mt30)

Erich Honecker's Rock and Roll Years 03:30 MON (b010mt30)

Fabulous 23:45 WED (b00hs90r)

Fear on 4 18:00 SAT (b0080hnc)

Fear on 4 00:00 SUN (b0080hnc)

Femme Fatale: The Story of Nico 14:30 MON (b00gd1t0)

Femme Fatale: The Story of Nico 02:30 TUE (b00gd1t0)

Goodness Gracious Me 22:30 FRI (b01pgs6z)

Great Lives 07:30 SAT (b07syv25)

Great Lives 17:30 SAT (b07syv25)

Great Lives 05:30 SUN (b07syv25)

Great Lives 18:30 THU (b018xs8c)

Great Lives 00:30 FRI (b018xs8c)

Gudrun 02:15 SAT (b0b490sq)

Gudrun 14:15 MON (b0b4ztdj)

Gudrun 02:15 TUE (b0b4ztdj)

Gudrun 14:15 TUE (b0b50kx1)

Gudrun 02:15 WED (b0b50kx1)

Gudrun 14:15 WED (b0b52cmn)

Gudrun 02:15 THU (b0b52cmn)

Gudrun 14:15 THU (b0b52f31)

Gudrun 02:15 FRI (b0b52f31)

Gudrun 14:15 FRI (b0b539zy)

Hancock's Half Hour 08:00 WED (b007jygf)

Hancock's Half Hour 12:00 WED (b007jygf)

Hancock's Half Hour 19:00 WED (b007jygf)

Hearing With Hegley 23:45 TUE (b00bbnvw)

Here's the Thing 11:00 MON (b0b5rtfg)

Here's the Thing 21:00 MON (b0b5rtfg)

Hot Gossip! 14:30 THU (b04pvb7m)

Hot Gossip! 02:30 FRI (b04pvb7m)

Hot Gossip! 14:30 FRI (b04sy3qp)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 08:00 THU (b0100lqz)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 12:00 THU (b0100lqz)

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again 19:00 THU (b0100lqz)

I've Never Seen Star Wars 14:00 SAT (b04vkl9j)

I've Never Seen Star Wars 23:30 SAT (b04wv049)

I've Never Seen Star Wars 02:00 SUN (b04vkl9j)

Inheritance Tracks 07:10 SUN (b06gy2s1)

Inheritance Tracks 11:55 SUN (b06gy2s1)

Inheritance Tracks 14:10 SUN (b06j2h4d)

Inheritance Tracks 19:55 SUN (b06gy2s1)

Inheritance Tracks 02:10 MON (b06j2h4d)

Isy Suttie’s Guide to Love and Romance 09:00 SAT (b09r3zyp)

Isy Suttie’s Guide to Love and Romance 19:00 SAT (b09r3zyp)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 10:00 MON (m0009swy)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 15:00 MON (m0009swy)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 03:00 TUE (m0009swy)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 10:00 TUE (m0009rkb)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 15:00 TUE (m0009rkb)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 03:00 WED (m0009rkb)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 10:00 WED (m0009tcz)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 15:00 WED (m0009tcz)

Joanna Trollope - Parson Harding's Daughter 03:00 THU (m0009tcz)

John Kearns 15:00 SAT (b05vhf6x)

John Kearns 03:00 SUN (b05vhf6x)

John Kearns 22:30 THU (b05w3x5l)

Josie Long: Romance and Adventure 22:30 SAT (b0460v1z)

Just a Minute 07:30 MON (m000v8b3)

Just a Minute 17:30 MON (m000v8b3)

Just a Minute 22:00 MON (m000v8b3)

Just a Minute 05:30 TUE (m000v8b3)

King Street Junior 08:30 TUE (b007jm4f)

King Street Junior 12:30 TUE (b007jm4f)

King Street Junior 19:30 TUE (b007jm4f)

Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World 14:30 SAT (b007tm8f)

Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World 02:30 SUN (b007tm8f)

Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World 23:30 SUN (b007v2y5)

Lucy Catherine - Gudrun 07:20 SUN (b0b4zrtk)

Meet David Sedaris 07:30 THU (m000v9ck)

Meet David Sedaris 17:30 THU (m000v9ck)

Meet David Sedaris 22:00 THU (m000v9ck)

Meet David Sedaris 05:30 FRI (m000v9ck)

Miss Marple 06:00 SAT (b007jvjj)

Miss Marple 16:00 SAT (b007jvjj)

Miss Marple 04:00 SUN (b007jvjj)

Mr Finchley Goes to Paris 08:30 MON (b007k00f)

Mr Finchley Goes to Paris 12:30 MON (b007k00f)

Mr Finchley Goes to Paris 19:30 MON (b007k00f)

Muriel Spark - A Far Cry From Kensington (Omnibus) 06:00 SUN (b09m5ys6)

Off the Page 00:30 SAT (b00ny8gr)

Off the Page 18:30 FRI (b00nvzyv)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 06:30 MON (m000vh0h)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 13:30 MON (m000vh0h)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 20:30 MON (m000vh0h)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 01:30 TUE (m000vh0h)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 06:30 TUE (m000vhc4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 13:30 TUE (m000vhc4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 20:30 TUE (m000vhc4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 01:30 WED (m000vhc4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 06:30 WED (m000vhrb)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 13:30 WED (m000vhrb)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 20:30 WED (m000vhrb)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 01:30 THU (m000vhrb)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 06:30 THU (m000vhr4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 13:30 THU (m000vhr4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 20:30 THU (m000vhr4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 01:30 FRI (m000vhr4)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 06:30 FRI (m000vjq5)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 13:30 FRI (m000vjq5)

Peter Ustinov - Dear Me 20:30 FRI (m000vjq5)

Podcast Radio Hour 11:00 FRI (m000vjq8)

Podcast Radio Hour 21:00 FRI (m000vjq8)

Poetry Extra 12:00 SUN (m000vgwc)

Poetry Extra 17:00 SUN (m000vgwc)

Poetry Extra 05:00 MON (m000vgwc)

Polyoaks 15:30 SAT (b07cx09k)

Polyoaks 03:30 SUN (b07cx09k)

Polyoaks 12:30 SUN (b07dlygk)

Polyoaks 17:30 SUN (b07dlygk)

Polyoaks 22:00 SUN (b07dlygk)

Polyoaks 05:30 MON (b07dlygk)

Radiolab 11:00 SUN (m000vgw9)

Radiolab 19:00 SUN (m000vgw9)

Rigor Mortis 22:00 SAT (b007k4h5)

Robert Holmes - Aliens in the Mind 18:30 SAT (b007jlw9)

Robert Holmes - Aliens in the Mind 00:30 SUN (b007jlw9)

Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends 09:30 SUN (b013plyb)

Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends 09:30 THU (b0141v9z)

Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends 16:30 THU (b0141v9z)

Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends 04:30 FRI (b0141v9z)

Sean Lock - 15 Storeys High 23:30 MON (b09jmjnl)

Short Cuts 18:30 WED (m00035vd)

Short Cuts 00:30 THU (m00035vd)

Small Scenes 23:00 TUE (b03fb925)

Smelling of Roses 08:30 SAT (b007jzcd)

Smelling of Roses 09:30 WED (b007jzm2)

Smelling of Roses 16:30 WED (b007jzm2)

Smelling of Roses 04:30 THU (b007jzm2)

Soul Music 18:30 TUE (b00zdl20)

Soul Music 00:30 WED (b00zdl20)

Steptoe and Son 08:00 MON (b007jlqh)

Steptoe and Son 12:00 MON (b007jlqh)

Steptoe and Son 19:00 MON (b007jlqh)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 SAT (b008pc0b)

Terry Pratchett 18:00 MON (b008p506)

Terry Pratchett 00:00 TUE (b008p506)

The (Almost) Accidental Adventures of Bell and Todd 23:30 TUE (m00055bk)

The 3rd Degree 16:00 TUE (b07ffd8g)

The 3rd Degree 04:00 WED (b07ffd8g)

The Architects 07:00 THU (b052hffj)

The Architects 17:00 THU (b052hffj)

The Architects 05:00 FRI (b052hffj)

The Break 07:00 FRI (b07ctt0z)

The Break 17:00 FRI (b07ctt0z)

The Brothers 09:30 TUE (b007mc8t)

The Brothers 16:30 TUE (b007mc8t)

The Brothers 04:30 WED (b007mc8t)

The Confessional 05:30 SAT (m000v848)

The Confessional 07:30 FRI (m000vgfs)

The Confessional 17:30 FRI (m000vgfs)

The Confessional 22:00 FRI (m000vgfs)

The Goon Show 12:30 SAT (b00fgzr6)

The Goon Show 08:00 TUE (b00fl188)

The Goon Show 12:00 TUE (b00fl188)

The Goon Show 19:00 TUE (b00fl188)

The House of the Spirit Levels 08:30 THU (b007jr6k)

The House of the Spirit Levels 12:30 THU (b007jr6k)

The House of the Spirit Levels 19:30 THU (b007jr6k)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 18:00 TUE (b007x08g)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 00:00 WED (b007x08g)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 18:00 WED (b007wznx)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 00:00 THU (b007wznx)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 18:00 THU (b007www2)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 00:00 FRI (b007www2)

The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson 18:00 FRI (b007wxhs)

The Iguanodon 22:30 SUN (b0075cbr)

The In Crowd 23:30 FRI (b00snrxg)

The Inimitable PG Wodehouse 11:00 WED (m000vhrf)

The Inimitable PG Wodehouse 21:00 WED (m000vhrf)

The Luddite Lament 14:30 TUE (b0112y4d)

The Luddite Lament 02:30 WED (b0112y4d)

The Motion Show 08:00 SAT (b00768mm)

The Motion Show 09:00 WED (b070wg2g)

The Motion Show 16:00 WED (b070wg2g)

The Motion Show 04:00 THU (b070wg2g)

The News Quiz 23:00 MON (m000v9v6)

The News Quiz 09:00 TUE (m000v9v6)

The Problem With Adam Bloom 23:00 WED (b007m94n)

The Remains of Foley and McColl 23:00 FRI (b007k4p6)

The Secret Catacombs of Paris 14:30 WED (b01b9h73)

The Secret Catacombs of Paris 02:30 THU (b01b9h73)

The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII 09:30 MON (b0076j4t)

The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII 16:30 MON (b0076j4t)

The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII 04:30 TUE (b0076j4t)

The Toff 01:30 SAT (b007jrmb)

The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere 08:30 FRI (b007jv2y)

The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere 12:30 FRI (b007jv2y)

The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere 19:30 FRI (b007jv2y)

The Write Stuff 09:00 THU (m000vhr6)

The Write Stuff 16:00 THU (m000vhr6)

The Write Stuff 04:00 FRI (m000vhr6)

Tina C 23:15 WED (b0196rq2)

Tinsel Girl 14:20 SUN (b08q8g1w)

Tinsel Girl 02:20 MON (b08q8g1w)

Two Doors Down 04:30 SAT (b008fdj0)

Two Doors Down 09:30 FRI (b008gbvs)

Two Doors Down 16:30 FRI (b008gbvs)

Upbeat by Paul MacAlindin (Omnibus) 13:00 SUN (b07pwyhp)

Upbeat by Paul MacAlindin (Omnibus) 01:00 MON (b07pwyhp)

Warhorses of Letters 15:15 SAT (b01681l4)

Warhorses of Letters 03:15 SUN (b01681l4)

Warhorses of Letters 22:45 THU (b016wzyt)

What Does the K Stand For? 23:00 SAT (b08csqyb)

William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon 10:00 THU (b00t18j1)

William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon 15:00 THU (b00t18j1)

William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon 03:00 FRI (b00t18j1)

William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon 10:00 FRI (b00t1bsd)

William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon 15:00 FRI (b00t1bsd)

Wimsey 06:00 WED (b007jzdt)

Wimsey 13:00 WED (b007jzdt)

Wimsey 20:00 WED (b007jzdt)

Wimsey 01:00 THU (b007jzdt)

Wimsey 06:00 THU (b007jzg3)

Wimsey 13:00 THU (b007jzg3)

Wimsey 20:00 THU (b007jzg3)

Wimsey 01:00 FRI (b007jzg3)

Wimsey 06:00 FRI (b007jzhc)

Wimsey 13:00 FRI (b007jzhc)

Wimsey 20:00 FRI (b007jzhc)