SATURDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b09nvs2t)
Series 25

Kraftwerk: Computer World

How Kraftwerk's classic album Computer World has changed people's lives.

On their first wedding anniversary, David Sanborn and Jennifer Huber remember their Kraftwerk themed celebrations.

Ramona Gonzales from the band Nite Jewel recounts how a car crash and a chance encounter with Computer World changed the course of her life.

And Andy McCluskey from Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark recalls the Kraftwerk concert that inspired his musical career.

Kraftwerk were forged in the shadow of the Second World War, out of a desire to create a new, German music. Uwe Schütte from Aston University explains how Computer World embodies the politics of this time and points the way to a computerised future.

Brian Carney recalls how the album's glamour and sheen changed his horizons in the industrial town of St Helens.

And in South Central Los Angeles Greg Broussard, aka Egyptian Lover, shows how this album brought love into his life.

Life, love and an electronic future as experienced through the music of this pioneering German band.

Producer: Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.


SAT 00:30 The Night Visiting (b03bqws9)
The award-winning folk musician Tim van Eyken has travelled the world performing traditional songs.

He also works in the theatre and was the Song Man in the National Theatre's production of 'War Horse'.

One of the first songs he ever heard, from his mother, was 'The Bay of Biscay'. In this a woman is visited in the night by her lover, returned after seven years at sea. It turns out that he was drowned, the visitor is his ghost... and he cannot stay.

There are many varieties of night visiting song: tales of seduction; stories of deception, when the visitor turns out not to be the expected lover; and songs of ghostly visitation.

Tim sets out to probe the history, meaning and significance of these songs. He talks to the singer Martin Carthy about their power. Dr Vic Gammon sets them in their international context - there are in Europe dawn songs. He hears from Bella Hardy; the first song she ever wrote was a new night visiting song.

Tim believes that the night visiting songs are more than old yarns; that they speak to us today of desire, love and loss - and sexual and class politics. He tests his ideas with the Jungian psychotherapist, Warren Colman.

Professor Chris French, who researches the paranormal, and film-maker Carla MacKinnon, who have both been working on sleep paralysis, consider the psychology of the songs, what might actually be happening to the people in them.

Tim considers, too, how the night visiting is a trope in our literature. Isn't the balcony scene in 'Romeo and Juliet' a night visit? What of Cathy in 'Wuthering Heights'?

Throughout, we hear beautiful, haunting, night visiting songs, performed by the people Tim speaks to, and taken from archive recordings.

Producer: Tim van Eyken

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.


SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jly9)
Hercule Poirot - Murder in Mesopotamia

5. Whodunnit?

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot battles to finally reveal the identity of the desert murderer...

Starring John Moffatt.

Gripping conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit.

Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Dr Leidner …. William Franklyn
Coleman …. David Jarvis
Captain Maitland …. Richard Todd
Mrs Mercado …. Elaine Claxton
Sheila Reilly …. Cathy Sara
Dr Reilly …. Norman Rodway
Richard Carey …. Gavin Muir
Amy Leatheran …. Becky Hindley

Producer: Enyd Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.


SAT 01:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006f90)
1. The End Begins

It all begins with the end - the end of the world - almost.

It happens during a night of brilliant green flashes - meteors?

Perhaps - or satellite weapons. Who can say?

Survivor, Bill Masen recalls how the world was plunged into darkness with the dawning monstrous horror of ambulant plant life...

John Wyndham's classic sci-fi novel was first published in 1951.

Dramatised in six parts by Giles Cooper.

Gary Watson ..…. Bill Masen
Freda Dowie …... Elspeth
Barbara Shelley …... Josella
Garard Green ..…. Umberto Palanguez
Ralph Truman ..…. Managing Director
Michael Deacon ..…. Young Bill
Peter Pratt …... Mr. Masen
Peter Baldwin …... Walter Lucknor
Jan Edwards …... Nurse
Rolf Lefebvre …... House Surgeon
Haydn Jones ..…. Publican
John Pullen ..…. Radio Commentator

This compelling tale has been made into a film, two TV series and three radio versions.

Music composed by David Cain.

Producer: John Powell.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1968.


SAT 02:00 The Sit Crom (b00mf205)
The Wasps' Nest

The search for enemies leads to love triumphing over fire.

Sue Limb's six-part comedy set during the English Civil War.

Sir John Firebasket .... Joss Ackland
Lady Anne Firebasket .... Denise Coffey
Tobias Thynne .... Clive Merrison
Mercy, alias Melissa .... Miriam Margolyes
Father Francis .... Nickolas Grace
Slow Ned .... Chris Emmett
Gazebo Fogg .... Jack Klaff
Posthumous .... Nicky Henson
Counter Tenor .... Peter Hayward
Captain Arise Higgs .... Alun Armstrong

Producer: Jonathan James-Moore

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1990.


SAT 02:30 The Likely Lads (m002lfxs)
Series 2

Entente Cordiale

Ooh la la! Bob and Terry return home from their first trip abroad.

They may have been to Spain, but it’s a certain mademoiselle who causes a stir between them…

Starring James Bolam and Rodney Bewes.

Created and written for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

Adapted for BBC Radio by James Bolam.

Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Cloughy .... Bartlett Mullins
Mrs Collier .... Olive Milbourne
Louise .... Christine Collins
Colette .... Bettine Le Beau
Waitress .... Joan Pickering

Producer: John Browell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.

******************************************************************************

Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC.
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SAT 03:00 Quanderhorn (b0b91t03)
The Quanderhorn Xperimentations

A Little Thing Like Chocolate Gates Can't Stop Us

It's 1952.

Again.

Professor Quanderhorn and his crew are besieged by a mob of alien-possessed villagers. Their only hope - a highly-trained spy parrot with a bad attitude and an irritating gramophone record by the Queen of the Hammond organ.

Having been permanently fitted with a rather dangerous experimental bra, Brian finally steels himself to face the nightmare horrors of the professor's cellar, unaware that a secret camera is set to expose him.

Meanwhile, Dr Janussen has discovered a message from Virginia revealing the terrible secret that turned her into a broccoli monster.

As Troy and Guuuurk join the not-quite-romantic pair while fleeing the merciless cellar defences, Troy inadvertently presses the wrong lift button and they find themselves heading pell mell....for the Moon.

The Quanderhorn Xperimentations - an adventure beyond human understanding.

Professor Quanderhorn ...... James Fleet
Brian Nylon ...... Ryan Sampson
Dr Gemini Janussen ...... Cassie Layton
Guuurk ...... Kevin Eldon
Troy Quanderhorn ...... Freddie Fox
Winston Churchill/Jenkins ...... John Sessions
Synthetic Voice ...... Rachel Atkins

Created and written by Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall

Directed by Andrew Marshall

Music by Peter Brewis

Engineered, Edited and Sound designed by Alistair McGregor

Production Manager: Sarah Tombling

Producers: Rob Grant & Gordon Kennedy

Recorded at The Soundhouse Studios

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.


SAT 03:30 The Visitors Book and Other Ghost Stories by Sophie Hannah (b07559m2)
All the Dead Mothers of My Daughter's Friends, Part 2/2

Mel learns more about Lisa Paskin, and about the difference between day-time and night-time ghosts.

Tales of the supernatural in modern, everyday settings, by Sophie Hannah.

Concluded by Lorraine Ashbourne

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk Productions, first broadcast in March 2016.


SAT 03:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04kfgcr)
5. Unto Dust

Peter is a devoted husband and devoted man of faith.

He's called to the mission of a lifetime.

It's one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.

In today's episode, Peter is called to preside over a funeral service of one of his colleagues on the USIC base.

And for Bea, back on Earth, life grows increasingly complicated.

Set in the near future, Michel Faber's powerful novel, first published in 2014.

Starring Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott.

Adapted by Miranda Emmerson.

Narrator.....Dougray Scott
Peter.....Joe Armstrong
Beatrice.....Hayley Atwell
Grainger.....Kelly Burke
Oasan/ Tuska.....Mark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number One/ Severin.....Michael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number Five/ BG.....Damian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number Four.....David Acton
USIC Psychologist.....Jane Slavin
USIC Doctor.....Elaine Claxton

Other parts played by members of the company

Director: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.


SAT 04:00 Whispers (b007k2sl)
Series 3

Episode 3

Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.

Joining team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip:

Dan Tetsell
John O'Farrell

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.


SAT 04:30 Drama on 4 (b086kjgq)
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe

Emily St Aubert is forced to leave France and go and live with her Aunt and her new husband, Count Montoni, in his isolated castle in Italy.

Before long Emily discovers that the castle is a place of nightmares and Montoni a desperate man who will stop at nothing to terrorise both his wife and his niece.

Ann Radcliffe's Gothic romance revelled in both terrorising and titillating its readers. This was the sensational novel of its era, filled with dark deeds, dastardly villains and supposedly supernatural events.

As with many other Gothic novels, The Mysteries of Udolpho has at its centre a powerless young heroine often trapped in a mysterious location and pitted against an evil villain.

The book revels in exploring the politics of power, pleasure and pain and sexual desire.

Ann Radcliffe felt that terror was superior to horror, which nullified the senses, whereas she preferred to write about the psychological experience of being full of fear and dread manifested through the art of suggestion.

Radcliffe was also unusual in always giving a rational explanation for the strange goings on in her novels.

Adapted by Hattie Naylor

Emily ...... Georgia Groome
Madame Cheron ...... Tracy Wiles
Count Montoni ...... John Dougall
Cavigni ...... Finlay Robertson
Verizzi ...... Luke Thompson
Annette ...... Natasha Cowley
Ludovicio ...... Stephen Wight
Count Morano ...... John Bowler
Sister Agnes ...... Karen Bartke
Abbess ...... Alison Belbin

Director: Sally Avens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.


SAT 05:30 The Amorous Ghost by Enid Bagnold (b00m9jbl)
Mr Templeman's wife is away, but someone appears to have been sleeping in her nightgowns.

Enid Bagnold's short story read by Paul Daneman.

Producer: Mitch Raper

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1991.


SAT 05:45 Short Works (m00014zw)
The Flood by Deepa Anappara

It’s monsoon season, and as the rain turns into floods, a woman is trapped in her home. But is she really alone? The ghost in her house begs to differ. But it may not be as terrifying as it first appears; perhaps it can even help her with her grief. But will she escape the flood in time?

An Indian ghost story from an exciting new voice in fiction, Deepa Anappara.

Reader: Indira Varma

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.


SAT 06:00 John Buchan (b05pmjb6)
Witch Wood

It’s 1644. A fervent young minister, David Semphill, takes up a post in the rural kirk of Woodilee in the Scottish borders, not far from Edinburgh.

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms – civil wars in Scotland, Ireland and England – are in full flow.

The cult of witches has a hold on the local peasants and to complicate matters further, Semphill falls in love with Katrine, a French woman who lives in the area.

John Buchan's 1927 historical novel reflects the political turmoil - as well as the battle between 'godliness and wickedness' of the time.

Starring Paul Young, Iain Cuthbertson and Gerda Stevenson.

Dramatised by John Scotney.

David Semphill …. Paul Young
James Fordyce …. Tom Fleming
Andrew Shillinglaw …. Iain Cuthbertson
Katrine Yester …. Gerda Stevenson
Isobel Veitch …. Mary Riggans
Montrose …. Crawford Logan
Mark Kerr …. Alexander Morton
Mungo Muirhead …. Robert Trotter
Ebeneezer Proudfoot …. John Sheddon
Ephraim Caid …. Martyn James
Grizel Hawkshaw …. Eileen MacAllum
Jean Caird …. Rose McBain
Amos Ritchie …. Ian Agnew
Pricker …. Martin Black
Will …. James Twaddale
Ritchie Smail …. Ronald Simon

Other parts played by members of the cast.

Pipes played by Robert Wallace.

Directed at BBC Glasgow by Alec Reid.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1990.


SAT 07:30 The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair (Omnibus) (b08w9w2m)
Writer Kassia St Clair gives a potted history of the colour palette.

She begins with the surprising stories behind various shades of white - followed by yellow, pink, green and black.

Omnibus of five parts read by Francesca Dymond

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2017.


SAT 08:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006t0m)
The Catering Experts

The perils of eating out and in.

Frustrated Fontwell finds that the chips are off when he takes on the fiends in white coats and overalls at their own game.

Written by Lawrie Wyman.

Starring Frank Thornton as Ernest Fontwell.

With:

Patsy Rowlands
David Tate
John Baddeley

Producer: Geoffrey Perkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1979.


SAT 09:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002lm2z)
Series 3

Nature Watch

The dear ladies must properly prepare for a nature watch outing.

Starring Dr Evadne Hinge and her lifelong companion Dame Hilda Bracket.

Brought to you from the genteel setting of the Suffolk village of Stackton Tressel, where the musical duo reside.

Written by Mike Craig, Lawrie Kinsley and Ron McDonnell.

Dame Hilda Bracket ...... Patrick Fyffe
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... George Logan
Miss Primley …. Rosalie Williams
Mr Farrington …. Peter Wheeler

Three series ran on BBC Radio 4 between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on BBC Radio 2 until 1990.

In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.

Producer: James Casey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1979.


SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0008hnl)
Series 3

Episode 6

The British cowboy movie set in Tunbridge Wells and Hornerama puts the BBC under the spotlight.

A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.

Starring:

Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee

Music from Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.

Incidental music by Edwin Braden.

Announcer: Douglas Smith

Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles

Producer: Jacques Brown

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1960.


SAT 10:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m00154p9)
Satire and Sitcoms

2. Steptoe and Son

BBC Comedy Controllers from across the decades look back at radio shows from the past.

Clocking up over 150 years on the job between them, Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville reveal what they do, why they do it and what makes them laugh.

From London's iconic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British Radio comedy.

In the second of three programmes, our foursome travel back to the golden years of 1960s and 70s to celebrate the satire boom and to trace the development of sitcoms both here and abroad.

Featuring:

* STEPTOE AND SON
Series 5 (2/6) Come Dancing

Albert helps son Harold to conquer the ballroom. From 1974.
Adapted from TV.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.

* THE ERIC MORECAMBE AND ERNIE WISE SHOW
From 25/03/1978

Eric and Ernie welcome Penelope Keith who does her own intro - before performing in Ern's sketch what he wrote.

Sadly Beryl Vertue passed away, aged 90, in 2022.

Series Producers: Paul Kobrak and Dixi Stewart.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.


SAT 11:00 John Buchan (b05pmjb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 12:30 The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair (Omnibus) (b08w9w2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 13:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006t0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 14:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002lm2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0008hnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 15:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m00154p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 16:00 The Mistral by Hattie Naylor (m0014pnx)
The behaviour of a young girl born during a storm causes her father concern and impacts on his life.

A tale of human passions unleashed by an elemental force.

Written by Hattie Naylor.

Jeff …. Kim Wall
Phylida …. Tracy Ann Oberman
Gus .... Danny Webb
Mother …. Jillie Meers
Stephen .... Harry Myers
Lilly .... Candice Williams

Director: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.


SAT 16:45 Roald Dahl (b00pbtjj)
Someone Like You

1. Man From The South

A young marine agrees to a bizarre wager with an elderly South American.

One of five darkly comic tales by Roald Dahl.

Dramatised by Stephen Sheridan.

Storyteller ...... Charles Dance
Old Man ...... Andrew Sachs
Marine ...... Danny Mahoney
Girl ...... Donnla Hughes
Spanish Woman ...... Rachel Atkins

Director: David Blount

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2009.


SAT 17:00 John Buchan (b05pmjb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 18:30 The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair (Omnibus) (b08w9w2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 19:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006t0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 20:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002lm2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0008hnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 21:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m00154p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 22:00 The Boosh (b007jxrs)
Hitcher

Zoo boss Bob Fossil is concerned about the erratic behaviour of Tony the prawn and gives zookeepers Howard and Vince the duty of escorting him to a zoo for animal offenders.

All goes wrong, however, when Howard and Vince come across a strange figure standing by the side of the road.

Written by and starring Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt.

The Boosh is a surreal adventure based on the Perrier Award-winning comedy show, featuring Howard and Vince's battles with zoo manager Bob Fossil.

Howard Moon ...... Julian Barrattt
Vince Noir ...... Noel Fielding
Bob Fossil ...... Rich Fulcher

After BBC radio gave them their big break with this series, they transferred to BBC TV where The Mighty Boosh ran for three series.

Producer: Danny Wallace.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.


SAT 22:30 My Teenage Diary (m000zdv9)
Series 10

Joe Thomas

Rufus Hound with more honest, intimate and hilarious interviews, with famous guests reading from their genuine teenage diaries.

In this episode, Inbetweeners TV star Joe Thomas reveals how he was a keen cub scout who loved rules.

Sometimes he even got his mum to write his diary for him!

Producer: Harriet Jaine

A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.


SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002ltsv)
Amy Matthews 1/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears speaks to the comedian, podcaster and actor Amy Matthews.


SAT 23:00 Domestic Science (b07lhgr3)
Series 1

Episode 2

The power of static electricity is harnessed, our internal bacteria examined and get a great life hack on how to chill cans of beer without a fridge.

A heady combination of maths, science and comedy.

Hosted by Festival of The Spoken Nerd trio:

Physicist Steve Mould
Stand up Mathematician Matt Parker
Physicist and musician Helen Arney.

It’s science that you can play along with at home as the team look at domestic phenomena that we relate to on a day to day basis.

Producer: Julia McKenzie

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


SAT 23:15 Influencers (m001q6hz)
Series 1

2. Radiance

Ruth and Carla deal with a Gwyneth-inspired wellness disaster involving gaffer tape, and try to launch a new range of ‘merch’.

Ruth and Carla are two wannabe stars of the online business world.

They are bound together by a carefully controlled image that can lead to lucrative product placements and well-paid endorsements - but only if the PR is played just right.

And that’s a problem because, behind the scenes, things are not always as harmonious as they seem.

Written by and starring Katy Brand and Katherine Parkinson

Carla ... Katy Brand
Ruth ... Katherine Parkinson

Producer: Liz Anstee

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2023.


SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b0093z9z)
Series 4

Arabella Weir interviews Paul Whitehouse

The story of 'Suits You, Sir' as two stars are reunited in the relay interview show.

Arabella Weir talks to Paul Whitehouse about The Fast Show, Down the Line and his career.

Chain Reaction is the tag talk show with a twist where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next show.

Based on the original 1991 BBC Radio 5 programme of the same name, Chain Reaction is a simple idea of big name stars from the world of entertainment interviewing others whose work they appreciate and admire.

Recorded with an audience, the interviews focus on the life, career and the passions of the interviewee but often prove to be as revealing about the interviewer.

Producer: Tilusha Ghelani.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.

SUNDAY 02 NOVEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 The Mistral by Hattie Naylor (m0014pnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]


SUN 00:45 Roald Dahl (b00pbtjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 John Buchan (b05pmjb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair (Omnibus) (b08w9w2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006t0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002lm2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]


SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0008hnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m00154p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
Celebrity Traitors

David Olusoga

Historian David Olusoga is castaway by Lauren Laverne.

David is an historian, writer and broadcaster who has presented a range of programmes including the BBC’s A House Through Time and Civilisations.

He is currently professor of public history at Manchester University.

Born in Lagos, the second child to a Nigerian father and a British mother, David was brought up by his mother in Gateshead after his parents’ marriage broke down. As a child he and his siblings experienced sustained racism and he remembers school as a place of violence and cruelty.

He credits his mother’s tenacity and her determination to educate her children for his later success in getting to university and establishing a career in TV.

His love of history developed from a young age, thanks to one of his teachers who taught him why an understanding of history matters. Watching TV documentaries also opened up a world of possibility and David fondly recalls programmes from the 1980s presented by the historian Michael Wood, who made history seem cool in the eyes of the young schoolboy glued to the TV in his Gateshead council house.

In 2020, David delivered the MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival in which he talked candidly about his loneliness at being the only black person on a production team and the difficulties he had trying to explain the racial implications of how, for example, people in Africa were often portrayed on screen.

DISC ONE: Zombie by Fela Kuti
DISC TWO: Roll on Buddy by Aunt Molly Jackson
DISC THREE: Black Mountain Blues by Bessie Smith
DISC FOUR: Just The Other Day by Dr Alimantado
DISC FIVE: Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground by Blind Willie Johnson
DISC SIX: Last Kind Words by Geeshie Wiley
DISC SEVEN: You Can't Blame The Youth (Live At The Record Plant '73) by Bob Marley & The Wailers
DISC EIGHT: Precious Lord, Take My Hand / You’ve Got a Friend by Aretha Franklin

BOOK CHOICE: The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell: An Age Like This, 1920-40
LUXURY ITEM: Acoustic guitar
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground by Blind Willie Johnson

Presenter: Lauren Laverne
Producer: Paula McGinley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.


SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zm4j4)
Series 2

Earthworms

Although Charles Darwin is especially well known for his work on the Theory of Evolution through his seminal work "On the Origin of Species", he also published a lot of his research on earthworms.

Earthworms fascinated Darwin, so much so that his observations led him to believe that they showed marked intelligence. And earthworms fascinate Sir David Attenborough too.

He recalls a visit to Australia to film the giant earthworm and intriguingly used his ears more than any other sense to find them.

What did they sound like and what did they look like?

Sir David reveals all.

Producer: Julian Hector

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.


SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002ln2d)
John Arlott's Poetry Book – Shakespeare and Terminates Here

Poet Daljit Nagra selects two short programmes from the BBC's poetry archive

*** John Arlott's Poetry Book – Shakespeare

The cricketing commentator turns to poetry as John talks about and reads from Shakespeare.

John Arlott was the BBC's radio cricketing commentator and successor to George Orwell as the BBC's Literary Programmes Producer (1945-50).

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1985.

*** Terminates Here, 2/5 Memories

Lemn Sissay meets a man who spent 30 years working on the travelling post offices, on which the freezing conditions and the long hours were not as poetic as Auden suggests.

Producer: Philip Sellars

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.

*** And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month:

Transfigurations, Collected Poems by Jay Wright. More than half a century of the African American poet's work is published for the first time in the UK.


SUN 07:30 The Visitors Book and Other Ghost Stories (Omnibus) (m002ln2g)
Omnibus of three of Sophie Hannah’s tales of the supernatural in modern, everyday settings.

THE VISITORS BOOK:
Victoria's friend Aaron has moved to a two-bedroom terraced house in Walthamstow. But why does he have a visitors book? And why is Victoria so determined not to sign it? Read by Polly Frame.

THE LAST BOY TO LEAVE:
Max's home birthday party has been riotous. But who is the courteous little boy who hasn't yet been taken home? Read by Polly Frame.

‘ALL THE DEAD MOTHERS OF MY DAUGHTER’S FRIENDS:
Who is the new, bitchy mother that Mel meets at the school gate? And how does she know so much about her and her daughter, Bee? Read by Lorraine Ashbourne.

Sophie Hannah is a best-selling writer of psychological crime fiction.

In 2013, her novel ‘The Carrier’ won the Crime Thriller of the Year Award at the Specsavers National Book Awards. ‘The Monogram Murders’, a Poirot novel approved by the Agatha Christie estate, was published in 2014.

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk Productions, first broadcast in March 2016.


SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002ln2j)
Oti Mabuse

Dancer and judge Oti Mabuse chooses ‘Modimo’ by The Soweto Gospel Choir and 'I Was Here’ by Beyoncé.


SUN 08:50 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (Omnibus) (b04knn2p)
Episode 1

Set in the near future, Peter is a devoted husband and devoted man of faith.

He’s called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.

Michel Faber’s powerful sci-fil novel, first published in 2014.

Starring Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott.

Omnibus of the first five of ten parts adapted by Miranda Emmerson.

Narrator .... Dougray Scott
Peter .... Joe Armstrong
Beatrice. ... Hayley Atwell
Grainger .... Kelly Burke
Oasan/ Tuska .... Mark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number One/ Severin .... Michael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number Five/ BG .... Damian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number Four .... David Acton
USIC Psychologist .... Jane Slavin
USIC Doctor .... Elaine Claxton
Other parts played by members of the company

Director: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020.


SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002ln2l)
From 09/09/1960

Ted and Kitty are invited next door to meet the new neighbours from India - but what should they wear and take as gifts?

Starring Ted Ray.

Ray's a Laugh follows the comedy exploits of Ted's life at home with his 'radio' wife Kitty, as well as in a variety of jobs. It ran from 1949-1961.

Written by Bernard Botting and Charles Hart.

With:

Kitty Bluett
Kenneth Connor
Laidman Browne
Pat Coombs

Produced by Leslie Bridgmont

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1960.


SUN 10:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002ln2n)
Series 2

Health and Efficiency

Brightco buys a private hospital and Jimmy Bright has revolutionary plans for it.

There'll be no shepherd's pie on the menu, and all doctors will get time off to sleep.

Russell has his own ideas. Meanwhile, the new canteen arrangements at Brighto spark havoc...

Starring Bernard Cribbins and Frank Thornton.

Andrew Palmer’s sitcom about the battles of wheeler-dealer and self-made tycoon, Jimmy Bright and his strait-laced chief accountant, Russell Farrow.

Jimmy Bright .... Bernard Cribbins
Russell Farrow .... Frank Thornton
Nan Forbes .... Annette Crosbie
Sue Plant .... Annee Blott
Lily Pond …. Norma Ronald

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1989.


SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zm4j4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]


SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002ln2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


SUN 12:30 The Visitors Book and Other Ghost Stories (Omnibus) (m002ln2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002ln2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SUN 13:50 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (Omnibus) (b04knn2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002ln2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 15:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002ln2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


SUN 16:00 The Coma by Alex Garland (b007jtvm)
1. Attacked

A young man, Carl, is beaten up on a train late one night.

As he falls into a coma, we travel with him on his journey through the bizarre world of his subconscious as he struggles to wake up.

Alex Garland's surreal fantasy explores the lucid, but powerless workings of the mind of a coma patient. It plays tricks on both the story's protagonist and the listener.

First of five parts read by Tom Goodman-Hill.

Producer: Gemma Jenkins

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.

*** Alex Garland is the bestselling author of cult classic, ‘The Beach’. He also wrote the screenplay for the zombie hit, ‘28 Days Later’, plus ‘Sunshine’, ‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘Dredd’.


SUN 16:30 Space Force by Charles Chilton (b007jn3c)
Series 2

1. The Return of the Sun God

On patrol in Egypt - scanning the sky for asteroids - the crew of Space Force witness a massive ball of light coming towards Earth...

Starring Barry Foster and Nicky Henson.

Charles Chilton's second intergalatic adventure series in six parts.

Captain Saxon Berry ...... Barry Foster
Chipper Barnett ...... Nicky Henson
Magnus Carter ...... Nigel Stock
Lodderick Sincere ...... Tony Osoba

With:

Wendy Murray
Willoughby Goddard
Bernard Brown
Mia Soteriou

Charles Chilton wrote and produced many popular and successful radio programmes for the BBC - including the classic 1950s serial 'Journey into Space' - charting the adventures of Captain Jet Morgan. This fired the imagination of millions, years before the first moon landing. It was the last radio drama to record higher ratings than the new young upstart television!

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1985.


SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zm4j4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]


SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002ln2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


SUN 18:30 The Visitors Book and Other Ghost Stories (Omnibus) (m002ln2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002ln2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SUN 19:50 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (Omnibus) (b04knn2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002ln2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 21:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002ln2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


SUN 22:00 Fabulous (m000h0r1)
Series 2

Episode 3

Faye is anxious.

She knows that today's women are Fabulous; they have it all, the job, the house, the colour co-ordinated capsule wardrobe and they cope with the pressures modern life brings effortlessly, with nothing more than a copy of Prima and a poem by Pam Ayres to guide them.

So why can't she pull it off?

With the family coming to dinner, life should be cosy...

Starring Daisy Haggard.

Written by Lucy Clarke.

With:

Katy Brand
Stephen Critchlow
Justin Edwards
Sally Grace
Martin Hyder
Geoffrey McGivern
Joanna Neary
Jo Scanlan
Laura Solon
Dan Starkey.

Children:

Bradley Ford
Renee Clark
Chelsea Jabbau

Music by Osymyso

Producer Simon Nicholls

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.


SUN 22:30 Rum Bunch (b08pfq3j)
Great Hillston

The sleepy rural idyll of Great Hillston-Near-Water is the birthplace of Jacobean playwright, Lydia Le Provost.

The Parishioners have invited the Rum Bunch to perform Lydia’s most famous play, The Murderous Priest.

Justin has invited the showbiz legend and serious actress, Jane Asher, to take the leading role.

It’s been her lifetime ambition to perform the play's famous death scene.

Starring:

Justin Edwards
Mel Giedroyc
Dave Mounfield

With Jane Asher.

House band: Jason Hazeley and David Reed - The Penny Dreadfuls.

Producer: Jim North

A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017 .


SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002lvm7)
Amy Matthews 2/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears chats again to the comedian, podcaster and actor Amy Matthews.


SUN 23:00 Meet David Sedaris (m000v2xd)
Series 8

Instalment 5

When the whole world ground to a Covid-fuelled viral halt - world-renowned storyteller David Sedaris recorded this special series of entertaining essays and diary entries at his Sussex home.

Featuring a selection of eight shorter essays.

1. Don't Think About Sex Robots
2. Haven't We Met?
3. On Hoarding
4. Crystal Ball
5. Jazz Hands
6. Getting There
7. Skirt
8. Goldenheart

David Sedaris first shared his very particular world view having brought us The SantaLand Diaries back in 1996.

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.

Producer: Steve Doherty

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.


SUN 23:30 World of Pub (b007jpby)
Series 2

Episode 1

Dodgy Phil comes up with another scheme to fill Barry and Garry's East End boozer with punters.

Tony Roche's comedy about the world's worst pub in London's East End.

Dodgy Phil ...... John Thomson
Barry ...... Phil Cornwell
Garry ...... Alistair McGowan

With:

Debra Stephenson
Simon Greenall

Special effects: Carl Phillips and Nick Romero.

Music: Bill Bailey

Producer: Jane Berthoud

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.

MONDAY 03 NOVEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 The Coma by Alex Garland (b007jtvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Space Force by Charles Chilton (b007jn3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zm4j4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]


MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002ln2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:30 The Visitors Book and Other Ghost Stories (Omnibus) (m002ln2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]


MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002ln2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]


MON 03:50 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (Omnibus) (b04knn2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002ln2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002ln2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]


MON 06:00 Limelight (m00181m2)
The System: Series 2

Step 1: Wilderness Survival for Beginners

or How to Save the World in 5 Easy Steps

Five of the UK’s richest men have been kidnapped by a mysterious extremist group.

20-something siblings Maya and Jake have been framed for a murder they did not commit.

How do these two events connect? And how far will the young radicals go to change the world?

Ben Lewis’s award-winning five-part thriller returns.

Jake … Alex Austin
Maya… Siena Kelly
Jess … Chloe Pirrie
Richard…Pip Torrens

Original music and sound design by Danny Krass
Featuring tracks from Equiknoxx music collective

A BBC Scotland production directed by Kirsty Williams


MON 06:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxb)
2. A Light in the Night

'London was a city of the blind, the capital of a blind country in a blind world.'

Bill Masen finds a new companion, but can they survive the chaos of their surroundings?

John Wyndham's classic sci-fi novel.

Dramatised by Giles Cooper.

Gary Watson ..…. Bill Masen
Barbara Shelley …... Josella Playton
John Wyse ..…. Blind Man
John Pullen ..…. Radio Commentator

Music composed by David Cain.

Producer: John Powell.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1968.


MON 07:00 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
Episode 4

Maverick BBC reporter George Cragge probes a deliberate poisoning.

Starring Michael Williams and Barry Foster.

Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in the world of football, the BBC and party politics.

George Cragge …… Michael Williams
Superintendent Jefferson …… Barry Foster
Prime Minister …… Jeremy Clyde
John Matthews …… Jim Carter
Crispin Trent …… Robert Bathurst

With:

Tracy Ann Oberman
Peter Woodthorpe
Susie Brann
Christian Rodska
Geoffrey Whitehead
Keith Wickham
Ioan Meredith
Chris Pavlo
Shirley Dixon.

Music by Paul Mottram.

Producer: Paul Schlesinger

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.


MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jm2h)
Series 1

The Showing Up of Corporal Jones

Corporal Jones will be forced to retire from the platoon, unless he manages to complete an assault course in 15 minutes....

The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.

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

Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Walker …. Graham Stark
Major Smith …. Jack Watson
Announcer …. John Snagge

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in April 1974.


MON 08:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b01r4ycv)
Series 1

Minimum Volume

Katrina Lyons was only visiting Cresdon Green, the village where she grew up, to borrow some money from her parents.

But when she tried to head back to London, it turned out alien beings known as the Geonin had lowered a force field around the village - refusing to let anyone in or out.

Unfortunately almost everyone in the village is too cowardly, apathetic, polite or stupid to stand up to them, so Katrina’s had to start the resistance movement herself.

Eddie Robson's sitcom about an alien invasion of a small English village.

Starring Hattie Morahan and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

In this episode, Uljabaan is working on an education programme for after the invasion, creating a list of books suitable for children to read. His chosen advisor is Mrs Leeson from the charity shop.

Katrina is confident she could do a better job, and hopes she could use it for subversive purposes - so she volunteers. But can she sneak anything past Uljabaan? And can she convince Lucy she's not really being a traitor?

Katrina Lyons ...... Hattie Morahan
Field Commander Uljabaan ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Margaret Lyons ...... Jan Francis
Richard Lyons ...... Peter Davison
Lucy Alexander ...... Hannah Murray
Computer ...... John-Luke Roberts

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 2013.


MON 08:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fwdfc)
1. Wardrobe

Byron Rogers recalls a children's programme on BBC Wales based on 'The Great Stone Face' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which was about 'the power of myth'.

There's a face in a rock. One day the owner of that face will come – The Great Good Man. Despite looking for him throughout his life, the seeker does not find him. But on his death bed, it is clear the face is his.

Byron muses on a job where one can meet one's heroes. This is his quest for the face in the rock.

So he finds "a place where there was no time ... where the heroes' clothes hung": a theatrical costumiers' warehouse.

Read by Crawford Logan

Producer: Bruce Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.


MON 08:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0gd8)
6. Big News

Peter is a devoted husband and devoted man of faith.

He's called to the mission of a lifetime.

It's one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.

In today's episode, Bea has big news for Peter.

Set in the near future, Michel Faber's powerful novel, first published in 2014.

Starring Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott.

Adapted in ten parts by Miranda Emmerson.

Narrator.....Dougray Scott
Peter.....Joe Armstrong
Beatrice.....Hayley Atwell
Grainger.....Kelly Burke
Oasan/ Tuska.....Mark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number One/ Severin.....Michael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number Five/ BG.....Damian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number Four.....David Acton
USIC Psychologist.....Jane Slavin
USIC Doctor.....Elaine Claxton

Other parts played by members of the company

Director: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.


MON 09:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m002ldhq)
Series 4

Yapping about Leicester

Paul Sinha tests a Leicester audience's knowledge about new words, the people of 2024, and a surprising connection between two modern pop stars. In return they ask him about shipyards, RoboCop, and politicians called James.

Written and performed by Paul Sinha
Additional material: Oliver Levy
Additional questions: The Audience

Original music: Tim Sutton

Recording engineer: Jerry Peal
Mixed by: Rich Evans
Producer: Ed Morrish

A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4


MON 09:30 The Five Faces of Leonardo (m0004lfq)
1. Leonardo's Heart

Papworth heart surgeon Francis Wells examines the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci as an anatomist.

His interest in the Renaissance artist and polymath has not only impacted on his work as a surgeon but also inspired him to write a book, The Heart of Leonardo, with the support of the Royal Collection.

Windsor Castle houses 64 pages of anatomical drawings and writings in its print room - a selection of which were on loan for temporary exhibitions to 12 art galleries in the UK, culminating in a major exhibition at London's Queens Gallery in May 2019.

Art historian Martin Clayton, who is head of prints and drawings for the Royal Collection, curated the exhibitions.

Producer: Sara Parker

Executive Producer: Samir Shah

A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.


MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002lm4m)
From Saints to Souls - Words of comfort

A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.

Theme: From Saints to Souls - Words of comfort
Presenter: DR. Rachel Mann
Reading: Psalm 23

Music:
Crossing the Bar – Spooky Man Chorale
Be Still My Soul – Beth Nielsen Chapman
The Lord's My Shepherd - Lucy Grimble
.‘…And at the hour of death’ Bach – Vikingur Olafsson
Great is Thy Faithfulness – Carrie Underwood


MON 10:00 That Reminds Me (b007jnps)
Series 2

Dora Bryan

Theatre, film and TV actress Dora Bryan made her name in A Taste of Honey.

She shares memories of her career which spanned ENSA, Hello Dolly and Last of the Summer Wine.

Featuring stories about The Beatles, Hello Dolly and Laurence Olivier.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.


MON 10:30 The Long Crawl to France (b03g937k)
Every year, more and more people try to swim the English Channel.

Just over half succeed.

What drives people to brave jellyfish, vomiting and hypothermia?

According to Mike Oram, who spends his summers piloting an escort boat between Dover and Calais, "they're all deluded. They live in a world of dreams, and dreams aren't reality." 

Tragically a number of swimmers have died whilst making their attempts.

Jolyon Jenkins joins the dreamers at Dover Harbour, where veteran coach Freda Streeter has run a swimming school since 1982.

And he is on board Mike Oram's boat as one woman, Caroline Sims, makes her attempt. 

Presenter/Producer: Jolyon Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.


MON 11:00 Limelight (m00181m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 11:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 12:00 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jm2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 13:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b01r4ycv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 13:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fwdfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0gd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00wld4w)
Series 58

Episode 6

Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

With:

Paul Merton
Sheila Hancock
Ian MacMillan
Gyles Brandreth

Subjects include: The English Language, The Most Ferocious Animal On Earth, Second Hand Books, Tongue Twisters, The Chairman's Weak Spot, Slang and How I Prepare For Christmas

From the British Library, London as part of its Evolving English Exhibition.

Created by Ian Messiter.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.


MON 14:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01n7hhp)
Series 4

Three's a Crowd

Rudy and Doreen are enjoying married life. But Rudy's son Adam isn't.

Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.

Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and Claire Benedict.

Six-part sitcom written by Danny Robins.

Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Karen ...... Susie Riddell
Craig ...... Joe Sims

Producer: Lucy Armitage

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.

Tracks in this episode:

THE MAGIC NUMBER - DE LA SOUL
BUMP N GRIND - R KELLY
I'VE GOT TO GET AWAY - JOHN HOLT
RUDE BOY NUMBER - CUTTY RANKS
IT'S A MAN'S MAN'S MAN'S WORLD - JAMES BROWN
HONOUR YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER - DESMOND DEKKER
WHINE AND GRINE - THE BEAT
IRON LION ZION - BOB MARLEY
I CAN'T STAND THE RAIN - HORTENSE ELLIS AND PRINCE WEEDY.


MON 15:00 Downstarts by Elaine Morgan (m002lm4p)
The abrupt departure of Bessie Shaw from her family home in Dublin had a devastating effect on both husband and children.

Yet it liberated young George and offered him a route to conquer the world.

How the troubled early life of George Bernard Shaw influenced the Nobel-Prize winning writer he became.

Starring TP McKenna, Helen Ryan and Denys Hawthorne.

Written by Elaine Morgan.

George Shaw ... TP McKenna
Bessie Shaw .... Helen Ryan
George Bernard Shaw .... Denys Hawthorne
Young George ... Stephen Brennan
Lee ... Dermot Crowley
Lucy ... Marcella Riordan

Director: Adrian Mourby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1987.


MON 16:00 That Reminds Me (b007jnps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:30 The Long Crawl to France (b03g937k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


MON 17:00 Limelight (m00181m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 17:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 18:00 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jm2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 19:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b01r4ycv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fwdfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 19:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0gd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00wld4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]


MON 20:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01n7hhp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]


MON 21:00 Downstarts by Elaine Morgan (m002lm4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]


MON 22:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m002ldhq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 22:30 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (m001d59f)
Series 4

A Monopoly of Violence

Alexei considers the role of the police force, and discusses his own involvement in the ‘spy cops’ scandal.

Plus, he draws comparisons between President Assad and a beloved British comedian and details his seven stages of grief post the 2019 general election.

A mixture of stand-up, memoir, and philosophy from behind the counter of an imaginary sandwich bar.

Written and performed by Alexei Sayle.

Music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.

Producer: Joe Nunnery

A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2022.


MON 23:00 The Naked Week (m002lfjm)
Series 3

Royal lodges, asylum hotels and witches

This week we provide recourse for a randy royal, organise an on-air riot and, for Halloween, get confused over which witch is which.

From host Andrew Hunter Murray and The Skewer's Jon Holmes, Radio 4’s newest Friday night comedy The Naked Week returns with a blend of the silly and serious. From satirical stunts to studio set pieces via guest correspondents and investigative journalism it's a bold, audacious take not only on the week’s news, but also the way it’s packaged and presented.

An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

Host; Andrew Hunter Murray
Guests: Bella Hull, Lisa Webb

Investigations Team: Cat Neilan, Cormac Kehoe, Freya Shaw

Written by:
Jon Holmes
Katie Sayer
Gareth Ceredig
Jason Hazeley
James Kettle

Additional Material:
Karl Minns
Vivienne Hopley-Jones
Cooper Mawhinny Sweryt
Helen Brooks
Ali Panting
Kevin Smith
Sophie Dickson

Live Sound: Jerry Peal
Post Production: Tony Churnside
Clip Assistant: David Riffkin
Production Assistant: Molly Punshon

Assistant Producer: Katie Sayer
Producer: Jon Holmes

Executive Producer: Phil Abrams.

An unusual production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00w6j8w)
Series 6

Discoveries

Satan introduces Edith to Adam and Eve, but for the father and mother of all humanity, they are alarmingly stupid.

Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.

Satan …. Andy Hamilton
Edith …. Annette Crosbie
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan

Other characters played by:

Philip Pope
Felicity Montagu
Michael Fenton Stevens

Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

TUESDAY 04 NOVEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 That Reminds Me (b007jnps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 The Long Crawl to France (b03g937k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 Limelight (m00181m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jm2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b01r4ycv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]


TUE 03:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fwdfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0gd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00wld4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01n7hhp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Downstarts by Elaine Morgan (m002lm4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 Limelight (m001885f)
The System: Series 2

Step 2: Building Heroes

Or How to Save the World in 5 Easy Steps

Ben Lewis’s award-winning thriller.

Five super-rich men have been kidnapped by a mysterious group of extremists The authorities have no clue where the men are being held and the clock is ticking.

As the only two people with insider knowledge of the terrorists, Jake and Maya are about to be pulled back into the murky world of ‘The System’.

Jake … Alex Austin
Maya… Siena Kelly
Jess … Chloe Pirrie
Liv … Jemima Rooper
Richard…Pip Torrens
Angel Investor … Rhashan Stone

Original music and sound design by Danny Krass

A BBC Scotland production directed by Kirsty Williams


TUE 06:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxl)
3. Conference and Confusion

'There's a light... someone's trying to get the sighted people together - we're not alone!'

Bill and Josella join an army-led group, but their plans for a new community falter...

John Wyndham's classic sci-fi novel.

Dramatised by Giles Cooper.

Gary Watson ..…. Bill Masen
Barbara Shelley ..…. Josella Playton
Anthony Viccars …... Colonel Jaques
Peter Sallis …... Coker
Freda Dowie …... Elspeth
Victor Lucas ..…. Doctor Varless
Michael McClain …... Michael Beadley
Nigel Graham ..…. Ivan Simpson
Marjorie Westbury …... Miss Barr
Michael Deacon …... Mac
Jan Edwards ...... Lucy
James McManus …... Alf
Hilda Kriseman …... Child

With Anthony Jackson, Pauline Letts and Christopher Bidmead

Music composed by David Cain.

Producer: John Powell.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1968.


TUE 07:00 King of Bath (b045xxsw)
Merely Players

A duelling count and a quack apothecary - only Beau Nash can give a looming tragedy a happy ending.

Starring David Bamber.

Comedy drama series by Arnold Evans casting the 18th-century dandy Richard 'Beau' Nash in a series of adventures.

Beau Nash ...... David Bamber
Annie ...... Eiry Thomas
Count von Richthofen ...... Andrew Wincott
Mr Trout ...... Simon Ludders
Fintan Fitzgerald ...... Richard Nichols
Poppy ...... Lesley Rooney

Composer: John Hardy

Directed at BBC Wales by Alison Hindell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1999.


TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
Series 8

The Evils of Bushey Spon

Neddie Seagoon is called in to oversee the decoration of a council lamppost.

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

Starring:

Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan

Special guest star AE Matthews

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.


TUE 08:00 To Hull and Back (b07nrlr3)
Series 2

Is There Anyone Out There?

Sophie takes a shine to the new lodger.

But the last thing overbearing Sheila wants is her daughter getting romantically involved with a UFO fanatic, or anyone else for that matter.

She does her best to get rid of this interloper.

Starring Lucy Beaumont and Maureen Lipman.

Warm-hearted sitcom written by Lucy Beaumont.

Sophie ...... Lucy Beaumont
Sheila ...... Maureen Lipman
Alan ...... Matt Sutton

Producer: Carl Cooper

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


TUE 08:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fy24x)
2. Badlands

In the "Badlands", 30 miles north of Almeria in Spain, lies a town with no name.

There is a corral, a blacksmith's shop, a jail and a saloon.

It was built in the 1960s by Sergio Leone for A Fistful of Dollars and it functions as a real town, not just a set.

Byron Rogers goes in search of heroes in the Wild West.

Read by Crawford Logan

Producer: Bruce Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.


TUE 08:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0tg6)
7. Bridging the Gap

Peter is a devoted husband and devoted man of faith.

He's called to the mission of a lifetime.

It's one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.

In today's episode, Peter attempts to bridge the vast distance between Oasis and Earth and reconnect with his wife, Bea.

Set in the near future, Michel Faber's powerful novel, first published in 2014.

Starring Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott.

Adapted by Miranda Emmerson.

Narrator.....Dougray Scott
Peter.....Joe Armstrong
Beatrice.....Hayley Atwell
Grainger.....Kelly Burke
Oasan/ Tuska.....Mark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number One/ Severin.....Michael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number Five/ BG.....Damian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number Four.....David Acton
USIC Psychologist.....Jane Slavin
USIC Doctor.....Elaine Claxton

Other parts played by members of the company

Director: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.


TUE 09:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002ld62)
Series 14

4. Cambridge

Mark Steel visits Cambridge and creates a show for the local audience.

There will also be extended versions of each episode available on BBC sounds.

Written and performed by Mark Steel
Additional material by Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum
Sound Manager Jerry Peal
Producer Carl Cooper

A BBC Studios production for Radio 4


TUE 09:30 The Five Faces of Leonardo (m0004l8d)
2. Leonardo's City

Melissa Sterry, the design scientist behind the concept of Bionic City, visits Milan to discover the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci.

For Melissa, the trip is as much about the legacy Leonardo has left to urban planning as it is about seeing his iconic painting The Last Supper.

She visits some of the most important Da Vinci sites in Milan including the Ambrosiana Library which houses the largest collection of Leonardo's drawings and writings, and the Codex Atlanticus focusing on his talents as engineer, scientist and inventor.

Melissa discovers a connection with the Renaissance polymath in the use of the natural world to influence built environments.

Meanwhile at Windsor Castle print room, which houses another of the world's major collection of Leonardo papers, Head of Prints and Drawings Martin Clayton shows maps which demonstrate his talent for city planning.

Producer: Sara Parker

Executive Producer: Samir Shah

A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.


TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002ln6k)
From Saints to Souls - Kept in heaven for you

A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.

Theme: From Saints to Souls - Kept in heaven for you
Presenter: Father Paschal Uche.
Reading: 1 Romans 1: 3-5, 8-9

Music:
Joy - Melodees from Heaven
I need you - Volney Morgan & New Ye
It's not over - Melodees from Heaven


TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000bmxv)
Russell Kane & Sarah Perry

Comedian Russell Kane and novelist Sarah Perry join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Iris Murdoch, Heinrich Boll and Shirley Jackson.

The Train Was On Time by Heinrich Boll, translated by Leila Vennewitz
Publisher Penguin

Under the Net by Iris Murdoch
Publisher Vintage

Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson, her slightly fictionalised memoir.
Publisher Penguin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.


TUE 10:30 Too Clever By Half (b012wdjt)
One aspect of romantic relationships which remains largely taboo is the issue of intellect.

Somehow it still raises eyebrows when a woman is obviously much brighter than her male partner... but what exactly is the problem?

Stephanie Calman explores this, through the stories and experiences of several women.

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.


TUE 11:00 Limelight (m001885f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 11:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 12:00 King of Bath (b045xxsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 13:00 To Hull and Back (b07nrlr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 13:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fy24x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0tg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


TUE 14:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m001mlkc)
Series 29

Episode 2

David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies.

They compete against one another to see how many items of truth they’re able to smuggle past their opponents.

The panellists are obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as beauty, tea, giraffes and dancing.

With:

Lou Sanders
Phil Wang
Neil Delamere
Kerry Godliman

Producer: Jon Naismith

A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2023.


TUE 14:30 Bleak Expectations (b00ctlhp)
Series 2

A Happy Life, Cruelly Re-kippered

The further remarkable adventures of Pip Bin, inventor of the bin, as he struggles against the cruel plotting of his evil guardian Mr Gently Benevolent, recently returned from the dead.

Mark Evans's epic comedy is in the style of Charles Dickens - after too much gin.

You're invited to bask in the kindness of St Lovely's school, with its classes of double Definitely-Not-Latin and its School Cakery.

But what is that sinister presence lurking with a very large number of horses?

Could it be that Mister Benevolent has plans to steal the school?

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry boys..............................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.


TUE 15:00 Painting Mrs. Jones by Rachel Joyce (b007jtd2)
Jennifer Jones is invited to sit and have her portrait painted, she wonders if the canvas will reveal a new truth about her inner-self...

Rachel Joyce's dark tale of self-discovery stars Lindsay Duncan.

Jennifer Jones.......Lindsay Duncan
Iain Jones.................James Laurenson
Tom...................David Antrobus

Director: Jeremy Mortimer

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.


TUE 15:45 On Fire for Guy by Michael Carson (b0bqfgvr)
Benson, a dogmatic 14 year old Catholic, disapproves of Guy Fawkes Night.

So they plot to dampen the celebrations next door.

Michael Carson's short story read by Hugh Dickson.

Producer: Tracey Neale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.


TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000bmxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:30 Too Clever By Half (b012wdjt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


TUE 17:00 Limelight (m001885f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 17:30 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (m0006fxl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 18:00 King of Bath (b045xxsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00fl188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 19:00 To Hull and Back (b07nrlr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 The Last Human Cannonball by Byron Rogers (b00fy24x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 19:45 The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber (b04l0tg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


TUE 20:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m001mlkc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]


TUE 20:30 Bleak Expectations (b00ctlhp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]


TUE 21:00 Painting Mrs. Jones by Rachel Joyce (b007jtd2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]


TUE 21:45 On Fire for Guy by Michael Carson (b0bqfgvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]


TUE 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002ld62)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00ct1wk)
Series 1

Episode 5

The senior management team head off to a conference on the Isle of Wight, leaving Rod in charge of the museum...

Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small art museum staffed by eccentrics and obsessives.

Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Stelios Constantinopolis ...... Chris Pavlo
Dave Edgecumbe ...... Anthony Glennon
Lofty Harmsworth ...... Simon Treves
Gus ...... John Dougall

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.


TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002lvpb)
Amy Matthews 3/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears chats once again to the comedian, podcaster and actor Amy Matthews.


TUE 23:00 Susan Calman Makes Me Happy (m000bpbn)
Television

Taking part in BBC TV's Strictly Come Dancing made Susan Calman happy.

Completely, totally happy. And having lived with anxiety for so long, it was something of a surprise to discover something new that gave her feelings of joy.

So, Susan has set out to explore and explain the other things in life that bring her happiness..

Aided and abetted by her studio audience and wife Lee, Susan presents a love letter to the gogglebox.

From the enormous rented behemoth of her childhood through to the modern day box-set you can watch on your phone anywhere you like, TV has been an ever-present comfort and teacher for her.

Written by Susan Calman and Jon Hunter.

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner

A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.


TUE 23:30 Bunk Bed (m000rlq3)
Series 8

Episode 4

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.

Kathy Burke returns to the pull-out mattress to discuss self-censorship, Irish accents, boyfriends and her father - before Patrick sings them both a lullaby.

The three bed fellows discuss the meaning of having 'a good heart' and Peter shares some of the pleasure and pain that results from having an attractive voice, but an Irish accent.

Producer: Peter Curran

A Foghorn production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.


TUE 23:45 Guy Browning's Small Talk (b0076n25)
Series 2

How to Pack

"One good way is to start naked and pretend you're getting dressed. This works perfectly unless the taxi comes early...."

Comedian Guy Browning continues to provide practical life-coaching in the big small challenges of life.

This time - discover the best ways to go travelling.

Producer: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.