SATURDAY 15 APRIL 2023

SAT 00:00 All the Dark Corners (b015zm9l)
The Desk by Andrew Readman

Davis Finch is a hack TV writer with aspirations to write a novel.

In order to be a real writer he feels he needs a proper desk. The one he buys changes his life.

He becomes a success - but at what price?

The first in a series of three chilling plays starring Graeme Hawley.

Written by Andrew Readman.

Finch.............Graeme Hawley
Harrison.........Tim McInnerny
Rachel...........Karen West
Morris............Greg Wood
Valerie...........Melissa Jane Sinden
Shopkeeper....Russell Richardson

Director: Gary Brown

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.


SAT 00:45 Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories (m001kwhg)
3. Ancient Sorceries

Supernatural tales by English short story writer Algernon Blackwood.

An Englishman staying in a sleepy French town makes a terrifying discovery.

Abridged by Fiona McAlpine

Reader: Hugh Ross

Director: Clive Brill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.


SAT 01:00 Edmund Gosse - Father and Son (b0076vm0)
2. Torn

Baptised aged 10 and now growing up, lonely Edmund is torn between his father and the terrible secret in his heart.

Derek Jacobi stars as Edmund Gosse.

Conclusion of Edmund Gosse's uniquely frank memoir of a Victorian childhood.

Dramatised by Nick Warburton.

Edmund Gosse ...... Derek Jacobi
Phlip Henry Gosse ...... Roger Allam
Young Edmund ...... Steven Williams
Eliza Brightwen ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Ella Smith ...... Mrs Brown
Brother Fawkes ...... Gerard McDermott
Preacher ...... Wayne FoskettJ
Teacher ...... John Cummins
Brethren/Villagers ...... Delroy Brown
Brethren/Villagers ...... Nick Sayce
Brethren/Villagers ...... Sophie Roberts
Brethren/Villagers ...... Ayesha Antoine

Producer: Jonquil Panting

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.


SAT 02:00 Hercule Poirot (b007jly9)
Murder in Mesopotamia

Episode 5

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

The gripping conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring John Moffatt.

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 02:30 No Place To Hide (m001kwh8)
3. Joanna Appears

After the seizure of a British MI6 agent, John Rennie must use every lead to try and track the kidnappers down...

Starring John Kerry and Margaret Robertson.

Spy-based serial written by Ted Allbeury.

John Rennie .... James Kerry
Kathy Swenson .... Margaret Robertson
Khalim Said .... Richard Kay
Adele Palmer .... Susannah Fellows
Jan Branders .... Ali Refaie
Hugo Paynter .... David Garth
Joanna de Vries .... Colette Hiller
Gabriella .... Carole Boyd
Dutchman/Porter .... Mark Straker
Policeman .... Charles Whaley

Piano played by Mary Nash.

Director: Christopher Venning

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1984.


SAT 03:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l2b)
10. A Shocking Revelation

"If either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together...."

Believing her happiness with Mr Rochester assured, a shocking revelation threatens Jane's dreams.

Charlotte Bronte's bold and passionate story of a woman's search for independence and love on her own terms.

Abridged by Sally Marmion.

Read by Anne-Marie Duff

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.


SAT 03:15 Curious Under the Stars (m0002mw6)
Devil's Bridge

Part 5

Giant footsteps shake the village of Glan Don, as Hadrian’s secret is revealed.

Magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.

Starring Sion Pritchard, Emma Sidi and Ifan Huw Dafydd.

Written by Annamaria Murphy.

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

Series created by Meic Povey.

Director: James Robinson

A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.


SAT 03:30 Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler (b05qgm0y)
Series 2

Episode 3

Adventuring comedian Tim FitzHigham recreates another 19th-century bet.

Can he cook a pudding ten feet under water?

Written by and starring Tim FitzHigham.

Additional material by Jon Hunter and Paul Byrne.

Producer: Joe Nunnery.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2015.


SAT 04:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rq30b)
Series 1

The Stepmother

Harold's not too happy to meet his dad Albert's new girlfriend.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.

Classic sitcom about the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Albert …. Wilfrid Brambell
Harold …. Harry H. Corbett
Emma …. Joan Lovell

The 1962 BBC TV comedy pilot 'The Offer' sparked a run of 8 series.

Adapted for BBC radio from the TV script by Gale Pedrick.

Producer: Bobby Jaye

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1966.


SAT 04:30 Babblewick Hall (b01nlzcw)
Series 1

Episode 6

The downfall of Squire Fenton and Babblewick Hall appears imminent with the arrival of Fenton's father who has plans for his wayward son.

Not least that he should marry the insipid and bewhiskered Harriet.

Meanwhile, Augustus makes a dramatic discovery...

Starring Nicholas Le Prevost and Forbes Masson.

Conclusion of the first series of Scott Cherry’s sitcom set in the 18th-century.

Fenton Babblewick ...... Nick Le Prevost
Augustus Snipe ...... Forbes Masson
William Babblewick ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Elizabeth Babblewick ...... Pauline Yates
Harriet ...... Courtney King
Septimus Hickey ...... John Moffat
Molly ...... Gillian Bevan
Barney ...... David Antrobus
Jack ...... Sam Kelly

Music by Paul Mottram.

Producer: Paul Schlesinger

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1996.


SAT 05:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0010wz0)
Series 16

Episode 2

Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Holly Walsh welcome:

* Comedian Evelyn Mok
* Historian Dr Alun Scott
* Screenwriter Allan Scott.

Evelyn talks about the rivalry between Gothenberg and Stockholm and donates the Swedish Dragon Gate to the Museum – it was intended to be the country’s first Chinatown but things didn’t go according to plan. Dr Alun discusses his research into beards which led to the media dubbing him the ‘maven of shaving’ and Allan talks about his time running a Scottish whisky company before becoming a screenwriter and working with Garry Kasparov on The Queen’s Gambit.

Researchers: Mike Shepherd, Mike Turner and Jack Chambers of QI.

Produced by Anne Miller

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2021.


SAT 05:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00nj6fb)
Series 3

Episode 4

The sports agent's business partner Sammy gets a dead cert horse from a corrupt jockey.

Starring Neil Pearson.

Andy Hamilton's comedy about an honourable sports agent in a dishonourable world.

Trevor ...... Neil Pearson
Sammy ...... Paul Reynolds
Ralph ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Theresa ...... Rosalind Ayres
Heidrun ...... Cosima Shaw
Barry ...... Abdul Salis
Meryl ...... Claire Skinner
Dean ...... Philip Pope

Written and produced by Andy Hamilton.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.


SAT 06:00 The Displaced Person (m001l34j)
Elsie's husband has been missing at sea for months and she can't accept it.

Then a sudden disaster sets her and her family on a journey of self-discovery.

Wartime drama written by Christopher Denys.

Elsie .... Clare Kinsale
Doreen .... Jenny Luckraft
Billy .... Judy Bennett
Muriel .... Anna-Jane Casey
Mrs Chadwick .... Judith Barker
Gerard .... Elizabeth Proud
Dora .... Julie Corrigan
Mrs Ryder .... Paula Tilbrook
Policeman .... John Jardine
Brindley .... John Branwell
Postmaster .... Laurence Kenny
Railwayman .... Keith Clifford
George .... Malcolm Raeburn
Landlady .... Rosalie Williams

Director: Tony Cliff

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1990


SAT 07:30 James Bond - Casino Royale (Omnibus) (m001l34n)
Episode 2

Agent 007 continues to pursue the fraudster, Le Chiffre, who's absconded with 25 million francs of Soviet money and is being hunted by the sinister SMERSH.

Bond's life is endangered - and something is troubling his girlfriend, Vesper.

Casino Royale is Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel.

Omnibus of the last five of ten parts abridged by Sally Marmion.

Concluded by Alex Jennings.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.


SAT 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (b07tz3q7)
Billy Ocean

Soul singer Billy Ocean chooses 'No Woman, No Cry' by Bob Marley & The Wailers, and 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke.


SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrc0)
Series 2

Young Chocolate

Carter's uncle fancies a good funeral, so they head off to the burial for a boxer.

Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.

Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’.

In addition to radio adaptations, this earned them a run of four BBC TV series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ from 1975 to 1979.

Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
The Undetraker …. Michael Graham Cox
Marcus Potts …. Stan Richards
Narrator …. Christian Rodska

Producer: Pete Atkin.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.


SAT 09:00 We're in Business (b07nwwqt)
The Regimental Dinner

Can Dudley and Harry help the Major organise his regimental dinner?

Stars Peter Jones and Harry Worth.

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

Written by Marty Feldman, Barry Took and Peter Jones.

Dudley ....... Peter Jones
Harry ....... Harry Worth
Miss Boot ....... Irene Handl

With Dick Emery and Frederick Treves.

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

Producer: Charles Maxwell.

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1960.


SAT 09:30 Whack-O! (b06451cb)
The Inspector's Visit

Professor Jimmy Edwards' plans to bribe the boys with a sumptuous meal are all washed up.

Starting life on BBC TV before transferring to radio, Chiselbury School is run "for the sons of gentlefolk".

Headmaster, Professor James Edwards, MA never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the students and their parents. Sports pitches are given over to growing vegetables, which the boys nurture for their head to sell. Classes never exceed 95 pupils - 50 if private tuition is paid for at five guineas extra.

It's only thanks to the efforts of the devoted deputy head, Mr Pettigrew, that the school exists at all.

Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.

Adapted by David Climie.

June Whitfield ...... Matron
Roger Shepherd ...... Lumley
Frederick Treves ...... Alfred Tennyson

With:

Michael Turner
Graham Aza
David Lott

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1961.


SAT 10:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
1. From Macca to McLean

Sir Paul McCartney, Emeli Sande, Suzanne Vega, Natalie Merchant, Paul Weller, Corrine Bailey Rae, Richard Hawley, Jimmy Webb, Laura Marling, Billy Bragg, Ray Davies and Don McLean give a masterclass in the art of songwriting.

In the first of three programmes, John Wilson looks back over his conversations with 45 acclaimed songwriters for BBC Radio 4's series ‘Mastertapes’.

Recorded with an audience of fans at the BBC Maida Vale studios in London, each guest focuses on a key album from their career, describing in detail how dozens of much loved hit songs were written.

Now, the ‘Mastertapes’ guests are brought together to offer a unique how-to guide to writing the perfect song.

Sir Paul McCartney demonstrates the building blocks of songwriting, reveals how a chord ‘borrowed’ from a Picasso painting became the basis of a collaborative composition with Kanye West. McCartney also talks candidly about his songwriting partnership with John Lennon in The Beatles. Suzanne Vega and Emeli Sandé remember - and try to play - the very first songs that they wrote as children.

Ray Davies reveals how the character studies he created for his songs with The Kinks - including ‘Dedicated Follower Of Fashion’ - were based on real people. Paul Weller breaks down the words and chords to ‘A Town Called Malice’, and remembers how, as a younger songwriter, he would ritually destroy his lyric books after completing a new album. And Don McLean is delightfully evasive about his greatest hit, ‘American Pie’.

Presented and produced by John Wilson.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra - and first broadcast in May 2021.


SAT 11:00 The Displaced Person (m001l34j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 12:30 James Bond - Casino Royale (Omnibus) (m001l34n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (b07tz3q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 14:00 We're in Business (b07nwwqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 14:30 Whack-O! (b06451cb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 15:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 16:00 All the Dark Corners (b015zm9l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]


SAT 16:45 Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories (m001kwhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:45 today]


SAT 17:00 The Displaced Person (m001l34j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 18:30 James Bond - Casino Royale (Omnibus) (m001l34n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (b07tz3q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 20:00 We're in Business (b07nwwqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 20:30 Whack-O! (b06451cb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 21:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 22:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b03brkf1)
Series 3

Episode 5

John Finnemore with another sketch-packed show.

This episode reveals the truth behind some famous anecdotes and a curious tale of a hard-bitten dame. A part of this show is in 3-D. Unfortunately, it's a horrible part.

Written by and starring John Finnemore

With

Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan

Producer: Ed Morrish.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.


SAT 22:30 Influencers (m00114t3)
Behind the Scenes

A comedy about the online world of influencing.

Starring and written by Katy Brand and Katherine Parkinson.

Ruth and Carla are two stars of the online business world. They are bound together by a carefully controlled public image involving lucrative product placement and well paid endorsements. But behind the scenes things are not always so harmonious.

We find Ruth and Carla worrying about company finances and plotting their next big move into podcasting to give their shared business a boost. They are taking delivery of all their new equipment when they hear that a rival influencer, Grace Broadstairs, has been rushed to hospital. As she is incapacitated, all her followers are now up for grabs. Wishing Grace well is also a perfect theme for the first podcast episode, A Lovely Chat with Ruth and Carla – if they can just figure out how the microphones work.

Award-winning duo Katy Brand and Katherine Parkinson write and star in this sharp new comedy, taking an affectionate swipe at the very modern world of influencing.

The podcast A Lovely Chat with Ruth and Carla, as featured in the show, is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.

Carla …. Katy Brand
Ruth …. Katherine Parkinson

Producer: Liz Anstee

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.


SAT 23:00 4 Stands Up (b00f86m7)
Series 2

Episode 2

Welsh comic Rhod Gilbert invites old hands and fresh faces on the comedy circuit to perform.

Featuring character pieces, double acts and sketches.

With:

Stewart Francis
Jo Neary
Chris Addison

Producer: Tilusha Ghelani

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.


SAT 23:30 A Bit of Fry and Laurie (b048vwqx)
Second Bit

A crazy shopping spree, and eating Greek in Stevenage.

Starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

On their journey to international stardom - Cambridge Footlights graduates, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie wrote and starred together in a pilot show for BBC TV.

This was followed by four acclaimed TV series of 'A Bit of Fry & Laurie' from 1989 to 1995.

Stephen Fry introduces the second of two audio collections of choice comedy morsels culled from the BBC TV soundtracks.

Producer: Aled Evans

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.

SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023

SUN 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b010ns71)
Night Watch

1. Confrontation

Living in the past is hard. Dying in the past is incredibly easy.

Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch falls through time and arrives in the city of his youth.

Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel.

Dramatised in five parts by Robin Brooks.

Sam Vimes ... Philip Jackson
Young Sam ... Carl Prekopp
Carcer ... Paul Ritter
Fred Colon ... Sam Dale
Jocasta Wiggs ... Clare Corbett
Sergeant Knock ... Matt Addis
Dr Lawn ... Ben Onwukwe
Willikins ... Peter Marinker

Director: Claire Grove

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.


SUN 00:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007s74m)
3. The Changing Man

After his trip to Mitchell Bluff, Taft's realised Bowers' story about the attack on his base doesn't add up - and Bowers isn't giving anything away.

Worse, a member of Taft's team has been found dead...

Continuing Simon Bovey's sci-fi thriller made in 2005 but set in 2015.

Bowers …. Tim McMullan
Commander Taft …. Tom Mannion
Max Bellingfield …. Stuart McLoughlin
Anaya …. Ndidi Del Fatti
Deborah …. Helen Longworth

Director: Marc Beeby

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in January 2005.


SUN 01:00 The Displaced Person (m001l34j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 James Bond - Casino Royale (Omnibus) (m001l34n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (b07tz3q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Saturday]


SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 We're in Business (b07nwwqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]


SUN 04:30 Whack-O! (b06451cb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001l394)
Breaking Our Silence

Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and chooses Breaking Our Silence.

Salma El-Wardany discusses the connection between poetry and revolution with other poets - both political and personal.

In 2011, poet Salma was part of the Arab Spring uprising in Cairo. Thousands of Egyptians came together in Tahrir Square to fight for a new future. And poetry was everywhere - spray painted on walls, shared on social media, and written into songs that became anthems for the protesters.

"It was a revolution fuelled by poetry," says Salma.

Salma celebrates the connection between poetry and revolution. She speaks to four of her favourite female poets - all women of colour from different corners of the world, whose work fuels revolution, both personal and political.

British-Indian poet Nikita Gill sees her own work written onto placards and hears it chanted in the street on marches.

Yrsa Daley-Ward, award-winning writer of Bone and The Terrible, writes about topics on which women have often been silent.

Tjawangwa Dema argues that what, to a Western audience, might seem like a simple love poem, can be truly revolutionary when written by a woman from Botswana.

And Lisa Luxx shares the power of poetry to unite people into a revolutionary community, as she does by organising feminist literary salons in Beirut.

Salma believes that these poetic revolutions, and her own, all have one thing in common - they involve women speaking out, and refusing to be silenced any longer.

Producer: Hannah Marshall

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020.


SUN 06:30 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Omnibus) (m001l396)
Episode 2

Will Blanche Ingram's arrival at Thornfield dampen Jane's dreams?

Charlotte Bronte's bold and passionate story of a woman's search for independence and love on her own terms.

First published in 1847.

Omnibus of the middle five of fifteen episodes abridged by Sally Marmion.

Read by Anne-Marie Duff.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.


SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001l398)
Chris Robshaw

Former Rugby Union player Chris Robshaw, picks ‘If You Don't Know Me by Now’ by Simply Red and ‘California King Bed’ by Rihanna.


SUN 07:50 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
Series 7 (Omnibus) - Devil's Bridge

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

Magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.

Starring Sion Pritchard, Emma Sidi and Ifan Huw Dafydd.

Omnibus of five parts written by Annamaria Murphy.

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

Series created by Meic Povey.

Director: James Robinson

A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019


SUN 09:00 Harry Worth (b09r458r)
Things Could Be Worse

Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot

Harry gets more than he bargains for when celebrating his birthday with some wartime reminiscences.

Written by David McKellar and David Renwick.

Starring Harry Worth.

With:

John Baddeley
John Graham
Miriam Margolyes

Producer: Simon Brett.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1976.


SUN 09:30 The Navy Lark (m001l39b)
Series 4

The Cornish Exercise - Recovered Audio

4 Extra Debut. The crew of HMS Troutbridge are sent on a secretive training exercise in Cornwall.

This recently rediscovered episode gets its first broadcast in over 60 years on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Starring Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge.

Written by Lawrie Wyman

Sub-Lieut. Phillips ...... Leslie Phillips
Lieut. Murray - the No. 1 ...... Stephen Murray
Chief Petty Officer Pertwee ...... Jon Pertwee
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Heather ...... Heather Chasen
AB Johnson/ Lieut. Cdr Stanton ...... Ronnie Barker
Leading Seaman Goldstein/The Admiral ...... Tenniel J Evans
Lieut. Bates/Rear Admiral Ironbridge ...... Michael Bates
Wren Cornwell ...... Judy Cornwell

The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1962.


SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01mrq09)
Longplay

Anna Ford

TV news presenter Anna Ford shares her castaway choices with Kirsty Young.

In a specially extended edition for BBC Radio 4 Extra, Anna shares her life story and explains her musical choices, book and luxury choices.

One of the first high profile women in news, she worked for Granada, ITV and the BBC before retiring after more than 30 years on our screens.

One of Anna's professional pairings was presenting ITV's News at 10 with Reginald Bosanquet. She remembers how he would try to unsettle her during broadcasts:

"I adored Reggie. He would land either obscene poems or love poems on my script just before I was to about to read it to camera and I would catch just a sight of this and it was almost impossible not to laugh."

DISC ONE: It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t got that Swing - Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
DISC TWO: Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins and Strings in D Minor - Yehudi Menuhin and David Oistrakh with the Great Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Alexander Orlov
DISC THREE: Dawn Chorus: seasonal birdsong (sound effects) recorded in May in Kent
DISC FOUR: Masters of War - Bob Dylan
DISC FIVE: Isaac Albéniz’s Mallorca - Julian Bream
DISC SIX: Carolina in My Mind - James Taylor
DISC SEVEN: You can call me Al - Paul Simon
DISC EIGHT: J’Attendrai - Tino Rossi

BOOK CHOICE: Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times edited by Neil Astley
LUXURY CHOICE: Endless supply of leaf tea, teapot, mug and semi skimmed milk
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: You can call me Al - Paul Simon

Producer: Leanne Buckle

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in September 2012.


SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001l394)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 11:30 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Omnibus) (m001l396)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001l398)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]


SUN 12:50 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]


SUN 14:00 Harry Worth (b09r458r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 14:30 The Navy Lark (m001l39b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01mrq09)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 16:00 Terry Pratchett (b010ns71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]


SUN 16:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007s74m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001l394)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 17:30 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Omnibus) (m001l396)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001l398)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]


SUN 18:50 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]


SUN 20:00 Harry Worth (b09r458r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 20:30 The Navy Lark (m001l39b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01mrq09)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 22:00 Start/Stop (b039dbjr)
Series 1

Concert

Jack Docherty’s sitcom about love, marriage and despair.

Three couples sail off into the sunset. And sink.

Starring Jack Docherty, Charlie Higson, Katherine Parkinson, John Thomson, Fiona Allen and Kerry Godliman.

With their marriages in various states of disrepair - a trip to a classical music concert poses difficulties for everyone.

Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
David ...... Charlie Higson
Evan ...... John Thomson
Alice ...... Katherine Parkinson

Producer Steven Canny

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.


SUN 22:30 Chain Reaction (b012x130)
Series 7

Simon Day talks to Peter Hook

Chain Reaction is Radio 4's tag-team interview show.

Each week, a figure from the world of entertainment chooses another to interview; the next week, the interviewee turns interviewer, and they in turn pass the baton on to someone else - creating a 'chain' throughout the series. Previously, Rhys Thomas interviewed Simon Day.

This week, Simon is asking the questions, and has chosen one of his musical heroes: Peter Hook, best known for playing bass in Joy Division and New Order, and for co-owning and running one of the most famous nightclubs in the world - which lost £10 for every punter who walked through the door for over a decade.

Interviewer Simon Day
Interviewee Peter Hook

Producer Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.


SUN 23:00 Safety Catch (b017gxpv)
Series 2

I Draw the Line

When faced with a particularly tricky moral issue at work Simon finally decides enough is enough and quits his job.

It's not great timing though as he and Anna find themselves contemplating having a baby.

Starring Darren Boyd.

Laurence Howarth’s black comedy of modern morality.

Simon is essentially a nice man who also happens to be an arms dealer.

Simon McGrath...........Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg............Joanna Page
Boris Kemal...........Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath..........Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath..........Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull..........Rachel Atkins
Marcus...............Dan Mersh

Producer: Dawn Ellis.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.


SUN 23:30 Lemn Sissay's Origin Stories (b07z3zfw)
3. Is It a Bird?

Batman was an orphan; Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was an orphan; Superman was an orphan and a foundling. Cinderella was a foster child. Darth Vader - well, they can't all be winners.

Taking a comic and poetic angle, Lemn Sissay compares reality against the treatment of children raised in care, orphans and foster children in popular culture. Because it surely says something about how we view them that we create so many for fiction?

The most important thing that John and Martha Kent taught Clark, the boy they found in a strange-looking pod that crash-landed on their Kansas farm, was to keep his true self secret.

People wouldn't understand that you can lift cars, melt steel beams with your eyes, or fly. People will be scared of you because you are different. Every adoptee and every care leaver knows this feeling. Lemn examines how he hid his feelings, his experiences, his identity, in order to fit in better with the world around him.

Lemn also talks to comedian and adoptee Deborah Frances-White about secret identities - and how to go about reinventing yourself.

Written and performed by Lemn Sissay.

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.

MONDAY 17 APRIL 2023

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001l394)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Omnibus) (m001l396)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001l398)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]


MON 01:50 Curious Under the Stars (m0002rx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]


MON 03:00 Harry Worth (b09r458r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 The Navy Lark (m001l39b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01mrq09)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Give Dotty a Chance (b08jf0f1)
It’s 1989 and Welsh singer Dorothy Squires is living a penniless existence in a caravan.

She thinks her glittering career that took her to Hollywood has been forgotten.

But then two fans turn up to try persuade her to put her glad rags on and revive her career.

But can she still do it?

Starring Ruth Madoc.

Written by Martyn Hesford.

Dorothy Squires .... Ruth Madoc
Alan .... Arthur Bostrom
Warren .... Graeme Hawley
Margaret .... Sue Jenkins
Radio Interviewer .... Leah Marks
Box Office Man/Man in Bar .... Jake Norton

Director: Gary Brown

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.


MON 05:45 Short Works (m0004f6c)
A Traditional Sunday Roast by Yvvette Edwards

Muma Rose surprises her grand-daughter, Anthea, by announcing she is in a new relationship with an octogenarian called Alfie.

She wants them all to meet over a proper Sunday lunch - and so Anthea must shape up.

An original short story by Yvvette Edwards

Read by Cherrelle Skeete.

Yvvette Edwards is a British East Londoner of Montserratian origin and, in addition to writing short stories, she is author of two novels - A Cupboard Full of Coats and The Mother. Her work has been nominated for a number of literary awards, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Man Booker Prize.

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.


MON 06:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007k2vr)
1. The Black Trunk

True stories of crime and trial in a bygone age featuring the formidable barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

In his first case, fought in 1894, he sets out to save Marie Herman from death on the gallows.

Introduced by Rumpole of the Bailey's creator, John Mortimer.

Dramatised by Michael Butt.

Tom Baker stars as Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

With:

Timothy Block
Jonathan Tafler
David Glover
Zelah Clarke
Nicholas Farr
Jill Graham
Kate McEnery

Director: John Taylor

A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in November 1996.


MON 06:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3b2)
4. It's Better When You're Here

Watching for Mason's kidnappers, can John Rennie also deal with wayward Joanna's demands?

Starring John Kerry and Margaret Robertson.

Journalist Kathy Swenson is caught up in the frightening world of espionage

Spy-based serial written by Ted Allbeury.

John Rennie .... James Kerry
Kathy Swenson .... Margaret Robertson
Joanna de Vries .... Colette Hiller
Jan Branders .... Ali Refaie
Johan de Vries .... Harry Towb
Hugo Paynter .... David Garth
Mike Ryan / Waiter .... Keith Bartlett
Girl .... Carole Boyd

Director: Christopher Venning

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1984.


MON 07:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3d)
11. Conscience

Jane must examine her conscience and decide on the right course - even if at the cost of her happiness and that of her lover's...

Charlotte Bronte's bold and passionate story of a woman's search for independence and love on her own terms.

Abridged in fifteen parts by Sally Marmion.

Read by Anne-Marie Duff

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.


MON 07:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007q9w)
The Country Girls

1. Coping

Kate and Baba are friends who occupy the twin poles of romance and realism.

In this opening episode, Kate’s father is off on a drinking binge, so the farm has to cope without him.

Originally published in the 1960s, The Country Girls, and the two other novels in the trilogy (The Lonely Girl and Girls in their Married Bliss), were banned by the Irish Censorship Board, burnt publicly in O’Brien’s home town, and described by the Justice Minister (a young Charles Haughey) as filth.

Edna O’Brien's trilogy is now recognised as an iconic work of 20th century Irish fiction.

Dramatised in ten parts by Lin Coghlan.

Kate ..... Charlie Murphy
Baba ..... Aoibhinn McGinnity
Mama ..... Catherine Cusack
Dada ..... David Ganly
Hickey ..... Lloyd Hutchinson
Jack Holland ..... Jonjo O’Neill
Miss Moriarty ..... Helen Clapp

Directors: Sally Avens & Jessica Dromgoole

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2019.


MON 07:30 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
1. Out of Tune

Ray and Jane's marriage is rocked by some very bad singing and late-life crises take hold.

Starring Juliet Stevenson and Philip Jackson.

Multi-award winning writer, Peter Souter's comedy about love, sex and other foolhardy mistakes made by the modern 50-pluser.

Jane ..... Juliet Stevenson
Ray ..... Philip Jackson
Tony ..... Patrick Brennan
Heather ..... Liza Sadovy
Honey ..... Stephanie Racine
Sam ..... Adam Nagaitis

Director: Helen Perry

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.


MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b007zkzy)
Series 4

Episode 7

Kenneth Horne hits The Celluloid Jungle and waltzes off for some strictly Bona Ballroom tuition from Julian and Sandy.

One of BBC Radio’s most influential and groundbreaking series packed full of colourful characters, parodies, memorable catchphrases, and double-entendres.

Starring:

Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden

Announcer: Douglas Smith

Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London.

Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.

Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman wrote the brilliantly inventive - and sometimes outrageous - scripts for the first three series.

Series 4 is written by Barry Took with Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer and Donald Webster.

Music by the Max Harris Group.

Producer: John Simmonds

First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in April 1968.


MON 08:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv4w)
Series 2

Episode 5

Will Ken and Sandy's plan to use a lion to advertise Leo cosmetics be a roaring success?

Starring Martin Jarvis.

Guy Jenkin and Jon Canter’s satire set in the competitive world of advertising.

Ken Handley …. Martin Jarvis
John 'Sandy' Beach …. Christopher Godwin
Freddie …. Lockwood West
Deborah …. Rosalind Ayres
Ambrose …. Paul Jesson
Andy …. Chris Emmett
Christina …. Jo Manning Wilson
Film Director …. Scott Cherry

With:

Joss Ackland
James Griffiths
Miriam Margolyes
John Shrapnel
Imelda Staunton
David Tate

Producer: Pete Atkin.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1984.


MON 09:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
Series 2

Episode 2

The topical historical satirical panel show setting out to prove that there's nothing new under, or in, The Sun.

Hosted by Clive Anderson.

Gyles Brandreth and Natalie Haynes

battle it out against

John O'Farrell and Richard Herring.

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.


MON 09:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00p8fk7)
Series 1

New House

Patrick and Stella finally find the house of their dreams - a perfect cottage with a garden in the country - but the children aren't budging.

Will their plans be scuppered at the eleventh hour?

Starring Duncan Preston and Penny Downie.

Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson’s sitcom about a topsy-turvy household. Stella is a middle-aged and having a crisis - her grown up children refuse to leave home. What’s worse, husband Patrick doesn't mind.

Patrick …. Duncan Preston
Stella …. Penny Downie
Alison …. Claudie Blakely
Rick …. Bruce McKinnon
Egg …. Daniela Denby-Ashe
Xanthe …. Catherine Shepherd
Digger …. Andrew Westfield
French Teacher …. Aileen Gonsalves

Producer: Elizabeth Freestone

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.


MON 10:00 Give Dotty a Chance (b08jf0f1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


MON 10:45 Short Works (m0004f6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]


MON 11:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007k2vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 11:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3b2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 12:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 12:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007q9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


MON 12:30 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 13:00 Round the Horne (b007zkzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 13:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 14:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 14:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00p8fk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 15:00 Give Dotty a Chance (b08jf0f1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


MON 15:45 Short Works (m0004f6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]


MON 16:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007k2vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 16:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3b2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 17:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007q9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


MON 17:30 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Round the Horne (b007zkzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 18:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 19:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 19:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00p8fk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 20:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m00167xv)
Series 12

Holding On, Digging Out & Hanging Up

True stories told live in the USA: Meg Bowles introduces stories where everyday moments have lasting impacts.

The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.

The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.

Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.

The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.

First heard on PRX in 2020.


MON 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06sbdn5)
Juliette Lewis

Actress and singer Juliette Lewis chooses 'Peg' by Steely Dan, and 'Voodoo Child/Slight Return' by Jimi Hendrix.


MON 21:00 Mastertapes (b01p0fpq)
Series 1

Ray Davies (the A-Side)

Ray Davies talks about the inspiration behind two classic Kinks albums, 'Lola' and 'Muswell Hillbillies'.

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the two albums.

In this one (The A side), John Wilson takes Ray back to the early 1970s and the making of two classic Kinks albums.

Marking a period of transition for the group (as they left one British record label for an American one), both were concept albums, tackling such broad themes as corruption within the music industry and the destruction of old communities via urban regeneration. In a revealing interview, Ray considers the power of the lyric and the importance of place in his song-writing.

In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak.

First broadcast on Radio 4 in November 2012.


MON 21:30 DS Sue Manson - Fractions of Zero (b00xlv04)
Episode 1

A frantic father asks for Detective Superintendent Sue Manson's help in finding his missing daughter.

The only clue they have is a series of jumbled letters on the back of a poster...

Starring Susan Lynch and Philip Glenister.

Bill Murphy's five-part detective thriller about the hunt for a serial killer obsessed with mathematics.

DS Sue Manson .... Susan Lynch
James Ellstrom .... Philip Glenister
Fred Johnston .... Clive Merrison
Inspector Phillips .... David Bannerman
PC Mags Langan .... Alison Pettitt
Lee Horsley .... David Holt
Superintendent Midgeley .... Nigel Anthony

Director Tanya Nash

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.


MON 21:45 The Whisperer In Darkness (m000ndjb)
Episode 11

The trail leads to Thomas Marston's doctor as Heawood realises that everything is connected.

An unexpected phone call has turned Matthew Heawood’s attention to a mystery in the gloom of Rendlesham Forest. Folklore, paranormal, otherworldly?

Up for debate, but fertile ground for a new investigative podcast, that’s for sure.

Kennedy Fisher..................JANA CARPENTER
Matthew Heawood………… BARNABY KAY
Eleanor Peck……………….NICOLA WALKER
Slide ………………………....FERDINAND KINGSLEY
Doctor Wilet….………………MARK BAZELEY
Henry Akeley………………….DAVID CALDER

Producer: Karen Rose

Director/Writer: Julian Simpson

Sound Recordist and Designer: David Thomas
Production Coordinators: Sarah Tombling & Holly Slater

Music by Tim Elsenburg
Executive Producer: Caroline Raphael

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, first broadcast in October 2020.


MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m001kwxv)
Series 91

2. Tutankhamun, Haggling, and Canadian Cuisine

Sue Perkins challenges Paul Merton, Shaparak Khorsandi, Daliso Chaponda and Heidi Regan to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation.

The long-running Radio 4 national treasure of a parlour game is back for a new series with subjects this week ranging from Tutankhamun to Canadian Cuisine.

Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound editor: Marc Willcox
Producer: Rajiv Karia

A BBC Studios Production


MON 22:30 iGod (b00x9xb8)
Procrastination

A parallel Earth is obliterated when a lazy Ian decides to take the afternoon off.

We all worry about the end of the world, as economists and environmentalists speak in apocalyptic terms everyday.

iGOD says that trying to predict the end of the world is as pointless as moisturising an elephant's elbow.

Starring David Soul and Simon Day.

In each episode, an unnamed, all-seeing narrator (David Soul shows us that it is stupid to be worrying, as he looks back at some of the most entertaining apocalypses on parallel Earths.

Each episode, a different parallel world is accidentally wiped out by an ordinary bloke called Ian (Simon Day).

With a full-range of sound effects and wonderfully funny and surreal twists, iGOD is an aural extravaganza.

Ian ...... Simon Day
The Narrator ...... David Soul

Also starring:

Rosie Cavaliero
Alex MacQueen
Dan Tetsell

Written by Sean Gray.

Producer: Simon Nicholls.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.


MON 22:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k1wk)
Series 2

The Monster in the Loch

The elderly Scotsmen have a monstrous encounter in the great outdoors.

Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.

With Alison Steadman as their cleaning-lady-cum-housekeeper, Mrs Naughtie, and Jeremy Hardy as the local Laird.

Hamish ...... Barry Cryer
Dougal ...... Graeme Garden
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy

With:
John Garden
Ros Stephen
Kylie Davies
Scott Hammond
Andrew Davis
Brian Berkins

Producer: Jon Naismith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.


MON 23:00 The Now Show (m001kyms)
Series 62

Episode 5

Steve Punt presents the week via topical stand-up and sketches. He's joined by Ahir Shah talking about the junior doctor strike, Alex Kealy exploring the French pension reforms & Rachel Parris singing about being stuck in the Dover queues over the Easter weekend.

The show is written by the cast with additional material from Hugh Dennis, Laura Major, Mike Shephard, David Duncan & Kate Dehnert.

Voice actors: Luke Kempner & Chiara Goldsmith

Sound: Gary Newman & John Boland
Editor: Marc Willcox
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Producer: Sasha Bobak
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls

A BBC Studios Production


MON 23:30 Mark Thomas Presents (b0076vzd)
Stan Freberg

American satirist and comedian Stan Freberg performs at London's Comedy Store at the age of 79.

Stan reprises favourite songs and routines which made him a legend in the 1950s and 60s - to the accompaniment of the original orchestral backing.

Including:

John & Marsha
St George & the Dragonet

Series in which Mark Thomas introduces iconic American comedy performers.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2005.

TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2023

TUE 00:00 Give Dotty a Chance (b08jf0f1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:45 Short Works (m0004f6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007k2vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3b2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007q9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Round the Horne (b007zkzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]


TUE 03:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00p8fk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bbdmb)
1. Burying the Past

Michael Henchard spends his life trying to atone for the terrible action that led to the loss of his wife and child.

But his past refuses to be buried, no matter how hard he tries to conceal it.

Starring John Lynch.

Thomas Hardy's tragic story.

Dramatised in three parts by Helen Edmundson

Michael Henchard .... John Lynch
Elizabeth-Jane .... Ruth Wilson
Donald Farfrae .... Paul Higgins
Furmity Woman .... Maggie Steed
Susan Henchard …. Olwen May
Abel Whittle .... Burn Gorman
Jopp .... Conrad Nelson
Newson .... Jonathan Keeble
Solomon Longways .... Russell Dixon
Christopher Coney .... David Fielder
Mother Cuxsom .... Sue Ryding
Martha .... Vashti Maclachlan

Directed at BBC Manchester by Nadia Molinari.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.


TUE 06:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jlzz)
2. The Camden Town Murder

Did Bob Wood really murder Emily Dimmock by slitting her throat?

True stories of crime and trial in a bygone age featuring formidable barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

Introduced by Rumpole of the Bailey's creator, John Mortimer.

Dramatised by Michael Butt.

Tom Baker stars as Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

With:

Timothy Block
Kellie Bright
Nicholas Farr
David Glover
Jonathan Tafler

Director: John Taylor

A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in November 1996.


TUE 06:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3cd)
5. The Kidnap

John Rennie ponders whether to take some extreme measures in order to rescue the kidnapped British agent.

Starring John Kerry and Margaret Robertson.

Journalist Kathy Swenson is caught up in the frightening world of espionage

Spy-based serial written by Ted Allbeury.

John Rennie .... James Kerry
Kathy Swenson .... Margaret Robertson
Joanna de Vries .... Colette Hiller
Mike Ryan .... Keith Bartlett
Khalim Said .... Richard Kay
Gabriella .... Carole Boyd
Hugo Paynter .... David Garth
Adele Palmer .... Susannah Fellows
Arab servant/First policeman .... Peter Van Dissel
Second policeman .... Charles Whaley
English voice/Male voice .... Albert Welling

Director: Christopher Venning

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1984.


TUE 07:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3y)
12. New Friends

Having left Mr Rochester and Thornfield Hall, can Jane make new friends and begin a new life?

Charlotte Bronte's bold and passionate story of a woman's search for independence and love on her own terms.

Abridged in fifteen parts by Sally Marmion.

Read by Anne-Marie Duff

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.


TUE 07:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qyp)
The Country Girls

2. Turning Point

A play at the Town Hall marks a turning point in Kate’s life.

Edna O’Brien’s frank, funny and subversive story of friendship and growing up in rural Ireland in the 1950s - seen through the eyes of two friends - Kate and Baba.

Dramatised by Lin Coghlan.

Kate ..... Charlie Murphy
Baba ..... Aoibhinn McGinnity
Martha ..... Deirdre Mullins
Mr Brennan ..... Paul Hickey
Hickey ..... Lloyd Hutchinson
Jack Holland ..... Jonjo O’Neill

Directors: Sally Avens & Jessica Dromgoole

First broadcast on Radio 4 in August 2019.


TUE 07:30 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
4. Surprise

Julie treats Nita to a little surprise.

Every night, as time is called and people are spat out onto the streets and squeezed into rides home to dream -tossed beds - others are hard at work. Teams of cleaners are in office spaces scrubbing, vaccuming and cleaning up.

And right at the bottom of the food chain we find our gang - Spit n' Polish tackling the floors of a plush tower block in Manchester city centre.

Written by Ian Kershaw.

Julie ..... Julie Hesmondhalgh
Nobby ..... Paul Barber
Dave ..... John Thompson
Shiv ..... Lauren Socha
Nita ..... Bhavna Limbachia
Our Bri ..... Jack Deam
Alex... Justin Moorhouse

Produced in Salford by Alison Vernon-Smith

First broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2015.


TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
Series 8

The Plasticine Man

Neddie Seagoon poses as a 6,000-year-old man to resurrect his rock 'n' roll career.

Ground breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.

With:

Peter Sellers
Spike Milligan
Harry Secombe

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 Light Programme in December 1957.


TUE 08:30 For Better or for Worse (b00h4lng)
Series 1

Episode 6

Iris dreams of hearing Pavarotti sing in concert, so Bernard tries to get tickets.

Starring Gorden Kaye and Su Pollard.

Vince Powell’s sitcom about the turbulent relationship of an odd couple.

Iris ...... Su Pollard
Bernard ...... Gorden Kaye
Wilf ...... David Ross
Daisy ...... Paula Tilbrook
Tramp/Ticket Tout ...... Peter Wheeler

Produced at BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1993.


TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
Series 2

Episode 2

This house believes in fairies at the bottom of the garden.

Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game.

With:

Steve Punt
Tony Hawks
Simon Fanshawe
Stuart Maconie

Producer: Adam Bromley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2000.


TUE 09:30 No Commitments (b007jp3z)
Series 8

Impossibly High Standards

Victoria grows more irritating, as Anna gets a surprise proposition.

Simon Brett’s sitcom about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters.

Anna …... Rosemary Leach
Charlotte ..…. Celia Imrie
Victoria …... Angela Thorne
Eddie.........James Greene
Roger ..... Bill Nighy
Gerald.......Colin Starkey

Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Producer: Maria Esposito

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2002.


TUE 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bbdmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


TUE 11:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jlzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 11:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 12:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 12:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


TUE 12:30 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 13:30 For Better or for Worse (b00h4lng)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 14:30 No Commitments (b007jp3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bbdmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


TUE 16:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jlzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 16:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 17:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


TUE 17:30 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 18:30 For Better or for Worse (b00h4lng)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 19:30 No Commitments (b007jp3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m001l3cp)
Series 9

Mind, Body, Spirit: Part 2 - Body

A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.

Manoush Zomorodi explores mind, body, spirit with fresh ideas on how we think, move, and feel: the body.

First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2023.


TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (b07gt7zw)
Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan helps Alan Partridge choose ‘Who Put The Bomp’ by Barry Mann and the theme from ‘Grandstand’ by Keith Mansfield.


TUE 21:00 Mastertapes (b01p40hr)
Series 1

Ray Davies (the B-Side)

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Ray Davies responds to questions from the audience about the inspiration behind two classic Kinks albums, 'Lola' and 'Muswell Hillbillies'.

With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.

Ray performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the albums, both of which were released more than forty years ago.

Producer: Paul Kobrak.

First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2012.


TUE 21:30 DS Sue Manson - Fractions of Zero (b00xlv5m)
Episode 2

DS Sue Manson is frustrated because there seems to be no logic to the killer's motive for murder.

The selection seems entirely random...

Starring Susan Lynch and Philip Glenister.

Bill Murphy's detective thriller about the hunt for a serial killer obsessed with mathematics.

DS Sue Manson .... Susan Lynch
James Ellstrom .... Philip Glenister
Fred Johnston .... Clive Merrison
Inspector Phillips .... David Bannerman
PC Mags Langan .... Alison Pettitt
Lee Horsley .... David Holt
Superintendent Midgeley .... Nigel Anthony

Director Tanya Nash

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.


TUE 21:45 The Whisperer In Darkness (m000nkht)
Episode 12

Eleanor Peck gives Heawood insight into the dark and disturbing world he and Kennedy have been drawn into.

An unexpected phone call has turned Matthew Heawood’s attention to a mystery in the gloom of Rendlesham Forest. Folklore, paranormal, otherworldly?

Up for debate, but fertile ground for a new investigative podcast, that’s for sure.

Matthew Heawood……………BARNABY KAY
Kennedy Fisher.....................JANA CARPENTER
Mystery woman……………….NICOLA STEPHENSON
Newsreader…………………..FERDINAND KINGSLEY
Albert Wilmarth………………MARK BAZELEY
Henry Akeley………………….DAVID CALDER
Eleanor Peck........................NICOLA WALKER

Producer: Karen Rose

Director/Writer: Julian Simpson

Sound Recordist and Designer: David Thomas
Production Coordinators: Sarah Tombling and Holly Slater

Music by Tim Elsenburg
Executive Producer: Caroline Raphael

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, first broadcast in October 2020.


TUE 22:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kx9x)
Series 1

Episode 3

Chris McCausland asks a panel of comedians to live in an audio only world, deciphering brainteaser sound cues for points and pride whilst trying not to muck about too much along the way.

In this episode, contestants try to figure out what on earth is being advertised on the TV, guess what famous objects or locations children are trying to describe, and even identify people based on the sound of their snoring alone.

The competing comedians are Lee Mack and Sikisa, taking on Andy Parsons and Sarah Keyworth.

Producer: Sasha Bobak
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Sound editor: Jerry Peal

Theme music ‘Colour me Groovy’ by The Rich Morton Sound

Recorded at the Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green


TUE 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01p03v9)
Series 3

Ever Been Proposed to in a Pub?

Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne muses on all beasts, including humans.

Fast-paced stand-up comedy and sketch show.

With:

Laurence Howarth
Daisy Haggard

Producer: Julia McKenzie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 2010.


TUE 23:00 The (Almost) Accidental Adventures of Bell and Todd (m0004n7s)
Princess

The narrator goes on strike, while Bell and Todd get tied up....

Mischievous narrator Diana has thrown Bell and Todd into a mad and a mysterious world of her own devising.

Starring June Whitfield.

John Eggleston's comedy adventure series.

Diana ...... June Whitfield
Bell ...... Matthew Bell
Todd ...... Toby Longworth

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.


TUE 23:15 Fabulous (b00hy947)
Series 1

Episode 4

Faye has money troubles, so she's hoping her mum will lend her £10,000.

Lucy Clarke’s sitcom about a woman who wants to be fabulous but can't cope.

Starring Daisy Haggard as Faye.

With:

Adam Buxton
Matthew Holness
Laura Solon
Anne Reid
Joanna Scanlan
Joanna Neary
Geoffrey McGivern

Music by Osymyso.

Producer: Simon Nicholls

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007.


TUE 23:30 Elvenquest (b00vy3n6)
Series 2

Episode 1

The return of the fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth.

The intrepid band of Questers, led by Elven Lord, Vidar, set off once again on their search for the Sword of Asnagar.

This is the only thing that can free them from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.

Joining Vidar on the Quest is Dean, the dwarf, Penthiselea, an Amazon warrior princess, Sam, the human, and Amis, the Chosen One (formerly Sam's dog who took human form when he arrived in Lower Earth - he alone can wield the Sword of Asnagar that will defeat Lord Darkness).

In this opening episode, the Questers are saved from near certain death by a strong and charming loner, who goes by the name of Byorthnoth the Brave. But is Byorthnoth quite what he seems? And does it really matter when he has such lovely hair?

Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is back from the Void and has discovered that he's lost his immortality...

Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.

Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Byorthnoth ...... Ben Miles
Amazon Princess, Penthiselea ...... Sophie Winkleman
Amis, The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb

Producer: Sam Michell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2023

WED 00:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bbdmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jlzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l3y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]


WED 03:30 For Better or for Worse (b00h4lng)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 No Commitments (b007jp3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bfk05)
2. Revelations

Henchard attempts to hold his life together despite painful revelations - and the unexpected arrival of someone from his past.

Thomas Hardy's tragic story of a man who spends his life trying to atone for the terrible action that led to the loss of his wife and child.

Starring John Lynch.

Dramatised by Helen Edmundson.

Michael Henchard .... John Lynch
Elizabeth-Jane ..... Ruth Wilson
Donald Farfrae .... Paul Higgins
Lucetta .... Emma Fielding
Furmity Woman .... Maggie Steed
Susan Henchard .... Olwen May
Abel Whittle .... Burn Gorman
Jopp .... Conrad Nelson
Solomon Longways .... Russell Dixon
Mother Cuxsom .... Sue Ryding
Phoebe .... Lorna Lewis

Director: Nadia Molinari

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.


WED 06:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jm0j)
3. A Hint of Arsenic

Sir Edward Marshall Hall sets out to prove Harold Greenwood innocent of killing his first wife.

True stories of crime and trial in a bygone age featuring the formidable barrister.

Introduced by Rumpole of the Bailey's creator, John Mortimer.

Dramatised by Michael Butt.

Tom Baker stars as Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

With:

Timothy Block
Robert Blythe
Zelah Clarke
Lucy Jenkins
Christopher Scott
Jonathan Tafler

Director: John Taylor

A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in December 1996.


WED 06:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3j2)
6. Some Indications of Paranoia

With the mission over in Amsterdam, can John Rennie deal with the consequences of his actions?

Starring John Kerry and Margaret Robertson.

Journalist Kathy Swenson is caught up in the frightening world of espionage.

Spy-based serial written by Ted Allbeury.

John Rennie .... James Kerry
Kathy Swenson .... Margaret Robertson
Joanna de Vries .... Colette Hiller
Mike Ryan .... Keith Bartlett
Hugo Paynter .... David Garth
Khalim Said .... Richard Kay
Harry Mason .... Malcolm Ward
Adele Palmer .... Susannah Fellows
Mrs Paynter/Receptionist .... Narissa Knights
Adam Frederick .... Lockwood West
Dr Coombs .... John Forbes-Robertson
Arab/Dutch voice .... Peter Van Dissel
Messenger .... Michael Jenner

Director: Christopher Venning

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1984.


WED 07:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l4h)
13. Something Unexpected

Jane has a new home, work and friends, but then something quite unexpected happens.

Charlotte Bronte's bold and passionate story of a woman's search for independence and love on her own terms.

Abridged in fifteen parts by Sally Marmion.

Read by Anne-Marie Duff

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.


WED 07:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qd9)
The Country Girls

3. Lift

Mr Gentleman gives Kate a lift into Limerick.

Edna O’Brien’s frank, funny and subversive story of friendship and growing up in rural Ireland in the 1950s - seen through the eyes of two friends - Kate and Baba.

Dramatised by Lin Coghlan.

Kate ..... Charlie Murphy
Baba ..... Aoibhinn McGinnity
Dada ..... David Ganly
Hickey ..... Lloyd Hutchinson
Mr Gentleman ..... Paul Chahidi
Assistant ..... Catherine Cusack
Waiter ..... Sean Baker
Film Girl ..... Katherine Press
Film Lad ..... Jonny Holden

Directors: Sally Avens & Jessica Dromgoole

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2019.


WED 07:30 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06kdxsg)
Series 1

A Fistful of Sand

Richard Wilson plays Robinson Crusoe in an irreverent re-boot of Daniel Defoe's classic.

After cheating their captain of the ship's treasure, a couple of sailors go into hiding on a deserted island. Their plans to lay low are rumbled when they're discovered by a long-forgotten castaway and his Spanish manservant.

The comedy troupe Peepolykus assume the roles of minor characters in great works of fiction and derail the plot of the book through their hapless buffoonery.

Written by John Nicholson, Richard Katz and Javier Marzan

Crusoe . . . . . Richard Wilson
Friday . . . . . Javier Marzan
John . . . . . John Nicholson
Richard . . . . . Richard Katz
Captain . . . . . Sam Dale
First Mate . . . . . Leo Wan
Briggs . . . . . David Hounslow
Dodd . . . . . Caolan McCarthy

Director: Sasha Yevtushenko

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2015.


WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
Series 3

The Student Prince

The Lad is lured to Moravia as an unknowing decoy for the endangered Crown Prince.

Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.

Starring Tony Hancock.

With:

Bill Kerr
Sidney James
Kenneth Williams
Andree Melly

Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.

Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.

Producer: Dennis Main Wilson

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1956.


WED 08:30 21st Century Blues (m001l3jf)
Seve's Spiritual Exercises

Chaff Chaffinch was born at 23.55 on December 31st 1999 and his 100th birthday is approaching.

A stylite and chronicler of his family’s history – Chaff plunges headlong into the horrors and absurdities of the 21st century.

This time he's recalling his nephew Seve's attempt to clone his way to spiritual perfection...

Starring Donald Pleasence.

Futuristic comedy written by Steve Walker

Chaff Chaffinch …. Donald Pleasance
Seve … Shaun Scott
Pepe …. Dominic Letts
Ex-King …. James Taylor
Galbraith … Galbraith
Rainbow … Teresa Gallagher
Jude … David Jarvis
Haha … Frances Jeater
Edmundo … Gareth Armstrong
The Chief … Lyndam Gregory
Officer Kruppke … Peter Whitman
Harold Wilson … Steve Walker
Stage Coach Driver … Tom Bevan

Music arranged and performed by Neil Brand.

Theme sung by Peter Kenny and Nicholas Boulton.

Director: Eoin O'Callaghan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1994.


WED 09:00 It's Not What You Know (b0375sfk)
Series 2

Episode 3

Panellists Justin Moorhouse, Bridget Christie and Ainsley Harriott, each nominate a person they know well who will be quizzed.

Then they have to guess how they answered the questions!

Host Miles Jupp tests Bridget on how well she knows her best friend Rebecca Sewell, Ainsley his best friend, pitch doctor Paul Boross, and Justin his former radio producer Sean Gibson.

What is the one thing that DJ Justin does not like talking about?

What is Bridget's worst fear?

And what is Ainsley's worst habit?

All answers and more will be revealed.

Producer: Sam Michell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.


WED 09:30 Big Broadcast (m0000xp2)
Series 3

Location

Neil Brand's fast-talking comedy with music.

It's 1933 and Chicago Beefsteak's Hour of Charm is the most successful on Midwest US radio.

Today the studio team use new technology to entice a Hollywood superstar to sing on the show.

Myrna ..... Samantha Spiro
Jimmy Cagney ..... Ian Conningham
Arthur ..... Ryan Early
Jerry ..... Ryan Whittle
Grace Stibbens ..... Elizabeth Counsell
Stupendo ..... John Lightbody
Dixie ..... Kerry Gooderson
Princeton ..... Stephen Hogan
Jess ..... Emma Handy
Norma Chaffey ..... Lauren Cornelius

Words and music by Neil Brand.

BBC Singers: Helen Neeves, Katherine Nicholson, Chris Bowen, Jamie W Hall

Director: David Hunter

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.


WED 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bfk05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


WED 11:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jm0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 11:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 12:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 12:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qd9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


WED 12:30 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06kdxsg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 13:30 21st Century Blues (m001l3jf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 14:00 It's Not What You Know (b0375sfk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 14:30 Big Broadcast (m0000xp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor Of Casterbridge (b00bfk05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


WED 16:00 John Mortimer Presents: The Trials of Marshall Hall (b007jm0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 16:30 No Place To Hide (m001l3j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 17:00 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b0076l4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007qd9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


WED 17:30 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06kdxsg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 18:30 21st Century Blues (m001l3jf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 19:00 It's Not What You Know (b0375sfk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 19:30 Big Broadcast (m0000xp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (b0b39r1q)
Commuterville

It’s over 175 years since the word "commuter" was used for the first time. (The word does not in fact describe a traveller, it describes a transaction: regular travellers on the railroad into Manhattan were given the opportunity to "commute" their individual tickets into a season pass. Ever since, commuters have been both travellers and revenue stream.)

Today - our great cities inhale and exhale millions of commuters, who start their journey in the darkness of winter mornings in the suburbs, resurface blearily in the heart of the city and return to long tucked-in children in darkness.

It wasn't meant to be like this. Matthew Sweet looks at our imagined world of fantasy journeys and asks if driverless cars, monorails, or high speed transport systems might deliver them in the future.

Producer: Mark Rickards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2018.


WED 21:00 Short Cuts (b041xbxp)
Series 5

Mystery

Josie Long investigates small mysteries in this sequence of mini documentaries.

Hearing tales of ghost ships, hidden underground kingdoms and the disappointment of discovering the banality of your family's secrets.

The items featured in the programme are:

Finding Sumo
Produced by Bob Carlson
First broadcast in 'Family Justice' on UnFictional:

Love Letters
Feat. Alan Dearn

Ryou-Un Maru
Produced by Martin Johnson

The Underground Kingdom
Feat. Ross Sutherland

Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall

A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2014.


WED 21:30 DS Sue Manson - Fractions of Zero (b00y1tkf)
Episode 3

DS Sue Manson is frustrated because there seems to be no logic to the killer's motive for murder but mathematician James Ellstrom helps the detective determine the killer's victim selection system.

Starring Susan Lynch and Philip Glenister.

Bill Murphy's detective thriller about the hunt for a serial killer obsessed with mathematics.

DS Sue Manson .... Susan Lynch
James Ellstrom .... Philip Glenister
Fred Johnston .... Clive Merrison
Inspector Phillips .... David Bannerman
PC Mags Langan .... Alison Pettitt
Lee Horsley .... David Holt
Superintendent Midgeley .... Nigel Anthony

Director Tanya Nash

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.


WED 21:45 The Whisperer In Darkness (m000ntst)
Episode 13

An unexpected phone call turns Matthew Heawood’s attention to a mystery in the gloom of Rendlesham Forest. Folklore, paranormal, otherworldly? Up for debate, but fertile ground for a new investigative podcast, that’s for sure. One question still lingers, will our host be re-joined by his roaming researcher, Kennedy Fisher?

The duo’s last venture patched together frantic updates from Baghdad, as they pursued suspected occultists in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward. Very little hope lingered of solving the mystery, and maybe even less that Kennedy would return home safe. But for now, a new investigation calls.

Following the success of The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, (Silver, British Podcast Awards) Radio 4 commissions a return to this HP Lovecraft-inspired universe. Once again, the podcast embraces Lovecraft’s crypt of horror, braving the Sci-Fi stylings of The Whisperer in Darkness.

Kennedy decides to investigate April Marston, Thomas Marston’s daughter, after Walter Brown cites her in his will.

Cast:
Matthew Heawood……………BARNABY KAY
Kennedy Fisher.....................JANA CARPENTER
Army contact…………………..STEPHEN MACKINTOSH
Albert Wilmarth………………..MARK BAZELEY
Slide……….…………………..FERDINAND KINGSLEY
Isobel…………………………..NICOLA STEPHENSON
April Marston………………….REBEKAH STATON.
Parker………………………….PHOEBE FOX
Henry Akeley…………………..DAVID CALDER

Producer: Karen Rose

Director/Writer: Julian Simpson

Sound Recordist and Designer: David Thomas
Production Coordinators: Sarah Tombling and Holly Slater

Music by Tim Elsenburg
Executive Producer: Caroline Raphael

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, first broadcast in October 2020.


WED 22:00 Ellie Taylor's Safe Space (m001kxh6)
Series 3

Episode 3: The UK

Ellie Taylor welcomes you to 'Safe Space', a place where anyone can offload their controversial opinions without fear of judgment.

She talks to members of the public about their gripes and dislikes. This week she argues that the United Kingdom should break up into lots of little kingdoms, Game of Thrones style! So not just England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - Ellie thinks all the regions and cities should become independent too.

Joining Ellie to prove her point is regular sidekick Robin Morgan.

With special guest: Medieval Historian, Gabby Storey. She chats to Ellie about what the UK was like when it was broken up into lots of kingdoms in medieval times, why history teaches us that independent kingdoms don't always get along, and what she'd choose to have on her own flag of independence.

Written by and starring Ellie Taylor and Robin Morgan.

Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Sound editor: Marc Willcox

A BBC Studios production for Radio 4


WED 22:30 Daphne Sounds Expensive (b07m7vzj)
Series 1

Murder

The gang must solve a mysterious murder on the Yorkshire Moors, for the conclusion of series 1.

Join critically-acclaimed sketch trio, Daphne, as they pull out all the stops in a dazzling array of peculiar characters, whacky scenarios, dodgy remarks, curious observations, minor altercations and major peacemaking - served on a bed of catchy little numbers with a live nine-piece band.

Written by and starring: Jason Forbes, Phil Wang & George Fouracres

Featuring Sir Willard White & David Elms

Original music composed by Jeff Carpenter

Orchestrator: Simon Nathan

Musical Director: Freddie Tapner

Piano: Jeff Carpenter
Drums: Ben Hartley
Bass: Rob Grist
Percussion: Ben Burton
Trumpet: Michael Maddocks
Tenor Sax: Greg Sterland
Trombone: Elliot Pooley
Violin: Hannah Bell
Cello: Nick Squires

Production Coordinator: Hayley Sterling
Producer: Matt Stronge

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


WED 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01dgh8t)
Series 1

Nick Helm

What is the relationship between man and dog and dinosaurs and puns?

Comedian Alex Horne is joined by his own 5 piece jazz band for music and comedy.

With Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Nick Helm.

Host .... Alex Horne
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Joe Stilgoe
Guest performer ....Nick Helm

Producer: Julia McKenzie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012.


WED 23:30 Kieran Hodgson's Earworms (b090293j)
Series 1

Mahler

Can self-described 'music educator and inspiration' Ralph Lewis (the man behind 'In the Bedroom with Brahms' and 'Eating 5 A Day The Elgar Way') persuade self-confessed 'enemy of culture' Paul, that Mahler's worth a listen, and not just a load of old cowbells.

Critically-acclaimed comedian Kieran Hodgson - as Ralph Lewis - presents comedy intros to the great composers.

Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson.

With Colin Hoult and John Sessions.

Producer: Sam Ward.

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


WED 23:45 Jelly Mountain (b00fkp5z)
Episode 3

A visit to the circus heralds arcane amusements.

Songs and stories with Craig Murray-Orr, Dylan Edwards, Beverley Crew and Alison O'Kill.

Producer: Neil Cargill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1996.