The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
The Prince: Peter Firth reads from Niccolo Machiavelli's guidebook on political power. 5: On the relationship between the Prince and his advisers, and how to deal with fortune.
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
Bryn Terfel explores iconic Welsh songs. 2/3. Cwm Rhondda. The hymn tune sung to the words Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah has been described as Wales' second National Anthem.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
In the first of two programmes from Dumfriesshire, Helen Mark visits Wanlockhead and Leadhills, two of the highest villages in Scotland. She goes panning for gold and sees wild salmon spawning.
With Carolyn Quinn and Greg Wood. Including Sports Desk at
Real life stories in which listeners talk about the issues that matter to them. Fi Glover is joined by Barry Norman. Featuring poetry written and performed by Elvis McGonagall.
John McCarthy returns to excess Baggage this week and looks at two very different aspects of boating. On the one hand there is the gentle lap of the river and the splash of oars of a rowing boat making its way along the Thames and on the other the pounding of the waves and the flapping of the sails of an ocean going racing yacht.
The yacht in question is Gipsy Moth IV which Sir Francis Chichester sailed on his record breaking solo voyage round the world in 1966. Forty years later the yacht was restored and John will hear the story of how it completed its second circumnavigation of the globe, despite running aground on a reef near Tahiti.
If that’s a little rough for your boating tastes John also looks at the River Thames through the eyes of a Victorian photographer and a couple of his modern counterparts who have chronicled the changes over the last 125 years and in particular the rise of boating for leisure and pleasure on England’s longest river.
Phil Hammond spends a day at his local golf club in a desperate bid to understand the complexities and absurdities of the most socially divisive sport on the planet.
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
A look at the winners and losers after the Bank of England says no change for interest rates. With news of Northern Rock's key week and the national minimum wage information bus.
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists are Andy Hamilton, Fred Macaulay, Mark Steel and Carrie Quinlan.
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a topical discussion from Ashford, Kent. Panellists include Malcolm Wicks, Edward Davey, Michael Gove and Saira Khan.
Listeners' calls and emails in response to this week's edition of Any Questions? Call 08700 100 444 [calls from land lines cost no more than 8p a minute].
James and Eleanor are happily married, or so they think. Kate, the young widow of one of their oldest friends, makes it clear to James that she thinks him very attractive. It is an offer he finds very difficult to resist.
James ...... Nicholas Le Prevost
Eleanor ...... Joanna David
Agnes ...... Gemma Jones
Kate ...... Emily Bruni
Highlights of this week's Woman's Hour programmes with Jane Garvey. Including Hillary Clinton's campaign, social care, business equality in Norway and female pigeon fanciers.
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news, plus the sports headlines. With Ritula Shah.
Sally Magnusson presents a series exploring the practice of researching family history. She meets listeners who have uncovered stories of nautical adventure in their family tree.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
An eclectic mix of conversation, comedy and music. Peter Curran is joined by actors Stephen Mangan and Sean Gilder and historical novelist Conn Iggulden.
Series of portraits of people who are currently making headlines. Business Correspondent Nils Blythe profiles Ratan Tata, head of India's Tata Group.
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewellery store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that propels them and their family towards a shattering climax. Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, and Albert Finney.
k.d. lang - Watershed
Four time grammy winner k.d. lang’s new album Watershed, is the first album of newly written material since 2000’s Invincible Summer. It features eleven new songs written and recorded in 2007, and is also the first self-produced collection of her 25-year career.
Six new artworks proposed for the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square have been unveiled at The National Gallery. Jeremy Deller's The Spoils of War depicts the remains of a civilian vehicle destroyed in Iraq; Anish Kapoor's Sky Plinth consists of five concave mirrors designed to reflect and ‘display’ the clouds; Tracey Emin says her sculpture of a small group of meerkats symbolises unity and safety; Yinka Shonibare's sculpture is a scale replica of Nelson's ship, HMS Victory, in a giant glass bottle; Anthony Gormley wants to ask members of the public to stand on the plinth for an hour each to occupy it for constantly for 12 months; and Bob and Roberta Smith's wind and solar-powered creation sends the message, make art not war.
In 1979 a young American graduate revived an old Cambridge University magazine and created a home for good writing of all kinds. Granta has established itself on both sides of the Atlantic and continues to publish the best new writing in English from all over the world. This special issue celebrates Granta’s 100th edition
A new production of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles is now being staged by Terry Johnson at the very off-Broadway Menier Chocolate Factory in London. The show is based on a French comedy about Georges, a gay cabaret owner who suddenly has to put on a respectable front when his son gets engaged to the daughter of a right-wing politician and morality campaigner. This isn’t all that hard for him, but it’s next to impossible for his partner Albin, star of the cabaret’s transvestite act.
Martin Sixsmith explores the lives and works of artists and writers who fled the former Eastern Bloc. He revisits archive interviews with Josef Brodsky, Vladimir Nabokov and Isaiah Berlin, explores the writings of Pushkin and others, and talks to contemporary writers Josef Skvorecky, Antonin Liehm and Andrei Makine. He is joined by Maria Rubins, an expert on East European literature.
Newland Archer is engaged to May Welland, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets May's unconventional cousin Countess Ellen Olenska.
Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a passionate life-long love affair which breaks all the rules of the restrictive high society of 1870's New York.
Newland Archer .... Ryan McCluskey
Ellen Olenska .... Susan Lynch
May Welland ... Kellie Bright
Augusta Welland .... Lorelei King
Sillerton Jackson/Riviere ..... Kerry Shale
Julius Beaufort .... Conrad Nelson
Lawrence .... Martin T Sherman
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
Justin Rowlatt presents a discussion series involving experts and people closely involved. 3/3: The government plans millions of new homes, but where should they be built?
Anna Ford chairs a quiz to find the best all-round amateur garden expert in the country.
Paul Farley and Jo Shapcott try their hand at writing lyrics for two very different musicians in the contrasting shapes of rapper Doc Brown and pianist Jamie Cullum.
SUNDAY 13 JANUARY 2008
SUN 00:00 News and Weather (b008nbq1)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
SUN 00:30 Shorts (b0076x6r)
Series 6
Thirst
Stories from Scottish writers. 1/5: Thirst, by Merryn Glover. An act of kindness yields a miraculous result for a downtrodden woman in Nepal. Read by Gayanne Potter.
SUN 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008nbq2)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008nbq3)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
SUN 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008nbq4)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 05:30 News Briefing (b008nbq5)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
SUN 05:43 Bells on Sunday (b008nbq6)
The sound of church bells from St Leonard's in Hythe, Kent.
SUN 05:45 Profile (b008nbcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 News Headlines (b008nbq7)
The latest national and international news.
SUN 06:05 Something Understood (b008nbq8)
The Library of Secrets
The Library of Secrets: US writer and broadcaster Dmae Roberts reflects on the enduring allure of secret places and the tension that can exist between the secret and the private.
SUN 06:35 On Your Farm (b008nbq9)
A report from Oathall Community College, which began farming during the Second World War. The pupils work on the farm before and after school and at lunchtime.
SUN 06:57 Weather (b008nbqb)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 07:00 News and Papers (b008nbqc)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
SUN 07:10 Sunday (b008nbqd)
Roger Bolton and guests discuss the religious and ethical news of the week.
SUN 07:55 Radio 4 Appeal (b008nbqf)
Diane Louise Jordan appeals on behalf of the Sickle Cell Society. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.
SUN 07:58 Weather (b008nbys)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 08:00 News and Papers (b008nbyt)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
SUN 08:10 Sunday Worship (b008nbyv)
How Shall I Sing That Majesty
How Shall I Sing That Majesty: A service from Derby Cathedral for the Feast of the Baptism of Christ led by Canon Nicholas Henshall with Bishop Humphrey Southern.
SUN 08:50 A Point of View (b008mdjy)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Prof David Cannadine.
SUN 09:00 Broadcasting House (b008nbyw)
News and conversation about the big stories of the week with Paddy O'Connell.
SUN 10:00 The Archers Omnibus (b008nbyx)
The week's events in Ambridge.
SUN 11:15 Desert Island Discs (b008nbyy)
Simon Rattle
Kirsty Young's castaway this week is Sir Simon Rattle. For the past five years he has been Principal Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic - regarded by many as the finest symphony orchestra in the world. He is only the sixth person to hold the position in 120 years and is the first Briton to take on the challenge.
Growing up in Liverpool in the 1960s, while other youngsters were listening to The Beatles, he was transfixed by Mahler and was determined to become a conductor. His talent was prodigious. He won an international conducting competition aged just 19 and so, with plenty of enthusiasm but scant experience, began his career. Initially because of his youth, his approach was collaborative rather than autocratic and it has been a style that brought tremendous results during his 18-year association with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He insists that his approach with the Berlin Philharmonic is about teamwork too - but concedes that it is an orchestra that contains some very strong characters and very big egos.
He tells Kirsty how, choosing his Desert Island Discs, he has been drawn towards music that expressed joy and pain in equal measure.
[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]
Favourite track: Scherza Infida from Ariodante by George Frideric Handel
Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Luxury: Italian coffee machine and grinder.
SUN 12:00 Just a Minute (b008m767)
Series 52
Episode 1
Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game. Panellists are Paul Merton, Clement Freud, Chris Neill and Josie Lawrence.
SUN 12:32 The Food Programme (b008nbyz)
A Taste of Britain: Revisited
In 1973 filming got underway for a BBC television series, A Taste of Britain, which set out to document local food traditions before they died out.
Thirty five years on Sheila Dillon retraces the footsteps of the first programme, made around the River Severn in Gloucestershire, to follow up some of its stories and discover what has happened since to the region’s food culture.
Sheila speaks to Charles Martell, today one of Britain’s greatest cheesemakers who was filmed in the programme trying to revive the tradition of farmhouse Double Gloucester.
The Gloucester Old Spot pig was reported in the 1973 programme as being near extinction. Sheila talks to farmer and one of the original members of the Rare Breeds Preservation Trust Eric Freeman to find out what happened to the breed.
Ingrid Bates, viticulturist at Thornbury Castle explains how the vineyards just planted at the time of the 1973 programme are producing grapes that are now processed by a local winery into thousands of bottles of wine.
Sheila Dillon also talks to two members of the Cadogan family who have held fishing rights along a four mile stretch of the Severn for centuries to find out if they still catch wild salmon.
Richard Cook from the Severn and Wye Smokery explains what he thinks needs to happen to ensure a commercial future for Severn salmon.
SUN 12:57 Weather (b008nbz0)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 13:00 The World This Weekend (b008nbz1)
A look at events around the world.
SUN 13:30 Guilty Pleasure: A Hundred Years of Mills and Boon (b007zp23)
A Hundred Years of Mills and Boon: Comedian Lucy Porter celebrates the centenary of the romantic publishing house and explores the reasons for its enduring success.
SUN 14:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b008nbz2)
Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. Matthew Biggs, Chris Beardshaw and Pippa Greenwood are guests of Wadhurst Gardening Association in East Sussex.
SUN 14:45 Wide Awake at Bedtime (b008nbz3)
Episode 2
Stewart accompanies a group of year nine students staying over in Birmingham's Science museum.
SUN 15:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b008ncs3)
Episode 2
Despite Newland Archer's marriage to May, he is still obsessed with thoughts of Ellen Olenska.
Conclusion of Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a passionate life-long love affair which breaks all the rules of the restrictive high society of 1870's New York.
Newland Archer .... Ryan McCluskey
Ellen Olenska .... Susan Lynch
May Welland ... Kellie Bright
Augusta Welland .... Lorelei King
Sillerton Jackson/Riviere ..... Kerry Shale
Julius Beaufort .... Conrad Nelson
Lawrence .... Martin T Sherman
Dramatised by Jane Rogers.
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
SUN 16:00 Open Book (b008ncs4)
The work of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe is credited with inventing science fiction, with writing the first detective story, and virtually inventing the genre of horror. In stories such as The Pit and the Pendulum, or The Fall of the House of Usher, he created enduring masterpieces of literary terror. Yet he spent most of his life in poverty and died in mysterious circumstances at the age of forty.
Kathryn is joined by four Poe fans to discuss his work. Peter Ackroyd, the acclaimed novelist and author of non-fiction works about subjects including T.S. Eliot and London, has written a new biography of Poe; he joins Kathryn to discuss how Poe's strange obsessions and troubled relationships with women affected his life, and outline the mystery of his death.
Kathryn is also joined by the novelist Louise Welsh, the critic and writer Kim Newman, and the American academic Diane Roberts to look at the achievements and lasting influence of this seminal figure - with readings by Kerry Shale and a selection of Poe-inspired music.
SUN 16:30 Poetry Please (b008ncs5)
The readers are Bonnie Hurren and John Mackay
Clock a Clay by John Clare
From: The Faber Book of Beasts
Publ: Faber
Buzzard by Matthew Barton
Overall winner of the BBC Wildlife Magazine Poetry Competition
The God of Love by George MacBeth
From: Selected Poems
Publ: Enitharmon Press
Bats by Jennifer Heath-Brown
Winner of the 12-14 year old category in the BBC Wildlife Magazine Poetry Competition
A Narrow Fellow in the Grass by Emily Dickinson
From: The Rattle Bag
Publ: faber
Snake by DH Lawrence
From: The Love Poems of DH Lawrence
Publ: Kyle Cathie Ltd
The Horses of Meaning by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin
From: The Girl Who Married the Reindeer
Publ: Gallery Press
The Fish by Elizabeth Bishop
From: Complete Poems
Publ: Chatto & Windus
The Starlings in George Square by Edwin Morgan
From: Collected Poems
Publ: Carcanet
Flying Crooked by Robert Graves
From: Collected Poems
Publ: Cassell
SUN 17:00 Desperate Dreams (b008p9ct)
As Europe wrestles with an influx of migrants from some of the poorest countries in the world, Jenny Cuffe travels to Africa to examine the problem at its roots.
SUN 17:40 Profile (b008nbcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Saturday]
SUN 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b008ncs6)
The latest shipping forecast.
SUN 17:57 Weather (b008ncs7)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ncs8)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
SUN 18:15 Pick of the Week (b008ncs9)
Winifred Robinson presents a selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.
SUN 19:00 The Archers (b008ncsb)
Kenton worries that Kathy's home cooking is taking its toll on his waistline, especially when Ed comments that he's looking a bit podgy and Fallon points out that it's inevitable when you get to a certain age.
In an attempt to work off the pounds, Kenton jogs back from the Bull and bumps into Lynda and Clarrie. When Clarrie also despairs at having put on weight, Kenton jokingly says they should take up jogging together. Later Clarrie tells Kenton she's desperate to lose weight - perhaps they could get together with others in the village and run a weight loss club at the village hall.
Ed tells Fallon that Eddie's secretly using cooking oil in his car because the price of diesel's so high. When they bump into Nic with the children on her way to Keeper's Cottage, George is pleased to see Ed, but after she goes Ed isn't happy that Will leaves George with Nic; she's not his Mum. Fallon says he'll have to try to get used to it.
Lynda tells Matt that she's reporting him to Borsetshire Wildlife Trust for ploughing up the set-aside in Quarry Bank and disturbing the skylarks, but Matt gives her short shrift and shows her the door.
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
SUN 19:15 Go4it (b008ncsc)
Barney Harwood presents the children's magazine.
SUN 19:45 Literary Misfits (b0076xz4)
Casuabon in the Catacombs
Stories in which famous fictional characters stumble into the wrong books. 4/5: Casuabon in the Catacombs, by Anne Haverty. Leaving Middlemarch, Mr Casaubon visits Dublin.
SUN 20:00 The Message (b008n9s2)
6/6. Jenni Murray and guests in conversation about how current media trends affect our lives.
SUN 20:30 Last Word (b008mdgm)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.
SUN 21:00 Money Box (b008nb6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 21:26 Radio 4 Appeal (b008nbqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 today]
SUN 21:30 In Business (b008mdcy)
Hello, Sunshine!
Hello, Sunshine! Germany has taken the lead in sustainable energy with the world's biggest solar power station. Peter Day looks for the secret of German success.
SUN 21:58 Weather (b008ncsd)
The latest weather forecast.
SUN 22:00 Westminster Hour (b008ncsf)
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including at
10.45pm Do Nothing.
SUN 23:00 Off the Page (b008mb7x)
Now Wash Your Hands
Dominic Arkwright chairs the lively discussion series.
Is the current obsession with personal hygiene a good thing or are we turning ourselves into feeble creatures with no defences against the real world? Nicky Taylor gave up washing altogether for six weeks as part of a social experiment. Val Curtis is an expert on disgust and its place in the evolution of human behaviour and hygiene. Comedian Phil Hammond is a GP with scathingly frank views on the nation's health.
SUN 23:30 Something Understood (b008nbq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:05 today]
MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2008
MON 00:00 News and Weather (b008nk53)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b008mc60)
Violence - Arab Television
VIOLENCE
He has been described as ‘the Elvis of Critical theory’, once ran as ran for the Presidency of his home country Slovenia, and is feted as one of the world’s greatest living cultural philosophers…this week on Thinking Allowed Laurie Taylor talks to Slavoj Žižek about his latest work, Violence. Is the world becoming a more violent place? Why is some violence more palatable than others? What underlies seemingly random riots and mayhem that sporadically erupt around the world? Žižek has ideas that address the violence of modern life and a few victims of his own as he blames many of the humanity’s upheavals on the ‘humanitarian’s’ who claim to be helping.
ARAB TELEVISION
Naomi Sakr is Reader in Communication in the School of Media, Arts and Design at the University of Westminster, and Director of the Arab Media Centre there. She talks to Laurie about her new book, Arab Television Today which looks at the impact of Satellite broadcasting and Al Jazeera on the strictly controlled state broadcasters of the Middle East.
MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b008nbq6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:43 on Sunday]
MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008nk54)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008nk55)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008nk56)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 05:30 News Briefing (b008nk57)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008nk58)
Daily prayer and reflection with Mark Coffey.
MON 05:45 Farming Today (b008nk59)
News and issues in rural Britain with Mark Holdstock.
MON 05:57 Weather (b008nk5b)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.
MON 06:00 Today (b008nk5c)
With Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. Including Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
MON 09:00 Start the Week (b008nk5d)
William Maxwell wrote that "In talking about the past, we lie with every breath we draw". In a new anthology that draws together scientific, psychological, philosophical and literary reflections on memory, A S Byatt and HARRIET HARVEY WOOD reflect on how memory creates our sense of both individual and national identity. As science struggles to understand how the brain processes and stores memories, research shows that many of our memories are in fact false. Does it matter? Memory: An Anthology, co-edited with A S Byatt, is published by Chatto and Windus.
W B Yeats said "words alone are certain good" and it was one of his poems that inspired poet, critic and playwright TOM PAULIN to write his new book, The Secret Life of Poems: A Poetry Primer. Examining a series of poems and excerpts in minute detail, Paulin sets out to dissect the DNA of poetry, picking out rhythm, form, metre and sources to show that reading between the lines is no substitute for carefully examining them. The Secret Life of Poems: A Poetry Primer is published by Faber and Faber.
For the past 30 years Scottish composer JUDITH WEIR has been writing arresting new music inspired by subjects as varied as folk art, ancient Chinese lyrics and in her latest work, the city of London itself. Her career will be celebrated in Telling the Tale, a series of performances, talks and free events that make up the BBC Symphony Orchestra's annual January Composer Weekend at the Barbican in London. Telling the Tale runs from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 January at the Barbican. BBC Radio 3 starts its coverage of accompanying events at the Guildhall School of Music and LSO St Luke's on Wednesday 14 January.
As the number of modern stagings shows, Greek tragedy continues to resonate with modern audiences. PROFESSOR SIMON GOLDHILL'S new book, How to Stage Greek Tragedy Today, explores the complexities and intricacies of putting on a play originally meant for an audience of Athenians from the fifth century BC. How to Stage Greek Tragedy Today is published by Chicago University Press.
MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b008p613)
I Found my Horn
Episode 1
I Found My Horn: Nicholas Boulton reads from Jasper Rees's account of resuming his horn-playing after 22 years. Abridged by Penny Leicester (1/5).
MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008nw19)
Ruth Gruber; Dementia Priority; Sweden's Prostitution Laws
Are people with dementia getting the health and social care priority they deserve? Plus, American journalist Ruth Gruber on her long career, and exploring Sweden's prostitution law.
MON 11:00 The Saving of Fordhall Farm (b008nw1b)
The remarkable story of a community coming together to save a corner of our countryside from the threat of development.
MON 11:30 The Stanley Baxter Playhouse (b008nw1c)
Series 2
Pasta Alfredo at Cafe Alessandro
Series of comic plays starring Stanley Baxter.
By Rona Munro.
An Italian cafe owner in Glasgow employs a little guile and cunning to defend the honour and the environment of his beloved native land.
Sandy ...... Stanley Baxter
Antonia ...... Luisa Pretolani
Christina ...... Tracy Wiles
Christopher ...... John Kazek
Rockafella ...... John Guerrasio
Radio Interviewer ...... Gordon Kennedy
Directed by Marilyn Imrie
A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 12:00 You and Yours (b008nw9s)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and Peter White.
MON 12:57 Weather (b008nw9t)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 13:00 World at One (b008nw9v)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
MON 13:30 The Garden Quiz (b008nw9w)
Episode 2
Anna Ford chairs a quiz to find the best all-round amateur garden expert in the country.
MON 14:00 The Archers (b008ncsb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Sunday]
MON 14:15 Drama (b0077020)
Mike and Muriel Are Getting Married
Mike and Muriel Are Getting Married, by Nicholas Meiklejohn. Andy and Rebecca decide that their respective best mates are not suited. The problem is that they are getting married.
MON 15:00 Money Box Live (b008nw9x)
Vincent Duggleby and guests answer calls on financial issues. Listeners can call 08700 100 444 from
1.30pm until
3.30pm [calls from land lines cost no more than 8p a minute].
MON 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008nwjs)
Portraits of East Anglia
Man in the Water
Specially commissioned stories by local authors, inspired by paintings of the East Anglian landscape. Recorded in front of an audience in Halesworth, Suffolk, the readings are introduced by Neil Innes.
Jenny swears that she sees a man in the water and her father takes his fishing boat out to search for him. But when he finds nobody and there are no reports of a missing person, he begins to question her motives.
By Rose Tremain, read by Richard Hope.
MON 15:45 Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom (b008nwjt)
A World Wide Web
Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet.
Mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, reveal some extraordinary facts.
MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b008nbyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:32 on Sunday]
MON 16:30 Beyond Belief (b008ny07)
Ernie Rea explores the place of faith in today's world, teasing out the hidden and often contradictory truths behind the experiences, values and traditions of our lives.
MON 17:00 PM (b008ny1f)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including at
5.57pm Weather.
MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ny1g)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
MON 18:30 Just a Minute (b008ny1h)
Series 52
Episode 2
Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game from Stratford-upon-Avon. Panellists are Gyles Brandreth, Clement Freud, Graham Norton and Phill Jupitus.
MON 19:00 The Archers (b008ny5k)
David discusses the anaerobic digester business with Adam, who tells him that Brian's suggested calling it 'Ambridge Heat and Power'. David reiterates that he and Ruth are very committed to the project, but David feels that Tony might like to be a part of it too. David agrees to talk to Tony over the next couple of days.
Ruth picks up Phil and Jill from the airport, back from their anniversary trip. They've had a marvellous time but they're glad to be home. When Jill asks why Shula couldn't come to pick them up as expected, Ruth explains that as Jim had a fall last night she had to take him to hospital. Jill and Phil chat excitedly about their trip while Ruth gets them up to speed with news from Ambridge.
Pip rehearses her speech for the Young Farmers public speaking competition. She's going to talk about the damage done to the skylarks' nesting sites because she's so angry with Matt for ploughing up the set-aside.
Later Phil and Jill go to Brookfield for supper, having stopped off at Glebe Cottage en route to put their feet up. Jill wonders why there are two enormous turkeys in her freezer...
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
MON 19:15 Front Row (b008ny6s)
With Mark Lawson, including the verdict on No Country for Old Men, the new film from the Coen brothers.
MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008ny6t)
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Celia
Anita Sullivan's adaptation of Lionel Shriver's award-winning novel about family tragedy and its aftermath. 6/10: Celia.
MON 20:00 Things We Forgot to Remember (b008ny6v)
Series 3
The Battle of Trafalgar
Michael Portillo presents a series revisiting great moments of history which often conceal other events of equal but forgotten importance. 4/4: The Battle of Trafalgar.
MON 20:30 Crossing Continents (b008md8y)
Kurdistan
Kate Clark goes behind the image of a prosperous, democratic Kurdistan and finds corruption, nepotism and rampant inflation.
MON 21:00 The Advance of the Giant Crabs (b00772gn)
David Lomax reports on the story of the Kamchatka crabs, introduced into the Arctic waters of the Barents Sea at Stalin's behest and now heading west along the Norwegian coast.
MON 21:30 Start the Week (b008nk5d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 21:58 Weather (b008nydv)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b008nydw)
With Robin Lustig. Including reports on George Bush's Middle East tour, the first Mercury probe for 30 years, and an alleged plan to overthrow a Communist government in Italy.
MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008nydx)
The Egg and I
Episode 6
The Egg and I: Debora Weston reads from Betty MacDonald's memoir of early married life on a chicken ranch during the 1920s. 6/10: Betty meets the Kettles and their 15 children.
MON 23:00 The Sex Lives of Us (b008nx8c)
Gay Times
Episode 2
Tom Robinson explores the portrayal of homosexuality in the media. 2/2: He looks at the last 25 years, celebrating how today's gay culture is very much part of our diverse society.
MON 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008nydy)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Susan Hulme.
TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2008
TUE 00:00 News and Weather (b008njwl)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b008p613)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008njwm)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008njwn)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008njwp)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b008njwq)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008njwr)
Daily prayer and reflection with Mark Coffey.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b008njws)
News and issues in rural Britain. Anna Hill discusses why there is no national standard for free range pigs that would ensure consumers get what they expect for the premium price.
TUE 06:00 Today (b008njwt)
With Carolyn Quinn and James Naughtie. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
TUE 09:00 Taking a Stand (b008nyy7)
Fergal Keane talks to Paul Kelly, whose 18-year-old son Simon killed himself while participating in an internet suicide chat room.
TUE 09:30 A Dollar a Day (b008nyy8)
Peru
Mike Wooldridge presents a series asking whether the global target of halving world poverty by 2015 can be achieved and what living on a dollar a day really means.
Ayacucho in the Peruvian Andes is one of the poorest areas of the country. A new government programme is attempting to help the poor by giving women the equivalent of a dollar a day in cash in return for sending their children to school and getting them vaccinated.
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b008p61r)
I Found my Horn
Episode 2
I Found My Horn: Nicholas Boulton reads from Jasper Rees's account of resuming his horn-playing after 22 years. Abridged by Penny Leicester (2/5).
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008nk9t)
Pauline McLynn; Living with a Child Sex Offender
Ireland's favourite comedy actresses Pauline McLynn on her career. Plus, one woman's story of finding out her husband viewed indecent images of children, and what are accents?
TUE 11:00 A Life With ... (b0076zlr)
Series 3
Ice
Gabrielle Walker meets Ola Johannesson, who has spent a life working with and living on the Arctic sea ice. He is a disciple of the Norwegian scientist and explorer Fridtjof Nansen.
TUE 11:30 Zine Scene (b008pcbf)
Episode 1
In the first of two programmes, Jarvis Cocker uncovers the history of fanzines - those little home-made publications designed and made by fans of popular phenomena. With the help of fanzine-makers, collectors and experts, including Roger Sabin, Teal Triggs, Jon Savage, and John Robb, Jarvis discovers the origin of fanzines in science fiction, long before the explosion of home-made fanzines during the punk rock days of the late 1970s.
Presented by Jarvis Cocker
Produced by Bob Dickinson.
TUE 12:00 Call You and Yours (b008nw3n)
Consumer news and issues with Carolyn Atkinson and Peter White.
TUE 12:57 Weather (b008nw3p)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b008nw3q)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
TUE 13:30 Soul Music (b008nz60)
Series 6
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius's glorious orchestral work was adopted by the Finnish people as a symbol of its fight for independence from Russia, and well over 100 years later it is still regarded as Finland's second national anthem.
Its popularity is international, both in orchestral form and also in shorter form as the Finlandia Hymn.
Featuring Sibelius's great-grandson Jaakko Ilves and conductor John Storgards.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Karen Gregor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b008ny5k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b0084lds)
Me and Joe
Me and Joe, by David Spicer. Matt has a decision to make. Should he abandon full-time fatherhood, attempt to relive the faded glories of his past and try again for pop stardom?
TUE 15:00 Home Planet (b008nz62)
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the natural world and our impact on it.
TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008nwjv)
Portraits of East Anglia
Teeny Weeny Little World
Specially commissioned stories by local authors, inspired by paintings of the East Anglian landscape. Recorded in front of an audience in Halesworth, Suffolk, the readings are introduced by Neil Innes.
As a new school term begins, the recently appointed headmaster is making his mark with all sorts of changes - far too many for Mr Crowther's liking.
By DJ Taylor, read by Stephen Critchlow.
TUE 15:45 Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom (b008p84c)
What Lies Beneath
Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet.
More fungi can be found in woodlands than anywhere else, appearing every autumn as their fruit bodies burst through the ground. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University reveals the complex struggles which take place underground.
TUE 16:00 Elementary Dear Listener (b007770h)
Series 2
Episode 2
Kevin Bocquet explores scientific breakthroughs that have changed police work. He recalls one of the first cases in which the law was able to reclaim the profits of crime.
TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b008nz63)
Series 14
Groucho Marx
Groucho Marx: Documentary filmmaker Roger Graef chooses acerbic comedy movie star Groucho Marx. With Matthew Parris. From January 2008.
TUE 17:00 PM (b008ny11)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including at
5.57pm Weather.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ny12)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
TUE 18:30 Miranda Hart's House Party (b008nz64)
Episode 3
Miranda Hart serves up a cocktail of stand-up, sketches, song and dance, aided and abetted by Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Kim Wall and special guest Justin Edwards.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b008ny5l)
Matt and Annabelle have a business meeting. Matt moans that 'tree huggers' seem to be calling the shots these days. Annabelle reassures him that he'll get the results he wants and suggests going for a drink. At Grey Gables she warns Matt that he has to take environmentalists seriously; they can do a lot of damage. She advises him to make peace with Lynda as she might go to the press, and urges Matt to find out where else skylarks nest, because if he can placate the protesters now he'll save himself an awful lot of grief in future.
Phil and Jill go round to Shula's for supper. Jim's crotchety throughout the evening and manages to irritate Phil when he's rude about their holiday destinations. At the end of the evening Phil tells Shula he can't understand how she's put up with Jim all these weeks - he really is not a nice man at all. Shula's relieved; she was beginning to think it was just her, as everyone else seems to get on with him fine. Phil tells her Jim's insufferable and he's exploited Shula's hospitality for quite long enough.
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b008ny5m)
With Kirsty Lang, who reports on how some directors have decided that less means more when adding music to their films.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008ny5n)
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Victims
Anita Sullivan's adaptation of Lionel Shriver's award-winning novel about family tragedy and its aftermath. 7/10: Victims.
TUE 20:00 Ball and Chains (b008nz65)
Henry Bonsu investigates the growing numbers of young African footballers who are lured to Europe by unscrupulous clubs and agents, only to find themselves exploited and discarded.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b008nz66)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.
TUE 21:00 Case Notes (b008nz67)
Organ Transplants
Dr Mark Porter investigates health issues of the day. He explores what life is like after having a transplant and talks to the medical teams who provide psychological support.
TUE 21:30 Taking a Stand (b008nyy7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b008nyd4)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b008nyd5)
With Robin Lustig. Including reports on problems in the American banking system, the Republican Primary in Michigan and debate over the function of public schools.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008nyd6)
The Egg and I
Episode 7
The Egg and I: Debora Weston reads from Betty MacDonald's memoir of married life on a chicken ranch during the 1920s. 7/10: Door-to-door salesmen ask the most embarassing questions.
TUE 23:00 Hopes and Desires (b00773j8)
Series 2
Catching Heathcliff
Series of romantic comedies.1/3: Catching Heathcliff, by Nick Warburton. Lindsey, an incurable romantic, yearns to meet a modern-day Heathcliff.
TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008nyd7)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.
WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2008
WED 00:00 News and Weather (b008njwv)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b008p61r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008njww)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008njwx)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008njwy)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b008njwz)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008njx0)
Daily prayer and reflection with Mark Coffey.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b008njx1)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.
WED 06:00 Today (b008njx2)
With Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
WED 09:00 Midweek (b008nzlf)
Lively and diverse conversation.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b008p61s)
I Found my Horn
Episode 3
I Found My Horn: Nicholas Boulton reads from Jasper Rees's account of resuming his horn-playing after 22 years. Abridged by Penny Leicester (3/5).
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008nk9x)
Multiple Identities; Artist Kim Atkinson; Forced Marriages
Rita Carter explains how we can harness our multiple identities. Plus, wildlife artist Kim Atkinson on scuba diving in Dorset, and new third party protection from forced marriages.
WED 11:00 Random Edition (b008pd2y)
The Illustrated London News, June 11, 1842.
Peter Snow presents a history series in which the stories are provided by archive newspapers.
Just days after its first appearance on the news-stands, the ILN features the latest on the fall-out from an attempt on the life of Queen Victoria and news of test-runs for the state-of-the-art atmospheric railway at Wormwood Scrubs. The main feature, however, describes the continued agonising over the British army's catastrophic retreat from Kabul.
WED 11:30 Clare in the Community (b008nzwn)
Series 4
Mother of all Mothers
The bossy social worker wants a baby, but is Brian willing to make it happen? Starring Sally Phillips. From January 2008.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b008nw3r)
Consumer news and issues with Sheila McLennon and Liz Barclay.
WED 12:57 Weather (b008nw3s)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b008nw3t)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 Quote... Unquote (b008v9w8)
Nigel Rees exchanges quotations and anecdotes with guests. The reader is Peter Jefferson.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b008ny5l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b008fy2d)
The Making of Ivan the Terrible
Black comedy by Hattie Naylor based on events in 1944.
Sergei Eisenstein suffered a heart attack during a banquet to celebrate winning the prestigious Stalin Prize for his film Ivan the Terrible Part 1. Stalin had been delighted with the depiction of Ivan as a cruel and ruthless ruler. Earlier that day, however, Eisenstein had delivered Part 2 of his intended trilogy, in which Ivan was portrayed as neurotic, mad and vindictive.
Eisenstein ...... Tim McInnerny
Nikolai ...... Tim McMullan
Vsevolod ..... Andy Taylor
Stalin ...... Bill Wallis
Interviewer ...... Paul Dodgson
Zdhanov ...... Ewan Bailey
Molotov ...... Daniel Goode
Directed by Paul Dodgson.
WED 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b008nbz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Sunday]
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008nwjw)
Portraits of East Anglia
Days of Rest
Specially commissioned stories by local authors, inspired by paintings of the East Anglian landscape. Recorded in front of an audience in Halesworth, Suffolk, the readings are introduced by Neil Innes.
On a beautiful summer Sunday, Jules is paying a visit to see Gran in her Suffolk care home. But it's not long before her London employers track her down.
By Jill Laurimore, read by Rachel Atkins.
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:45 Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom (b008p7vc)
Episode 3
Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet (3/5).
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b008nzwp)
Wealthy Irish and Sandwiches
WEALTHY IRISH AND SANDWICHES
The Republic of Ireland has experienced enormous change since 1970, change which has brought an almost completely unexpected wave of prosperity. Ireland used to be a poor country but according to the Bank of Ireland there are now 30,000 Euro millionaires – that in a population of only 5 million. This week Laurie explores how the culture of Ireland has been affected by this change of fortunes and will be asking what it did in order to let the good times roll in. The historian Roy Foster has said that after centuries of misfortune, the Irish finally got lucky. He, along with the Financial Times Ireland Correspondent, John Murray Brown discuss the wealth of the Irish.
WED 16:30 Case Notes (b008nz67)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 17:00 PM (b008ny13)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ny14)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 18:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d3rm9)
Series 1
An Adolescence Utterly Trashed
Young Pip aims to escape school, with a crone's help. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson. From August 2007.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b008ny5p)
Jim's had a good day - Shula's not nagged him once! Jim's mood soon changes when Alistair suggests it's time he went home. Jim points out that's not possible until his leg is fully healed but sounds genuinely hurt when he realises Alistair means it, even more so when Alistair insists he goes this weekend. Alistair and Shula are relieved Jim's actually going. Alistair knows he'll be ok back home but, hearing how difficult it was, Shula almost starts to feel sorry for Jim. Alistair just wishes he'd had the courage to do this weeks ago.
Kathy's had to work late, and bumps into Tony as she picks Jamie up from The Bull. Kathy is taken aback as she catches sight of Taylor. Tony looks round but Taylor's gone in a flash, and Kathy manically drives off in a panic. Kathy tells Kenton that this time she knows she really has seen Taylor. Kenton thinks he may have done Kathy a favour. There's no way he can get back to Gloucester before his curfew, so Taylor's breaking his bail conditions. If they call the police, he'll be re-arrested and then Kathy won't have to worry any more.
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b008ny5q)
Mark Lawson with arts interviews, reviews and news.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008ny5r)
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Accusations
Anita Sullivan's adaptation of Lionel Shriver's award-winning novel about family tragedy and its aftermath. 8/10: Accusations.
WED 20:00 Moral Maze (b008nzwq)
Michael Buerk chairs a debate on the moral questions behind the week's news. Melanie Phillips, Ian Hargreaves, Claire Fox and Clifford Longley cross-examine witnesses.
WED 20:45 Do Nothing (b008nzwr)
Episode 2
Simon Heffer of the Daily Telegraph puts the case for political minimalism (2/2).
WED 21:00 Britain's Sputnik (b008nzws)
Roland Pease recalls ZETA, a project unveiled 50 years ago by British scientists that promised to deliver a limitless supply of energy from the sea.
WED 21:30 Midweek (b008nzlf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b008nyd8)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b008nyd9)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008nydb)
The Egg and I
Episode 8
The Egg and I: Debora Weston reads from Betty MacDonald's memoir of married life on a chicken ranch during the 1920s. 8/10: Betty and Bob receive visits from unfriendly wildlife.
WED 23:00 The Maltby Collection (b00czc0j)
Series 1
Episode 6
A popular TV detective series comes to film at the museum and its super-suave star takes a fancy to Prunella, leaving Rod and Julian feeling marginalised.
Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt star in David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small museum of paintings and sculpture.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Stelios Constantinopolis ...... Chris Pavlo
Jeremy Noone ...... Hugh Dennis
Clive ...... Neil Fitzmaurice
Arabella ...... Eve Dallas
Nick ...... Jot Davies
Charlie Tattle ...... Barry Cryer
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008nydc)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.
THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2008
THU 00:00 News and Weather (b008njx3)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b008p61s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008njx4)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008njx5)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008njx6)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b008njx7)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008njx8)
Daily prayer and reflection with Mark Coffey.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b008njx9)
News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.
THU 06:00 Today (b008njxb)
Sports Desk
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament
6.45am,
8.31am; Weather
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am,
8.58am; Thought for the Day
7.48am.
THU 09:00 In Our Time (b008p0nv)
The Fisher King
Melvyn Bragg and guests will be delving into the world of medieval legend in pursuit of the powerful and enigmatic Fisher King. In the world of medieval romance there are many weird and wonderful creatures – there are golden dragons and green knights, sinister enchantresses and tragic kings, strange magicians and spears that bleed and talk. And yet, in all this panoply of wonder, few figures are more mysterious than the Fisher King.Blighted by a wound that will not heal and entrusted as the keeper of the Holy; the Fisher King is also a version of Christ, a symbol of sexual anxiety and a metaphor for the decay of societies and civilisations. The Fisher King is a complex and poetic figure and has meant many things to many people. From the age of chivalry to that of psychoanalysis, his mythic even archetypal power has influenced writers from Chrétien de Troyes in the 12th century to TS Eliot in the 20th. With Carolyne Larrington, Tutor in Medieval English at St John’s College, Oxford; Stephen Knight, Distinguished Research Professor in English Literature at Cardiff University; Juliette Wood, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Welsh, Cardiff University and Director of the Folklore Society
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b008p61t)
I Found my Horn
Episode 4
I Found My Horn: Nicholas Boulton reads from Jasper Rees's account of resuming his horn-playing after 22 years. Abridged by Penny Leicester (4/5).
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008nk9z)
Coping with the Murder of a Child; Director Phyllida Lloyd
April Garrett talks about how her life has changed since her daughter's murder in 1975. Plus, Phyllida Lloyd on opera and Mamma Mia, and sharing the care of an elderly relative.
THU 11:00 From Our Own Correspondent (b008p0nx)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.
THU 11:30 Y'Know, for Kids! (b008p0nz)
Janet Ellis explores the history of the hula hoop, one of the biggest selling toys of the 1950s, now being used by a new generation for promoting physical and spiritual wellbeing.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b008nw3v)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and John Waite.
THU 12:57 Weather (b008nw3w)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b008nw3x)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
THU 13:30 Open Country (b008nb68)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b008ny5p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b007715q)
The Word Man
The Word Man: Chris Harrald's witty and erudite comic romance about Henry Fowler, the creator of the Concise Oxford Dictionary and Fowler's Modern English Usage.
THU 15:00 Traveller's Tree (b008p50k)
Series 3
Episode 1
Fi Glover presents the holiday magazine with insider tips from listeners and travel experts. 1/6: Charlie Connelly and the team offer a guide to getting the best out of Barcelona.
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b008nbqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008nwjx)
Portraits of East Anglia
Time and Tide
Specially commissioned stories by local authors, inspired by paintings of the East Anglian landscape. Recorded in front of an audience in Halesworth, Suffolk, the readings are introduced by Neil Innes.
On a Sunday afternoon in late September, two men make their way home across the quay at Orford. The dreaded weekenders have left and the village is once again quiet. But is everything quite as it seems?
By Anthony Horowitz, read by Gerard McDermott.
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:45 Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom (b008p7vd)
Anywhere and Everywhere
Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet. 4/5: Anywhere and Everywhere.
THU 16:00 Open Book (b008ncs4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b008p50l)
XEUS: A New Space X-Ray Telescope - Plant Disease Immunisation
XEUS – A New Space X-Ray Telescope
Quentin Cooper finds out about one of the European Space Agency’s cosmic visions – XEUS – a new x-ray telescope that will explore the super-hot million degree universe. Will it be the first instrument to sheds light on the dark ages of the universe when the first galaxies and stars were formed? Quentin is joined by Martin Turner from the University of Leicester and Paul Nandra from Imperial College, University of London.
Plant Disease Immunisation
We discover how plants defend themselves from attack by predators and disease – like having furry leaves to put off hungry grazers. Researchers are taking the idea of immunisation technology in humans and using it to pre-arm these formidable arsenal of defences. Could it lead to the protection of our crops in the future? Quentin is joined by Gary Lyon from the Scottish Crop Research Institute and John Lucas of Rothamsted Research.
THU 17:00 PM (b008ny15)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ny16)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
THU 18:30 Down the Line (b0129bj8)
Series 3
String Theory and Popular Science Fiction
Gary Bellamy tries to raise the bar on his phone-in show with a chat about string theory. Stars Rhys Thomas. From January 2008.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b008ny5s)
Matt likes Adam's suggestion of putting skylark plots in Forty Acre. It should get the skylarks' fan club off his back.
Tony wants Pat to reconsider the anaerobic digester project but Pat's still dead against it. Even though she's not against anaerobic digestion in principle, she believes they must stand up for sustainable farming. Tony realises he's not going to win Pat over.
Pat phoned Kathy last night after Tony told her how startled Kathy had been. Pat assumes that Taylor's been re-arrested but Kathy explains that he had an alibi - according to his mother Taylor was at home. Kathy's mind is spinning with the thought that maybe she did imagine it.
Adam tells Lilian that, according to Ian, Matt was at Grey Gables on Tuesday with Annabelle. She catches Matt on the phone, but it's Brenda. She's arranging an interview with the Echo so he can tell everyone how much he cares about skylarks. Lilian can't hold back and tells him she knows about Tuesday. Matt accuses her of paranoia. He insists Annabelle is invaluable to his business and nothing else and wants Lilian to relax so they can try and have a nice civilised evening for once.
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b008ny5t)
Kirsty Lang with arts news, interviews and reviews.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008ny5v)
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Thursday
Anita Sullivan's adaptation of Lionel Shriver's award-winning novel about family tragedy and its aftermath. 9/10: Thursday.
THU 20:00 Spy School (b008pfln)
Nick Haslam tells the intriguing story of a small language school in the mountains of Lebanon whose graduates became major players in both government and international espionage.
THU 20:30 In Business (b008p50n)
All Join In
All Join In: Social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Bebo and YouTube are revolutionising the way people use the internet. Peter Day asks how businesses need to respond.
THU 21:00 Costing the Earth (b008p50p)
Seeds of Discontent
Seeds of Discontent: Tom Heap asks whether genetically modified crops are the answer to feeding the world's ever expanding population.
THU 21:30 In Our Time (b008p0nv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b008nydd)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b008nydf)
Reeta Chakrabarti analyses the day's news including a look at the Heathrow plane crash and the latest from Kenya as the protests against the election results continue.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008nydg)
The Egg and I
Episode 9
The Egg and I: Debora Weston reads from Betty MacDonald's memoir of married life on a chicken ranch during the 1920s. 9/10: Mrs Kettle dismisses Betty's childcare pamphlets.
THU 23:00 Pick Ups (b008p50r)
Series 1
Episode 2
A crucial darts match in the Manchester cab office, while Rebel offers marital advice. Stars Sally Lindsay. From January 2008.
THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008nydh)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Robert Orchard.
FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008
FRI 00:00 News and Weather (b008njxc)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b008p61t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008njxd)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008njxf)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at
5.20am.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008njxg)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b008njxh)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008njxj)
Daily prayer and reflection with Mark Coffey.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b008njxk)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.
FRI 06:00 Today (b008njxl)
With Carolyn Quinn and Sarah Montague. Sports Desk at
6.25am,
7.25am,
8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at
6.45am; Weather at
6.05am,
6.57am,
7.57am; Thought for the Day at
7.48am.
FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b008nbyy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b008p61v)
I Found my Horn
Episode 5
I Found My Horn: Nicholas Boulton reads from Jasper Rees's account of resuming his horn-playing after 22 years. Abridged by Penny Leicester (5/5).
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008nkb2)
Sudden Disability; The Green Consumer; Scousology
What's it like to suddenly become disabled? Plus, what makes a Liverpool girl? And what can we do to be more environmentally friendly around the home?
FRI 11:00 Burdon's Journey (b008phzj)
Former Animals frontman Eric Burdon explores the history of the band's 1964 chart-topper The House of the Rising Sun.
FRI 11:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b018jbpr)
Series 3
Arthur Goes Camping
The bumbling veteran prepares to face the elements, but can he survive the wilderness? Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2008.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b008nw3y)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and John Waite.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b008nw3z)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b008nw40)
National and international news.
FRI 13:30 Feedback (b008p6b5)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b008ny5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b008p6b6)
The Minute When Your Life Stops
The Minute When Your Life Stops, by Jude Hughes. A woman and her three teenage children attempt to find a new normality after her husband takes his own life.
FRI 15:00 Costing the Earth (b008p50p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Thursday]
FRI 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008nwjy)
Portraits of East Anglia
The Red Digger
Specially commissioned stories by local authors, inspired by paintings of the East Anglian landscape. Recorded in front of an audience in Halesworth, Suffolk, the readings are introduced by Neil Innes.
Jules and Dino have arranged to meet their Dad on the beach after his fishing trip to walk the dog. But when the dog appears and Dad doesn't, the teenagers fear the worst.
By Raffaella Barker, read by Alex Tregear.
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:45 Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom (b008p7vf)
A Fungus Amongst Us
Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet.
For all their fascinating lifestyles, fungi can be friend or foe. Mycologists reveal the impact that fungi have had on the planet and how our survival is dependent on their own.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b008p6b7)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b008p6b8)
Francine Stock presents a special on the Coen Brothers and their award-winning film No Country For Old Men, which has been hotly tipped for Oscar glory.
FRI 17:00 PM (b008ny17)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at
5.57pm.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008ny18)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b008p6b9)
Series 64
Episode 2
Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists are Fred Macaulay, Jeremy Hardy, Francis Wheen and Phill Jupitus.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b008ny5w)
Nic's looking for a mother and toddler group. Ruth knows there used to be one at the village hall and suggests Nic goes to tomorrow's grand re-opening.
Jim's going home. He says goodbye to David and Ruth, telling them he intends to take Heather out to tea just as soon as he's able. He asks how Pip's speech went last night. Ruth's proud that Pip's been asked to join the team representing the Borsetshire area in a national Young Farmers contest.
To Pip's surprise Matt tells her his plans to create new nesting sites for the skylarks. Pip appreciates Matt taking her protest seriously and is happy to do a survey on the new sites for him. Pip's amazed that Matt's completely changed his tune but David and Ruth are convinced there's an ulterior motive.
Nic drops her bag as she walks in the dark. She's startled at the sight of a stranger with a torch. It's Taylor. Insisting he only wants to help, he tells Nic he used to live in Ambridge. In fact, he's just on his way to visit a friend - Kathy! Nic's unnerved by Taylor and moves off quickly. As she distances herself, Taylor calls goodnight.
Episode written by Caroline Harrington.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b008ny5x)
With John Wilson, including an interview with Ringo Starr, who has written the official song for Liverpool in its year as European Capital of Culture.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008ny5y)
We Need to Talk about Kevin
The Baby
Anita Sullivan's adaptation of Lionel Shriver's award-winning novel about family tragedy and its aftermath. 10/10: Franklin.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b008p6bb)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a topical discussion from Ashtead, Surrey. Panellists include David Steel, Frank Field, Francis Maude and Mary Beard.
FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b008p6bc)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Prof David Cannadine.
FRI 21:00 Friday Drama (b008vbc0)
Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry
Episode 1
Bloody Sunday remains one of the most controversial issues in Northern Ireland; it has been over 12 years since Tony Blair announced an inquiry into the events of that day. Lord Saville's Report will be published on Tuesday the 15th June. Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry is a compelling and moving dramatisation based on the testimony of civilians and soldiers who were there.
Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry
Part one of a two part dramatisation of the Saville Inquiry into the events of Sunday the 30th January, 1972 - Bloody Sunday. Part one focuses on the testimony of civilians who witnessed the events. The transcripts are edited but not re-written and the sequence of the evidence has not been altered.
Adapted from The Tricycle Theatre production.
Introduction Mark Penfold
Lord Saville Alan Parnaby
Christopher Clarke QC Thomas Wheatley
Bishop Edward Daly Michael O'Hagan
Michael Mansfield QC Terrence Hardiman
Edwin Glasgow QC James Woolley
Michael Bridge Charles Lawson
Bernadette McAliskey Julia Dearden
Cathryn McGahey Hilary Maclean
William Patrick McDonagh David Beames
Geraldine McBride Heather Tobias
General Sir Robert Ford Michael Cochrane
Introduction and Radio Adaptation by Richard Norton Taylor
Directed by Nicolas Kent
Produced by Stephen Wright
Promo Note.
On the 29th of January, 1998 the then Prime Minister Tony Blair tabled the following resolution in the House of Commons.
"That it is expedient that a Tribunal be established for inquiring into a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely the events on Sunday, 30 January 1972 which led to loss of life in connection with the procession in Londonderry on that day, taking account of any new information relevant to events on that day."
It has been over 12 years since Tony Blair announced the inquiry under Lord Saville into the events of the 30th January, 1972 - Bloody Sunday. Evidence was heard between 1998 and 2005; Lord Saville's report will be published on the 15th June, 2010.
On Bloody Sunday, 13 civilians were killed by soldiers of the British Parachute Regiment who opened fire during a civil rights march. A 14th person died later as a result of their injuries.
The day after the incident, Edward Heath set up a public inquiry under the then Lord Chief Justice, Lord Widgery. Lord Widgery produced a report within 11 weeks of Bloody Sunday. The families of the victims considered it to be flawed and that it failed to establish the truth. In 1992, John Major stated that those shot should be regarded as innocent of any allegation that they were shot while handling firearms or explosives.
Pressure for a new inquiry reached a peak in 1997, after a sustained campaign by relatives of the 14 people who died. The families provided the Conservative Government with a new dossier and the Irish Government also sent that government a detailed assessment of new material including new eyewitness accounts, new interpretation of ballistic evidence and new medical evidence.
Bloody Sunday is considered to be a watershed that contributed to the resurgence of the IRA in 1972, the suspension of the Northern Ireland government in March 1972, and direct rule from London. Devolved government was eventually restored in May 2007.
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is a 2-part radio adaptation of The Tricycle Theatre's production based on the transcripts of the Lord Saville's tribunal. The transcripts are edited to 2 hours of compelling drama as civilians and soldiers give their evidence about what happened on that day. The testimony is edited but not re-written and the sequence of the evidence has not been altered.
Nicolas Kent, Richard Norton Taylor and the Tricycle Theatre have led the way with this style of verbatim theatre. Previous productions for the BBC include: Half the Picture - the Scott Arms to Iraq Inquiry, Nuremberg - the 1946 War Crimes Trial, Srebrenica - the 1996 U.N. rule 61 hearings at the Hague, The Colour of Justice - The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, Justifying War - The Hutton Inquiry, & Called to Account: the indictment of Charles Anthony Lynton Blair for the crime of aggression in Iraq - a hearing.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b008nydj)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b008nydk)
With Reeta Chakrabarti. Including reports on the economic stimulus package announced by George Bush, yesterday's crash landing at Heathrow and Kevin Keegan's return to Newcastle.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008nydl)
The Egg and I
Episode 10
The Egg and I: Debora Weston reads from Betty MacDonald's memoir of married life on a chicken ranch. 10/10: Paw Kettle fills the hay mow with wet hay, with calamitous consequences.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b008nz63)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008nydm)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.