SATURDAY 13 MAY 2023

SAT 00:00 The Lodestone (b08hrlvf)
MR James, the distinguished Cambridge scholar and a brilliant teller of supernatural tales, finds himself caught up in a series of strange, inexplicable events.

The quest for a mysterious tombstone that appears to move about the country involves him with witchcraft and, eventually, a terrible tragedy.

Sheila Hodgson portrays MR James as the diarist of a series of fictional ghost stories.

Starring David March.

MR James …. David March
Francis Lippiat …. Mark Straker
Eleanor Howard …. Moir Leslie
George Masterman …. Christopher Good
Colonel Lippiat …. Stephen Thorne
Rev Matthew Bodmin …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Rev Simon Mullins …. Philip Sully
Landlady of The Antrobus …. Joan Matheson
Village Woman …. Joan Walker

Director: David Johnstone

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.


SAT 00:45 Roald Dahl (b00pbt9d)
Someone Like You

2. Skin

An astonishing work of art is created on a drunken night in Paris.

One of five darkly comic tales by Roald Dahl.

Dramatised by Stephen Sheridan.

Storyteller ...... Charles Dance
Old Drioli ...... John Evitts
Young Drioli ...... Tom Bevan
Soutine ...... Rob Heaps
Josie ...... Donnla Hughes
Art Collector ...... David Collings
Gallery Owner ...... Ian Masters

Director: David Blount

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


SAT 01:00 Laurie Graham - Perfect Meringues (b0075m9z)
Being a cook on TV was meant to lead to fame, fortune and a rich social life.

But for miserable Lizzie Partridge, it means dinners-for-one and a stroppy adolescent daughter, Eleanor.

Starring Imelda Staunton.

Written by Laurie Graham.

Lizzie Partridge …. Imelda Staunton
Louie …. Christopher Biggins
Kim …. Lesley Joseph

With:

Stephen Moore
Nina Wadia
Patricia Brake
Angela Moran
June Barrie
Christopher Grimes
Sarah Pearman
Michael Wilson

Producer: Viv Beeby.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1999.


SAT 02:00 Peeler (m00061r6)
4. Imprisonment

Lord Trowle and PC Quin meet in Court and Jeremiah Morley meets his match in Mrs Gascoygne.

Starring Richard E Grant and Mick Ford.

Patrick Carroll’s crime series set in 1830, a year after the Metropolitan Police Act created the 'Peelers'.

PC Martin Quin ...... Mick Ford
Jeremiah Morley ...... James Booth
Sir Robert Peel ...... Norman Jones
Lord Trowle ...... Richard E Grant
Colonel Brown ...... Peter Jeffrey
Richard Mayne ...... Killian McKenna
Maria Staples ...... Joanna Myers
Sergeant Dutton ...... Ronald Herdman
Frederick Roe ...... Timothy Bateson
Sergeant Cazalet ...... Alan Barker
Turnkey ...... Mark Straker
Lord Laverton ...... James Greene
John Staples ...... Ian Lindsay
Rev Charkes Lyton ...... Timothy Carlton
Mrs Gascoyne ...... Elizabeth Bell
Florrie ...... Susan Sheridan
Mrs Gregory ...... Elizabeth Kelly

Singer: Martin Carthy.

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.


SAT 02:30 Doctor Finlay (b00lwx7d)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 2

1. Better Safe Than Sorry

Hysteria hits Levenford after Doctor Finlay visits a well-known hypochondriac.

Starring John Gordon Sinclair.

AJ Cronin's stories about the early years of the celebrated doctor.

Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.

Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.

Dr Finlay ...... John Gordon Sinclair
Dr Cameron ...... Brian Pettifer
Janet ...... Katy Murphy
Peter Lennie ...... Daniel Kerr
Beattie Lennie ...... Pauline Lockhart

Producer: Viv Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.


SAT 03:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b015cvcw)
10. The Deal

Colonel Korn offers Yossarian an odious deal, there is extraordinary news about Orr and we discover the truth about what happened with Snowden.

Yossarian makes an important decision.

Conclusion of Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.

Abridged by Robin Brooks.

Read by Stuart Milligan.

Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.


SAT 03:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xj958)
5. The Wedding

The Queen proposes to her husband of choice.

Imogen Stubbs stars as Victoria.

Written by Juliet Ace, based on the letters and diaries of the young Queen Victoria.

Victoria ...... Imogen Stubbs
Duchess of Kent ........ Anna Massey
Prince Albert ........ Adrian Lukis
Baroness Lehzen ........ Selina Cadell
Sir John Conroy ........ John Rowe
Melbourne ........ Christopher Cazenove
WAG ........ Andrew Wincott
William IV ........ Terence Edmond
Prince of Wales Bertie ........ Thomas Arnold
Princess Vicky ........ Clare Corbett
Prince of Wales Bertie as a child ........ George Allonby

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.


SAT 03:30 Bridget Christie's Utopia (b09rz65d)
Series 1

The Countryside

As Bridget Christie struggles to come to terms with current world events - Kim Jong-un, the melting polar ice caps, the Brexit negotiations and Nick Knowles singing a cover of The Beatles "Here Comes The Sun", she's embarked on a comic quest for her Utopia.

She's seeking a way of living that will make her less anxious and enable her to have her first happy week since the Brexit vote in 2016.

In this episode, Bridget explores the countryside - to see if that will make her happier.

Could living on a rural commune or moving her family to the country be the answer to all her problems? Or will life still be completely rubbish? In her tour of the countryside, Bridget meets a woman who runs her own commune - Fran Blockley - in rural Wales. Could a new life in the countryside help this town mouse switch off?

Stand-up show recorded in front of a studio audience at the BBC Radio Theatre. With special guest Fran Blockley.

Producers: Simon Nicholls and Alison Vernon-Smith.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.


SAT 04:00 Steptoe and Son (b00s5xtn)
Series 1

Steptoe a la Carte

After meeting Monique on his round, Harold's hoping he's found true love with a French twist.

But what will she make of his dad Albert?

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
Monique …. Gwendolyn Watts
The Butler …. Ian Burford

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 August 1966.


SAT 04:30 Flying the Flag (b00dp3qj)
Series 4

Little Extras

The novelty of artistic freedom in the People's Democracy attracts a swarm of film location managers, hungry for new backdrops, authentic faces - and cheap labour.

The movie moguls hadn't bargained for one thing, however: a little diplomatic scene stealing.

Starring Dinsdale Landen.

Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.

HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
US Ambassador Spiro Weinberg …. Stephen Greif
Duncan Bridges …. Peter Whitman

Producer: Neil Cargill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.


SAT 05:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0011rth)
Series 16

Episode 6

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

* Comedian and writer, Daliso Chaponda
* Anaesthetist and space medicine specialist, Dr Kevin Fong
* Chief Fire Officer of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and neuroscientist, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

Daliso explains how jokes have got him into some seriously hot water and discovers how many anagrams there are of his name.

Sabrina discusses how experiencing homelessness as a teenager led her to the fire service and her love of Xoloitzcuintlis (Mexican hairless) dogs.

And Dr Kevin Fong explores how an air ambulance could work in space and donates a special tribute to the NHS teams working devotedly through the COVID 19 crisis.

This series was recorded remotely.

Researchers: Mike Shepherd, Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.

Producer: Anne Miller

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


SAT 05:30 Bleak Expectations (b00vy38l)
Series 4

A Now Spoiled Life Smashed Some More

Pip and Harry must journey to the Underworld to rescue Ripely.

But Mr Gently Benevolent has got there first and is planning to unleash the demons of Hell on the streets of London, making them even worse than usual.

Meanwhile Ripely seems to be enjoying the company of some Greek Heroes a little too much.

Can Pip prevent a demon invasion of the streets of London? Can Harry win back the affections of his wife Pippa who has fallen for Benevolent's evil charms?
Can anything be more terrifying the Clive the massive cake dragon?

And will Mr Benevolent be in trouble with the Devil when she gets back from maternity leave?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.


SAT 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b00dcs9p)
After The Funeral

Following the interment of Wealthy businessman, Richard Abernethie, his sister Cora blurts out that he was surely murdered.

The next day, she is found dead...

Agatha Christie's whodunit, first published in 1953.

John Moffatt stars as Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot.

Dramatised by Michael Bakewell

Hercule Poirot .... John Moffatt
Mr Entwhistle .... Frank Thornton
Inspector Morton .... John Baddeley
Miss Gilchrist .... Jennifer Piercey
Helen Abernethie .... Tessa Worsley
Maud Abernethie .... Jill Balcon
Timothy Abernethie .... John Hartley
Susan Banks .... Fritha Goodey
Gregory Banks .... Trevor Rawlins
Rosamund Shane .... Tilly Gaunt
Michael Shane .... Tam Williams
George Crossfield .... Ian Masters

Director: Enyd Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1999.


SAT 07:30 On Truth (Omnibus) (b0bl56ry)
Are we suffering from an epidemic of truth decay?

Five writers and thinkers look to history and geography to investigate why.

Omnibus of five essays.

* Dr Kathryn Murphy on Sir Francis Bacon's 1620s essay, On Truth, and its striking contemporary parallels
* American writer Kurt Andersen traces America's long history of magical thinking, from the 1600s to the Trump presidency
* Juliet Samuel asks whether markets are giant truth-seeking mechanisms or irrational generators of bubbles
* Indian-born writer Pankaj Mishra considers the notion of Truth as perceived by the great Indian thinker and statesman, Mahatma Gandhi
* Philosopher Simon Blackburn offers a timely long view of the notion of Truth

Producer: Beaty Rubens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2018.


SAT 08:45 The Fosdyke Saga (b007jrk7)
2. The Fly in the Ointment

"The truth is - our Victoria's run away...”

Josiah Fosdyke starts work at the tripe works.

A classic tale of struggle, power, personalities and tripe.

Bill Tidy and John Junkin's family saga - based on Tidy's Daily Mirror cartoon strip (1971-1985) parodying John Galsworthy's 'The Forsyte Saga' novels.

Jos Fosdyke ...... Philip Lowrie
Victoria Fosdyke ...... Miriam Margolyes
Tom Fosdyke ...... David Threlfall
Rebecca Fosdyke.....Stephanie Turner
Roger Ditchley ...... Christian Rodska
Ben Ditchley ...... Colin Douglas

Other parts played by:

Christopher Barr
Sally Grace
John Junkin

Producer: Alan Nixon

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1983.


SAT 09:00 Benny Hill (b08mpbg5)
Benny Hill Time

From 29/3/1964

The master of double entendre goes Down Your Way and Fred Scuttle turns film director - with a Russian twist.

Written by and starring Benny Hill.

With:

Peter Vernon
Jan Waters
Anthony Sharp

Music by:

The Mike Sammes Singers
The Johnnie Spence Orchestra.

Producer: John Browel.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1964


SAT 09:30 Whack-O! (b068223l)
The Book Prizes

The Headmaster has to act quickly to save the school prize-giving day.

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.

The Headmaster …. Jimmy Edwards
Matron …. June Whitfield
Aubrey Potter …. Roddy Maude-Roxby
Alfred Tennyson …. Frederick Treves
Lady Uppingham …. Joan Sanderson
Brigadier Lumley …. Austin Trevor
Lumley …. Roger Shepherd

With:

David Lott
Graham Aza

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1961.


SAT 10:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000rwbr)
2. Benjamin Zephaniah and Matt Windle

Crime writer Mark Billingham was born in The Midlands of England.

In the second of three programmes, he's back in the region that made him a writer to celebrate its literature both past and present.

Along the way Mark meets some of The Midlands’ finest writing talent and browses the BBC archives.

This time he meets ‘The Poet with a Punch’, Matt Windle

Featuring:

* Only Artists: Iqbal Khan meets Benjamin Zephania [06/03/2019] BBC Radio 4

* Anita and Me [Ep. 5 15/04/1996] BBC Radio 4

Producer: Jessica Treen

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2019.


SAT 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b00dcs9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 12:30 On Truth (Omnibus) (b0bl56ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 13:45 The Fosdyke Saga (b007jrk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 14:00 Benny Hill (b08mpbg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 14:30 Whack-O! (b068223l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 15:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000rwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 16:00 The Lodestone (b08hrlvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]


SAT 16:45 Roald Dahl (b00pbt9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:45 today]


SAT 17:00 Hercule Poirot (b00dcs9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 18:30 On Truth (Omnibus) (b0bl56ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 19:45 The Fosdyke Saga (b007jrk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 20:00 Benny Hill (b08mpbg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 20:30 Whack-O! (b068223l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 21:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000rwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 22:00 Nick Mohammed in Bits (b00tpn6r)
Daniel Thornthwaite

A wildlife expert is on the edge of sanity in this fly on the wall look at the making of a major new documentary series.

Written by and starring Nick Mohammed.

With:

Colin Hoult
Anna Crilly

Series of one-off comic plays showcasing the best of Nick Mohammed's idiosyncratic comic character creations.

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.


SAT 22:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d75nw)
Series 2

Honesty

Mark discovers whether telling the truth pays off.

The comedian continues his quest to delve into six virtues.

With poetry and music presented without lies or deception:

Tim Key
Tim Minchin

Producer: Katie Marsden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.


SAT 23:00 Vent (b00tr5rv)
Series 2

Things to Do Before You Die

As Mary and Mum read him a lifestyle magazine, Ben's unconscious mind takes him back to 1973 to find a "life coach" who will motivate him out of his coma.

Unfortunately, this mostly involves pointing a gun at his head...

Starring Neil Pearson.

Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Ben …. Neil Pearson
Jean/Mum …. Josie Lawrence
Mary …. Fiona Allen
Blitzkrieg …. Leslie Ash

With:

Nicholas Hutchison
Jo Martin
Mark Perry
John Kay Steel
James Lynch
Tim Whitnall

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.


SAT 23:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01q03l3)
Series 2

Facing Your Fears

Stephen K Amos is joined by three stand-up comedians - and a particularly nervous audience member - to compile an Idiot's Guide to Facing Your Fears.

With:

Michael Redmond
Holly Walsh
Boothby Graffoe

Additional material written by Christine Rose, Tom Neenan and Hugh Sington.

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.

SUNDAY 14 MAY 2023

SUN 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b010v5f8)
Night Watch

5. Deadline

Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch - thrown back into his own past - has little time left there to undo the harm done by his arch-enemy Carcer, before coming back to his present...

Conclusion of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel.

Dramatised by Robin Brooks.

Sam Vimes …. Philip Jackson
Young Sam …. Carl Prekopp
Carcer …. Paul Ritter
Rosie …. Clare Corbett
Colon …. Sam Dale
Dr Lawn …. Ben Onwukwe
Reg Shoe …. Joseph Kloska
Major Clive …. Peter Marinker
Lady Mesarole …. Rachel Atkins

Director: Claire Grove

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.


SUN 00:30 Ray Bradbury - The Golden Apples of the Sun (b007jn3z)
2. The Flying Machine / The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl

Two from Ray Bradbury's collection of sci-fi short stories:

The Flying Machine - A tale about the terrible perils of invention

The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl - A story of the murderous dangers of jealousy...

Starring

Paul Maxwell
Ed Bishop
Turan Ali
Paul Downing
Don Fellows

Dramatised by Lawrence Gilbert.

Producer: Peter Hutchings

First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1991.


SUN 01:00 Hercule Poirot (b00dcs9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 On Truth (Omnibus) (b0bl56ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:45 The Fosdyke Saga (b007jrk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 Benny Hill (b08mpbg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]


SUN 04:30 Whack-O! (b068223l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000rwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001lxcq)
The Great Libraries - The Bodleian Library

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC archive in search of the best poetry programmes.

This time he selects an episode of The Great Libraries, the series where Joan Bakewell seeks out the most treasured poetry in some of the UK's great libraries.

In this edition, Joan travels to the Bodleian Library to look at precious manuscripts by poets with an Oxford connection.

With:

Richard Ovenden
Chris Fletcher
Bruce Barker-Benfield

Poetry read by Andrew Motion.

Producer: Susan Roberts

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.


SUN 06:30 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (Omnibus) (m001lxd5)
Episode 2

It’s 1944, on the island of Pianoso in the Mediterranean. USAF bombardier Captain Yossarian is keen to be grounded after a disastrous mission to Avignon.

Whilst in hospital, he has the unassailable circular logic of Catch 22 explained to him.

There’s only one catch and that’s Catch 22.

Conclusion of Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.

Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes abridged by Robin Brooks.

Concluded by Stuart Milligan.

Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.


SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lxdj)
Lily James

Actress Lily James inherits 'The Cape' by Eric Bibb and passes on 'Green Papaya' by Lianne La Havas.


SUN 07:50 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (Omnibus) (b00xlw19)
Episode 1

The reflections of the young Victoria as she turns 16.

A portrait of this extraordinary queen's younger life and happy years of her marriage, reveals some of her remarkable and long-lasting achievements.

Written by Juliet Ace, based on the letters and diaries of the young Queen Victoria.

Starring Imogen Stubbs.

Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes.

Victoria ........ Imogen Stubbs
Duchess of Kent ........ Anna Massey
Prince Albert ........ Adrian Lukis
Baroness Lehzen ........ Selina Cadell
Sir John Conroy ........ John Rowe
Melbourne ........ Christopher Cazenove
WAG ........ Andrew Wincott
William IV ........ Terence Edmond
Prince of Wales Bertie ........ Thomas Arnold
Princess Vicky ........ Clare Corbett
Prince of Wales Bertie as a child ........ George Allonby

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.


SUN 09:00 Instant Sunshine (b00lh3hd)
From 29/08/1988

Instant Sunshine have been together for 21 years.

Never heard of them?

Don't worry because they're aiming to become famous in the next half an hour!

Humorous songs performed by the comedy musical cabaret group,

Performed by:

David Barlow
Peter Christie
Miles Kington
Alan Maryon-Davis

Producer: David Rayvern Allen

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1988.


SUN 09:30 The Navy Lark (b007k2xj)
Series 9

Doing a Disastrical

Will Phillips' pursuit of the new WREN in Captain Povey's office end happily ever after?

Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.

The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Second Officer McCluty ...... Heather Chasen
Captain Hardcastle ...... Ronnie Barker
Taffy Goldstein ...... Tenniel Evans
The Padre....... Michael Bates
Wren Martin .... Amanda Murray

Written by Lawrie Wyman

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1967.


SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08psd5v)
By Royal Appointment

Dame Penelope Wilton

Actress Dame Penelope Wilton shares her castaway choices with Kirsty Young.

Theatre is Penelope's first love and she's been highly acclaimed for her stage work in plays by Ibsen, Shaw, Shakespeare, Beckett - she relishes and shines in the difficult roles. Yet as one of our leading classical actresses she has no qualms about turning her talents to TV and film including Calendar Girls, Shaun of the Dead and Doctor Who.

In-spite of being one of our best regarded actresses she is intensely private, intent upon disappearing into the lives of her characters.

Penelope grew up the middle of three girls and says that her mother was frail and often ill - she says this taught her to be self-contained:

"I was always worried that I would hurt her by taking a different view so one was sort of being terribly amenable - well of course that’s not in one's nature, I’m quite sharp and rather argumentative."

DISC ONE: Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings in E minor Op.20 - London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor: Leonard Slatkin
DISC TWO: Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major (4th movement) - Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor: Herbert von Karajan
DISC THREE: Que reste-t-il do nos amours? What remains of our love? - Charles Trenet
DISC FOUR: I'll Remember April - Erroll Garner
DISC FIVE: Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major (2nd movement) - Hollywood String Quartet, conductor: Felix Slatkin
DISC SIX: Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
DISC SEVEN: Dmitry Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor- Scottish National Orchestra, conductor: Nima Jarvi
DISC EIGHT: Sunny - Bobby Hebb

BOOK CHOICE: An anthology of 20th Century European poetry
LUXURY CHOICE: An open-air cinema with a selection of films
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major (2nd movement) - Hollywood String Quartet, conductor: Felix Slatkin

Producer: Jane Thurlow

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.


SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ckxz)
Series 2

Quetzalcoatlus

As Sir David Attenborough explains:

"The biggest animal to fly was not a bird, but a reptile."

It was a Quetzalcoatlus, a pterosaur with at least a 44 foot wingspan. David, a huge fan of palaeontology, is skilled in bringing the past natural histories to life through stories about the discovery of key fossils.

What a creature this "terrible lizard" must have been - big enough to scavenge the bodies of dead Tyrannosaurus and yet able to fly, probably in large numbers. And with a twist so typical of Sir David's writing, he brings this pterosaur to life at the very end.

Written and presented by David Attenborough.

Producer: Julian Hector

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.


SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001lxcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 11:30 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (Omnibus) (m001lxd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lxdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]


SUN 12:50 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (Omnibus) (b00xlw19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]


SUN 14:00 Instant Sunshine (b00lh3hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 14:30 The Navy Lark (b007k2xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08psd5v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 15:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ckxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]


SUN 16:00 Terry Pratchett (b010v5f8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]


SUN 16:30 Ray Bradbury - The Golden Apples of the Sun (b007jn3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]


SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001lxcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 17:30 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (Omnibus) (m001lxd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lxdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]


SUN 18:50 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (Omnibus) (b00xlw19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]


SUN 20:00 Instant Sunshine (b00lh3hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SUN 20:30 The Navy Lark (b007k2xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08psd5v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ckxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]


SUN 22:00 Start/Stop (b03bsb9c)
Series 1

Two Parties

Three couples sail off into the sunset. And sink.

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

With their marriages in various states of disrepair - two parties provide a particular challenge.

Starring:

Couple 1:

Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman

Couple 2:

Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen

Couple 3:

David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Katherine Parkinson

Producer: Steven Canny

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.


SUN 22:30 Chain Reaction (b013r2hm)
Series 7

Mark Steel interviews Barry Davies

The stand-up comedian and commentator in the talk tag show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next show.

Mark Steel has presented a range of his own programmes on BBC Radio 4, from The Mark Steel Solution, The Mark Steel Revolution, The Mark Steel Lectures to Writers Guild Award-winning Mark Steel's In Town. He also occasionally appears in programmes without his name in the title, such as The News Quiz

Barry Davies is a commentator perhaps best-known for his football coverage, covering 10 World Cups, seven European Championships, and two FA Cup finals. He's also commentated on the Olympics, the Commonwealth games and Wimbledon, as well as the World Stare-Out Championships in 1998.

Obsessive sports fan Mark asks Barry about being present at some of the most important sporting moments of the last 40 years, about remaining impartial and about the changing face of sports and sports broadcasting.

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.


SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001m6d1)
Lucy Porter 1/2

Jake Yapp chats to Lucy Porter about her latest tour, wearing pyjamas on stage, and they play a game of train based wordplay...


SUN 23:00 Andy Hamilton Sort of Remembers (b099ypqj)
Series 1

Politics

Writer and comedian, Andy Hamilton shares his observations and reminiscences about his personal life and 40 years working in comedy.

Now Andy shares his political memoirs, from being escorted from the playground in 1963 for singing a rude song about the Profumo affair, through encounters with Jim Callaghan, although he won't be talking about Brexit because life is too short.

Using comic observation and personal anecdotes he examines how much (or how little) things have changed over his 60ish years.

It’s Andy’s thoughtful, social history, but packed with laughs.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2017.


SUN 23:30 Brian Appleton's History of Rock 'n' Roll (b00fvm5g)
Consider Yourself Dumped Upon

Rock musicologist and part-time media studies tutor Brian Appleton reveals more big names in rock have a lot to thank him for.

Brian performs the first progressive-rock song ever written.

He also reveals how he inadvertently encouraged The Who to smash up their equipment and was instrumental in Phil Collins becoming the lead singer in Genesis.

Series of comic lectures, written and performed by Graham Fellows.

Producer: Dawn Ellis

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.


SUN 23:45 Self-Storage (b00fbd1k)
Series 2

Episode 2

Judy arranges a date for Dave inside the storage unit.

What could go wrong?

Stars Reece Shearsmith and Mark Heap.

Sitcom written by Tom Collinson about a man living in a storage unit.

Dave ...... Reece Shearsmith
Geoff ...... Mark Heap
Ron ...... Tom Goodman-Hill
Judy ...... Rosie Cavaliero
Sarah ...... Susan Earl
Sioux ...... Helen Longworth

Producer: Ed Morrish

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.

MONDAY 15 MAY 2023

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001lxcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (Omnibus) (m001lxd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lxdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]


MON 01:50 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (Omnibus) (b00xlw19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]


MON 03:00 Instant Sunshine (b00lh3hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 The Navy Lark (b007k2xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08psd5v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


MON 04:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ckxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 John Pilkington - Dangerous Samples (m000lzmd)
Alfred Nobel was the inventor of dynamite and a pioneer of weapons of mass destruction, yet he was also the founder of the Nobel Prize for Peace.

John Pilkington's drama is an illuminating insight into the life, hopes and fears of this extraordinary and contradictory man.

Alfred Nobel ....... Robin Soans
Immanuel Nobel ....... John Hartley
Caroline Nobel ....... Shirley Dixon
Young Alfred ....... Jonathan Kitchens
Young Ludwig ....... Pascoe Sabido
Hel ....... Alice Arnold
Old Sailor ....... Trevor Peacock
Bertha von Suttner ....... Raquel Cassidy

With:

Jonathan Adams
Keith Drinkel
Robert Harper
Joanna Monro
Christopher Scott
Sean Baker
Amanda Gordon

Director: Catheryn Horn

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.


MON 06:00 Peeler (m00061r0)
5. Blaggard

Lord Trowle and PC Quin meet in Court and Jeremiah Morley meets his match in Mrs Gascoygne.

Starring Richard E Grant and Mick Ford.

Patrick Carroll’s crime series set in 1830, a year after the Metropolitan Police Act created the 'Peelers'.

PC Martin Quin ...... Mick Ford
Jeremiah Morley ...... James Booth
Sir Robert Peel ...... Norman Jones
Lord Trowle ...... Richard E Grant
Colonel Brown ...... Peter Jeffrey
Richard Mayne ...... Killian McKenna
Maria Staples ...... Joanna Myers
Frederick Roe ...... Timothy Bateson
Lord Laverton ...... James Greene
John Staples ...... Ian Lindsay
Rev Charkes Lyton ...... Timothy Carlton
Florrie ...... Susan Sheridan
Mrs Gregory ...... Elizabeth Kelly
Peter The Screever ...... Frazer Kerr

Singer: Martin Carthy.

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.


MON 06:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m0gf8)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 2

2. The Levenford Ghost

A mysterious overnight call leads the GP to a remote farm where a young girl's life is in danger.

Starring John Gordon Sinclair.

AJ Cronin's stories about the early years of the celebrated doctor.

Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.

Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.

Dr Finlay ...... John Gordon Sinclair
Dr Cameron ...... Brian Pettifer
Bella Owens.......Denise Coffey
Mr O'Connor.....John McGlynn
Effie........Eliza Langland

Producer: Viv Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.


MON 07:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh4241)
1: Power

Society has slowly handed over significant control to computers, but how much should we rely on them over our own instincts?

Mathematician Hannah Fry uncovers the hidden algorithms which can be found behind almost every aspect of our modern lives.

She lifts the lid on their inner workings, demonstrating their power and exposing their limitations.

Written and read by Hannah Fry.

Abridged in five parts by Robin Brooks

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2018.


MON 07:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmbyx)
6. The Newly Weds

The honeymoon is all too soon over for Albert and Victoria, as pressing matters of state require her attention.

But their happiness is made even greater when their first child is expected...

Imogen Stubbs stars as Victoria.

Written by Juliet Ace, based on the letters and diaries of the young Queen Victoria.

Victoria ...... Imogen Stubbs
Duchess of Kent ...... Anna Massey
Prince Albert ...... Adrian Lukis
Baroness Lehzen ...... Selina Cadell
Sir John Conroy/MP/Lord Aberdeen ...... John Rowe
Melbourne ...... Christopher Cazenove
WAG/Prince Ernest/Page/Anson/Cubitt ...... Andrew Wincott
William IV/Stockmar/Peel ...... Terence Edmond
Prince of Wales Bertie/Paxton ...... Thomas Arnold
Princess Vicky/Helena ...... Clare Corbett
Prince of Wales Bertie as a child ...... George Allonby

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.


MON 07:30 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (b080tynb)
Series 1

Pretending & Sandwiches

The Godfather of Alternative Comedy delivers a mixture of stand-up, memoir and philosophy from behind the counter of his Imaginary Sandwich Bar.

Alexei Sayle explores his impulse to pretend - and love of sandwiches.

Along the way he reveals the little known origin of the prawn cocktail, debunks the myth that the Earl of Sandwich was the first person to put a bit of meat between two slices of bread and discusses the hidden depths of Taylor Swift.

Written and performed by Alexei Sayle.

Original music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.

Producer: Joe Nunnery

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


MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
Series 4

Episode 11

Kenneth Horne escapes Stalag Limpwrist, Rambling Syd Rumpo sings of a maiden's nodes and a visit to Bona Abbey with 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 May 1968.


MON 08:30 Dry Slopes (b071l3fk)
Series 2

The Domino Effect

Everybody Angus knows seems to be in a relationship these days.

He looks back to a time when all his friends were confirmed bachelors - the golden days of Form 3B.

Written by and starring Nick Ball.

Angus ...... Nick Ball
Mum ...... Louisa Rix

With:

Toby Longworth
Ben Silburn
Julie Gibbs

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.


MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b01b1nk7)
Series 15

Daniel Defoe

James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness.

Team captains John Walsh and Sebastian Faulks, are joined by Jane Thynne and Mark Billingham.

Author of the week and subject for pastiche is Daniel Defoe - what might be Robinson Crusoe's observations be if he were marooned on an island today...say the Isle of Dogs or Ibiza?

Reader: Beth Chalmers

Producer: Sam Michell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012.


MON 09:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0091nkl)
Series 3

Episode 4

As an expectant mother Lucy is trying to avoid stress - until she tries to break the news of her pregnancy to her mum and dad.

Meanwhile Daniel gets an unwelcome taste of the joys of fatherhood.

Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.

David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.

Daniel …. David Tennant
Lucy …. Liz Carling
Alison …. Joanna Brookes
Peter …. Robert Harley
Mary …. Sally Grace
Frank …. Bill Fellows

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.


MON 10:00 John Pilkington - Dangerous Samples (m000lzmd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


MON 11:00 Peeler (m00061r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 11:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m0gf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 12:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh4241)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 12:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmbyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


MON 12:30 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (b080tynb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 13:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 13:30 Dry Slopes (b071l3fk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 14:00 The Write Stuff (b01b1nk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0091nkl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 15:00 John Pilkington - Dangerous Samples (m000lzmd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


MON 16:00 Peeler (m00061r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 16:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m0gf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 17:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh4241)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 17:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmbyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


MON 17:30 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (b080tynb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 18:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 18:30 Dry Slopes (b071l3fk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 19:00 The Write Stuff (b01b1nk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 19:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0091nkl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


MON 20:00 Radiolab (m001016c)
Series 8

Blood and Beauty

Radiolab explores a different way of looking at evolution with exciting implications.

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

Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich and the Radiolab team investigate a strange world.

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


MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (m000838z)
Michael Sheen

Welsh actor Michael Sheen chooses O Superman by Laurie Anderson and A Design for Life by The Manic Street Preachers.


MON 21:00 Mastertapes (b0211jzz)
Series 2

Mike Scott and Steve Wickham of the Waterboys (the A-Side)

Mike Scott and Steve Wickham talk about The Waterboys 4th album, from 1988, 'Fisherman's Blues'.

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.

In this one (The A-side), John Wilson talks to Mike and Steve about the album that marked a distinct change in the sound of their group The Waterboys, 'Fisherman's Blues'.

Featuring the ominous 'We Will Not Be Lovers', the otherworldly 'When Ye Go Away' and the much covered title track (including Hip Hop, torch song and Japanese punk versions), "Fisherman's Blues" only came about when Scots-born Mike went to stay with fiddler Steve Wickham in Dublin for a week in 1986 and ended up living in Ireland.

Two years and well over 100 songs later, the album marks the band's musical journey from rock to roots, with electric guitar and sax being replaced by mandolin and fiddle. An album that mixes rock and roll with Celtic folk, a love of literature with spirituality and the British poetic tradition with punk's DIY ethic.

The programme also features live performances of music from the album.

The B-side of the programme is where it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.


MON 21:30 A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly (b0150pc2)
1. Choices

In 1906 the body of a drowned woman is found in Big Moose Lake, in upstate New York, USA.

As the story behind Grace Brown's death unfolds, 17 year old Mattie Gokey must chose to between her desire to be a writer, and the excitement of a first romance.

Jennifer Donnelly's debut novel read by Vicki Simon.

Abridged in five parts by Penny Leicester.

Producer: Liz Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.


MON 21:45 The Shadow Over Innsmouth (m000v8b7)
Episode 6

A foggy seafront town where something's coming from the water.

An ancient cult, a stranger with a bandaged face and a body in a shallow grave. The story continues.

True-life mystery podcasters Matthew Heawood and Kennedy Fisher return and this time the story is Kennedy Fisher. A simple investigation into the disappearance of a young man from a mental health facility has taken them from Rhode Island to Iraq, to the Suffolk countryside – as they realised that everything uncovered in season one threaded through to season two.

Towards the end of 'The Whisperer In Darkness', the investigation turned inward as Kennedy discovered a possible family connection to the uncovered conspiracy. And evidence forces Heawood to question Kennedy’s account of her time in Iraq. As Kennedy heads off to Innsmouth, to look into her apparently spooky ancestry, Heawood is going to Iraq to find an answer to the most disturbing of all questions; could Kennedy be a killer?

Both Heawood and Kennedy make life-changing discoveries as the two investigations come together, just as the Coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the world.

Barnaby Kay and Jana Carpenter star in writer/director Julian Simpson’s H.P. Lovecraft inspired universe.

MATTHEW HEAWOOD ................Barnaby Kay
KENNEDY FISHER............................Jana Carpenter
ELEANOR PECK................................Nicola Walker
CASEY..................................................Kyle Soller
JASPER.................................................Steven Mackintosh
MELODY CARTWRIGHT.................Karla Crome
ALICE....................................................Jennifer Armour
HENRY AKELEY................................David Calder

SOUND.....................................................David Thomas
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR.......Sarah Tombling
PRODUCER..............................................Karen Rose
MUSIC.......................................................Tim Elsenburg

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Julian Simpson

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2021.


MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m001lqvb)
Series 91

6. Columbo, Keanu Reeves and Vertigo

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 Columbo to Vertigo.

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

A BBC Studios Production


MON 22:30 And Now in Colour (b007v2t3)
Series 1

Mike's House

The sketch show team take the audience to Mike's house, but they get lost. Plus a phone-in on problems with phones...

Precision comedy written and performed by:

Tim Firth
Tim de Jongh
Michael Rutger
William Vandyck

Producer: Lissa Evans

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1990


MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m001lrbl)
Series 111

Episode 3

Andy Zaltzman quizzes the week's news. Providing the answers, hopefully, are Susie McCabe, Ian Smith, Andrew Doyle, and deputy political editor at ITV News, Anushka Asthana. This week features another troublesome priest, some bash-full policemen, and the rarest of all political animals, a happy Lib Dem.

Producer: Sam Holmes
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Co-ordinator: Dan Marchini
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox

A BBC Studios Production


MON 23:30 The Skivers (b007xwy1)
Series 2

William Franklyn

Dolphins - and Sue Lawley's big secret is revealed.

The return of Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh's skilful sketch show.

With special guest – sssh! William Franklyn, who’s mixing the drinks.

Written and performed by Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh.

With:

Peter Bradshaw
Mel Giedroyc

Producer: Jon Naismith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1995.

TUESDAY 16 MAY 2023

TUE 00:00 John Pilkington - Dangerous Samples (m000lzmd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 Peeler (m00061r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m0gf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh4241)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmbyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (b080tynb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]


TUE 03:30 Dry Slopes (b071l3fk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 The Write Stuff (b01b1nk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0091nkl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]


TUE 05:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009swy)
1. What Hope?

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

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

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

Starring Rebecca Egan.

Dramatised in three parts by Eric Pringle.

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

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Director: Jane Morgan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.


TUE 06:00 Peeler (m00067d5)
6. Breaking Point

Mr Morley secures PC Quin's release, as Maria hits breaking point.

Murder and suicide are yet to come.

Starring Richard E Grant and Mick Ford.

Patrick Carroll’s crime series set in 1830, a year after the Metropolitan Police Act created the 'Peelers'.

PC Martin Quin ...... Mick Ford
Jeremiah Morley ...... James Booth
Colonel Brown ...... Peter Jeffrey
Richard Mayne ...... Killian McKenna
Maria Staples ...... Joanna Myers
Rev Charkes Lyton ...... Timothy Carlton
Mrs Gregory ...... Elizabeth Kelly
Sergeant Dutton ...... Ronald Herdman
Mr Evans ...... Alan Barker
Mr Luke ...... Mark Straker
Mr Yardley ...... Richard Pearce
John Staples ...... Ian Lindsay

Singer: Martin Carthy.

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.


TUE 06:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m4tty)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 2

3. A Terrible Charm

A bad 'un returns to Levenford from America claiming to be a reformed character, but the GP is not convinced.

Starring John Gordon Sinclair.

AJ Cronin's stories about the early years of the celebrated doctor.

Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.

Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.

Dr Finlay ...... John Gordon Sinclair
Dr Cameron ...... Brian Pettifer
Janet...........Katy Murphy
Henry Charvet........Joe McFadden
Annie.............Kirsty Cox
Dougie........John Straiton

Producer: Viv Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.


TUE 07:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh44d1)
2: Data

Society has slowly handed over significant control to computers but how much should we rely on them over our own instincts?

Mathematician Hannah Fry uncovers the hidden algorithms behind almost every aspect of our modern lives; lifting the lid on their inner workings, demonstrating their power and exposing their limitations.

Data: In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, can our personal information ever be safe online?

Written and read by Hannah Fry.

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2018.


TUE 07:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmj92)
7. The Family

With the exit of Baroness Leightson - childhood governess and confidant of Victoria - peace resumes on the household.

An assassin attempt is made in the park - Chartists oppose amendments to the Poor Law.

Meanwhile, Albert begins a house building project for his ever growing family.

Imogen Stubbs stars as Victoria.

Written by Juliet Ace, based on the letters and diaries of the young Queen Victoria.

Victoria ...... Imogen Stubbs
Duchess of Kent ...... Anna Massey
Prince Albert ...... Adrian Lukis
Baroness Lehzen ...... Selina Cadell
Sir John Conroy/MP/Lord Aberdeen ...... John Rowe
Melbourne ...... Christopher Cazenove
WAG/Prince Ernest/Page/Anson/Cubitt ...... Andrew Wincott
William IV/Stockmar/Peel ...... Terence Edmond
Prince of Wales Bertie/Paxton ...... Thomas Arnold
Princess Vicky/Helena ...... Clare Corbett
Prince of Wales Bertie as a child ...... George Allonby

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.


TUE 07:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03phd43)
Series 3

Episode 4

Waiting in for a delivery tests the patience of even the most well meaning of daughters.

Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.

Written by Katherine Jakeways.

As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.

Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.

Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Mary ...... Penelope Wilton
Norman ...... Geoffrey Palmer

Producer: Steven Canny

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.


TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
Series 8

The Curse of Frankenstein

The million-pound race is on to be the first to play the bagpipes at the South Pole.

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

Starring:

Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
George Chisholm

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 January 1958.


TUE 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0089jcz)
Series 3

Episode 2

An escaped murderer is after the shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel.

Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T. Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli.

Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.

Groucho Marx as Waldorf T. Flywheel …. Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravelli …. Frank Lazarus

With:

Lorelei King
Graham Hoadly
Vincent Marzello.

Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman.

Adapted by Mark Brisenden.

Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.

Producer: Dirk Maggs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.


TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (b0075x94)
Series 2

Episode 6

This House wants to stay at home and likes everything European.

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

With:

Stuart Maconie
Steve Punt
Chris Neill
Linda Smith

Producer: Adam Bromley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.


TUE 09:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jvpf)
Series 1

If You Sack Me, I'll Leave

Kenny, Johnny and Bozo want to tell Lorelei that she can't always sing lead, but they just aren't assertive enough.

Worse than that, they're not even assertive enough to buy a book on how to become assertive.

Starring Stephen Tompkinson.

With:

Clive Rowe
Meera Syal
Nicola Walker
Adrian Scarborough

Musical Director: David Firman

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2000.


TUE 10:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009swy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


TUE 11:00 Peeler (m00067d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 11:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m4tty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 12:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh44d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 12:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmj92)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


TUE 12:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03phd43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 13:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0089jcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (b0075x94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 14:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jvpf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 15:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009swy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


TUE 16:00 Peeler (m00067d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 16:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m4tty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 17:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh44d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 17:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmj92)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


TUE 17:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03phd43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 18:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0089jcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (b0075x94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 19:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jvpf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m0013gh7)
Series 8

A Century of Money

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

Manoush Zomorodi explores recessions, depressions, bubbles, and blue skies — how can we build a more stable financial future?

First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2020.


TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (m00088hg)
Al Murray

Comedian and keen drummer Al Murray chooses Come Together by The Beatles and Follow You Follow Me by Genesis.


TUE 21:00 Mastertapes (b0213yg7)
Series 2

Mike Scott & Steve Wickham of the Waterboys (the B-Side)

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Mike Scott and Steve Wickham answer questions from an audience about The Waterboys album, from 1988, 'Fisherman's Blues'.

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

The duo also performs exclusive live versions of some of some to the tracks from the album.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.


TUE 21:30 A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly (b015bf2r)
2. Mystery

It's the early 1900s. Mattie is embroiled in a mysterious death, having been given the chance of a lifetime.

As the story behind Grace Brown's death unfolds, 17 year old Mattie Gokey must chose to between her desire to be a writer, and the excitement of a first romance.

Her heart races when Royal Loomis gives her a ride home.

Jennifer Donnelly's debut novel read by Vicki Simon.

Abridged by Penny Leicester.

Producer: Liz Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.


TUE 21:45 The Shadow Over Innsmouth (m000v7qh)
Episode 7

A foggy seafront town where something's coming from the water. An ancient cult, a stranger with a bandaged face and a body in a shallow grave. The story continues.

True-life mystery podcasters Matthew Heawood and Kennedy Fisher return and this time the story is Kennedy Fisher.

A simple investigation into the disappearance of a young man from a mental health facility has taken them from Rhode Island to Iraq, to the Suffolk countryside – as they realised that everything uncovered in season one threaded through to season two. But towards the end of 'The Whisperer In Darkness', the investigation turned inward as Kennedy discovered a possible family connection to the uncovered conspiracy. And evidence forces Heawood to question Kennedy’s account of her time in Iraq. As Kennedy heads off to Innsmouth to look into her apparently spooky ancestry, Heawood is going to Iraq to find an answer to the most disturbing of all questions; could Kennedy be a killer?

Both make life-changing discoveries as the two investigations come together, just as the Coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the world.

Barnaby Kay and Jana Carpenter star in writer/director Julian Simpson’s H.P Lovecraft inspired universe.

MATTHEW HEAWOOD ................Barnaby Kay
KENNEDY FISHER...........................Jana Carpenter
ELEANOR PECK................................Nicola Walker
CASEY..................................................Kyle Soller
MELODY CARTWRIGHT................Karla Crome
ZADOK ALLEN.................................Walles Hamonde
ALICE...................................................Jennifer Armour
LEVESQUE .................................... ...Michael Maloney

SOUND.....................................................David Thomas
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR.......Sarah Tombling
PRODUCER..............................................Karen Rose
MUSIC.......................................................Tim Elsenburg

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Julian Simpson

A Sweet Talk production, first on BBC Sounds in 2020, and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2021.


TUE 22:00 Wosson Cornwall (m001lqnc)
Series 1

3. It's Caroline Quentin's 'My Quaint Cornwall'

Dawn French and Edward Rowe star in a new sketch show with a Cornish flavour. Park the clichés and open your eyes to the reality of this wondrous funny and feral land.

This week Jess and LJ find themselves giving dubious marriage advice. We also meet Jack Rowe - 26 times Ferret Trouser Legging Champion and take a look at new gritty Cornish detective drama, "The Tamar... Bridge."

Recorded in front of an audience at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance, Wosson Cornwall? is a sketch show celebrating everything that makes real contemporary Cornwall a culturally rich and funny place - its people, its history and its modern way of life.

This is the third episode in a four part series with an entirely Cornish cast and writing team.

The cast includes Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley / French and Saunders), Edward Rowe (star of Bafta-winning film BAIT and HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon), Tamsyn Kelly (ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show, BBC New Comedian of the Year Award finalist 2021), Joanna Neary (Channel 4 sitcom Man Down and Gary Oldman film The Darkest Hour), Anna Keirle (award-winning Cornish stand-up, actress and writer) and award-winning actor Ciaran Clarke.

Written by James Henry, Morwenna Banks, Max Davis, Gareth Edwards, Nick Griffiths, Jane Harvey, Anna Keirle, Tamsyn Kelly, Edward Rowe Rosie Sosic and Alex Smith.

Script Editor: James Henry

Music: The Jolly Strumpets

Production Co-ordinator: Tamara Shilham

Sound Design: David Thomas

Produced by Simon Nicholls

A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01pfrm4)
Series 3

Use Your Imagination to Have the Best Fun

Jason Byrne looks at the subject of technology – getting all nostalgic over the novelty of 24 hour photos.

Amongst the audience, he discovers a human wheelbarrow; an advertiser who struggles to give a name to things and everything he needs to recreate the sounds of a Clangers' convention.

Themed audience comedy show with high-energy stand-up and sketches featuring Laurence Howarth and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Producer: Julia McKenzie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.


TUE 23:00 The (Almost) Accidental Adventures of Bell and Todd (m000596w)
Escape?

Diana really wants to get off on her holiday, but Bell and Todd are still in trouble.

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

June Whitfield stars in the conclusion of John Eggleston's six-part comedy adventure series.

With Matthew Bell as Bell and Toby Longworth as Todd

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.


TUE 23:15 Paperback Hell (m000ndr5)
Series 3

You Suck Bush

Six chapters, by six different authors. All of them imaginary. All of them straight out of the bestseller charts. None of them very good.

Chapter 1 of "You Suck Bush": an autobiographical account of radical campaigning film maker Chuck Morris's trip to the Hay on Wye literary festival.

Starring:

Michael Brandon
Michael Fenton Stevens
Mel Hudson
Alex Lowe
Dan Tetsell

Written by Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell

Producer: Lucy Armitage

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.


TUE 23:30 Elvenquest (b00wlgt5)
Series 2

Episode 5

The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar. This time they accidentally trespass upon grounds of the Emperor Jackie.

Jackie claims to have the Sword of Asnagar but he'll only hand it over if the Questers, and particularly Penthiselea, stay with him for a while.

In the meantime, Lord Darkness' main evil priest, Gaydok, is upset - he doesn't believe Darkness is evil anymore. In a fit of pique Darkness fires him.

But it's not long before he realises that keeping the faith with the evil hordes isn't as easy as he originally thought...

Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.

Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
Emperor Jackie …. Sanjeev Bhaskar
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
Amis – The Chosen One …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman

Producer: Sam Michell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023

WED 00:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009swy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:00 Peeler (m00067d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]


WED 01:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m4tty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh44d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]


WED 02:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmj92)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]


WED 02:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03phd43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]


WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]


WED 03:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0089jcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075x94)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]


WED 04:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jvpf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]


WED 05:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009rkb)
2. Setting Sail

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

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

CAST:

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

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Director Jane Morgan.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.


WED 06:00 Falco (b008kkch)
Shadows in Bronze

1. Vipers

Following a plot to depose the Emperor Vespasian, Falco sets out to clear up a few loose ends, only to uncover a nest of vipers.

Starring Anton Lesser.

Lindsey Davis's witty detective, Marcus Didius Falco is back patrolling the streets of 1st-century Rome.

Falco ....... Anton Lesser
Petronius / Chamberlain ....... Ben Crowe
Tullia ....... Fiona Clarke
Helena Justina ....... Anna Madeley
Vespasian / Milo ....... Michael Tudor Barnes
Gordianus ....... Christian Rodska

Dramatised by Mary Cutler.

Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2005.


WED 06:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m9gqz)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 2

4. The Accident

The doctor intervenes to protect a woman endangered by her husband.

Starring John Gordon Sinclair.

AJ Cronin's stories about the early years of the celebrated doctor.

Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.

Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.

Dr Finlay ......... John Gordon Sinclair
Dr Cameron ...... Brian Pettifer
Janet...................Katy Murphy
Jack Harris.........Joshua Henderson
Lily Harris.............Karen Westwood

Producer: Viv Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.


WED 07:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh52s0)
3: Medicine

Society has slowly handed over significant control to computers but how much should we rely on them over our own instincts? Mathematician Hannah Fry uncovers the hidden algorithms behind almost every aspect of modern life; lifting the lid on their inner workings, demonstrating their power and exposing their limitations.

Medicine: the cutting edge areas of research that offer a model for humans and computers working together.

Written and read by Hannah Fry
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.


WED 07:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmv24)
8. Albert's Achievements

In spite of opposition and ridicule Prince Albert's great exhibition and 'Crystal Palace' goes ahead but it takes its toll on his health.

Imogen Stubbs stars as Victoria.

Written by Juliet Ace, based on the letters and diaries of the young Queen Victoria.

Victoria ...... Imogen Stubbs
Duchess of Kent ...... Anna Massey
Prince Albert ...... Adrian Lukis
Baroness Lehzen ...... Selina Cadell
Sir John Conroy/MP/Lord Aberdeen ...... John Rowe
Melbourne ...... Christopher Cazenove
WAG/Prince Ernest/Page/Anson/Cubitt ...... Andrew Wincott
William IV/Stockmar/Peel ...... Terence Edmond
Prince of Wales Bertie/Paxton ...... Thomas Arnold
Princess Vicky/Helena ...... Clare Corbett
Prince of Wales Bertie as a child ...... George Allonby

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.


WED 07:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001jq7)
Series 3

3. Lynda La Plante

Lynda La Plante, is the award-winning writer behind Prime Suspect and Widows.

She talks to Victoria Coren Mitchell about her life and the cars she has driven along the way.

From her origins in Liverpool to the stage to the USA and becoming a writer, via a Mini Cooper that turned out to be two Mini Coopers stuck together, a magnificent Mercedes and love at first sight with a Rolls Royce Corniche.

Lynda tells her hilarious, uplifting and thought-provoking life story.

Readings by Sarah Hadland

Producer: Gareth Edwards

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.


WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
Series 4

Back From Holiday

On his return from a disastrous break, the Lad discovers that Sid's rented his house out.

Starring Tony Hancock.

With Sidney James, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

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

Producer: Dennis Main Wilson

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1956.


WED 08:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b0075ng9)
Series 3

Episode 1

Sofa-bound TV presenters Mike and Sue take on party food and reading, plus therapy - could it have helped the Beatles and Henry VIII?

Series 2 of Bill Dare's sitcom stars Robert Duncan and Jan Ravens.

With Ronnie Ancona, Alistair McGowan, Roger Blake and Steve Punt.

Music by Mark Burton.

Producer: Aled Evans

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.


WED 09:00 Nature Table (m000vq81)
Series 2

Episode 1

Sue Perkins’ ‘Show & Tell’ series celebrating the natural world and all it’s funny eccentricities.

Taking the simple format of a ‘Show & Tell’, each episode Sue is joined by celebrity guests from the worlds of comedy and natural history.

Each of the natural history guests brings an item linked to the wild world to share with the audience, be it an amazing fact or funny personal anecdote. Each item is a springboard for an enlightening and funny discussion, alongside fun games and challenges revealing more astonishing facts.

We also hear from some of the London Zoo audience, a mix of London Zoo staff and members of the public, as they bring us their own natural history ‘show and tells’ for Sue and the guests to discuss.

Nature Table has a simple clear brief: to positively celebrate and promote the importance of all our planet’s wonderfully wild flora and fauna in a fun and easily grasped way... whilst at the same time having a giggle.

In this episode, Sue welcomes:

* Naturalist, writer and presenter Chris Packham
* Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan
* Comedian Desiree Burch

Written by Catherine Brinkworth, Kat Sadler and Jon Hunter

Producer Simon Nicholls

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


WED 09:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04v3cx5)
Series 2

Burglaries

Sitcom where Britain's longest serving PCSO -and Britain's laziest - make quite a pairing.

Written by Dave Lamb (the voice of Come Dine With Me) and starring Richie Webb (Horrible Histories), Nick Walker, Chris Emmett and Noddy Holder.

This week, Nigel has taken up free running in the hope that physical fitness can improve his performance at work. But what, if anything, will identify the mysterious hand cream thief?

Geoff ...... Richie Webb
Nigel ...... Nick Walker
The Guv ...... Sinead Keenan
Nina ...... Pooja Shah
Bernie ...... Chris Emmett
Geoff's Dad ...... Noddy Holder

Written by Dave Lamb

Produced by Steve Doherty

A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2014.


WED 10:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009rkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


WED 11:00 Falco (b008kkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 11:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m9gqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 12:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh52s0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 12:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmv24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


WED 12:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001jq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 13:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b0075ng9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 14:00 Nature Table (m000vq81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 14:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04v3cx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 15:00 Parson Harding's Daughter by Joanna Trollope (m0009rkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]


WED 16:00 Falco (b008kkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


WED 16:30 Doctor Finlay (b00m9gqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


WED 17:00 Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine by Hannah Fry (b0bh52s0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


WED 17:15 Young Victoria by Juliet Ace (b00xmv24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]


WED 17:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001jq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


WED 18:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b0075ng9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


WED 19:00 Nature Table (m000vq81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 19:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04v3cx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


WED 20:00 Victoria Wood - From Soup To Nuts (b0b2mrc5)
1. From Soup...

A two-part look back at Victoria Wood's stand-up and songs using her own archives and tapes, including never-heard-before material. Presented by Rebecca Front.

With unprecedented access to Victoria Wood's own boxes of battered cassette tapes, this programme is a shameless chance to hear some wonderful stand-up comedy, characters and songs, mixed with a look back at what made her so funny and so universally loved.

Presented by Rebecca Front

With thanks to:
Libby Gregory
Lucy Ansbro
Phil McIntyre Entertainments

Executive Producer: Geoff Posner
Produced by David Tyler

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2018.


WED 20:30 Ways Of Thinking (b05pl2rx)
In an increasingly digital world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Many of us conclude that we just don't have the right brain for this kind of thing.

Author Naomi Alderman discovers her latent ability to contribute to our digital future. In the early days of computers, only ultra-logical reductionist thinkers could participate.

Amateurs were easily frustrated by computers that seemed to lack common sense. 40 years on, it's a very different story. You don't have to think in 1s and 0s to be a digital creative.

Naomi already writes storylines for computer games but she has left the coding to others. Now she finds out if she could do it. She meets the coding experts who think that we've all got something to offer to the digital world.

Producer: Alex Mansfield

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.


WED 21:00 Short Cuts (b04lq28m)
Series 6

Behind The Curtain

Josie Long peers behind the curtain to reveal stories from behind the scenes.

There's secret telephone discos for cold calling salesmen, moral dilemmas which emerge behind the scenes on a reality television show and Joe Dunthorne attempts to gain access to the OULIPO.

Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall

A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2014.


WED 21:30 A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly (b015n9xs)
3. Choices

Mattie shares a boat with Royal and discovers Miss Wilcox's library. But will she destroy Grace's letters?

As the story behind Grace Brown's death unfolds, 17 year old Mattie Gokey must chose to between her desire to be a writer, and the excitement of a first romance.

Jennifer Donnelly's debut novel read by Vicki Simon.

Abridged by Penny Leicester.

Producer: Liz Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.


WED 21:45 The Shadow Over Innsmouth (m000v8x8)
Episode 8

A foggy seafront town where something's coming from the water. An ancient cult, a stranger with a bandaged face and a body in a shallow grave. The story continues.

True-life mystery podcasters Matthew Heawood and Kennedy Fisher return and this time the story is Kennedy Fisher.

A simple investigation into the disappearance of a young man from a mental health facility has taken them from Rhode Island to Iraq, to the Suffolk countryside – as they realised that everything uncovered in season one threaded through to season two. But towards the end of 'The Whisperer In Darkness', the investigation turned inward as Kennedy discovered a possible family connection to the uncovered conspiracy. And evidence forces Heawood to question Kennedy’s account of her time in Iraq. As Kennedy heads off to Innsmouth to look into her apparently spooky ancestry, Heawood is going to Iraq to find an answer to the most disturbing of all questions; could Kennedy be a killer?

Both make life-changing discoveries as the two investigations come together, just as the Coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the world.

Barnaby Kay and Jana Carpenter star in writer/director Julian Simpson’s H.P Lovecraft inspired universe.

MATTHEW HEAWOOD ................Barnaby Kay
KENNEDY FISHER...........................Jana Carpenter
ELEANOR PECK................................Nicola Walker
CASEY..................................................Kyle Soller
MELODY CARTWRIGHT................Karla Crome
ZADOK ALLEN.................................Walles Hamonde
ALICE...................................................Jennifer Armour
LEVESQUE .................................... ...Michael Maloney

SOUND.....................................................David Thomas
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR.......Sarah Tombling
PRODUCER..............................................Karen Rose
MUSIC.......................................................Tim Elsenburg

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Julian Simpson

A Sweet Talk production, first on BBC Sounds in 2020, and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2021.


WED 22:00 Lemn Sissay's Social Enterprise (m000c4vm)
Episode 3

Every year since 2013, the poet, broadcaster and author Lemn Sissay has arranged a Christmas dinner for people aged 18-25 who have left the care system and have no one with whom to have Christmas dinner. No one to give presents or receive them. No-one on the other end of the cracker.

This is not a charity. It isn't even an organisation. It's a project Lemn undertook because he understands how it feels - at 18 he was released from a children's home and given an empty flat in Wigan, with no-one in the world who had known him for longer than a year.

Lemn Sissay’s Social Enterprise is a four-part series for BBC Radio 4, considering what these dinners have taught him about charity, social enterprise, and people, through stand-up, interview and poetry.

This week he explores the idea of food - with the help of Nick Cole, the UK project director for Operation Christmas Child, and comedian Jason Cook.

Written and performed by Lemn Sissay
Guest: Nick Cole.
Guest: Jason Cook

Producer: Ed Morrish
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4


WED 22:30 Pick Ups (b008tsjl)
Series 1

Episode 4

Andrew delivers a themed date for Lind. Dave's former school bully rears his ugly head.

Comedy set in in a run down taxi office in Manchester.

Written by Ian Kershaw.

Lind ... Sally Lindsay
Mike / Kenny / Timmy ... John Thomson
Dave ... Philip Rowson
Rebel /Brad ... Ash Tandon
Teri ...... Claire Bleasdale
Andrew ...... Paul Warriner
Pat ...... Andrew Grose
Tony ... Lee Warburton

Producer: Paul Hardy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001m6d3)
Lucy Porter 2/2

Jake Yapp chats to Lucy Porter about her latest tour, and quizzes her knowledge of Britain's rail network...


WED 23:00 The Sofa of Time (b00hwyq7)
There's Gravy in My Locker

Milford and Parker get sacked and as they are clearing out their lockers they fall into the magical world of Gravy...

There Milford is regarded as the chosen one who has come at last to save the people from the emperor warlock Raamen Bod who plans to find the sofa and use it for evil purposes.

The epic and timeless tale of two men and their quest to find "The Sofa of Time", the most magical and powerful item of furniture in the entire universe.

It is said that those who sit on the sofa can be transported to anywhere and anytime.

Written by and starring Nick Frost and Matt King.

Milford ...... Matt King
Parker ...... Nick Frost
Marmite ...... Mark Heap
Raamen Bod ...... Peter Serafinowcz

With Kevin Eldon, Janei Anderson and Daisy Jones

Producer: Mario Stylianides

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.


WED 23:30 The Mel and Sue Thing (b00769ql)
Episode 1

Weird characters and surreal chat from Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

Featuring Jane Austen's Last novella Sweet Fanny Adams and a duet from Cliff Richard and Delia Smith.

Mel and Sue have been known as the scrumptious cake-filling on the BBC's The Great British Bake Off. Sue is now at the helm of Just a Minute.

With Paul Chahidi

Producer: Elizabeth Freestone.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.