The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
In the wake of the murder of Ronan Kerr, a Catholic police officer in Omagh, Laurie talks to Dr Mary Gethins about her research into the Catholic police officers who have joined the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). She conducted a survey of 300 serving officers followed by in depth interviews with 70 current, trainee and officers and explored the rewards for doing a job which can isolate people from their communities, expose them to prejudice from colleagues and always carries the risk of violence from dissident republicans. Community policing is an enduring problem for the force with some Catholic communities utterly rejecting the legitimacy of the police. Will the PSNI eventually becoming an integrated force, respected by Catholics and Protestants alike? Perhaps the strong reaction against the murder of Ronan Kerr will help establish the authority of the police force across Northern Irish society.
Also on Thinking Allowed, Facebook in Trinidad. Laurie talks to Danny Miller about his ethnographic study of Facebook users in the Caribbean island. He finds it can wreck your marriage, put your job in jeopardy but actually bolsters community and augments many of the positive aspects of modern life.
Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection presented by the Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Farmers warn that this year's harvest of fruit and veg will be more expensive unless there is some much needed rain soon. Anna Hill also hears how fertilisers are not being absorbed by crops because of the lack of water.
Of the 90,000 historical objects discovered last year in England and Wales, 95% of them where found on farmland. Will Cumber who found an entire Roman Arena on his arable farm in Oxfordshire. There has been an archaeological dig on his land for the past 11 years.
And the future of food production could be in a windowless building under LED lights with temperature, humidity and air quality all controlled to the finest detail. Anna Hill hears about plans for an underground farm in Holland.
Morning news and current affairs with James Naughtie and Evan Davis, including:
Britain calls for aid agencies to have unfettered access to civilians trapped by the fighting in Libya.
Andrew Marr's guests include the neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris, who argues that science ought to influence human morality rather than religion; the writer Masha Gessen who describes the extraordinary story of the Russian maths genius Grigori Perelman who solved a mathematical problem that had remained inscrutable for a century but refused to take the credit - or the million dollar prize; Adam Rutherford, geneticist and journalist on decoding the genome and being human and the Revd Lucy Winkett of St James's Piccadilly, London on how the religious sensibility can contribute to the 'good society'.
By Edmund de Waal. Read by Nicholas Murchie.
264 delicate wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox - that stand as a symbol of the extraordinary events that overtake one family.
Potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered this collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined.
His family the Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; emerging French painters and - when Japanese art and artists became all the rage in the salons - he bought an entire collection of netsuke and sent them as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna.
Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied.
Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.
With Jane Garvey. The secret letters that shed new light on the life of singer Edith Piaf who's the subject of a newly published biography. Official figures in India support the view that the number of girls born there is continuing to decline, despite a legal ban on sex selective abortions. Two guests discuss how to bring about a change in inherent cultural attitudes towards girls. With a referendum on the Alternative Vote weeks away, we look at whether changing the voting system could benefit women. There's music from Europop singer Tatiana, whose musical style has been compared to that of Amy Winehouse.
The Ratcliffe family are on a journey, the preparation, organisation, the chaos that is 12 year old Olivia competing in a children's beauty pageant, the Bella Bambino Beauty Pageant finals held in Birmingham.
Stacey ...... Naomi Radcliffe
Tony ...... John Thomson
Olivia ...... Shannon Flynn
Jin Lin ..... Shamae Griffin
Lift announcer ..... Melissa Jane Sinden
Judy ...... Kathryn Hunt
John ..... Seamus O'Neill
Director ..... Pauline Harris
Further Info.
class small lancashire town they've all grown up in. In her view, fame holds the key to a sparkling future for the whole family. Tony, the husband and father would rather not take part at all and hopes the plastic tiara and sash are worth all the trouble. In contrast to their world Olivia is trying to finish her school project which involves e-mailing her Chinese pen pal Jin Lee; the Puyang Number 1 Middle School in China has been
twinned with Olivia's school in Lancashire, and they're exchanging e-mails over the weekend. Two children from different cultures both taking part in very different competitions.
Out there at the end of a long peninsula of land extending from the northern tip of Morecambe Bay into the Irish Sea, and on the western edge of the Lake District, the town of Barrow-in-Furness seems to exist in total contrast to its beautiful, windswept surroundings. Barrow's industrial identity seems unalterable, to the extent that it has been described "the most working class town in England", based on the number of working mens' clubs, bookies, and chip shops per head of the town's population. But the town's industry was always specialised. The iron and steelworks are long gone, shipbuilding a fading memory, and the submarines built at BAE Systems' Shipyards now keep busy only a third of the 14,000 workforce employed in the 1980s. Despite the fact that a series of Astute-class hunter-killer submarines is in production, the long-term future of the Trident-based nuclear defence system is uncertain and the recession may have put Barrow's ambitious dockland regeneration plans on hold. The special industrial heritage of this isolated Cumbrian coastal town provides a unique focal point for presenter/ producer Bob Dickinson (whose father came from Barrow) to monitor a year of economic austerity.
The hit Radio 4 series 'Fags, Mags & Bags' returns with more shop based shenanigans and over the counter philosophy, courtesy of Ramesh Mahju and his trusty sidekick Dave.
Written by and starring Donald McLeary and Sanjeev Kohli 'Fags, Mags & Bags' has proved a hit with the Radio 4 audience with this series picking up a Writers' Guild nomination for best comedy in 2011.
In this episode Sanjay goes on work experience at the local paper, The Lenzie Trumpet, and ends up writing the problem page which spells disaster for Ramesh and his loyal customers.
So join the staff of 'Fags, Mags and Bags' in their tireless quest to bring nice-price custard creams and cans of coke with Arabic writing on them to an ungrateful nation. Ramesh Mahju has built it up over the course of 30 years, and is a firmly entrenched feature of the local area. Ramesh loves the art of the 'shop'.
However; he does apply the 'low return' rules of the shop to all other aspects of his life. Ramesh is ably assisted by his shop sidekick Dave, a forty-something underachiever who shares Ramesh's love of the art of shopkeeping, even if he is treated like a slave.
Then of course there are Ramesh's sons Sanjay and Alok, both surly and not particularly keen on the old school approach to shopkeeping, but natural successors to the business, and Ramesh is keen to pass all his worldly wisdom onto them whether they like it or not!
Ramesh ..... Sanjeev Kohli
Dave ..... Donald Mcleary
Sanjay ..... Omar Raza
Alok ...... Susheel Kumar
Keith Futures ...... Greg McHugh
Hilly ..... Kate Brailsford
Lovely Sue ..... Julie Wilson Nimmo
Mutton Jeff ..... Sean Scanlan
What is it like to be branded a terrorist when you're nothing of the kind? On Monday's programme we'll find out from a man who has had that very experience. Arrested for being part of a non-existent Islamic plot against the Pope on his visit to London last year, Sami was one of six men released without charge less than two days later. But not before one newspaper had accused him and the others of plotting "to assassinate the head of the Roman Catholic church and slaughtering hundreds of pilgrims.".
National and international news from BBC Radio 4. Thirty minutes of intelligent analysis, comment and interviews. To share your views email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.
If La Scala is the main opera house in Milan, and La Fenice (fe-NEET-chay) its equivalent in Venice, which Italian city is home to the Teatro San Carlo?
The third heat of the 25th anniversary series comes from the BBC Radio Theatre in London, with Paul Gambaccini asking the questions on a wide range of musical styles and eras.
The winner today will take a place in the semi-finals in June. As usual the questions cover classical music, jazz, film and stage music, vintage chart hits and recent releases. There are plenty of musical extracts, some surprising, others familiar.
When an illegal minicab driver knocks a man off his mobility scooter they begin an unusual and touching relationship that will change both their lives.
Charity ..... Nikki-Amuka Bird
Jason ..... Lloyd Hutchinson
Kizza ..... Kuan Frye
Finn ..... Daniel Rabin
Nikolay ..... Brian Bowles
Doctor ..... Sally Orrock
Cashier ..... Jane Whittenshaw
Passengers ..... Stuart McLoughlin, Alex Tregear, Daniel Rabin, Jane Whittenshaw
A major new history series begins this week which traces the development of Russia over a period of 1,000 years. The first five weeks take the listener from the beginning of the Russian state in 862 A.D. up to the cataclysmic revolution of 1917. Martin Sixsmith, who writes and presents the series, was the BBC's Moscow Correspondent in 1991. The series begins with a vivid recording of his report on the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
As he says: 'I remember with absolute clarity my conviction that the dissolution of the Communist Party after seventy years in power, meant the monster of autocracy was dead in Russia, that centuries of repression would be thrown off and replaced with freedom and democracy. But I was wrong.
The country is stable and relatively prosperous now, but democracy and freedom again take second place to the demands of the state: the spectre of autocracy is again haunting Russia. Back in 1991, in the grip of Moscow's euphoria, I'd forgotten the lesson of history - that in Russia things change ... only to remain the same. Attempts at reform, followed by a return to autocracy, had happened so often in Russia's past that it was very unlikely things would be different this time. '
In this first programme, Martin travels to the northern city of Novgorod. It was there that, ancient history has it, the warring Slav tribes invited Rurik to come and bring order. He was the first iron fist, and he gave Rus-sia its name. But, as Martin Sixsmith points out, already by the late ninth century, two key leitmotifs of Russian history are beginning to emerge - the tendency towards autocracy, and the urge for aggression and expansion. Today Russia spans eleven time zones and is home to a hundred nationalities and a hundred and fifty languages.
Simon Cox delves into what the real impact will be for the new regulation of cookies.
Rupert tries out an eye-tracking laptop and we ask whether the mouse could be on its last legs.
Some of the last diary entries of the explorer David Livingstone are being revealed through imaging technology, Simon hears what other famous historical characters could have previously illegible writings brought to light.
And the ash cloud and snow caused chaos last winter, but it lead to the evolution of Twitter being used for customer service. Are companies learning how to use this medium properly to keep people on the go, on the go?
Eddie Mair presents the day's top stories. Including Weather.
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Arthur Smith, Tony Hawks, Rhod Gilbert and Charlie Brooker are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as: Mice, Soup, Television and Sir Walter Raleigh.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Last minute preparations are under way for the recording of Gardeners' Question Time. Vicky reminds Lynda that they only pick the more interesting questions.
As the recording gets under way, Joe appears disappointed that his question hasn't been chosen but the real reason he's upset is that he's learned Vicky's question is about mistletoe propagation. When Vicky goes to the loo, Joe seizes the chance to stop her. He doesn't let her back in, saying that people aren't allowed in during this part of the recording. Refusing to be beaten by Joe, Vicky manages to makes an undignified entrance through a small bathroom window, with a little help from Lilian. She's back in time for her question.
The recording of Gardeners' Question Time is over and a success. Jim's convinced Joe knows more than he's letting on about Vicky's dramatic late entrance, and suggests it must be a bitter blow to learn that he'd propagated far too early. Lynda flirtatiously thanks expert Matthew Wilson for his gardening tips earlier in the day.
With all the excitement, Vicky's not had time to tell people about Roy's new job. Lynda's surprised by the news but asks Vicky to pass on her congratulations.
Comedian Russell Brand steps into Dudley Moore's shoes with his latest film, Arthur, a remake of the 80s classic which co-starred Liza Minelli. The new version retains the main plot of a wealthy playboy who has to marry to keep his inheritance, but casts Helen Mirren in Sir John Gielgud's former role as the sobering influence of the butler.
In the first part of a series looking at how digital innovations will affect arts and culture in the future, the BBC's Director of Archive Content Roly Keating, Director of Sky Arts John Cassy and futurist Ian Pearson discuss what changes might be brought into living rooms as television, the internet and on-demand viewing increasingly merge into one.
Kate Summerscale's best-selling book, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, was based on the real life murder of three year-old Saville Kent, in the grounds of his family's stately home in 1860. The case, as investigated by Scotland Yard inspector Jack Whicher, became a national scandal. Now the story has been made into a two hour TV drama starring Paddy Considine. Kathryn Hughes reviews.
Before I Go To Sleep is the title of a thriller about a woman who wakes up every morning not knowing who she is, where she is or who she's married to. Author S.J. Watson talks about the journey through memory loss in this, his debut novel.
In this two-part documentary Miranda Sawyer takes an intriguing peep behind the scenes at London's oldest Fine Art auction house. Christie's operates as an influential barometer of the Art market. In these recessionary times we follow the preparations for their most important sale season of the year.
In this first programme we are introduced to specialists renowned for their discretion and expertise and the dealers, collectors and investors who populate this glittering world. We investigate how artworks come to be sold and values established in the most public marketplace in the Art world.
Three years ago Bill Law travelled to Egypt for Crossing Continents to meet five extraordinary women who were fighting for human rights and equal pay for women in Egypt. For this programme, Bill returns to Egypt to tell the story of the unfolding revolution through the eyes of those very same five women. Their stories are a unique insight into how the revolution came about and raise questions about its future.
On this week's programme, Quentin Cooper speaks to Leila Battison, part of the team who have discovered fossils of some of the first life forms on Earth in Loch Torridon in northwest Scotland. The research could change the way we think early life evolved. Also, Dr Drew Endy the director of BIOFAB, the world's first open source synthetic biology factory, explains how he hopes to provide generic genetic parts to bioengineers to speed up developing new organisms. Quentin goes to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to see one of the oldest chronometers in pieces - it's being studied as part of preparations for the 300th anniversary of the Longitude Act in 2014. Finally Doug Millard, the Space Curator from the Science Museum talks about Yuri Gagarin and the technology used to blast him into space.
The UN gets Libyan agreement for humanitarian access to Misrata, but if the fighting goes on, could this lead to a Bosnia-style imbroglio?
Nigeria hit by unrest in the north following the election of southerner, Goodluck Jonathan, to the presidency.
Written by Peter Ransley. Abridged by Eileen Horne.
Tom Neave confronts Lord Stonehouse, making a deal which could secure his future with Anne and her family. He joins forces with Eaton, the man with the scar who once hunted him, to find the pendant which will lead him to his real father...
Michael Rosen takes a well-mannered look at politeness. Is it true that "thank you", "goodbye" and other traditional expressions of courtesy are dying out?
Cora Malinak is a trainer who helps people from other cultures to learn the unwritten rules of communicating politely in English. Geraldine D'Amico discusses French ideas on politeness, and the rules about using "tu" and "vous".
Blogger Sarah Ditum talks us through the "online disinhibition effect". Why is it that emails can seem ruder than other forms of communication?
And Michael talks to the eminent linguist and author Professor Deborah Tannen, who has spent many years studying the language of politeness, and believes that what seems like rudeness can in fact just be a different conversational style.
In the early 1970s Britain's universities were swept by a wave of student protest and sit-ins. They wanted cheaper meals in their refectories, the right to have visitors of the opposite sex in their rooms after
, and world revolution. Jolyon Jenkins looks at three of the protests that occurred in 1970. At Keele, students tried to levitate the vice-chancellor's residence. At Warwick, they occupied the registry and discovered what appeared to be files monitoring their political activities. And at Liverpool they took over the Senate House, calling for the sacking of the Chancellor, Lord Salisbury, because of his alleged pro-apartheid sympathies. Forty years on, Jolyon Jenkins talks to the veterans of the protests, on both sides, and finds that the resentments still run deep. Among those involved in the Liverpool protest was broadcaster Jon Snow, who says "we were united in our determination to grind the nose of the university into the dust".
TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2011
TUE 00:00 Midnight News (b010dnzt)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b010dhcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b010dnzw)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b010dnzy)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b010dp00)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b010dp02)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b010dp04)
Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection presented by the Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b010dp06)
Caz Graham hears that more than a dozen people have fallen ill after visiting a farm park in Wales. Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidium in Wrexham.
And plans have been submitted for a large-scale pig farm in Derbyshire that will, if given the go-ahead, be one of the biggest pig farms in the UK. But Caz Graham hears claims from the organic group the Soil Association that these large-scale farms could mean bad news for family farming in the UK. But the National Pig Association disagree; insist that large farms can result in good animals welfare, and are good news for the British pig industry.
Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Martin Poyntz-Roberts.
TUE 06:00 Today (b010dp08)
Morning news and current affairs with James Naughtie and Evan Davis, including:
07:30 Tesco's new boss Philip Clarke.
07:50 The immigration dispute breaking out on France's border with Italy.
08:10 Prime Minister David Cameron.
TUE 09:00 Between Ourselves (b010dp0b)
Series 6
Multiple Births
Multiple births -
Dawn Richards is the mother of naturally conceived triplets, Emily Carlisle had twins following IVF. They join Olivia O'Leary in the Between Ourselves studio to discuss the joy and the sheer hard work of raising multiples.
Emily's delight at discovering she was having twins was followed by a series of unforeseen events which entirely changed her experience of motherhood.
Dawn describes the confusing moment she and her husband discovered they were having triplets. Following a difficult pregnancy and an emergency birth, three tiny babies were brought home. Through a haze of sleepless exhaustion Dawn changed 15 nappies, and prepared 15 bottles of milk a day.
When the first few months are over, the toddler years bring fresh challenges for parents of multiples:
If you're brave enough to risk a trip to the park, who do you decide to chase when one child runs to the duck-pond and the other towards the road?
And the most basic of needs - how does a mother of multiples go to the loo? According to Emily, with at least one small child sitting on your lap. Or have a shower? With three small faces pressed up against the glass.
And would Emily or Dawn have more children? Join them on this week's edition of Between Ourselves to find out.
producer: Karen Gregor.
TUE 09:30 The Prime Ministers (b010dp0d)
Series 2
Earl Grey
Nick Robinson, the BBC Political Editor, continues his new series exploring how different prime minister have used their power, responded to the great challenges of their time and made the job what it is today. The second of Nick's portraits in power is Earl Grey, whose name is now more usually associated with a blend of tea than with his political achievements. Grey was 66 years old when he became prime minister in 1830 and served for less than four years, but he passed the Great Reform Act and abolished slavery in the British Empire.
Grey's Great Reform Act is widely hailed as the first, crucial step in Britain's gradual evolution towards democracy. But Grey is an unlikely champion of reform since he believed that modest reform was the best way to preserve Britain's constitution and guard against what he saw as the horrors of mass democracy in which everyone can vote.
Nick hears from the historians Jeremy Black, Jane Ridley and Amanda Foreman, who talks about Grey's affair with Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and Georgiana's political influence on the young Grey.
In the first programme in this series, Nick looked at Pitt the Younger, and in later programmes considers William Gladstone, Herbert Asquith, Ramsay MacDonald, Harold Macmillan, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath.
Producer: Rob Shepherd.
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b010hd99)
Edmund De Waal - The Hare with Amber Eyes
Episode 2
By Edmund de Waal. Read by Nicholas Murchie.
264 delicate wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox - that stand as a symbol of the extraordinary events that overtake one family.
Potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered this collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined.
His family the Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; emerging French painters and - when Japanese art and artists became all the rage in the salons - he bought an entire collection of netsuke and sent them as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna.
Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied.
Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.
Abridged by Polly Coles
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b010dp0g)
Presented by Jane Garvey. Continuing in our series Cook the Perfect... Brownies. Why are teenage girls so unhappy? Women's football super league and the life and work of children's writer Ursula Moray Williams.
TUE 10:45 15 Minute Drama (b010dhcw)
Sherbet Dolls
Episode 2
Sherbet Dolls 2/5
by Karen Brown
An entertaining drama serial exploring the magnetism and expanding phenomena of children's beauty pageants.
When Stacey discovers other childrens clothes are custom made or designer labels she secretly
takes her daughter out on a shopping spree in preparation for the first category of formal wear.
Cast
Stacey ...... Naomi Radcliffe
Tony ...... John Thomson
Olivia ...... Shannon Flynn
Jin Lin ..... Shamae Griffin
Lift announcer ..... Melissa Jane Sinden
Pageant Compere ..... Ruth Piggott
Judy ...... Kathryn Hunt
John ..... Seamus O'Neill
Alicia ..... Emma Garrett
Director ..... Pauline Harris
Further Info.
The mother Stacey is desperate to break away from the working
class small lancashire town they've all grown up in. In her view, fame holds the key to a sparkling future for the whole family. Tony, the husband and father would rather not take part at all and hopes the plastic tiara and sash are worth all the trouble. In contrast to their world Olivia is trying to finish her school project which involves e-mailing her Chinese pen pal Jin Lee; the Puyang Number 1 Middle School in China has been
twinned with Olivia's school in Lancashire, and they're exchanging e-mails over the weekend. Two children from different cultures both taking part in very different competitions.
TUE 11:00 The Light Switch Project (b010dp0j)
What happens when you switch on a light? The actor Toby Jones discovers it is a question without end.
A simple question has been troubling Toby Jones for some time. Challenged to develop a piece of theatre about climate change, Toby was struggling for ideas. Then it hit him. If we understand what happens when we turn a light switch on we might be better at turning lights off. And so Toby started to learn as much as he could about what happens when you turn on a light switch. And he's still going.
The Light Switch Project follows Toby on a journey into an act we all take for granted every day. Meeting various experts to explain (amongst other things) the evolution of the eye, the workings of the national grid, and the fact that that we don't know what electricity really is. Going all the way to the carboniferous tree that made the lump of coal that burnt to make the light bulb glow. All from the Pandora's Box of a simple question - what happens when you turn on a light switch?
TUE 11:30 The RSC at 50 (b010dp0l)
The New Theatre
James Naughtie explores the history of the Royal Shakespeare Company as it marks its 50th birthday and reopens its main Stratford theatre. Part 3. The new theatre.
The struggle to create a new theatre in Stratford, fit for the diverse work of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 21st Century, goes right back to its founding in 1961. In the final episode of his three-part series, James Naughtie speaks with the key players about the problems with the Elisabeth Scott Shakespeare Memorial Theatre built in 1932, the triumphant experiments at The Other Place and The Swan, and - built within the original walls - the brand new theatre with its thrust stage which will open with Michael Boyd's production of Macbeth in April 2011.
Former Artistic Directors Trevor Nunn, Terry Hands and Adrian Noble tell Jim about their times with the company while Judi Dench recalls the terror and hilarity of performing with Ian McKellen in Nunn's famously intense production of Macbeth at The Other Place in 1976. Architect Rab Bennetts and current Artistic Director Michael Boyd explain the challenge of creating the new space while the series culminates in an examination of why performing Shakespeare matters to the artistic well-being of the nation.
As Peter Brook says to Jim in a rare interview: "This is Shakespeare. Not "Shakespeare Memorial" but this is Shakespeare as the real, living example that there is something more".
The series as a whole features an exclusive breadth of interviews with the key players of the past half century. With all five artistic directors Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Terry Hands, Adrian Noble and Michael Boyd; luminaries such as Peter Brook, Cicely Berry, Greg Doran, Judi Dench, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant; and backstage artists, technicians and craftspeople, James Naughtie explores both the history of the company and the reasons why its work matters to the wider British cultural scene.
Producer: Beaty Rubens.
TUE 12:00 You and Yours (b010gb8z)
How can we make our roads safer for cyclists? A long-term trend had shown improving safety for cyclists but alarm is growing that the boom in cycling is leading to that to be reversed. Provisional Department for Transport figures show 2,700 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads in the year ending June 2010, compared with 2,673 in the previous 12 months.
There is also concern about the disproportionate number of incidents involving HGVs and bikes, whilst the Government is currently considering introducing legislation to deal with riders whose reckless behaviour leads to fatalities.
Cyclist or not we want to hear from you. To share your views, email youandyours@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 (lines open at
10am Tuesday).
TUE 12:57 Weather (b010dp0q)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b010fk1t)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4. Thirty minutes of intelligent analysis, comment and interviews. To share your views email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.
TUE 13:30 Ghost Music (b010dp0s)
In 1939 the BBC recorded the sound of two trumpets discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb.
It was a nail-biting session; one of them had previously shattered, but the British soldier, James Tappern, who played them allowed the haunting music that had been silent for 3000 years to be heard once more.
For three months this year the recording had added poignancy, as one of the trumpets was among the many artefacts stolen from the Cairo Museum during the recent revolution, though it's now been recovered. Archaeologist Christine Finn, who travelled to Egypt upon news of the uprising and chronicled the looting of archaeological sites, tells the story of the trumpet with the help of Egyptologist, Margaret Maitland.
Christine hears an account of the 1939 recording from Peter Tappern, son of the original bandsman, himself a professional trumpeter. And from archive of Rex Keating, who recorded the event for the BBC in Cairo.
Christine also considers how archaeology has revealed other 'ghost music'. Richard Dumbrill talks about his reconstruction of the Silver Lyre of Ur, discovered by Leonard Woolley in modern-day Iraq around the same time that Howard Carter was excavating Tutenkhamun's tomb. She hears from Domenico Vicinanza of the Lost Sounds Orchestra, an international group which re-creates the sound of ancient instruments using technology and synthesis. One of its first projects was the ancient Greek harp often seen on classical vases, the epigonion; this time the instrument is not a faithful re-creation, but a new model reflecting its 21st century incarnation.
And Christine reflects on the role of these musical, archaeological discoveries in modern composition.
Producer: Marya Burgess
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b010dk25)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b010dp0v)
The Sensitive
A Casualty of War
A woman missing since 1945 is seen in a deserted guest house. Glasgow's psychic detective investigates.
Atmospheric thriller by Alastair Jessiman.
A Casualty Of War is the latest in an occasional series of psychic investigations by the "Sensitive" - Thomas Soutar.
Thomas's mother has been forced to close her guest house due to emergency building work. An old friend, retired hotelier Jack Cameron, offers her the use of his guest house, now lying empty. Reluctant to allow his mother to stay in the house alone Thomas persuades his girlfriend Kat to stay with them.
Soon tensions become evident between Kat, Thomas and his mother. The house sits on a hill, isolated, cold and gloomy. Thomas senses a malignant presence - and he hears an old woman calling out for help. Even Kat detects a strange atmosphere, and one night Thomas's mother is sure she sees a face in her bedroom mirror.
Thomas confesses to Kat that he's been fascinated by the "house on the hill" and its owner - ever since he discovered that Jack's mother had disappeared from here without a trace in 1945.
Producer/director: Bruce Young.
TUE 15:00 Making History (b010dp0x)
Helen Castor and the team explore recent historical research and follow up listener's questions and comments.
Professor Roey Sweet from the University of Leicester and Associate Professor Nicola McLelland join Helen to take a closer look at the Grand Tour of Italy. In particular, did women take part in this eighteenth-century equivalent of our gap year and did the Italians return the favour and come to Britain?
Closer to home, in Brighton, the West Pier Trust which has fought for years to restore this iconic seaside structure, is auctioning off tonnes of architectural salvage. Martin Ellis from Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery travels to the South Coast to find out more about a scheme which would appear to fly in the face of everything conservation stands for but is actually having considerable success in preserving what is left of the West Pier.
Lizz Pearson in Bristol reports on the burial of John Harwood who was hanged for murder in 1821, his body dissected and the skin used to bind books. The family of Harwood have fought for this since first hearing of his case on Making History in 2009.
Finally, Professor Mark Stoyle from the University of Southampton talks to Helen about the role of Prince Rupert's dog 'Boy' in the English Civil War. Mark has researched the Royalist propaganda surrounding the dog which many suspected of having super-natural powers - not least in protecting leading supporters of King Charles 1st from musket shot. Mark thinks that these stories were circulated by Royalists to ridicule Parliamentarian belief in the super-natural. However, such tales were also believed by the wider populace and therefore this became something of a propaganda own goal.
Producer: Nick Patrick
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b010dp0z)
Tales from the Casino
Ten Miles High
'They say the floor at the Casino is amazing - a sprung wood floor! And they can fit 1200 people in the ballroom there. Twelve hundred people dancing!'
David's mate Batty converted him to Northern Soul: lending him obscure records, teaching him dance moves and describing the legendary club. The plan is to hitch-hike to Wigan to experience the Casino for themselves.
Between 1973 and 1981 Wigan Casino was arguably the ultimate venue for Northern Soul music. Young people from all over the UK regularly made the trek to Wigan to dance to the latest Northern Soul artists. Queues to get in were sometimes five or six people deep, and stretched quite a way up the road.
The highlight was the weekly all-nighter, with Russ Winstanley as DJ, which traditionally ended with three songs that became known as the Three Before Eight: "Time Will Pass You By" by Tobi Legend, "Long After Tonight Is Over" by Jimmy Radcliffe and "I'm On My Way" by Dean Parrish.
These three specially-commissioned stories by Laura Barton (herself from Wigan) hark back to a time when the town threw off the image created by George Orwell and the Casino was voted 'Best Disco In the World' by American Billboard Magazine.
Laura Barton was born in Lancashire in 1977. She is a freelance writer of features and music columns, notably 'Hail, Hail, Rock 'n' Roll' for the Guardian. Her first story for radio, The Carpenter, was broadcast in 2009 as part of Sweet Talk's We Are Stardust, We Are Golden series for BBC Radio 4. Twenty-One Locks, her debut novel, was published in 2010. Laura lives in London.
Written by Laura Barton. Read by Bryan Dick.
Producer: Jeremy Osborne
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:45 Russia: The Wild East (b010dp11)
Series 1
A Church for the State
The first of these selected episodes from Martin Sixsmith's history of Russia reflects on the earliest times, in the 10th century, when Kiev was the capital of all the Russian states. It was a period called Kievan Rus and, among the legacies it left through the centuries and up to the present day, were the choice of religion and the Cyrillic language.
Producers: Adam Fowler and Anna Scott-Brown
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 16:00 Word of Mouth (b010dp13)
Academic English
Is English too dominant in academic work around the world? Chris Ledgard visits universities in Sweden to ask staff and students how much they are able to debate, write and publish in their native language.
Producer: Chris Ledgard.
TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b010dp15)
Series 24
Simone de Beauvoir
Actress Diana Quick tells Matthew Parris why she believes that existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir lived a great life, despite living in the shadow of Jean Paul Sartre.
Simone de Beauvoir was a brilliant writer and philosopher in her own right. Her study, The Second Sex, made her an iconic figure for the feminist movement, and she remained true to her intellectual honesty until her death in 1986, aged 78. Yet despite all of her achievements, she is chiefly remembered as the student of her lover and teacher, Jean Paul Sartre.
Joining Matthew Parris and Diana Quick in the studio is de Beauvoir biographer Lisa Appignanesi. The producer is John Byrne.
TUE 17:00 PM (b010dp17)
Eddie Mair presents the day's top stories. Including Weather.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b010dp19)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 18:30 Down the Line (b010dp1c)
Series 4
Episode 6
The return of the ground-breaking, Radio 4 show, hosted by the legendary Gary Bellamy; brought to you by the creators of The Fast Show.
Down The Line stars Rhys Thomas as Gary Bellamy, with Amelia Bullmore, Simon Day, Felix Dexter, Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse.
Special guests are Adil Ray and Arabella Weir.
Producers: Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse
A Down The Line production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b010dp1f)
After a heavy night, Jamie oversleeps and almost misses his shift at The Bull. Fallon and Jolene are concerned about Jamie's late nights and where he spends his time. Lilian secretly offers Jolene a cigarette, suggesting she wean herself off rather than give up entirely. Jolene can't resist.
At The Laurels, Lilian and Peggy discuss the recording of Gardeners' Question Time. Lilian reckons Joe will be keeping a low profile. People will be asking for their money back after his mistletoe con.
It's a fine day and Ted invites Peggy for a cup of tea. Peggy accepts gracefully. Over tea at Grey Gables, he invites her to come along to his University of the Third Age meeting. She tells him she might.
Lynda is interested in the vacancy Roy has created. Caroline asks her to keep Roy's news quiet until she makes an announcement about what's happening.
Lynda gives Peggy a leaflet for her campaign for the parish council elections. Peggy's overwhelmed by the amount of text. Lynda confides in Peggy that she's updating her CV but she's not at liberty to say any more on the subject, as it's all very hush-hush.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b010dp1h)
John Wilson in Iran
With John Wilson
The Cyrus Cylinder is a 2,500 year old clay artifact which contains an inscription regarded as the world's first recorded bill of human rights. It's been on display in Iran's National Museum for seven months, on loan from the British Museum. As the object returns to the UK, John reports from Iran on what the Persian object means to the people in Tehran who have been flocking to see it.
Legendary Canadian guitarist Robbie Robertson discusses how his past with The Band inspired songs on his latest album. He also remembers playing with Bob Dylan on the famous tour of 1966 when Dylan was accused, by a heckler, of being Judas for going electric.
In the second part of Front Row's investigation into the impact of digital technology on the arts, the composer Shirley Thompson moves away from her composing comfort zone to create music on a mobile phone app, as she travels across London.
Beryl Bainbridge, who died last year, was nominated for the Booker prize five times, without ever winning. She has now been granted a posthumous honour, the Man Booker Best of Beryl award, selected from her novels by public vote. Writer Ronald Harwood announces the winning title on Front Row.
Producer: Claire Bartleet.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b010dhcw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
TUE 20:00 American Jihad (b010dp1k)
The 11 September attackers came from the Middle East, but now, nearly a decade later, America is confronting a new, homegrown threat from Islamic extremism. This programme traces the story of one all-American boy. Omar Hammami grew up in Alabama, son of a Baptist mother and a Syrian father. He was popular, well-liked, and church-going. He converted to Islam as a teenager and eventually turned to an ever-more-radical version of his new faith.
Across the US the debate over homegrown extremism is raising questions about how America relates with minorities. In Washington, Congress has held hearings on radicalisation and Muslim co-operation with law enforcement. Some Muslims chose to testify, while others have denounced the hearings as an exercise in scapegoating.
American radicalisation hasn't fit a neat pattern, and experts worry most about 'lone wolves'. But some homegrown extremists have already shown the ability to carry out deadly attacks - the worst was a mass shooting which killed 13 at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.
Omar Hammami's path eventually led him to jihad in Somalia, where he quickly rose the ranks of the violent group Al Shabaab. In this programme we find out how many others might follow him - and why.
Presented by BBC Washington Correspondent Jonny Dymond.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b010dp1m)
Recent changes to welfare rules mean that blind people can now apply for higher rate Disability Living Allowance but only if you are under 65. We speak to campaigner Jill Allen-King about why blind people over the age of 65 will miss out on extra benefit payments.
We hear your views on our recent programmes including accessible Olympic tickets.
And despite describing himself as being blind, six foot seven, 21 stone and having little natural sense of coordination, Philip Sime tells us about the joys of ballroom dancing and why it's an ideal hobby for blind people.
TUE 21:00 All in the Mind (b010dp1p)
London's East End Baby Language Lab
Presenter Claudia Hammond starts a new series of All in the Mind by joining mothers and babies at a travelling, high-tech language lab in a Children's Centre in London's East End.
The testing session is just one of many to be carried out over the next two years in the communities of two of London's most deprived boroughs, Tower Hamlets and Newham.
Parents and babies are being invited to participate in a novel psychological study to investigate whether researchers can pick up very early indicators of later language or attention problems in infants as young as 6 months. The babies will be retested and assessed again when they are two years old.
The travelling 'babylab' is a high tech computer screen, set up in local children's centres. The baby sits in front of it and is played various videos and sounds aimed at testing how sensitive he or she is to speech and other aspects of their environments. The computer screen also contains a camera and eye movement tracker, so as well as testing the infants it also records all their responses to what they are seeing and hearing.
For example, at 6 months old, babies should be very interested in looking at faces and mouths when people are speaking, learning which mouth shapes match particular speech sounds. At this age they are likely to know the difference between the look of a mouth saying 'ba' as opposed to 'ga'. This is part of their earliest language development. If they are not able to make these and other discriminations, it could be a sign of language and other developmental problems to come.
This seems to be the case from studies of babies in formal university laboratories. But this new project aims to find out whether reliable predictors of language and learning difficulties can be picked up with testing equipment out in the real world. And in particular in communities at the lower end of the socio-economic scale. Children from this section of society are at greater risk of language and other developmental problems than children in better-off areas.
The community testing sessions are also aimed at increasing parents' understanding and appreciation of how their babies learn about language and the world around them, and demonstrating just how clever their infants are - even at 6 months.
The research project is run by the University of East London and Birkbeck College London. The psychologists hope their findings will in the future allow the identification of individual children with potential problems at the youngest age possible. The idea is that the earliest that weaknesses are identified, the greater the chance the children can be helped to catch up in the development of their communication and social skills.
TUE 21:30 Between Ourselves (b010dp0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b010dp1r)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b010fk3h)
The Syrian government is to lift a national emergency law that has been in place for nearly fifty years. We'll hear the latest from there and discuss the country's significance.
A majority of English universities will charge the highest level of fees permitted. We talk to the universities minister.
And an American couple explain their cryptic marriage proposal.
The World Tonight with Ritula Shah.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b010dp1t)
Plague Child
Episode 7
Written by Peter Ransley. Abridged by Eileen Horne.
Tom and Eaton make their way through wartorn Oxfordshire towards Highpoint, where they will both confront ghosts from their past....and Tom will begin to piece together the truth about the day he was born.
Read by Jamie Glover
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:00 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00p912l)
Series 3
Episode 5
Naive office worker Adrian is offered a job as the new Robson and Jerome, the United Planetary Super Council is invaded by a space-fiend and a strange German woman takes over the Shipping Forecast.
Perrier Award-winning comedian Laura Solon with more sketches, monologues and one-liners.
With:
Ben Moor
Rosie Cavaliero
Ben Willbond
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
TUE 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00r66c1)
Series 3
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Marcus Brigstocke invites his guest Sanjeev Baskar to try five things he really ought to have done by now, including reading PG Wodehouse.
Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is about embracing the new and getting out of our comfort zones.
The title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen the film Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL 2011
WED 00:00 Midnight News (b010dq65)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b010hd99)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b010dq67)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b010dq69)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b010dq6c)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b010dq6f)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b010dq6h)
Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection presented by the Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b010dq6k)
The National Trust is spending 320,000 pounds vaccinating badgers against bovine TB on a Devon estate. Caz Graham asks if they're hoping to prevent possible future culls on their land.
One of the largest dairy herd sales of recent times takes place today when 800 cows will be auctioned. Government figures show the price of dairy animals has doubled in the last 4 years. Caz asks the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers what this sale says about the industry and how it views British dairy farmers' future.
And Francis Pryor, archaeologist and farmer, claims that modern farming methods have destroyed vast amounts of archaeological sites in the UK. He tells Farming Today better protection is needed to preserve the UK's historical treasures.
Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Anne-Marie Bullock.
WED 06:00 Today (b010dq6m)
Morning news and current affairs with John Humphrys and Evan Davis, including:
07:30 Could UK troops be sucked into another Vietnam-type war in Libya?
08:10 Hospital waiting times in England have jumped to their highest rate since April 2008 according to the King's Fund.
08:20 How a quarter of today's children are likely to reach the age of 100.
WED 09:00 Midweek (b010dq6p)
This week Libby Purves is joined by Dion Dublin, Robert Irwin, Gary Wiltshire and Molly Naylor.
Dion Dublin is a retired English footballer turned amateur percussionist and musician. He has invented a percussion instrument called "The Dube". During his football career he played for teams including Norwich City, Manchester Utd, Aston Villa and Celtic and was capped four times for England. Since retiring he has become a football pundit for Sky and has co-presented 5 Live's 606 and currently the BBC's Late Kick Off East programme.
Robert Irwin is a writer on the history and culture of the Islamic world and is Middle East editor of the TLS. In his book, 'Memoirs of a Dervish' he tells of how he left Oxford in the summer of 1964 and went to Algiers, while a military coup was taking place there, in search of enlightenment. 'Memoirs of a Dervish - Sufis Mystics and the 60s' is published by Profile Books.
Gary Wiltshire worked as a market trader, van boy for R. White's Lemonade, porter at Smithfield and betting shop board man before becoming a licenced bookmaker. He became famous for losing £1.4 million when jockey Frankie Dettori rode seven winners at one meeting at Ascot in September 1996. Now a racing pundit for the BBC and Sky Sports, he is also known as 'The Belly from the Telly'. His book 'Winning it Back - the autobiography of Britain's biggest gambler' is published by Racing Post Books.
Molly Naylor is a poet, scriptwriter and puppeteer. Her latest work is inspired by events that took place in London on 7th July 2005. 'Whenever I get blown up I think of you' tells of how Molly moved to London full of naive dreams and high hopes, until that day in July 2005, when she found herself on an underground train blown up by terrorists and her life takes a different direction. During the tour, Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think Of You will be broadcast as a BBC Radio 4 play to mark the anniversary of London's 7/7 terrorist bombings.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b010hd91)
Edmund De Waal - The Hare with Amber Eyes
Episode 3
By Edmund de Waal. Read by Nicholas Murchie.
264 delicate wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox - that stand as a symbol of the extraordinary events that overtake one family.
Potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered this collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined.
His family the Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; emerging French painters and - when Japanese art and artists became all the rage in the salons - he bought an entire collection of netsuke and sent them as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna.
Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied.
Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.
Abridged by Polly Coles
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b010dq6r)
Presented by Jenni Murray. 'Hints to Lady Travellers: at Home and Abroad', first published in 1889, has just been reprinted and offers a glimpse into the world of the travelling Victorian lady. Alasdair Macleod of the Royal Geographical Society and the writer Jane Robinson discuss anecdotes from pioneering female travellers, from Isabella Bird to Mary Kingsley. There's music from folk singer and fiddle player Bella Hardy and we hear about plans to reform legal aid, which critics suggest could put women at increased risk. And coppicing: one woman's life caring for trees.
WED 10:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fn83)
Sherbet Dolls
Episode 3
Sherbet Dolls 3/5
by Karen Brown
An entertaining drama serial exploring the magnetism and expanding phenomona of children's beauty pageants.
When Tony accidentally breaks his daughters backing track cd for the talent category
he rushes out to buy another but then has second thoughts. The pageant seems to be showing the strains in
Tony and Stacey's marriage too.
Cast
Stacey ...... Naomi Radcliffe
Tony ...... John Thomson
Olivia ...... Shannon Flynn
Jin Lin ..... Shamae Griffin
Lift announcer ..... Melissa Jane Sinden
Pageant Compere ..... Ruth Piggott
Judy ...... Kathryn Hunt
John ..... Seamus O'Neill
Alicia ..... Emma Garrett
Director ..... Pauline Harris
Further Info.
The mother Stacey is desperate to break away from the working
class small lancashire town they've all grown up in. In her view, fame holds the key to a sparkling future for the whole family. Tony, the husband and father would rather not take part at all and hopes the plastic tiara and sash are worth all the trouble. In contrast to their world Olivia is trying to finish her school project which involves e-mailing her Chinese pen pal Jin Lee; the Puyang Number 1 Middle School in China has been
twinned with Olivia's school in Lancashire, and they're exchanging e-mails over the weekend. Two children from different cultures both taking part in very different competitions.
WED 11:00 Bronzeville Lives: Chicago's Black Metropolis (b010dq6t)
Episode 2
Bronzeville is a city within a city. Once the teeming heart of Chicago's Black Metropolis on the city's Southside, epicentre of the Great Migration that brought hundred's of thousands from the South, it has shaped the career of President Obama, launched the city's first black Mayor, birthed brilliant writers and poets and made music to entrance the world.
Once it was a proud and self contained black universe remembered by Timuel Black & Sam Greenlee. Banks, department stores and clubs where the world's greatest performers played. But it was also a slum where two thirds of its housing was condemned. A world of de facto segregation made possible by housing covenants and hostile white communities.
Bronzeville began to crumble and change in the late 1950's as the world's largest housing developments, the Projects, rose to create a city within a city within a city. They would become a trap for the poorest of the poor and a base for the rising gangs to deal drugs and death. Now those projects are either empty lots or desirable low rise homes & Bronzeville faces an uncertain future with the prospect of gentrification and a scramble to preserve its fast disappearing landmarks.
A long walk along State St, once a 4 mile concrete corridor and home to 40,000 people brings you finally to the Bishop Roberts Temple. In 1955 Mamie Till brought her son Emmet's corpse here for a funeral that would spark the civil rights movement. Just a few blocks away on 44th St was the world of Coach John Hill which grew increasingly murderous by the late 1960's. Young entrepreneur Tanya Durr still smiles about a childhood in the notorious Ida B.Wells projects. some 40 years separate them. Neither can remember how many friends and students they have buried
Presented & Produced by Mark Burman.
WED 11:30 Beauty of Britain (b010dq6w)
Series 2
The Little Black Shorts
Beauty starts a romance with the handsome but somewhat immature Leon. She also deals with a relationship at the other end of life's journey when she is sent by her agency to look after a warring elderly couple.
Starring Jocelyn Jee Esien.
Beauty's adventures continue as the Featherdown Agency sends her to provide care for the elderly.
Beauty’s Zimbabwean Shona background has taught her to respect age. She sees Britain at its best and its worst
Written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson
Beauty ... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Frank ... Geoffrey Palmer
Joan ... Phyllida Law
Leon ... Lloyd Thomas
Mrs Gupte ... Indira Joshi
Anil ... Paul Sharma
Music by The West End Gospel Choir.
Producer : Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b010dq6y)
Consumer news with Winifred Robinson.
Fraudsters are targeting deaf people [and the Facebook friends of deaf people] via Facebook. Victims receive e-mails which appear to be from their Facebook friends [written in the way that deaf people speak] inviting them to invest money in companies claiming that they can guarantee impressive returns. The fraudulent e-mails say that the RNID and the World Federation for the Deaf endorse these companies. In US, 14,000 people have already been defrauded of $7million in this way. Shari Vahl reports.
Silver prices are going through the roof because gold has become so expensive, oil prices are uncertain and banks are giving poor returns.
Last month, South West Trains admitted that 59% of people do not fit into their train seats when elbows are taken into account. And this month, it has been revealed that our children are bigger than their parents were at the same age. Mark Stevenson muses on why spaces getting smaller even though we are getting larger.
Coastal areas in eastern Australia are suffering from a spectacular population growth fuelled by migrants and exasperated residents forced out of some of the world's most expensive cities. The prediction is that more than 6 million people will move to seaside communities over the next 40 years - an increase of almost 95% on present figures. A rapidly ageing population is also driving the rush to the coast. Seaside councils are already feeling besieged and under equipped to cope with demands on health, housing and social services. Phil Mercer reports.
From September 2011, Tewkesbury School will close an hour early every Friday to save money. Headteacher John Reilly joins Brian Lightman from the Association of School College leaders to discuss school budget cuts.
Men suffering from eating disorders who need hospital treatment are being placed on psychiatric and other medical wards rather than in one of the NHS's 85 specialist in-patient units. This is a consequence of the ruling last year which banned mixed gender wards in hospitals. Generally, there aren't enough men to justify separate wards and some Trusts are refusing to offer them any in-patient treatment at all. The charity, Beat, which campaigns on behalf of people with eating disorders wants the NHS to make an exception in their case and allow mixed wards for people with eating disorders.
WED 12:57 Weather (b010dq70)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b010fk1w)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4. Thirty minutes of intelligent analysis, comment and interviews. To share your views email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.
WED 13:30 The Media Show (b010dq72)
The BBC Trust begins a service licence review into BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live extra today. It comes as the Trust rejects a complaint by the commercial radio station talkSPORT that 5 Live, its main competitor, broadcasts too little news and sport. Whilst it's not been upheld, the BBC Trust says the claim raises "significant and valid questions about what constitutes news on 5 Live", which will now be looked at as part of the review. Anne McElvoy asks Moz Dee, talkSPORT's Programme Director, about the commercial impact the BBC station is having on the network, and Jonathan Wall Deputy Controller of Radio 5 Live 5 explains how it makes sure it meets its public service news remit.
This year's Royal Wedding has hardly been out of the headlines as the media gears up to cover one of the biggest events in television history. But how do the logistics of filming the wedding work and how will broadcasters ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day? Anne McElvoy joins APTV's head of operations, Tim Santhouse, in London's Green Park where APTV staff are preparing reporting platforms for the world's media, whilst CNN correspondent Richard Quest joins Anne in the studio to discuss how he's preparing to bring a unique angle to his coverage of the big day.
The Independent's sister paper i has announced a new Saturday edition from May. Costing 30p, it'll be 10p more than its week day edition, with sections on leisure and TV. It comes as i reports a drop in circulation of 2.5 per cent. Editor in Chief Simon Kelner tells us why he's remaining buoyant, despite the fall in numbers, and explains how the new Saturday edition of will go some way to boosting sales.
Presenter: Anne McElvoy. Producer: Kathryn Takatsuki.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b010dp1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b010dq74)
Amelia Bullmore - The Bat Man
by Amelia Bullmore.
When his wife died three years ago, Christopher fled London for a simpler existence in Cornwall, where he has settled on bat protection as his mission. Colette and her noisy daughters rent the holiday cottage next door and disturb the peace - both his and that of his beloved bats.
Stars Bill Nighy as Christopher, Katherine Parkinson as Colette, Jenny Agutter as Biddy and Sean Baker as Rory.
directed by Mary Peate.
WED 15:00 Money Box Live (b010dq76)
If you have a question about running a furnished holiday or buy-to-let property you can talk to Vincent Duggleby and a team of experts on Wednesday's Money Box Live.
Whether you need advice about taxation, mortgage costs, regulation or general advice about your holiday or buy-to-let business, the team will be ready to help.
Phone lines open at
1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon and the number to call is 03700 100 444. Standard geographic charges apply. Calls from mobiles may be higher. The programme starts after the three o'clock news.
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b010dq78)
Tales from the Casino
What Shall I Do?
Rita works in the cloakroom of the Casino, and hasn't been on the ballroom floor since the days when it was called the Wigan Empress. But then Frank starts calling.
Between 1973 and 1981 Wigan Casino was arguably the ultimate venue for Northern Soul music. Young people from all over the UK regularly made the trek to Wigan to dance to the latest Northern Soul artists. Queues to get in were sometimes five or six people deep, and stretched quite a way up the road. The highlight was the weekly all-nighter, with Russ Winstanley as DJ, which traditionally ended with three songs that became known as the Three Before Eight: "Time Will Pass You By" by Tobi Legend, "Long After Tonight Is Over" by Jimmy Radcliffe and "I'm On My Way" by Dean Parrish.
These three specially-commissioned stories by Laura Barton (herself from Wigan) hark back to a time when the town threw off the image created by George Orwell and the Casino was voted 'Best Disco In the World' by American Billboard Magazine.
Laura Barton was born in Lancashire in 1977. She is a freelance writer of features and music columns, notably 'Hail, Hail, Rock 'n' Roll' for the Guardian. Her first story for radio, The Carpenter, was broadcast in 2009 as part of Sweet Talk's We Are Stardust, We Are Golden series for BBC Radio 4. Twenty-One Locks, her debut novel, was published in 2010. Laura lives in London.
Written by Laura Barton. Read by Melanie Kilburn.
Producer: Jeremy Osborne
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:45 Russia: The Wild East (b010dq7b)
Series 1
Prince Igor and the Polovtsians
The second of these selected episodes from Martin Sixsmith's history of Russia continues the earliest story of Russia's relationship with Ukraine.
From the 10th to the mid-13th centuries, Kiev is the centre of power and the culture and politics of Kievan Rus has brought stability to the emerging nation. But internal squabbles among the princes of different states, and warring tribes on the borders, threaten to destroy what has been achieved.
Even so, these smaller battles were about to be dwarfed by a far bigger threat, which would eventuall bring down Kiev and move the capital to Moscow.
Producers: Adam Fowler and Anna Scott-Brown
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b010dq7d)
Demise of a Welsh steel town - Sexual politics of ballroom dancing (BSA 60th Anniversary)
A special edition marking the British Sociological Association's 60th anniversary. Laurie Taylor considers some of the seminal figures who've changed the face of sociology in the UK over more than half a century. He also highlights some of the most interesting research to emerge from this year's BSA conference, including Professor Valerie Walkerdine's study of the demise of breadwinning masculinity in a former South Wales steel town. How do men cope when few options are available other than 'women's work' in supermarkets and industrial cleaning? In addition, he hears about Dr Vicki Harman's exploration of ballroom dancing and traditional gender roles. Is it possible to be a feminist as well as being twirled around in a cloud of chiffon and sequins?
Producer: Jayne Egerton.
WED 16:30 All in the Mind (b010dp1p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 17:00 PM (b010dqg8)
Eddie Mair presents the day's top stories. Including Weather.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b010dq7g)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 18:30 Act Your Age (b010dqgb)
Series 3
Episode 5
Simon Mayo hosts the three-way battle between the comedy generations to find out which is the funniest.
Will it be the Up-and-Comers, the Current Crop or the Old Guard who will be crowned, for one week at least, as the Golden Age of Comedy?
Jon Richardson is joined by Carl Donnelly, Lucy Porter is paired with Justin Edwards and Tom O'Connor teams up with Norman Lovett.
Devised and produced by Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b010dstz)
Jolene's excited about her trip to Monte Carlo, but guilty about smoking. She encourages Kenton to visit Elizabeth who's working hard getting the fair ready. It's an opportunity for a crafty smoke, but Jolene finds herself snapping with Clarrie. She's relieved when Clarrie leaves, but realises her cigarettes aren't in her bag.
Kenton and Elizabeth discuss childhood memories. Elizabeth is very happy for him and Jolene. Ruth's not very keen on reading The Ghost, so Kenton offers to help her by trying to get some information on it from Jim. Elizabeth also tells Kenton how helpful Roy has been.
Later, their evening is interrupted by Jolene ringing to tell Kenton that Jamie hadn't slept in his bed, and she hasn't heard from him. She thinks his behaviour is thoughtless.
Kathy comes home to find her kitchen in a mess. Jamie has been home. Kathy's upset she didn't see him, but Clarrie reassures her that at least Jamie came back to rest and get some food. Jolene phones Kathy to tell her Jamie stayed out all night. Kathy explains that he's been home but she now needs to get her head round all this and decide what's the best thing to do.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b010dqgd)
Morrissey talks to John Wilson
In a rare interview, Morrissey talks about David Cameron, the Royal Family and the autobiography he has written.
Actor Jim Broadbent discusses his latest screen role. He won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his part in Iris, where he played John Bayley, who supported his wife, the novelist Iris Murdoch, through her decline into Alzheimer's. Now, in Paul Abbott's new television drama, Exile, Broadbent himself plays a man in the first throes of Alzheimer's, with John Simm as his journalist son on the trail of a dark family secret.
In the third part of Front Row's investigation into the impact of digital technology on the arts, Steve Manthorp and Dr Ross Parry discuss the digital future for museums and art galleries. How important will actual exhibits remain and could the future of art be seen through spectacles worn in the street?
Producer Andrea Kidd.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fn83)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
WED 20:00 Moral Maze (b010drkx)
Celebrity Activism
The days of the tame celebrity being wheeled out by political parties or charities to show their face at the launch of their latest campaign - and keep their mouth firmly shut - have long gone. The rise of social networking and the way celebrity culture has spread to all parts of our society mean that some celebrities, if they chose to wield it, have genuine power. This is the age of the Celebrity Activist. Hugh Grant turning the tables on journalists and arming himself with a hidden microphone to investigate phone hacking for the New Statesman may be one of the unlikelier and entertaining stories in the field, but there's a lot to chose from. Labour politicians won't forget Joanna Lumley's lobbying for the Ghurkhas; Patrick Stewart regularly speaks in favour of assisted dying and celebs are all over the alternative vote referendum. If you think this all seems to be overstating things consider this: Stephen Fry's tweets are followed by
2.45 million people, that's more than the printed copies of the Times, the Telegraph, the Financial Times, the Guardian and the Independent combined. Do people like Stephen Fry have a moral duty to use the power of their status to comment and campaign on issues - to motivate and get people engaged in a way traditional politicians can't? Does such power foster and encourage a sense of social conscience in us all, or have we sacrificed content on the altar of celebrity and allowed a few to use it promote their particular personal interests, career and self worth? Is celebrity activism good for our democratic process?
Combative, provocative and engaging debate chaired by Michael Buerk with Claire Fox, Kenan Malik, Michael Portillo, Matthew Taylor.
Witnesses:
Andrew Darnton, Lead researcher on 'Finding Frames', a year long study looking at new ways to engage the public with global poverty in partnership with leading NGOs
Tim Montgomery, editor ConservativeHome
Kriss Akabusi, former UK Olympic 400m athlete now campaigner on various issues
Maggie Neilson, Partner at Global Philanthropy Group, a for-profit agency that helps celebrities and other wealthy influential people with their philanthropy.
WED 20:45 Lent Talks (b010drkz)
This year's Lent Talks sees six well known figures reflect on different elements of conflict found in the story of Jesus' ministry and Passion from the perspective of their own personal and professional experience.
In the final Lent Talk of the series, the Reverend Mark Oakley, Canon Treasurer at St Paul's Cathedral, talks about the conflict with God - when in the face of disaster and suffering God appears absent.
The Christian season of Lent is traditionally a time for self-examination and reflection on universal human conditions such as temptation, betrayal, abandonment, greed, forgiveness and love. The main theme for this year's talks will explore conflict in different forms and how it interacts with various aspects of society and culture.
WED 21:00 Costing the Earth (b010drl1)
Peak Leak
From the atolls of the Pacific to the Thames Estuary, shipwrecks of World War Two litter the oceans. After seventy years rust is starting to take its toll, breaching steel hulls and sending cargoes of munitions, chemicals and oil into the environment.
For decades governments have turned a blind eye to the risk, anxious to avoid responsibility for ships sunk in foreign waters. However, as the number of pollution incidents rises it's becoming vital for expertise in underwater salvage to be pooled in a worldwide effort to identify and remediate the most dangerous wrecks.
Tom Heap investigates the latest salvage techniques and asks if the cancellation of funding for coastguard rescue tugs could add to the risk of future wrecks in British waters.
WED 21:30 Midweek (b010dq6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b010dq7j)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b010fk3k)
France and Italy join Britain in sending military advisers to help the Libyan rebels, we ask if this is mission creep
Robin Lustig reports from the Gulf state of Oman on how the Sultan has kept the lid on unrest with gradual reform
A special report from Glasgow on a new side to sectarianism as parcel bombs are sent to Celtic's manager and prominent supporters of the club
With Ritula Shah.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b010drrj)
Plague Child
Episode 8
Written by Peter Ransley. Abridged by Eileen Horne.
Tom is reunited with Matthew, the man who brought him up in the docks. He begs him to reveal the whereabouts of the Stonehouse pendant. But he is not the only one eager to find it...
Read by Jamie Glover
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:00 Living with Mother (b010drrl)
Series 1
Wild Card
This mother and son are as posh as posh can be. An old established family and proud of it. Unfortunately Xander is a drunken idiot who is always getting into all sorts of scrapes.
His mother has run the family home with a rod of iron ever since her husband was imprisoned for dodgy dealings. Has her foolish son inherited his father's genes? When he loses the family jewels, will she be able to bail him out?
Cast:
Mother: Penelope Keith
Xander: Kevin Eldon
Producer: Anna Madley
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:15 Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard (b00qj274)
Series 1
Ogre Bin Laden
Written by David Kay and Gavin Smith, Mordrin McDonald is a 2000 year old Wizard living in the modern world where regular bin collections and watching Countdown are just as important as slaying the odd Jakonty Dragon.
In this episode Mordrin takes matters into his own hands to try and solve his erratic bin collections, and decides to magic up a rubbish eating Ogre with disastrous consequences.
Featuring and written by Scottish stand up David Kay and starring Gordon Kennedy and Jack Docherty, Mordrin McDonald mixes the magical with the mundane and offers a hilarious take on the life of a modern day Wizard.
Step into the magically mundane world that is the life of 21st century wizard Mordrin McDonald. An isolated 2000-year-old sorcerer with enough power in his small finger to destroy a town, yet not even enough clout to get his bins emptied on time by the local council. Even for such a skilful sorcerer modern life is rubbish!
Mordrin is deadpan, dry and makes delicious jams. He initially set up as a plc for income tax relief, but has found it a useful vehicle to help him bolster his Wizard skill set and his range of services. (Even a wizard has to diversify). He's been running Fruity Potions from his cave for the past few years, in between completing the odd quest as instructed by the Wizard Council. In the past his services were to help kings in battles of good and evil, or as he prefers to put it, assisting with neighbour disputes.
Cast:
Mordrin: David Kay
Geoff: Gordon Kennedy
Heather: Cora Bissett
Councillor Campbell: Callum Cuthbertson
Flora: Eleanor Thom
Jim The Joiner: Grant O'Rourke
Producer: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00rbkyc)
Series 3
Jon Culshaw
Marcus Brigstocke invites his guest Jon Culshaw to try five things he's never done before, including visiting a casino.
Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is about embracing the new and getting out of our comfort zones.
The title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
THURSDAY 21 APRIL 2011
THU 00:00 Midnight News (b010dst2)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b010hd91)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b010dst4)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b010dst6)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b010dst8)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b010dstb)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b010dstd)
Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection presented by the Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b010dstg)
Caz Graham hears claims that livestock thefts have risen five-fold over the last year. NFU Mutual insurance says rising meat prices will continue to drive sheep rustling.
And Farming Today hears that science is now able to tell whether a prime Scottish steak is the genuine article. Quality Meat Scotland are using methods derived from carbon dating to spot cheap imported meat being passed off as Scottish.
And a visit to one Cumbrian farmer reveals the challenges involved in managing a sheep flock within mediaeval field patterns which cannot be altered.
Presented by Caz Graham. Produced by Angela Frain.
THU 06:00 Today (b010dstj)
Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.
THU 09:00 In Our Time (b010dstl)
The Pelagian Controversy
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Pelagian Controversy.In the late 4th century a British monk, Pelagius, travelled to Rome, where he became a theologian and teacher, revered for his learning and ascetic lifestyle. But he soon aroused the ire of some of the Church's leading figures, preaching a Christian doctrine which many regarded as heretical. Pelagius believed that mankind was not inherently depraved, and disputed the necessity of original sin. His opinions were highly controversial and led to fierce division. Pelagius's most prominent opponent was the African bishop St Augustine of Hippo. Their dispute resulted in the persecution and eventual condemnation of Pelagius and his followers, and was to be of long-lasting significance to the future of the Church.With:Martin PalmerDirector of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education, and CultureCaroline HumfressReader in History at Birkbeck College, University of LondonJohn MilbankProfessor in Religion, Politics and Ethics and the Director of the Centre for Theology and Philosophy at Nottingham UniversityProducer: Thomas Morris.
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b010hd93)
Edmund De Waal - The Hare with Amber Eyes
Episode 4
By Edmund de Waal. Read by Nicholas Murchie.
264 delicate wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox - that stand as a symbol of the extraordinary events that overtake one family.
Potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered this collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined.
His family the Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; emerging French painters and - when Japanese art and artists became all the rage in the salons - he bought an entire collection of netsuke and sent them as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna.
Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied.
Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.
Abridged by Polly Coles
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b010dstn)
Presented by Jenni Murray. Leotards, leggings and ironing-free clothes - we look at the wonder fibre that is Lycra. The twelve-time grammy winner Emmylou Harris joins Jenni to talk about her career and her latest album 'Hard Bargain'. She performs 'Darlin Kate', a song dedicated to the late Kate McGarrigle. Also, Anita Newcourt talks about being named "Anita the Greeter" by Prince Phillip because of her work at the Royal Suites at Heathrow Airport. And often referred to as the 'Claudia Schiffer of North Africa' we hear about the significance of Aisha Gaddafi's recent more frequent public appearances in support of her father.
THU 10:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fngm)
Sherbet Dolls
Episode 4
Sherbet Dolls 4/5
by Karen Brown
An entertaining drama serial exploring the magnetism and expanding phenomena of children's beauty pageants.
Stacey stands up to protestors claiming child exploitation and daughter Olivia wants to go home after losing
in the Casual Category.
Cast
Stacey ...... Naomi Radcliffe
Tony ...... John Thomson
Olivia ...... Shannon Flynn
Jin Lin ..... Shamae Griffin
Lift announcer ..... Melissa Jane Sinden
Pageant Compere ..... Ruth Piggott
Judy ...... Kathryn Hunt
John ..... Seamus O'Neill
Alicia ..... Emma Garrett
Patrick ..... Jake Norton
Director ..... Pauline Harris
Further Info.
The mother Stacey is desperate to break away from the working
class small lancashire town they've all grown up in. In her view, fame holds the key to a sparkling future for the whole family. Tony, the husband and father would rather not take part at all and hopes the plastic tiara and sash are worth all the trouble. In contrast to their world Olivia is trying to finish her school project which involves e-mailing her Chinese pen pal Jin Lee; the Puyang Number 1 Middle School in China has been
twinned with Olivia's school in Lancashire, and they're exchanging e-mails over the weekend. Two children from different cultures both taking part in very different competitions.
THU 11:00 Crossing Continents (b010dstq)
Germany
David Goldblatt looks at whether Berlin's alternative culture is under threat from commercial pressures. Or do developers and artists need each other to exist?
Berlin has long been a magnet for artists from within Germany and abroad. After the wall fell in 1989 they flooded into the vast deserted buildings left in the Mitte area of the former East of the city. But over the last few years developers have been moving into this increasingly fashionable area, increasing rents and evicting squatted buildings.
Today the right and left banks of the Spree river, the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, has become home to underground clubs and artists studios. But developers are increasing their grip on this area too. A few years ago they joined together to create an consortium called "MediaSpree" with the aim of turning the East bank of the Spree into a media hub. Universal Studios and MTV were two of the first companies to locate themselves in the converted warehouses of a deserted port in 'no man's land' where the border wall once ran. They were attracted, in part, by the alternative vibe of the area.
But now increasing rents in this area are pushing artists and original residents out - and with them the clubs and galleries that attracted the media businesses in the first place. Will developers and the alternative culture find a way to co-exist?
Producer: Jane Beresford.
THU 11:30 The Ladies' Man of Opera (b010dsts)
Composer Richard Strauss lived a long life crowded with splendid women. But to the surprise of his friends he belonged to only one- his formidable wife, soprano Pauline de Ahna.
For Strauss's "other women" belonged to the illustrious gallery of heroines he would bring to the operatic stage, beginning with Freihild in Guntram. Many of his heroines were already immortal in name, Salome, Elektra, Ariadne, Daphne, Helen of Troy. Even his best male roles (Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier, the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos) were written for women. Indeed all of Strauss' operas would celebrate the soprano voice, because he composed with his wife's voice in his ear.
In 2009 the actor, Michael Pennington, played Richard Strauss in the West End play, Collaboration. Whilst acting out the Composer's life on the stage he became fascinated with Strauss' life and in particular his marriage.
In The Ladies' Man of Opera Michael Pennington goes on a journey through the music and letters of Strauss to discover the relationship that formed the bedrock of his musical achievements. Examining the works of the composer he reveals the central role that Pauline played in his music and in doing so explores their enduring and eventful marriage.
Producer: Jo Meek
An All Out Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b010gbbz)
Consumer news with Winifred Robinson. Haulage firms want to 'grow' their lorries by seven feet. As the 'birth place' of the NHS is set for closure we ask does emotion have a part to play in the health service? Parliament have fixed the date of Easter; so why does the date still vary so wildly. An exhibition featuring America's classic motorbike opens in Manchester and funeral directors complain about a lack of respect on the highways.
THU 12:57 Weather (b010dstx)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b010fk1y)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4. Thirty minutes of intelligent analysis, comment and interviews. To share your views email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.
THU 13:30 Costing the Earth (b010drl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b010dstz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b009tzcd)
Series 1
Dark Horse
On Mardle Fen: Series by Nick Warburton, set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. 3/4. Dark Horse: The dark tale of the twisted eel seems about to repeat itself.
THU 15:00 Open Country (b010dd3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b010dfgs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b010dsw8)
Tales from the Casino
Three Before Eight
It is all about ritual. Saturday comes and Rob, a seasoned DJ at the Casino, is sorting through and packing his records for the night.
Between 1973 and 1981 Wigan Casino was arguably the ultimate venue for Northern Soul music. Young people from all over the UK regularly made the trek to Wigan to dance to the latest Northern Soul artists. Queues to get in were sometimes five or six people deep, and stretched quite a way up the road. The highlight was the weekly all-nighter, with Russ Winstanley as DJ, which traditionally ended with three songs that became known as the Three Before Eight: "Time Will Pass You By" by Tobi Legend, "Long After Tonight Is Over" by Jimmy Radcliffe and "I'm On My Way" by Dean Parrish.
These three specially-commissioned stories by Laura Barton (herself from Wigan) hark back to a time when the town threw off the image created by George Orwell and the Casino was voted 'Best Disco In the World' by American Billboard Magazine.
Laura Barton was born in Lancashire in 1977. She is a freelance writer of features and music columns, notably 'Hail, Hail, Rock 'n' Roll' for the Guardian. Her first story for radio, The Carpenter, was broadcast in 2009 as part of Sweet Talk's We Are Stardust, We Are Golden series for BBC Radio 4. Twenty-One Locks, her debut novel, was published in 2010. Laura lives in London.
Written by Laura Barton. Read by Daniel Rigby.
Producer: Jeremy Osborne
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:45 Russia: The Wild East (b010dszs)
Series 1
The Mongol Yoke
In 1240, the Mongols arrived at the capital of the Russian lands, the great city of Kiev. After a week-long bombardment that breached the city walls, the Mongols poured in, wreaking death and destruction. It was to change the course of Russian History.
Isolated from Europe, Russia missed out on the Renaissance, and Martin Sixsmith argues, "She would never fully catch up with its intellectual, cultural and social values. Instead, a profound admiration for the Mongol model of an autocratic, militarised state began to enter the Russian psyche.This legacy was so deeply assimilated that its influence has marked the way the country is governed right down to the present day."
The widely accepted view is that the Mongol period was a national catastrophe and the absolutist state model it implanted in Russia was her great misfortune. But drawing on the writings of the great historian Nikolay Karamzin, Sixsmith suggests the political unity it created among the Russian lands outweighed all the negative effects.
He visits Kulikovo Pole, where the Russians marked their the first military victory against the Mongols. In national folk memory this is the place to which Russians came disunited and left as a nation. Alexander Blok, the great Symbolist poet writing 500 years later, sees it as the starting gun for a millennial clash of opposing religions and values that would define Russia's historical identity.
The country united around what soon become a national religious myth -the belief that Rus had been chosen by God for a historic mission - and a consciousness of being a unified nation in opposition to external enemies. And, as we'll see, the leader of that newborn Russia would no longer be Kiev, but Moscow.
Historical Consultant: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
Producers: Adam Fowler & Anna Scott-Brown
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 16:00 Open Book (b010dgrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b010dw05)
Quentin Cooper presents his weekly digest of science in and behind the headlines. He discovers the impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill on the Gulf of Mexico's wildlife one year on and the ongoing effect of Chernobyl on human health 25 years after the event. We also return to the islands of Tristan da Cunha for an update on the penguins, following the oil spill there and discover a strange exchange taking place between Saturn and one of its moons.
The producer is Ania Lichtarowicz.
THU 17:00 PM (b010dw07)
Eddie Mair presents the day's top stories. Including Weather.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b010dsv1)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 18:30 The Simon Day Show (b010dw09)
Series 1
Geoffrey Allerton
Simon Day and his characters welcome listeners to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK. Each week one of Simon's characters come to perform at The Mallard and we hear the highlights of that night's show along with the backstage and front-of-house goings on at the theatre itself.
In show one the theatre is visited by acclaimed Yorkshire poet, Geoffrey Allerton (Simon Day). Geoffrey reads poems and excerpts from his recent memoir "Marking Time" and struggles to get a hot meal from sound and lighting technician, Goose (Felix Dexter). Meanwhile in the bar two local mums are getting to know each other over several bottles of wine.
Cast list:
Geoffrey Allerton ..... Simon Day
Anna / Claire ..... Catherine Shepherd
Sarah ..... Arabella Weir
Goose ..... Felix Dexter
Ron Bone ..... Simon Greenall
Written by Simon Day
Produced by Colin Anderson.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b010dw0c)
Elizabeth's feeling spoiled on her birthday, with flowers from Jill and breakfast in bed from Lily and Freddie. She asks to join Jill on Saturday to place flowers on her dad's grave. Jill thinks that would be lovely. Nigel and Phil would be very proud of Elizabeth.
Jill tells David that the Gardener's Question Time from Ambridge will be broadcast on Sunday, but David's distracted. He just doesn't understand the recent disappointingly poor milk yields.
Jill and Shula discuss Caroline's challenging week. It would be good if Oliver, Christine and Shula each had a set of Village Hall keys. Jill wonders if Jolene's stress is Kenton-related. Shula counters that Kenton's hurt by Jill's attitude towards his relationship.
Candidates for the parish council elections are all busy campaigning. Shula has read Neil's statement. She and Clarrie discuss how Lynda has been covering the town with her posters. It's all getting very competitive.
Kathy has taken the day off work to see if Jamie returns. She spoke to Marty's mother who told her that Jamie has spent a few nights at their house. Kathy's losing her patience, despite Clarrie's reassurance that at least she knows he's safe. Kathy just wants him home.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b010dw0f)
David Tennant in United; Ray Winstone in Tracker
With John Wilson.
David Tennant and Dougray Scott star in the TV drama United, based on the true story of the Busby Babes, Manchester United's star team of young players, who lost eight of their members in the 1958 Munich air crash. Sports writer Jim White reviews.
Word of mouth is a powerful force in the arts - but how will it work in the digital future? Continuing Front Row's digital series, Pulitzer prize-winning author Jennifer Egan and Annette Mees of Coney, creator of immersive theatre and interactive adventures, discuss whether we will trust recommendations from virtual friends, and Alex Woodford, head of AKA's digital marketing department, explains how he nurtures positive word of mouth online.
In the film Tracker, Ray Winstone is a guerrilla fighter from the South African Boer war sent on a manhunt through the landscape of New Zealand, on the trail of a Maori seaman accused of murder. Antonia Quirke reviews.
The film Monsters is the directorial debut of Gareth Edwards, an Emmy-nominated visual effects editor. He reveals how he made his low budget "love story with monsters attached", just released on DVD. The film caught the eye of Hollywood and now he has the chance to make a new big budget Godzilla.
Following the news of the death of the photojournalist and documentary-maker Tim Hetherington whilst under fire in Libya, Front Row pays tribute to him.
Producer Philippa Ritchie.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fngm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
THU 20:00 The Report (b010dw0h)
Inspecting Britain's Nuclear Power Plants
The stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan missed scheduled safety inspections weeks before the disaster. The Japanese regulation system stands accused of failing to take the risk of an extreme natural disaster seriously enough, and of a lack of openness with the public.
Britain's own regulatory body which oversees nuclear power plants has just re-launched itself after years of concern that it has been secretive, understaffed and overstretched.
In recent years the government's Chief Nuclear Inspector says he has struggled to recruit new staff and that the Nuclear Safety Inspectorate faced major challenges to ensure old nuclear plants are run safely.
As the Office for Nuclear Regulation takes on the challenge of ensuring Britain's nuclear power plants are run safely, Andy Denwood investigates whether it's up to the job.
Producer Ian Muir-Cochrane.
THU 20:30 In Business (b010dw0k)
Watch This Space
America's space effort faces big upheavals as President Obama reigns in government spending and NASA is told to work in partnership with private enterprise. From the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida and the Mojave Desert, Peter Day asks what happens next on the USA's journey into space.
THU 21:00 The Light Switch Project (b010dp0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
THU 21:30 In Our Time (b010dstl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b010dsv3)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b010fk3m)
Radio 4's daily evening news and current affairs programme bringing you global news and analysis.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b010dw0m)
Plague Child
Episode 9
Written by Peter Ransley. Abridged by Eileen Horne.
Tom finds the pendant and confronts his real father at last, in the midst of the most brutal battle of the Civil War -but this is not a happy reunion...
Read by Jamie Glover
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 23:00 Alice's Wunderland (b010fbyb)
Pilot Show
A trip round Wunderland, the Poundland of magical realms. It's a kingdom much like our own, and also nothing like it in the slightest. Stay a while and meet the waifs, strays, ghosts, murderous pensioners and squirrels of this delightful land as they go about their bizarre business.
Written and performed by Alice Lowe.
Also starring Richard Glover, Simon Greenall, Rachel Stubbings, Clare Thompson and Marcia Warren.
Produced by Sam Bryant.
THU 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00rdzv8)
Series 3
Jenny Eclair
Marcus Brigstocke invites his comic guest Jenny Eclair to try five things she's never done before including having a bikini wax.
Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is about embracing the new and getting out of our comfort zones.
The title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
FRIDAY 22 APRIL 2011
FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b010fbz3)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b010hd93)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b010fbz5)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b010fbz7)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b010fbz9)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b010fbzc)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b010fbzf)
Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection presented by the Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b010fbzh)
A Herefordshire farmer predicts the recent warm, dry weather will mean a bumper cherry harvest. The blossom is appearing on trees two weeks early.
Caz Graham hears the UK has become the first country in the world to audit its soil bacteria. It could lead to farmers increasing yield and becoming more profitable, as Professor Andrew Whiteley from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology explains.
And a plant dismissed as weed could soon be grown commercially to produce food supplements. The government has funded trials of Corn Gromwell, rich in omega 3.
Presenter: Caz Graham. Producer Angela Frain.
FRI 06:00 Today (b010fbzk)
Morning news and current affairs with John Humphrys and Evan Davis at the South Bank Centre, exploring the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain.
FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b010dfh1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b010hd95)
Edmund De Waal - The Hare with Amber Eyes
Episode 5
By Edmund de Waal.Read by Nicholas Murchie.
264 delicate wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox - that stand as a symbol of the extraordinary events that overtake one family.
Potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered this collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined.
His family the Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; emerging French painters and - when Japanese art and artists became all the rage in the salons - he bought an entire collection of netsuke and sent them as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna.
Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied.
Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.
Abridged by Polly Coles
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b010fbzm)
Presented by Jenni Murray. Growing numbers of fathers are being sent to prison for missed child maintenance payments - is this helpful to the mothers who look after the children? Martha's marvellous memory - the writer and psychologist Charles Fernyhough has recorded interviews with his 93 year old grandmother. Charles tells Jenni what he learned about his grandmother's life and the nature of memory. Childbirth and anaesthesia in the developing world; what can be done to improve the high death rates associated with obstetric anaesthesia? And Women in Business: the politics of tea-making in the office.
FRI 10:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fnh0)
Sherbet Dolls
Episode 5
Sherbet Dolls 5/5
by Karen Brown
An entertaining drama serial exploring the magnetism and expanding phenomena of children's beauty pageants.
It's the grand final but when Tony discovers the extent of Stacey's deceit in the name of fame he can take no more.
Cast
Stacey ...... Naomi Radcliffe
Tony ...... John Thomson
Olivia ...... Shannon Flynn
Jin Lin ..... Shamae Griffin
Lift announcer ..... Melissa Jane Sinden
Pageant Compere ..... Ruth Piggott
Judy ...... Kathryn Hunt
John ..... Seamus O'Neill
Alicia ..... Emma Garrett
Director ..... Pauline Harris
Further Info.
The mother Stacey is desperate to break away from the working
class small lancashire town they've all grown up in. In her view, fame holds the key to a sparkling future for the whole family. Tony, the husband and father would rather not take part at all and hopes the plastic tiara and sash are worth all the trouble. In contrast to their world Olivia is trying to finish her school project which involves e-mailing her Chinese pen pal Jin Lee; the Puyang Number 1 Middle School in China has been
twinned with Olivia's school in Lancashire, and they're exchanging e-mails over the weekend. Two children from different cultures both taking part in very different competitions.
FRI 11:00 James and the Giant Eagle (b010fc06)
Like most small boys James Aldred loved climbing trees and now he has grown up, he's still climbing trees; helping scientists and film crews up into the canopy. When he was invited to help a wildlife team film one of the world's largest eagles in Southern Brazil, it was an offer he couldn't refuse. But what happened next was a nerve-wracking and painful encounter with one of the world's most powerful birds. Harpy Eagles have a body length of over 3ft, a wingspan of over 6ft and weigh 10-12 pounds. Their hind talons can grow up to the size of grizzly bear claws, and are used to strike their prey; monkeys, sloths and possums, which they then carry aloft. When James was asked to climb a tree, to assist with moving a camera on an eagle's nest, he found out exactly why these birds have such an awesome reputation.
Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeast Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. Their name is derived from the Harpies in Greek Mythology, which were ferocious winged creatures with sharp claws, a woman's face and a vulture's body.
Harpy Eagles are successful predators, owing primarily to their size and strength. They are also highly manoeuvrable fliers. They have excellent eyesight and good hearing, and are acutely observant and opportunistic birds. Taken together these attributes make for a highly impressive predator. Recordings made by James Aldred on location are combined with interviews with ornithologist Ian Newton and field biologist, Marta Curti (who has spent many years working with Harpy Eagles with The Peregrine Fund) in a programme which explores the behaviour and ecology of Harpy Eagles and what happens when a female tries to protect her young.
Producer Sarah Blunt.
FRI 11:30 Meet David Sedaris (b00rp3dy)
Series 1
Six-to-Eight Black Men; Just a Quick Email
From Carnegie Hall to the BBC Radio Theatre - American humorist David Sedaris reads from his extensive collection of published stories and articles.
Christmas traditions in the Netherlands attract David's attention in 'Six to Eight Black Men'; some guilty secrets are revealed in Just a Quick Email and we also hear selected extracts from his diary.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Boomerang production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b010fd84)
Peter White talks to the Chief Executive of Visit England, Lady Penny Cobham, about the double-edged sword of a late Easter for tourism businesses.
Major hotel chains are angry that rooms they'd sold to the London 2012 organising committee for officials during the Olympics are now being sold by a travel agent, with a substantial mark-up.
And are we really about to see American style intensive farms become an integral part of the British countryside? The National Farmers Union and the Soil Association discuss how big farms might have to get to survive.
Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Sarah Swadling.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b010fbzp)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b010fk20)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4. Thirty minutes of intelligent analysis, comment and interviews. To share your views email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on Twitter: #wato.
FRI 13:30 More or Less (b010fd86)
In this week's More or Less:
How well are British schoolchildren doing compared to their international peer group? It's an important question. And there's a way of answering it, using a set of tests called "PISA", the programme for international student assessment. But there are doubts about the validity of the PISA method, and the way the numbers are used by politicians. More or Less investigates.Producer: Richard Knight.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b010dw0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b010fd88)
Mary Toft's Rabbit Tale
Written by Colin Bytheway.
In 1726, 26 year old mother-of-three Mary Toft gave birth to a rabbit. And then another. And then another. All were stillborn, some were just rabbit body parts, but all were the fruit of her loins.
Local surgeon John Howard confirmed the phenomenon, delivering several rabbits himself. He wrote of his findings to the Secretary of George I. The King, intrigued, sent his personal anatomist Nathaniel St Andre to investigate - and he soon concluded that Toft was telling the truth and was preternaturally giving birth to rabbits.
Mary quickly became a national sensation and was brought to London to be studied at length. But, inevitably, Mary broke and she confessed. The whole thing was a hoax.
Mary was imprisoned. She, the medical profession, and even the country, were publicly ridiculed. Mary herself was immortalised in a sketch by Hogarth. After five months of incarceration, she was released, returning to Godalming, her children, her husband and her old life. She later claimed she made up the rabbit tale "to get so good a living that I should never want as long as I lived."
Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:00 Good Friday Liturgy (b010fd8b)
On the most solemn day in the Christian calendar, Dr Tina Beattie, Director of Catholic Studies at Roehampton University, travels to Jerusalem to reflect on the last moments of Christ's life. Starting at night, in the Garden of Gethsemene, the place where Jesus was arrested, Dr Beattie re-examines the human and spiritual consequences of Christ's journey to his death on the cross. She visits the Pavement on which Christ was tried by Pontius Pilate and scourged, and reflects on the moment where Mary has to contemplate the death of her son. The programme finishes inside the Church of the Holy Sepluchre, the site Christians believe to be the place of the crucifixion and resurrection. Producer: Mark O'Brien.
FRI 15:30 The Good Conductor (b00ww59f)
In this special talk, the author and former social worker Bernard Hare tells of the train conductor he met on a journey home when he was twenty three. He was desperate to get home to see his mother in hospital but was due to miss the connecting train home. The conductor broke the rules and ensured that Bernard made his connection - and on the way passed on a valuable motto which Bernard has adopted in his own life.
Bernard Hae was born in Leeds in 1958 to a mining family. He became a social worker, but was disillusioned by the system after the miners' strike. He is now an author and describes himself as an 'unofficial freelance social worker' in his spare time, when he regularly passes on the conductor's message.
Producer: Charlotte Pritchard.
FRI 15:45 Russia: The Wild East (b010fd8d)
Series 1
Moscow - The New Capital
In 1453, the Fall of Constantinople and destruction of the Christian Byzantine Empire by the Turks left Russia the sole remaining leader of the Orthodox faith. Directly exposed to the expanding empire of Islam it was a time of immense fear but also of opportunity, and Moscow used the crisis to further its claim to religious and political supremacy.
A mystical prophetic text, known as The Legend of the White Cowl, began to circulate, claiming to consecrate Moscow as the Third Rome, the true guardian of God's rule and causing great excitement among the population. Martin Sixsmith suggests the prophecy was in fact a forgery created for political purposes.
Moscow had begun to emerge a century earlier under the canny Ivan Kalita or Ivan Moneybags, whose wheeling and dealing carved out a rich and powerful place for his city and himself. He persuaded the Mongols to name him Grand Prince and pre-eminent ruler of the Russian lands. The word 'Tsar' was created by his heirs, derived from 'Caesar', and 'Sovereign of all the Russias.'
But the departure of the Mongols had left a power vacuum, and there were three contenders vying to fill it: Lithuania, Poland and the northern city of Novgorod, which had avoided direct Mongol occupation, and preserved the old quasi-democratic values of Kievan Rus.
Moscow needed to deal with each of them, and it did so slowly, creating a fragile national unity under Ivan III's unbending autocracy. It gave him the strength he needed to embark on an unparalleled campaign of territorial expansion, initiating the relentless empire building that would continue unabated to the twentieth century.
Historical Consultant: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
Producers: Adam Fowler & Anna Scott-Brown
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b010fd8g)
Tim Hetherington, Barbara Harmer, TP Flanagan, Prof David Bowen, Elisabeth Sladen
On this week's Last Word Jane Little discusses the lives of the award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Tim Hetherington, who was killed this week in Libya.
Barbara Harmer, the only woman pilot to fly Concorde.
Seamus Heaney pays tribute to his friend, Irish landscape painter, TP Flanagan.
Professor David Bowen, forensic pathologist, who worked on some of the most notorious crimes in recent British history.
And actress Elisabeth Sladen, whose role as Sarah Jane Smith endeared her to generations of Dr Who fans.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b010fd8j)
Francine Stock with what's going on in the world of film, including the latest offerings from Wim Wenders and Alexei Popogrebsky.
Producer: Zahid Warley.
FRI 17:00 PM (b010fd8l)
Eddie Mair presents the day's top stories. Including Weather.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b010fbzr)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b010fd8n)
Series 74
Episode 2
Snooping, Superinjunctions, and Sleeping on the Job: iPhone's tracking abilities, celebrity gagging orders and an air traffic controller who watched movies on the job get the News Quiz treatment, in a satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Sandi Toksvig. Guests this week are Susan Calman, Matthew Parris, Will Smith and Jeremy Hardy. Charlotte Green reads the news.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b010fd8q)
Joe tells Lynda he knows The Ghost backwards, and is looking forward to discussing it at the book club later. Lynda urges Jolene to try creative visualization, imagining herself fit as fit and healthy. Jolene's not convinced this is going to help her attempt to quit smoking.
At the book club, Lynda tells Ruth that Roy will be leaving on 6 May. She's disappointed that Caroline hasn't advertised the vacancy. Ruth's surprised that Caroline may be taking on Roy's tasks herself. Lynda is confident she'll be featured in Sunday's Gardeners' Question Time. The discussion on The Ghost gets underway. It soon becomes clear that not only has Joe not read the book, he's also watched the wrong film: Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze. Lynda's not amused. She also tells Ruth off when she admits she hasn't read it all either.
As Jolene packs for Monte Carlo, Fallon reassures her that everything will be fine while she's away. She's had a text from Jamie, who seems to be scared about coming back. When He does return, Jolene starts to question him, but Fallon steps in and takes a softer approach. Jolene won't tolerate his behaviour though, and Jamie agrees to pull his weight. Fallon rings Kathy to tell her that Jamie is safe.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b010fd8s)
Depictions of Christ from Dorothy L Sayers to James Frey
Mark Lawson examines dramatic and literary portrayals of Jesus Christ, from Dorothy L Sayers' landmark radio drama of the 1940s to the new novel from James Frey.
We hear from writers A N Wilson, James Frey, John Niven, Russell T Davies, Frank Deasy and Owen Sheers and from the actors Michael Sheen and Christopher Eccleston. Mark also visits the BBC written archives in Caversham to look at the scripts and letters relating to The Man Born to Be King - the drama by Dorothy L Sayers which was first broadcast 70 years ago.
Producers: India Rakusen and Robyn Read.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b010fnh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b010fd8v)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the live debate from Brick Lane Music Hall in Silvertown London with panellists Sayeeda Warsi, Chairman of the Conservative Party; Alan Johnson, former Labour Cabinet minister; Rod Liddle, columnist; and Philippe Sands, Professor of International Law at the University of London.
Producer: Victoria Wakely.
FRI 20:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010fd8x)
Series 2
Rats
It might be surprising to hear, but Sir David Attenborough has made it known over the years that rats are not his favourite animal.
In this piece, dedicated to his nemesis, Attenborough with great wit and skill tells us of the living nightmare he endured whilst on location in a place infested with them. If that wasn't enough, whilst making Life of Mammals, he devoted a whole programme to them - and to balance his own personal view went to an Indian temple where the rat is revered and even encouraged to swarm in vast numbers.
But in a clever twist of the story, as is the hallmark of David Attenborough, in no uncertain way he tells us why they should be respected.
Written and presented by David Attenborough
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
FRI 21:00 Russia: The Wild East (b010fd8z)
Series 1 Omnibus
Episode 1
A major new history series begins this week which traces the development of Russia over a period of 1,000 years. The first five weeks take the listener from the beginning of the Russian state in 862 A.D. up to the cataclysmic revolution of 1917. Martin Sixsmith, who writes and presents the series, was the BBC's Moscow Correspondent in 1991. The series begins with a vivid recording of his report on the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
As he says: 'I remember with absolute clarity my conviction that the dissolution of the Communist Party after seventy years in power, meant the monster of autocracy was dead in Russia, that centuries of repression would be thrown off and replaced with freedom and democracy. But I was wrong.
The country is stable and relatively prosperous now, but democracy and freedom again take second place to the demands of the state: the spectre of autocracy is again haunting Russia. Back in 1991, in the grip of Moscow's euphoria, I'd forgotten the lesson of history - that in Russia things change ... only to remain the same. Attempts at reform, followed by a return to autocracy, had happened so often in Russia's past that it was very unlikely things would be different this time. '
In this first programme, Martin travels to the northern city of Novgorod. It was there that, ancient history has it, the warring Slav tribes invited Rurik to come and bring order. He was the first iron fist, and he gave Rus-sia its name. But, as Martin Sixsmith points out, already by the late ninth century, two key leitmotifs of Russian history are beginning to emerge - the tendency towards autocracy, and the urge for aggression and expansion. Today Russia spans eleven time zones and is home to a hundred nationalities and a hundred and fifty languages.
Historical Consultant: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
Producers: Adam Fowler & Anna Scott-Brown
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b010fbzt)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b010fk3p)
Senator John McCain in Benghazi says it's time to recognise the rebels as the legitimate government of Libya and arm them.
The Prince of Wales , the friendly banker and the moneylaundering fines.
What's holding back Britain's export led recovery?
with David Eades.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b010fd91)
Plague Child
Episode 10
Written by Peter Ransley. Abridged by Eileen Horne.
Tom exchanges the pendant and his birthright for the deeds to Half Moon Court. He regrets his choice, love struggling with ambition - until one day Lord Stonehouse summons him to Parliament...
Read by Jamie Glover
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b010dp15)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00rms97)
Series 3
Ardal O'Hanlon
Marcus Brigstocke invites his guest Ardal O'Hanlon to try five things he's never done before including bell ringing.
Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is about embracing the new and getting out of our comfort zones.
The title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.