SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

SAT 00:00 Midnight News (m001y2y9)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4


SAT 00:30 The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah (b0b17c5f)
5. Pain

The celebrated poet Benjamin Zephaniah died in December 2023. As a tribute, Radio 4 is broadcasting the 2018 Book of the Week recording of his autobiography The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah.

As the writer flourishes, the man, now a husband, suffers at the cruel hands of infertility. Desperate to have a child and be a father, Zephaniah and his wife embark on IVF but as his career flies his belief in his ability to conceive comes to an end. That pain will never leave him, but he decides to take on the taboo and talk about it in his poems and his writings, opening the doors for other people's pain to be understood.

Written and read by Benjamin Zephaniah
Abridged by Sara Davies
Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4


SAT 00:48 Shipping Forecast (m001y2yc)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SAT 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (m001y2yf)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


SAT 05:20 Shipping Forecast (m001y2yh)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SAT 05:30 News Briefing (m001y2yk)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4


SAT 05:43 Prayer for the Day (m001y2ym)
A reflection and prayer to start the day with Rev Dr Bert Tosh.


SAT 05:45 Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley (m001y2z6)
Enjoy Olive Oil

Michael Mosley discovers that enjoying more olive oil in your daily diet can come with a whole host of surprising benefits, including protecting your brain, improving your memory and reducing chronic inflammation. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be one of the healthiest in the world, and a major component of this is olive oil. Dr Bill Mullen from the University of Glasgow tells Michael about his recent research, which found that two tablespoons of olive oil a day can significantly reduce biological markers of heart disease. Meanwhile our volunteer Ellen, an avid home cook, reaps the benefits of switching to olive oil.

Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small
Editor: Zoë Heron
A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.


SAT 06:00 News and Papers (m001y7wk)
The latest news headlines. Including the weather and a look at the papers.


SAT 06:07 Open Country (m001y2zs)
Britain’s deadliest footpath

The Broomway has been dubbed the “deadliest footpath in Britain”, claiming more than a hundred lives. Helen Mark takes a cautious walk along this treacherous Essex seapath with Peter Carr and John Burroughs from the Foulness Island Heritage Centre. She’ll hear how people can easily become disoriented on the vast mud flats and tragically caught out by the rapidly advancing tides of the Thames Estuary. Helen will also be joined by Thea Behrman, the director of the Estuary Festival, to reflect on how this meeting point of land and sea can provide creative inspiration through its bleak beauty.

Presented by Helen Mark
Produced by Robin Markwell


SAT 06:30 Farming Today (m001y7wm)
13/04/24 - Farming Today This Week: Changes to flood payments, bird flu in cattle and SSSIs

Changes have been made to the UK Government's Farming Recovery Fund after the NFU reported "major issues" with the scheme. The Fund was announced back in January, to provide up to £25,000 to farmers affected by Storm Henck to go towards repairs to their land. Four months later, this week the Government opened that fund to applications...and almost immediately some farmers reported problems...

We are still in the midst of the worst Avian Flu outbreak we have ever seen - the highly infectious strain of the virus has reached every continent except Australia. Now, dairy cows on several farms in the USA have been infected with bird flu and a farm worker there has also tested positive. We hear from a virologist about what it could mean for farmers here.

And who should decide whether an area of land is of such great environmental importance it should be given legal protection? Currently, it's the Government’s advisor for the natural environment "Natural England", which has the power to designate Sites of Special Scientific Interest. But a group of Conservative MPs wants that to change - with the final decision being made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs instead.

Presented by Caz Graham
Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons


SAT 06:57 Weather (m001y7wp)
The latest weather reports and forecast


SAT 07:00 Today (m001y7wr)
Including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.


SAT 09:00 Saturday Live (m001y7wt)
Adele Roberts, Ben Elton, David Duke, Angela Hartnett

The broadcaster, marathon runner, and proud parent to her life saving stoma Audrey, Adele Roberts reveals how she overcame cancer wrote a book and danced on ice.

Writer and comedian Ben Elton whose new stand-up tour highlights his trademark incisive social commentary by exploring authentic stupidity.

David Duke went from sleeping rough and living in hostels to playing football in the Homeless World Cup and founding the Street Soccer Scotland charity helping thousands of other homeless people through the power of football.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of chef, restaurateur and podcaster Angela Hartnett.

And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens
Producer: Ben Mitchell


SAT 10:00 Your Place or Mine with Shaun Keaveny (m001y7ww)
Anita Rani: Mumbai, India

Anita says Mumbai is the LA of India but when Shaun was in the actual LA he got lost in a massive bathroom showroom. So Anita has a lot to do to get him to the bustling 24-hour city that has something for everyone, except perhaps Shaun Keaveny. Resident geographer, historian and comedian Iszi Lawrence joins their trip.

Your Place Or Mine is the travel series that isn’t going anywhere. Join Shaun as his guests try to convince him that it’s worth getting up off the sofa and seeing the world, giving us a personal guide to their favourite place on the planet.

Producers: Beth O'Dea and Caitlin Hobbs

Your Place or Mine is a BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.


SAT 10:30 Soul Music (m001y7wy)
Someone to Watch Over Me

Written by George Gershwin for the musical Oh Kay, Someone To Watch Over Me has endured as a tender ballad about searching for someone special. It has been recorded by many different artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Willie Nelson but it's perhaps Ella's version that is best known.
Lyn Mackay grew up listening to it as a small child at her parents' home in Swansea. As she grew up and became a musician and entertainer the song has changed its meaning to her over the years.
Nica Strunk heard her father singing it during one of their sessions at his piano. As he sang the line "where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?" she began to understand the difficulties he faced in expressing his emotions and the song brought them closer together.
Nicholas McInerny loved Sarah Vaughan's version and his daughter sang it at his second wedding.
Music producers James Morgan and Juliette Pochin have been Ella Fitzgerald fans since they met as students and are thrilled to have been behind the most recent release of Someone To Watch Over Me using Ella's original vocals accompanied by the LSO.

Producer: Maggie Ayre


SAT 11:00 A Dentist's Life (m001y0kf)
In February 2024, the NHS dental crisis hit the headlines as hundreds of people queued outside a dental practice in Bristol to register as NHS patients. It was the latest sign of the severity of the national shortage of NHS dentists.

The Nuffield Trust have declared that NHS dentistry faces its 'most perilous point' in 75-year history and the government have responded pledging to improve access and funding for dentistry.

At the centre of this crisis are the dentists who serve our communities.

A Dentist's Life follows one Cornwall based dentist, Dr Jenna Murgatroyd, as she treats patients needing vital care, manages a practice facing financial risk and trains the next generation of dentists.

As a second generation dentist, Dr Murgatroyd also reflects on the past and the future of the profession and asks what it means to be a NHS community dentist today.

Produced by Mugabi Turya


SAT 11:30 From Our Own Correspondent (m001y7x0)
After Chibok: Nigeria's kidnapped schoolgirls

Kate Adie presents stories from Laos, Nigeria, the US, Lithuania and France

Ten years ago, 276 secondary school children were kidnapped in Nigeria's north-east by Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. Ninety one of the girls are still unaccounted for. Yemisi Adegoke went to meet some of the girls who escaped captivity – to hear about their memories of that day and its impact on their lives.

Mental health experts have expressed alarm in the United States about an increase in the rates of suicide there, with a particularly steep rise among young people. Will Vernon went to North Carolina to investigate why the deaths are happening.

China’s influence in south-east Asia continues apace – with many countries in the region keen to reap the benefits of investment in everything from infrastructure to development projects. Nick Marsh travelled on the Chinese-built high speed train, which runs from the Laotian capital, Vientane to the Chinese city of Kunming and spoke to some of the locals about their own views on China’s influence.

Simon Worrall tells the story of the provenance of a wood panel painting by Rembrandt - a portrait of a beggar with a bulbous, drunkard’s nose. He traces it back from its origins in a Lithuanian Baltic Oak Forest to an auction house in Maryland.

One hundred and twenty years after the ‘entente cordiale’ was signed between Britain and France, French troops this week took part in the Changing the Guard ceremony in London at the same time as their British counterparts in Paris. Hugh Schofield reflects on whether – despite appearances – the relationship has in fact grown more detached.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Editor: Bridget Harney
Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison


SAT 12:00 News Summary (m001y7x2)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 12:04 Money Box (m001y7x4)
Carer's Allowance and Car Insurance Costs

Tens of thousands of people who juggle caring for a loved one and having a job may be forced to cut the hours they work, according to the charity Carers UK. In April the National Living Wage was increased to £11.44, but the earnings limit for the Carer's Allowance did not go up by the same amount. The result is that some carers will be limited to working just over 13 hours a week, anything above that and they'll lose the entire benefit. Some carers have also faced demands to repay thousands of pounds that they've mistakenly received in over-payments over multiple years.
You've been contacting Money Box about rising car insurance costs. The Association of British Insurers says increases are largely down to above inflation increases to the cost of repairs, thefts and replacement cars. We look at how much premiums have risen by and what, if anything, you can do about it.
And employers - take note - new changes to employment law in England, Scotland and Wales this month will impact policies on flexible working, redundancy and paternity pay and leave amongst others. We'll speak to an employment lawyer about what these changes will mean in practice for both employees and employers.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Researcher: Sandra Hardial
Editor: Dan Whitworth

(first broadcast Saturday 13th April 2024)


SAT 12:30 The Now Show (m001y2xq)
Series 64

Episode 5

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Starring Garreth Gwynn deep diving into the archives of the internet, Laura Lexx on Russ Cook’s incredible Africa run, and an original song from Jon Long. Voices from Daniel Barker and Gemma Arrowsmith.

The show was written by the cast with additional material from Zoe Tomalin, Cody Dahler, Adrian Gray and Peter Tellouche

Producer: Sasha Bobak
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow

A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.


SAT 12:57 Weather (m001y7x6)
The latest weather forecast


SAT 13:00 News and Weather (m001y7x8)
The latest national and international news and weather reports from BBC Radio 4


SAT 13:10 Any Questions? (m001y2xx)
Dan Jarvis MP, Alex Phillips, Enver Solomon, Andrew Stephenson MP

Alex Forsyth presents political debate from Halifax Minster in West Yorkshire with the Shadow Security Minister Dan Jarvis MP, Reform UK's Culture Spokesperson Alex Phillips, CEO of the Refugee Council Enver Solomon and the Health Minister Andrew Stephenson MP.
Producer: Camellia Sinclair
Lead broadcast engineer: Liam Juniper


SAT 14:00 Any Answers? (m001y7xb)
Topical discussion posing questions to a panel of political and media personalities


SAT 14:45 The Archers (m001y2xs)
Alice is struggling to untangle a bridle -equipment she should have put away properly yesterday - when Lilian says they need to be on their A-game for a vet inspection today. If she is tired she should have a strong coffee. Later, as Kate and Alice discuss plans for pet yoga at Spiritual Home, Lilian arrives, furious. The inspection was a disaster; the medicine cabinet was left unlocked, the feed bin unlabelled and there was an out-of-date riding hat. All things Alice should have been on top of. She is apologetic, explaining Martha has been difficult. Lilian says she’s confused as Chris knows nothing of this. Alice covers, saying Chris fusses about Martha so she doesn’t tell him unless she needs to. The inspector will submit a report to the council which gives them time to put things right. But if Alice doesn’t pull it together they could lose their licence.

Later a worried Lillian seeks out Kate. She is concerned about the stables and Alice’s lies about why she’s not sleeping - she fears she might be drinking again but doesn’t want Brian to know. Kate agrees to keep an eye on her.

Ed and Emma win an online auction for a chainsaw and Ed says he’ll pick it up as the seller is local. Later when he and Will are separating lambs from ewes for weaning they discuss the business. But Will is horrified at plans to name it after Ed and Emma – he favours Ultimate Aboriculture. Ed is outraged, but Emma is diplomatic – despite thinking the suggested name is bobbins - and Will leaves, satisfied.


SAT 15:00 Drama on 4 (m000hmxj)
RL Stevenson’s Weir of Hermiston Part 2

2/2. Archie Weir’s secret meetings with Christina Elliot arouse the interest of Frank Innes who sets out to exploit her innocence. Stevenson’s final novel – a powerful story of family rebellion and forbidden love - is set in Edinburgh and the Borders in the early 19th century. Stevenson died halfway through writing the novel - but, using the author’s notes, Colin MacDonald’s dramatisation completes the story.

Kirstie…………………………………………...PHYLLIS LOGAN
Archie Weir………………………......….....JACK LOWDEN
Lord Hermiston ……………………..........PAUL YOUNG
Frank Innes ………………….……………....FINN DEN HERTOG
Christina Elliot…..……………………….....HELEN MACKAY
Dand Elliot…………………….…………......SIMON DONALDSON
Davie Leslie………………..………………...SIMON TAIT
Lord Hume/Auctioneer………..……....KENNY BLYTH
Kelly/ Warder .........................................ALASDAIR HANKINSON
Pringle /Campbell………………………...OWEN WHITELAW
Other parts played by the cast.

Producer/Director : Bruce Young


SAT 16:00 Woman's Hour (m001y7xd)
Weekend Woman's Hour: Juliet open letter, Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi, Female Psychopath

This week, it was announced that 883 actors, writers, comedians and creatives had signed an open letter in support of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, the star in a new production of Romeo & Juliet, due to run in London's West End next month. The open letter came after a statement was published by the Jamie Lloyd Company, "Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company..." It was co-authored by actor Susan Wokoma who told us about the open letter.

We hear from the new head of British Vogue Chioma Nnadi, a London born, fashion journalist, podcaster and the first black woman to lead the title.

We hear the stories of women living in a women’s refuge in London.

Do you remember our segment on female psychopaths? We hear from one woman who has been officially diagnosed with the condition, M.E Thomas.

The pioneering feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem made a name for herself in the 1960s and 70s through her journalism, which included going undercover at the New York Playboy Club to expose exploitative working conditions. She co-founded the Women's Action Alliance and in 1972 she co-founded Ms Magazine, putting conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights and social justice in the spotlight, and bringing the issues of the women's rights movement into the mainstream. Gloria has just celebrated her 90th birthday and tells us about the current state of reproductive rights in the US, the importance of community and hosting her own women's talking circle.

Could we be happier and more successful if we acted like toddlers? Dr Hasan Merali, Paediatric emergency medicine physician, Associate Professor at McMaster University and author of Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, tells us what we can learn about self-improvement from toddlers.

And we have music from the singer songwriter Rebecca Ferguson.

Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed


SAT 17:00 PM (m001y7xg)
Full coverage of the day's news.


SAT 17:30 Sliced Bread (m001y2zj)
Toast - Vine

Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down?

Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the app which pioneered short, shareable videos on social media.

Sean speaks to one of Vine's founders, Rus Yusupov, the Vine content creator, Eric Dunn, and the BBC's Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman.

Alongside them all analysing Vine's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White.

Produced by Viant Siddique. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk

Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.

Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.


SAT 17:54 Shipping Forecast (m001y7xj)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SAT 17:57 Weather (m001y7xl)
The latest weather reports and forecast


SAT 18:00 Six O'Clock News (m001y7xn)
Australia's Prime Minister praises those who tried to stop a knife attack in Sydney.


SAT 18:15 Loose Ends (m001yb8j)
Bettany Hughes, Al Murray, Lesley Sharp, Nisha Katona, The Wandering Hearts, Guy Chambers, Amanny Mo and Clive Anderson

Stand up comic Al Murray on 30 years of his outspoken stage persona The Pub Landlord and his more recent side-hustle as a history podcaster; Actor Lesley Sharp on playing a spy in her high octane thriller set on a London to Beijing flight and called Red Eye; Historian Bettany Hughes on her new series of Treasures of the World, this time heading along the Silk Route to Estonia, Bulgaria, Georgia and beyond; Restauranteur Nisha Katona on giving up being a barrister only to end up being a judge - on the Great British Menu and Guy Chambers on co-writing some of pop's greatest hits like Angels and Milennium with Robbie Williams and getting back together to record with his band The Lemon Trees. Plus performance from rising stars of British Country The Wandering Hearts.

Presented by Clive Anderson
Produced by Olive Clancy


SAT 19:00 Profile (m001y7xs)
Beyoncé

Beyoncé recently released her Country album, 'Cowboy Carter' and already it's at the top of the Billboard Country Charts. She's come a long way from the quiet, shy girl singing in school talent competitions and the local church choir. Breaking into the mainstream with the all girl group Destiny's Child and the launch a solo career which would ultimately propel her to the ranks of global superstar.

With contributions including her father, Mathew Knowles and Radio 2 DJ and broadcaster, Trevor Nelson. After breaking the barriers of Country what's next for Queen B and how will she handle it?

PRESENTER: Mark Coles

CONTRIBUTORS

Mathew Knowles, Father, Founder of Music World Entertainment Corp

Trevor Nelson, BBC R2 DJ, Broadcaster and Presenter

Cache McClay, Beyonce Reporter, USA Today

David Lee Brewer, Opera Singer and Vocal Coach

Jon Hetherington, Fan

Tiffany Monique Ryan, Vocalist

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Julie Ball & Madeleine Drury
Researcher: Jay Gardner
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Sound: James Beard
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

CREDITS

Coachella, The Homecoming, Netflix
Girls Tyme, Star Search, TPE/Rysher Entertainment
The People's Workshop
BBC R2 Trevor Nelson's Divas - Beyonce
BBC R1 Trevor Nelson R & B Show
Barack Obama Inauguration Ball - ABC

MUSIC

Texas Hold 'Em, Beyonce
Publisher: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia

All Night, Beyonce
Publisher: WarnerBros Music Corp

Run the World (Girls), Beyonce
Publisher: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia


SAT 19:15 This Cultural Life (m001yb9l)
Antonio Pappano

Sir Antonio Pappano is one of the world’s most acclaimed conductors. He started work at the age of ten as an accompanist for his father, who worked as a singing teacher. After leading orchestras in Brussels and Oslo, Pappano was appointed as musical director of the Royal Opera House in 2002. Stepping down after 22 years leading Covent Garden, he has joined the London Symphony Orchestra as chief conductor. Antonio Pappano was knighted in 2012 and conducted the orchestra at the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. An award winning recording artist, he has conducted on over 70 live and studio albums.

Antonio Pappano tells John Wilson about his upbringing in a central London council flat, the son of Italian immigrants, and his love of music from an early age. He recalls the significance of receiving his grade 5 piano examination result by post, "a lightbulb moment” in which he realised what he wanted to do with his life. He also describes his parents' grief after the death of his baby sister, which led to the Pappano family moving to Connecticut, where Antonio continued his musical tuition under a local piano teacher called Norma Verrilli and composer Arnold Franchetti. His professional career was nurtured by conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim who employed Pappano as his assistant for six years, a period in which he learned the art of conducting. He also looks back at his 22 years leading the Royal Opera at Covent Garden and talks candidly of his concerns about the funding and championing of opera in the UK.

Producer: Edwina Pitman

Music and archive:

Puccini, Turandot, Act 1 Ah! per l’ultima volta!
Liszt, Consolations S.172 for piano no.3 in D flat major; Lento placid
Monteverdi, Dolci miei sospiri
Gershwin, The Man I love
Prokofiev, Symphony No.1 in D Major, Op.25 for two pianos
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466 I. Allegro
Wagner, Das Rheingold, Act 1, Rheingold, Rheingold!
Wagner, Tristan und Isolde, WWV 90, Act 3 Scene 2 O diese Sonne!
Götterdämmerung, Act 3 Siegfrieds Trauermarsch
Following Pappano, BBC Radio 4, September 2017
Puccini, La_Boheme, Act 1, Che gelida manina
Strauss, Ariadne auf Naxos, Opera
Handel, Zadok the Priest, HWV 258
Mozart, Le Nozze di Figaro, Act 3 Sull’aria che soave zeffiretto
Vaughan Williams, Fantasia_on_a_Theme_by_Thomas_Tallis
Ades, Three-piece Suite from Powder Her Face - Suite No.1


SAT 20:00 Archive on 4 (m001xnvk)
7" of Joy: The Single at 75

What makes the 7″ single so magical is its power to instantly gratify, its ability to get the job done and dusted in approximately two minutes and 57 seconds. Its power outstrips its modest size.

Born out of a commercial war between record labels - shellac was expensive and fragile - RCA Records released the first 7" record on 10th January 1949. Eight decades later 7" singles are in more demand than ever from avid collectors - some commanding four figure sums - and a whole new generation born when the iPod became king are discovering the beauty of the physical 7" over the digital file and streaming.

In this Archive on 4, Pete Waterman, who knows a thing or two about the 7" single, charts its history since the 1940s.

Along the way, he hears from a plethora of people for whom the single has played a huge part of their lives - Petula Clark and John Leyton of 'Johnny Remember Me' fame remember the early years as recording artists in the 1950s. There was the moral panic of the rock'n'roll and beat generation, as mothers in headscarves queued up decrying the degenerative influence of the coffee bar and its jukebox. But the force of the 7" single changed lives, and helped to introduce the world to the teenager.

Pete guides us through pop culture high points, and low points, when British artists dominated the US singles charts - events that injected a newfound confidence and self-belief into the domestic music industry.

Among those recalling their own relationship with the 7" single is composer Simon May (of EastEnders fame) who had a series of singles hits in the 70s . He explains the excitement of watching the unlikeliest success stories rise up the charts. Pete also talks to producer Royston Mayoh who made the 80s ITV music shows Razzmatazz and The Tube.

We hear about 7" singles parties when enthusiastic young fans would show off and swap their latest records. Pete talks about the sound of the vinyl single, we hear how they were made initially and from one of only two Jukebox factories that exist in the world where they are still making vinyl 7" singles

Pete looks at the phenomenon of the A and B side, the charity and novelty songs which were greatly enabled by the 7" market and the way covers changed everything in later years, and the bizarre and off-beat world of the "flexidisc" - the freebie giveaway often found on the cover of magazines.

Where does the single fit in history and where does it sit today? Peter Waterman, tries to answer the question in a way only he can.

Producers: Wayne Wright and Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4


SAT 21:00 Legend (m001s5lr)
The Joni Mitchell Story

2. Lady of the Canyon

Joni Mitchell’s songs have soundtracked our lives and her pioneering work changed music forever. Jesca Hoop explores her extraordinary story to reveal the life behind the legend.

In episode two we follow Joni from 1964 through to late 1969. Joni makes a 'bad marriage', signs adoption papers, leaves a bad marriage, makes it to Greenwich Village and then to LA's Laurel Canyon. We find out about the inspiration for some of her best known songs, including Little Green and Both Sides Now. In 1968, her recording career begins with her debut album 'Song to a Seagull'; with two more records following in quick succession - Clouds, and Ladies of the Canyon. In 1969, she is heartbroken to miss out on one of the biggest events of her generation - Woodstock. But - despite not getting to go - she writes a song that will help to define the event, and the era, in the popular imagination.

“I’ve always been a creature of change” – Joni Mitchell

Through archive, fresh interviews, narration, immersive sound design and an original score, we trace the story of an extraordinary life and explore what makes Joni Mitchell a singular artist: the genius of her lyrics; her incredible talent as guitarist, painter and producer; and her restless drive for innovation.

In Legend, we follow Joni from her ‘flatlander’ childhood on the Canadian prairies, through the folk clubs of Toronto and Detroit, to a redwood cottage in L.A.’s Laurel Canyon, to a cave in Crete, to a deserted desert highway, to recording studios and stages around the world. From her earliest home recordings to masterpieces like Blue, Court and Spark, and Hejira, we explore some of the stories behind her best-loved songs and celebrate her remarkable return to live performance in 2023: “like seeing, in the wild, a rare bird long feared extinct”.

Our guide through the series is the California-born, Manchester-based musician, Jesca Hoop. Jesca speaks to musicians like Blake Mills, Allison Russell, Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, who have played alongside Joni, and we hear tributes from those, like musician John Grant, who have been inspired and influenced by her music. We also hear from Joni's friends, including Larry Klein and Graham Nash; and from music critics and biographers, including Ann Powers, David Yaffe, Lindsay Zoladz, Kate Mossman, Barney Hoskyns, Miles Grier and Jenn Pelly.

The Joni Mitchell Story comes from the production team behind BBC Radio 4’s award-winning podcast Soul Music – “… the gold standard for music podcasts…” (Esquire).

Producers: Mair Bosworth and Eliza Lomas
Production Coordinator: Andrew Lewis
Editor: Chris Ledgard
Story Editor: Emma Harding
Story Consultant: John Yorke
Sound Design and Original Music: Hannis Brown
Studio Engineers: Ilse Lademann and Michael Harrison
Commissioning Editor: Daniel Clarke


SAT 21:30 Influenced (m001y28c)
Helen Lewis Has Left the Chat

Left the Chat: No 2. Fax Machines and Foxy Natashas

In 2016, amid the post-EU referendum chaos, one man had an idea. His name was Steve Baker, and he was a low-profile Tory MP. But his WhatsApp group - the home of the hard Brexiteers - soon became the most powerful force in British politics. Sam Coates of Sky News thinks that political WhatsApp groups like Baker’s helped bring down three Conservative prime ministers in a row.

The second of these, Boris Johnson, was a “WhatsApp addict”, according to his former chief of staff Dominic Cummings. And so, during Covid when Number 10 was still using fax machines to get NHS data, everyone turned to instant messaging instead. Forget “sofa government”, this was even more informal - as well as faster, more fluid and full of swearing.

But, Helen Lewis asks Cummings, is this really the best way to govern a country? What about the possibility of leaks, hacks - and conveniently lost messages when an inquiry rolls around?

Producer: Tom Pooley
Assistant Producer: Orla O'Brien
Sound Design: Louis Blatherwick
Editor: Craig Templeton Smith
Original music: Coach Conrad

A Tempo & Talker production for BBC Radio 4


SAT 22:00 News (m001y7xv)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4


SAT 22:15 The Food Programme (m001y2wx)
A Celebration of the Birthday Cake

Jaega Wise delves into the history, traditions and culture surrounding the birthday cake, meeting bespoke baker Adam Cox, and attending a traditional Mexican "cake smash" along the way. She'll also find out what happens when a cake historian takes on the task of baking a traditional roman-style cake, and pick up some tips for the best birthday bakes from none other than Dame Mary Berry. And there's a very special delivery for one 13 year old girl from a community network of bakers trying to ensure that absolutely all children get a birthday cake.

Produced by Tory Pope for BBC Audio in Bristol


SAT 23:00 You Heard It Here First (m001y7xx)
Series 2

Two: 'Dropping a Grandfather clock on your foot!'

Chris McCausland asks Ninia Benjamin and Justin Moorehouse to take on Laura Smyth and Milton Jones. An obscure audio description of a popular film turns out to be Laura Smyth's favourite Christmas Film. The teams must figure out what on earth is being advertised on TV, guess what iconic images children are talking about, and work out which opening scenes of movies are being audio described.

Producer: Sasha Bobak
Assistant Producer: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Production Coordinator: Dan Marchini

A BBC Studios Production

An EcoAudio certified production


SAT 23:30 Round Britain Quiz (m001yjnt)
Programme 5, 2024

(5/12)

Kirsty Lang chairs another closely-contested battle of wits between Marcus Berkmann and Paul Sinha for the South of England, and Frankie Fanko and Stephen Maddock for the Midlands.

Today's questions are:

Q1 Explain why you might be spellbound by a group of male strippers, the Beatles' parasitic friend and one of the all-time NBA greats?

Q2 What do the Maid of Buttermere, William Bloke and (doubly so) the recipients of the 1915 Nobel Prize for Physics have to boast about?

Q3 Music: Which titular Oscar Wilde character might you add to this collection?

Q4 How might you help a day in Spain to become a baker from Llareggub, a Gilbertian Princess, a German cobbler and an airport in Washington?

Q5 By adding nothing, turn an Arsenal manager into a Long Day's Journeyman, two World Snooker champions into a liberator of South America, the father and murderer of twins in a classic horror film into Lily Savage, and one half of a Trollope novel into the other half.

Q6 Music: Why are we playing you these in this order?

Q7 (from Simon Meara) If an ornithological orb scores 50,000, Highlands headwear 300,000 and a Charleston cropper two million, which social media site out-performs them all?

Q8 A board game in Japan, a device for moving fluids in Wales, a guinea-pig in the Balkans and the capital of Peru in the Pacific: is this the right number of clues?

Producer: Paul Bajoria

SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2024

SUN 00:00 Midnight News (m001y7xz)
The latest news and weather forecast from BBC Radio 4.


SUN 00:15 Bookclub (m001y229)
Clare Chambers: Small Pleasures

Clare Chambers talks to James Naughtie and readers about her bestselling novel, Small Pleasures. Set in the London suburbs in the 1950s, it tells the story of Jean Swinney, a journalist who is asked to investigate a letter sent to her paper, from a mother claiming her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. Jean meets the mother, Gretchen; her husband, Howard and daughter Margaret and is drawn into their family life. Her investigations soon expand both her world, and her heart.


Upcoming recordings, at BBC Broadcasting House in London:

Wednesday 24 April at 1800 - Nicholas Shakespeare on Six Minutes In May

Wednesday 15 May at 1300 - Lucy Caldwell on These Days.

Thursday 6 June at 1245 - Marlon James on A Brief History of Seven Killings

Wednesday 10 July at 1830 - Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ on Stay With Me

Email bookclub@bbc.co.uk to take part. Over 18s only.


SUN 00:48 Shipping Forecast (m001y7y1)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SUN 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (m001y7y3)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


SUN 05:20 Shipping Forecast (m001y7y5)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SUN 05:30 News Briefing (m001y7y7)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4


SUN 05:43 Bells on Sunday (m001y7y9)
The church of St Kyneburgha in Castor, Cambridgeshire

Bells on Sunday, comes from the church of St Kyneburgha in Castor, Cambridgeshire. The original Saxon church was sacked by the Vikings in the 9th century and eventually rebuilt and dedicated in 1124. Today the fine Norman tower houses a ring of eight bells with the tenor weighing ten hundredweight and tuned to the note of G. We hear them ringing Plain Bob Triples to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the dedication.


SUN 05:45 In Touch (m001y27j)
Hotel Stays with a Guide Dog; The Great Escape

A new hotel in London, that belongs to a big-name franchise, initially declared on their website that service dogs are not welcome. Dave and Karen Cloherty were left in shock when they came to book a room for them and their guide dog for an annual appointment at Moorfield's Eye Hospital, given that the hotel in question is just a few minutes walk from the hospital. The hotel have since amended their website, but we hear about the case from the Clohertys and about the equality law that relates to services such as hotels, from disability rights lawyer Chris Fry.

The 1963 film The Great Escape is based on the famous prison break, where imprisoned allied soldiers escape from a Nazi camp during World War Two. Sangeeta Uppaladinni had an instant fascination with the film and the original story and so travelled to Poland with her guide dog, to mark the 80th anniversary of the original story.

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Beth Hemmings
Production Coordinator: Liz Poole
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.


SUN 06:00 News Summary (m001y9j8)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4


SUN 06:05 Beyond Belief (m001y272)
Assisted Dying

Giles Fraser hears about Alison Davis, who was in pain, very unwell and wanted to die. Her friend and carer Colin Harte describes how she changed her mind and went on to campaign against euthanasia, or assisted dying, and also developed a Catholic faith.

The debate about assisted dying, the right to choose when and how we die if we're terminally ill, is back in the political spotlight. Life, death and attitudes to suffering are at the heart of all religions. After hearing Alison's story, a panel of people of faith discuss how their beliefs shape their views on this fundamental question.

With Rabbi Jonathan Romain, Canon Rosie Harper, Rev Katie Tupling and Baljit Singh.

Presenter: Giles Fraser
Editor: Dan Tierney
Producers: Ruth Purser and Rebecca Maxted


SUN 06:35 On Your Farm (m001y9jb)
Haweswater: Farming, Wildlife and Water

Caz Graham visits Wild Haweswater - a Cumbrian hill farm run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Since taking over the tenancy in 2011, the charity has drastically reduced the number of sheep grazing on the hills, focusing instead on conservation and land restoration. It's been a controversial project, attracting fierce criticism. Caz talks to Lee Schofield, who has run the operation since 2012, but who is now moving on to a new job. She asks whether conservation can ever work in harmony with productive hill farming, and hears Lee's thoughts as he looks back over his eleven years on the farm.

Caz meets David and Faith Garvey, the couple managing the farm's livestock of 300 breeding ewes, thirty cattle and four fell ponies. She hears how different animals graze in different ways - with different impacts on the land, the plants and the biodiversity. Haweswater also aims to involve the public on the farm. Annabel Rushton shows Caz their new badger-watching hide and explains about the involvement of other staff and volunteers. Caz finds out how these projects fit with both a farming business and a large-scale landscape recovery scheme, and asks about the team's plans for the future.

Produced by Emma Campbell


SUN 06:57 Weather (m001y9jd)
The latest weather reports and forecast


SUN 07:00 News and Papers (m001y9jg)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SUN 07:10 Sunday (m001y9jj)
Iran strike, Soul Survivor, Vaisakhi manuscript

Two things mark out the significance of Iran's overnight retaliatory attack on Israel: The scale of the attack and its directness. This was the first time Iran has targeted Israel directly from its own soil, rather than using proxies. The BBC's Middle east correspondent Hugo Bachega reports from Jerusalem.

Maori and South Pacific tribal chiefs have declared that whales are people and should have rights. It fits their religion, but it also makes economic sense. We hear from Mere Takoko, a Maori conservationist and Professor Ralph Chami, an economist.

Thousands of Sikhs in Manchester have witnessed an extraordinary historic event as part of their annual Vaisakhi celebrations. An early manuscript of their holiest book has been used in prayer for the first time in hundreds of years, having been kept in the city's John Rylands Library. It's been restored and now put to its sacred use.

The Soul Survivor scandal, involving spiritual abuse within a church, raises uncomfortable questions about how charismatic personalities can sometimes get away with it for years. William Crawley hears the insights of the theologian Amy Orr-Ewing.

New figures show that there are more than three thousand white male Muslims in prisons in England and Wales. We bring a former prisoner and Muslim leader and former prison chaplain together, to explore the reasons behind the growing numbers converting to Islam in jail.

Presenter: William Crawley
Producers: Catherine Murray, Peter Everett & Sadie Bell
Editor: Jonathan Hallewell


SUN 07:54 Radio 4 Appeal (m001y8h2)
Chance for Childhood

Comedian Milton Jones, ambassador for Chance for Childhood, makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity.

To Give:
- UK Freephone 0800 404 8144
-You can donate online at bbc.co.uk/appeal/radio4
- Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. (That’s the whole address. Please do not write anything else on the front of the envelope). Mark the back of the envelope ‘Chance for Childhood’.
- Cheques should be made payable to ‘Chance for Childhood’.
Please note that Freephone and online donations for this charity close at 23.59 on the Saturday after the Appeal is first broadcast. However the Freepost option can be used at any time.

Charity number: 1013587


SUN 07:57 Weather (m001y9jl)
The latest weather reports and forecast


SUN 08:00 News and Papers (m001y9jn)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the Sunday papers


SUN 08:10 Sunday Worship (m001y9jq)
Peace be with you

‘Peace be with you’ are the first words spoken by Jesus to his disciples as the Risen Lord.
The gospel reading Luke 24 35-48 recalls Jesus meeting the frightened disciples after his crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus reassures them, shows them his hands and feet and it is a reminder that the hope of the resurrection brings with it a call for peace and reconciliation.
On this third Sunday of Easter, Sunday Worship comes from the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool celebrating the Holy Eucharist.
The recorded service is led Canon Anthony O’Brien, the Dean of the Cathedral and the preacher is Bishop Thomas Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese.
The music is sung by the Cathedral Youth Choir which is made up of teenagers and young adults who were all former boy and girl choristers. The music includes My Song is Love Unknown, A Gaelic Blessing (Rutter) and the Mass setting Missa Brevis by Nicholas Wilton

Producer: Miriam Williamson


SUN 08:48 A Point of View (m001y2xz)
It's all right for you

Sara Wheeler reflects on the experience of being a sibling to her brother who has a lifelong disability.

"Posting on social media on National Siblings Day, which fell on a Wednesday this year, brothers and sisters like me express pride. 'You love them more, not less' is a common thread. Because what all this is really about is the sibling's acute awareness of the lack of empathy routinely shown to the disabled - after all, childhood gives us, the siblings, a unique perspective. It's 'Does he take sugar?' times ten - ignoring the point of view of the disabled person and not even trying to stand in her shoes. Ask us. We know."

Producer: Sheila Cook
Sound: Peter Bosher
Production coordinator: Liam Morrey
Editor: Penny Murphy


SUN 08:58 Tweet of the Day (m001y9js)
Jackie Morris on the Tyneside Kittiwakes

A brand new series of Tweet of the Day for Sunday morning revealing personal and fascinating stories from some fresh voices who have been inspired by birds, their calls and encounters.

British writer, artist and illustrator Jackie Morris brings the sea washed kittiwake life into the cityscape of Tyneside. Her poetic vision of this species normally found out to sea or along the coast, celebrates this unique breeding colony further inland than any other kittiwakes in the World.

A BBC Audio Production from Bristol

Producer Andrew Dawes
Studio Manager : Ilse Lademann


SUN 09:00 Broadcasting House (m001y9jv)
The Sunday morning news magazine programme. Presented by Paddy O'Connell


SUN 10:00 The Reunion (m001y8g2)
The 1996 Mount Everest disaster

Reaching the summit of Everest is a lifelong ambition for many mountaineers. But climbing the world's highest mountain requires years of gruelling training and costs a significant amount of money. There are also deadly dangers along the way, from avalanches to altitude sickness.

Since Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary first reached the summit in 1953, dozens of commercial outfits have emerged promising to take clients to one of the most inaccessible places on Earth. Thousands of climbers have succeeded, but many have failed or even died in the process.

In the spring of 1996, hundreds of people were trying to reach the summit of Everest. Among them was Rob Hall, a New Zealand mountain guide leading an international expedition of paying clients, and another team led by the American Scott Fischer. Both men were accomplished mountaineers who were well-respected in the industry.

But a deadly storm enveloped the upper slopes of the mountain, and eight climbers died during a 48-hour period in May 1996 - including Scott Fischer and Rob Hall.

In this episode, Kirsty is joined by:
Lene Gammelgaard, a mountaineer who was a client on Scott Fischer’s expedition team.
Helen Wilton, basecamp manager with Rob Hall’s expedition team.
Leader of the Taiwanese expedition team Makalu Gau who survived the night near the summit of Everest.
Neil Laughton, a mountaineer who was near the summit when the storm hit.
British mountaineer Alan Hinkes who was attempting to summit from the North Side of Everest with a team that included actor Brian Blessed.
Mike Trueman, a British mountaineer who helped coordinate the rescue effort from base camp.

Voiceover actor for Makalu Gau: Windson Liong
Producer: Emily Uchida Finch
Series Producer: David Prest
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4


SUN 11:00 The Archers Omnibus (m001y9jx)
WRITER: Keri Davies
DIRECTOR: Mel Ward

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Harrison Burns…. James Cartwright
Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman
Chris Carter…. Wilf Scolding
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Harry Chilcott…. Jack Ashton
Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming
Ed Grundy…. Barry Farrimond
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O‘Hanrahan
George Grundy…. Angus Stobie
Will Grundy…. Philip Molloy
Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery
Hannah Riley…. Helen Longworth
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen


SUN 12:15 Profile (m001y7xs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Saturday]


SUN 12:30 It's a Fair Cop (m001y1yq)
Series 8

2. Anger Management

How does a Police Officer deal with anger?

Have you ever let your anger get the better of you? In today's case Alfie is sent to a neighbour dispute only to arrive to find a crazed man wielding a fencing post...

Join Alfie and his audience cops as they decided the best course of action to deal with a man who might be a danger to himself and others.

Written and presented by Alfie Moore
Script Editor: Will Ing
Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum
Producer: Sam Holmes

An EcoAudio Certified Production
A BBC Studios Audio Production


SUN 12:57 Weather (m001y9jz)
The latest weather forecast


SUN 13:00 The World This Weekend (m001y9k1)
Radio 4's look at the week's big stories from both home and around the world.


SUN 13:30 Haiti - Descent Into Anarchy (m001yf8h)
With criminal gangs now controlling most of Haiti's capital and no function government, Mike Thomson explores what caused this spiralling descent to Anarchy in this predominately Christian, Caribbean country, where more than half its eleven million French and Creole speaking people live below the poverty line. Mike looks for answers with help from Haitians, experts and political leaders who’ve lived through many of their nation’s recent social upheavals and natural disasters.

Producer: Ed Prendeville
BBC Audio in Cardiff


SUN 14:00 Gardeners' Question Time (m001y2xd)
Harris Garden

What type of plants could I grow to use as flavouring in my gin? What's eaten the heads of my daffodils? What hardy exotic plants could I grow in my garden?

Peter Gibbs and his league of horticultural experts are in Reading for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.

Joining Peter to unearth answers to the audience's gardening conundrums are passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, garden designer Juliet Sargeant and self proclaimed botany geek James Wong.

Later in the show, we hear from Chris Beardshaw who shares advice on the best type of pots to put your plants in during the spring.

Producer: Dominic Tyerman

Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock

Executive Producer: Carly Maile

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4


SUN 14:45 Opening Lines (m001y9k3)
The Shell Seekers

John Yorke explores Rosamunde Pilcher’s sweeping family saga, The Shell Seekers.

Published in 1987, this captivating story of life and love is a phenomenon in its own quiet way. It has been named among the best-loved books of all time, selling more than 10 million copies. The novel spans four decades in the life of Penelope Keeling, free-spirited and elegant, a mother of three children that she loves dearly - but does not always like.

Penelope navigates relationships, love and loss against a Sunday supplement backdrop of the cosy Cotswolds, an idyllic Cornish childhood, and the terrors of the Blitz. At its heart is the question of family - the one to which you are bound by blood, and the one you construct along the way.

It’s a lesson in living life well and being true to yourself, no matter the cards you are dealt. But despite its romance and idealism, The Shell Seekers is not a novel to be sneered at - as John discovers.

John Yorke has worked in television and radio for nearly 30 years, and he shares his experience with Radio 4 listeners as he unpacks the themes and impact of the books, plays and stories that are being dramatised on BBC Radio 4. From EastEnders to The Archers, Life on Mars to Shameless, he has been obsessed with telling big popular stories. He has spent years analysing not just how stories work but why they resonate with audiences around the globe and has brought together his experience in his bestselling book Into the Woods. As former Head of Channel Four Drama, Controller of BBC Drama Production and MD of Company Pictures, John has tested his theories during an extensive production career working on some of the world’s most lucrative, widely viewed and critically acclaimed TV drama. As founder of the hugely successful BBC Writers Academy John has trained a generation of screenwriters - his students have had 17 green-lights in the last two years alone.

Contributors:
Alison Flood, Culture Editor at New Scientist.
Harriet Evans, bestselling author of 14 novels, most recently The Stargazers.

Credits:
The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, published in Great Britain in 1988.

Readings: Jennifer Aries
Researcher: Nina Semple
Production Manager: Sarah Wright
Sound: Sean Kerwin
Producer: Redzi Bernard
Executive Producer: Sara Davies

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4


SUN 15:00 The Shell Seekers (m001y9k5)
Episode 1

Penelope's prized possession is The Shell Seekers, painted by her father, and symbolizing her unconventional life, from bohemian childhood to wartime romance. When her adult children learn their grandfather's work is now worth a fortune, each has an idea as to what Penelope should do. But as she recalls the passions, tragedies, and secrets of her life, she knows there is only one answer...and it lies in her heart and that is what helps to unlock the key to Penelope’s final decision.

Written by Rosamunde Pilcher and dramatised by Lin Coghlan

The Narrator, Rosamunde Pilcher ..... Jessica Turner
Penelope ..... Emma Fielding
Olivia ..... Emily Berrington
Nancy ..... Jasmine Hyde
Young Penelope ..... Kitty O'Sullivan
Noel/Ambrose ..... Will Kirk
Cosmo ..... John Lightbody
Antonia ..... Imogen Front
Danus ..... Ian Dunnett Jnr
Lawrence ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Doris ..... Debra Baker
Miss Pawson ..... Anna Spearpoint

Directed by Tracey Neale

An instant bestseller when it was first published and still one of the highest bestselling British family sagas of the past four decades, Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers is an enduring classic which has touched the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.

Set in Gloucestershire, London, Cornwall and Ibiza and shifting between 1939 and 1985. This is the story of one family and the passions and heartbreaks that have held them together.

Artist's daughter Penelope Keeling can look back on a full and varied life. She has brought up three children - and learned to accept them as they are. Yet she has no intention of settling sweetly into pensioned-off old-age. She wants to live. A story of memory, fate, loss, trauma, connection, and the cost of maintaining that. Is family, everything, after all?

Writer, Rosamunde Pilcher
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale


SUN 16:00 Open Book (m001y9k8)
Percival Everett

US author Percival Everett talks about his new novel, James - a retelling of Huckleberry Finn, told from the point of view of runaway slave, Jim.

Plus, writing openly about the challenges of motherhood, and doing so with humour. Shahidha talks to two authors who have done just that, in the short story form: Naomi Wood, winner of the BBC Short Story Award, and author of a new collection, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, and to Helen Simpson who has written stories about motherhood in books such as Motherhood, and Hey Yeah Right Get A Life over 20 years previously.

Presenter: Shahidha Bari
Producer: Emma Wallace

Book List – Sunday 14 April and Sunday 21 April

James by Percival Everett
The Trees by Percival Everett
Erasure by Percival Everett
Huckleberry Flynn by Mark Twain
Wild Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Foe by JM Coetzee
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Dafoe
This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things by Naomi Wood
Motherhood by Helen Simpson
Hey Yeah Right Get A Life by Helen Simpson
Dear George by Helen Simpson
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
I Don’t Know How She Does it by Allison Pearson
My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley
Openings: Thirteen Stories by Lucy Caldwell
Sudden Traveller by Sarah Hall
Madame Zero by Sarah Hall
The Collected Stories of Grace Paley
The Squire by Enid Bagnold


SUN 16:30 Round Britain Quiz (m001yjp6)
Programme 6, 2024

(6/12)
Kirsty Lang welcomes back the Scots and the North of England to the Round Britain Quiz drawing room. Both teams are looking for their first win of the 2024 series. Val McDermid and Alan McCredie play for Scotland, against Stuart Maconie and Adele Geras of the North of England.

Today's questions are:

Q1 (from James Bingham) Where might you find the lover of Mikhail's writer hero, the catch-phrase 'Book 'em Danno', a suite of violin concerti and Jagger's man of wealth and taste?

Q2 (from Jeff Flatters) What's the double connection between a Caribbean watering-hole, a group of Celtic cross-dressers and some custard?

Q3 Music: Where might you find these in close proximity?

Q4 (from Jonathan Allum) What's the connection between a 1968 novel by Agatha Christie, a 1962 novel by Ray Bradbury, a 1973 novel by Alastair Maclean and a 2022 novel by Gabrielle Zevin, and why might you have to be careful when explaining it?

Q5 Explain why Isherwood's Cabaret heroine, a Glasgow rock band who celebrated Miss America, and a Gungan General (twice), might help you with dinner?

Q6 (from Ivan Whetton) Music: Who are these people, and why might Potter's Marlowe complete a quartet?

Q7 (from Dave Ruddiman) Why would gravity work against an unauthorised habitation, Caribbean spicing, a contaminant-free facility and a Guy Ritchie thriller?

Q8 (from Charles Gilman) Where do the namesakes of Billy Bunter, Peter Chapman and Harry Angstrom meet, and how did Jane Smiley cover ten times their territory?

Producer: Paul Bajoria


SUN 17:00 Witness History (w3ct4xd3)
When disposable nappies were invented

In 1947, after the birth of her third child, Valerie Hunter Gordon, from Surrey decided she was sick of the drudgery of cloth nappies.
She came up with a solution – a reusable outer garment, initially made out of parachute material, with a disposable, biodegradable pad inside.
She named it the Paddi and once her friends saw it, they all wanted one, so she went into business. Rachel Naylor speaks to Nigel Hunter Gordon, Valerie’s son, who modelled them as a baby in the first adverts.


SUN 17:10 The Patch (m001y1xl)
St Mary Cray

One random postcode, and a story you probably haven't heard before.

When producer Polly Weston arrives, she is met by a blocked road. Storms have brought down an enormous tree in the cemetery and taken out a wall, blocking her way into the postcode. A small crowd had gathered. It turns out, the cemetery is known locally as the travellers' resting place. St Mary Cray is thought to have one of the largest settled communities of Romani travellers in the UK.

Social media is full of disparaging comments about the road which the cemetery sits on, but conversations with locals tell a very different story. Initially struck by how the cemetery is cared for by the local community, Polly discovers a hidden history, and a culture around death and bereavement which is thought provoking and unique.

Produced and Presented in Bristol by Polly Weston
Mixed by Ilse Lademann
Editor: Chris Ledgard
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke


SUN 17:54 Shipping Forecast (m001y9kf)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


SUN 17:57 Weather (m001y9kh)
The latest weather reports and forecast


SUN 18:00 Six O'Clock News (m001y9kk)
World leaders have condemned Tehran's strikes but called for restraint.


SUN 18:15 Pick of the Week (m001y9km)
Shari Vahl

Shari takes us on a sonic journey this week; up mountains, down mines and along Britain’s deadliest footpath. Along the way we'll make friends with foxes, witness the sharp wit of former policeman turned stand-up comic Alfie Moore, and feel the electric shock of China's domination of the car market. All this before being soothed by the sound of Jools Holland and violinist Anna Phoebe improvising to birdsong.

Presenter: Shari Vahl
Producer: James Leesley
Production Co-ordinator: Paul Holloway


SUN 19:00 The Archers (m001y8b0)
Lilian and Kate catch up to discuss their worry about Alice potentially drinking again. Lilian thinks they should share their concern with Chris, for Martha’s sake, but Kate thinks they should talk to Alice instead, and put their concerns to her carefully.

Alice quickly realises what’s going in and contains her fury at their assumptions, and and her family turning on her. Alice is not finished with the conversation and makes them wait as she attends to Martha’s tea. Alice decides she’ll prove to her untrusting relatives that she’s staying sober – they can come with her to her check-up with the doctor tomorrow morning.

Hannah makes an impressive catch and the Ambridge cricket team stands a decent chance today against old rivals Darrington. Jazzer thinks Harrison is too soft on the opposition as a skipper, and thinks a bit of ‘sledging’ is in order. Things seem hopeless as Ambridge go in to bat, and nervous eleventh batter Hannah hoped she wouldn’t be needed, but holds her own next to Chris. The pressure is on her for the last over, as they need three runs to win. Looking on, Jazzer and Harrison argue, with Jazzer insisting Hannah whacks the ball for glory. After a couple of sensible defensive hits, Hannah gets a bounce and sends the ball for four, securing the win.

Chris admits to Hannah that he was a bit off with her when he declined her offer of a drink, and suggests they go for one this week – as mates, and to talk about the match. Hannah happily agrees to meet on Tuesday.


SUN 19:15 Fragments - The London Nail Bombings (m001y9kp)
It's 25 years since London suffered three vicious nail bomb attacks - holdalls filled with 4-inch nails and hand-made explosives planted in Brixton market, Brick Lane and in the bar of the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho, intended to cause damage to those in the immediate vicinity and to the notion of a tolerant, diverse capital city.

The attacks are recorded in photographs shared at the time by the press - of London streets strewn with damaged buildings and injured people, an x-ray of a toddler with a nail embedded in his skull, the wedding photograph of two victims (one killed, the other severely injured) and the police mugshot of the perpetrator, a far right terrorist who hoped to start a 'racial war in this country'.

Fragments looks again at these images - some taken by Chris Taylor who happened to be on assignment in Soho's market photographing vegetables - to consider what it means for an instant to be captured and to endure in our memories and understanding of traumatic events.

Including contributions from photographer Chris Taylor; Jonathan Cash, who survived the Soho attack, Emdad Talukder, who was injured in Brick Lane and business owner Leo Epstein.

Music composed by Alan Hall, with Eleanor McDowall (chimes) and Alan Hall (trumpet)

Producer: Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio Four

(Photo credit: ChrisTaylorPhotography.com)


SUN 19:45 Why Do We Do That? (m001dp2g)
Why Do We Do Things That Are Bad For Us?

Ella Al-Shamahi is joined by psychologist Prof Laurence Steinberg and DJ / presenter Arielle Free to explore why we are drawn to do things that are bad for us. If our evolutionary purpose is to survive long enough to pass on genes, why do we knowingly put our lives at risk? Ella delves into a theory called costly signalling which may explain why we do risky things when there are others watching – is it just a way of showing off good genes? Dr Laurence Steinberg, Professor of Psychology at Temple University talks about dopamine sensitivity, brain imaging and our biological drive to take more risks during adolescence.


SUN 20:00 Feedback (m001y2zv)
Café Hope, Book Of The Week And Long Wave

Andrea Catherwood talks to Rachel Burden, the presenter of Cafe Hope, about the need to hear more positive stories, and gets your views on the new programme.

She also hears the thoughts of Book of the Week fans, which has moved to a new, later timeslot, in part to make room for Cafe Hope, as part of the recent schedule changes at Radio 4.

Following last week’s discussion on the future of the BBC and the way it is funded, more of you have been adding your thoughts to the licence fee reform debate.

And what's happening with Radio 4 Long Wave? The Daily Service and Yesterday in Parliament have been moved to Radio 4 Extra in anticipation of the Long Wave frequency being shut down, but it's now due to be running until June next year. So why has the Long Wave goodbye got longer? Andrea speaks to the BBC's Head of Distribution and Radio 4’s Station Executive - joining the dots between the Shipping Forecast and Smart Meters!

Presented by Andrea Catherwood
Produced by Leeanne Coyle
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4


SUN 20:30 Last Word (m001y2xj)
Peter Higgs, Trevor Griffiths, Hella Pick, Margaret Tynes

Matthew Bannister on

Professor Peter Higgs, the physicist who won the Nobel prize for explaining why the building blocks of the universe have mass.

Trevor Griffiths, the playwright whose stage and TV dramas focused on left wing politics and social issues. We have a tribute from the actor Jack Shepherd.

Hella Pick, the long serving Guardian foreign correspondent who enjoyed the company of many world leaders.

Margaret Tynes, the African-American soprano who sang leading operatic roles and worked with Duke Ellington.

Interviewee: Roland Pease
Interviewee: Dr Alan Walker
Interviewee: Jack Shepherd
Interviewee: Paul Allen
Interviewee: Linda Christmas
Interviewee: Michael Harper

Producer: Catherine Powell

Archive used:
BBC News at Six : 04/07/2012; BBC The Life Scientific 18/02/2014; Nobel Prize Announcement in Physics 2013, Youtube, 08/10/2013; All Good Men, Play for Today, BBC 1, 31/01/1974; Trevor Griffiths, BFI, YouTube Upload, 02/06/2017; Through the Night, Play for Today, BBC 1, 04/08/1977; Trevor Griffiths interviewed by Sir Tony Robinson, Showreel 88, BBC2, 26/12/1988; Hardtalk, BBC, 1997; Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, 16/11/2018; Aida - 'Ritorna vincitor' az I. felvonásból, 08/09/1962; Macbeth - 'Una macchia e qui tuttora' a IV. felvonásból (Gran Scena del Sonnambulismo / Alvajáró jelenet) 08/09/1962; A Drum Is a Woman, Pt. 1 by Duke Ellington, Margaret Tynes, Duke Ellington & His Orchestra; "Salome" excerpt, Spoleto, 1961


SUN 21:00 Money Box (m001y7x4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:04 on Saturday]


SUN 21:25 Radio 4 Appeal (m001y8h2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:54 today]


SUN 21:30 From Our Own Correspondent (m001y7x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 on Saturday]


SUN 22:00 Westminster Hour (m001y9kr)
Ben Wright's guests are the Conservative former minister, Matt Warman; senior Labour MP, Dame Meg Hillier; and the deputy opinion editor at the Financial Times, Miranda Green. They discuss the crisis in the Middle East and hear from the EU's former foreign affairs chief Baroness Cathy Ashton, who talks about her experience of negotiating with Iran. The panellists look ahead to the final parliamentary stages of the Rwanda Safety Bill too - with Katy Balls from The Spectator bringing additional insight and analysis. The programme also includes an interview with Will Hutton about his latest book, "This Time No Mistakes", in which he makes the case for radical reform of the UK economy and public services.


SUN 23:00 In Our Time (m001y2z4)
Lysistrata

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Aristophanes' comedy in which the women of Athens and Sparta, led by Lysistrata, secure peace in the long-running war between them by staging a sex strike. To the men in the audience in 411BC, the idea that peace in the Peloponnesian War could be won so easily was ridiculous and the thought that their wives could have so much power over them was even more so. However Aristophanes' comedy also has the women seizing the treasure in the Acropolis that was meant to fund more fighting in an emergency, a fund the Athenians had recently had to draw on. They were in a perilous position and, much as they might laugh at Aristophanes' jokes, they knew there were real concerns about the actual cost of the war in terms of wealth and manpower.

With

Paul Cartledge
AG Leventis Senior Research Fellow of Clare College, University of Cambridge

Sarah Miles
Associate Professor in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University

And

James Robson
Professor of Classical Studies at the Open University

Producer: Simon Tillotson

Reading list:

Aristophanes (ed. Jeffrey Henderson), Lysistrata (Oxford University Press, 1987)

Aristophanes (ed. Jeffrey Henderson), Three Plays by Aristophanes: Staging Women (Routledge, 2010)

Aristophanes (ed. Jeffrey Henderson), Birds; Lysistrata; Women at the Thesmophoria (Loeb Classical Library series, Harvard University Press, 2014)

Aristophanes (ed. Alan H. Sommerstein), Lysistrata and Other Plays: The Acharnians; The Clouds; Lysistrata (Penguin, 2002)

Aristophanes (ed. Alan H. Sommerstein), Lysistrata (Aris & Phillips, 1998)

Paul Cartledge, Aristophanes and his Theatre of the Absurd (Bristol Classical Press, 1999)

Kenneth Dover, Aristophanic Comedy (University of California Press, 1972)

Germaine Greer, Lysistrata: The Sex Strike: After Aristophanes (Aurora Metro Press, 2000)

Tony Harrison, The Common Chorus: A Version of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata (Faber & Faber, 1992)

Douglas M. MacDowell, Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays (Oxford University Press, 1995)

S. Douglas Olson (ed.), Ancient Comedy and Reception: Essays in Honor of Jeffrey Henderson (De Gruyter, 2013), especially 'She (Don't) Gotta Have It: African-American reception of Lysistrata' by Kevin Wetmore

James Robson, Aristophanes: Lysistrata, Bloomsbury ancient comedy companions (Bloomsbury, 2023)

James Robson, Aristophanes: An Introduction (Duckworth, 2009)

Ralph M. Rosen and Helene P. Foley (eds.), Aristophanes and Politics. New Studies (Brill, 2020)

Donald Sells, Parody, Politics and the Populace in Greek Old Comedy (Bloomsbury, 2018)

David Stuttard (ed.), Looking at Lysistrata: Eight Essays and a New Version of Aristophanes' Provocative Comedy (Bristol Classical Press, 2010)


SUN 23:45 Short Works (m001y2xg)
When Love Sucks by Naomi Wood

A new short story for Radio 4 by the award-winning writer, Naomi Wood.

Nursing a broken heart, a woman turns to an AI dating coach for help - with unexpected results.

Writer: Naomi Wood is the winner of the 2023 BBC National Short Story Award, and author of three novels, including the award-winning Mrs Hemingway, and a new collection of stories, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things.
Reader: Rose Robinson
Producer: Justine Willett

MONDAY 15 APRIL 2024

MON 00:00 Midnight News (m001y9kt)
The latest news and weather forecast from BBC Radio 4.


MON 00:15 Crossing Continents (m001y27l)
Mexico - Coyotes and Kidnap

Thousands of people every day are on the move across Mexico towards the border with the US. But for migrants, this is one of the most perilous journeys in the world: land routes are dominated by powerful drug cartels and organised crime groups.

In this episode of Crossing Continents, Linda Pressly hears terrifying stories of kidnap and extortion from those who have risked everything to enter the United States.

The US/Mexico border has become the most important battleground for Americans in this year’s presidential election, but it seems no one can stop the men with guns who operate with impunity south of the border in Mexico.

Producer/presenter: Linda Pressly
Producer: Tim Mansel
Producer in Mexico: Ulises Escamilla
Sound: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy


MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (m001y7y9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:43 on Sunday]


MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (m001y9kw)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (m001y9ky)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (m001y9l0)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


MON 05:30 News Briefing (m001y9l2)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4


MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (m001y9l4)
A reflection and prayer to start the day with Rev Dr Bert Tosh.


MON 05:45 Farming Today (m001y9l6)
Changes to farm support payments after Brexit, increasingly unpredictable weather, not to mention a cost of living crisis means farmers are relying more on additional income streams to boost their farm profits. We’re going to be looking into farm diversifications all this week, and while you might think the most common sources of extra income would be accommodation for tourists and things like farm shops, in fact letting out buildings for businesses and producing solar energy were the top two diversifications in 2022 - 23, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

It's an election year and the controversial topic of hunting is being raised again; the Labour Party has vowed to ban hunting with dogs completely in their first 5 years of government. Fox hunting’s been banned in England, Wales and Scotland for twenty years now, but hunting groups are allowed to lay a ‘scent trail’ for hounds to chase. Trail hunting is controversial, with some hunts accused of using it as a smokescreen for hunting foxes. Just last month one hunt member in Wiltshire was sentenced for helping throw a live fox to hounds, and a different hunt, in Warwickshire, was charged over the alleged death of a fox. But a leading wildlife campaigner and hunt saboteur says he thinks one hunt in Sussex is now paving the way for how trail hunting could be done around the country in a pared down and more open way.

New varieties of organic hops that are resilient to climate change are being trialled by British beer makers. The Innovative Farmers Hop Trial aims to boost the cultivation of UK crops after falling production levels.

Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.


MON 05:57 Weather (m001y9l8)
Weather reports and forecasts for farmers


MON 06:00 Today (m001y899)
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.


MON 09:00 Start the Week (m001y89c)
Power to the people

2024 has been dubbed the year of elections, as at least 64 countries – including the UK – are heading for the polls. Tom Sutcliffe and guests explore the state of democracy.

The political philosopher Erica Benner reflects on the tensions in liberal democracy in her book, Adventures in Democracy: The Turbulent World of People Power. From her childhood in post-war Japan, to working in post-communist Poland, and with forays into ancient Greece and Renaissance Erica Benner looks at the role of ordinary citizens in keeping democracy alive.

Democracy in India has a long history with roots in ancient councils of elders, although its modern manifestation began with independence from British rule in 1947. But the anthropologist Alpa Shah raises questions about how far democratic institutions are failing in India, as minority groups - the Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims - are targeted and demonised, in her new book The Incarcerations.

The UK will have a general election this year, and although satisfaction with politics ranks very low in relation to other countries, faith in democracy continues to rise. The research is by the Policy Institute at King’s College London, and its director Bobby Duffy says that while there’s little support for authoritarian forms of government, the idea of Citizen Assemblies are becoming more popular.

Producer: Katy Hickman


MON 09:45 Café Hope (m001y89f)
Just an hour

Café Hope is our virtual Radio 4 coffee shop with Rachel Burden, where guests pop in for a brew and a chat to tell us what they're doing to make the world a better place. Kevin Morland comes to Café Hope to talk about how giving an hour of his time to help other people then became a charity, which now supports people in Merseyside and beyond.


MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (m001y89h)
Jing Lusi, Fatal stabbings in Sydney, Australia, Declaration of the Rights of the Child

Australian police investigating the fatal stabbing of six people at the crowded shopping centre in Bondi Junction, Sydney say they're looking into whether the attacker deliberately targeted women. Joel Cauchi killed five women - and a male security guard who tried to intervene - before he was shot dead by police. Eight of the twelve injured who went to hospital, including a baby, are also female. To find out more Jessica Creighton is joined by BBC Australia correspondent Katy Watson based in Sydney.

Jing Lusi stars as DC Hana Li in ITV’s new thriller Red Eye, set on a plane flying between London and Beijing. She joins Jessica Creighton to talk about what it’s like to play a lead role for the first time, and how important it is to see British East Asian women as the main progatonist.

Ten years ago 276 Nigerian school girls were abducted by the Islamist group Boko Haram from their school in Chibok, a town in the north-east of Nigeria. A decade later, dozens of the girls are still missing and kidnappings are once again on the rise in Nigeria. Jessica is joined from Lagos by BBC Africa Senior reporter Yemisi Adegoke.

2024 marks the centenary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. First written by British feminists, it was adopted by the League of Nations in 1924. Today we know it as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Dr Emily Baughan, Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Sheffield explains the role women played in its creation. Plus, Danielle Scott, Assistant Vice Principal at Green Gates Academy, explains how the rights are still being used in schools today.

A real life experience of a mugging in New York inspired Imogen Wade to write a poem which has just won the National Poetry Competition, coming first out of 19000 entries. She joins Jessica to share her poem and, as a counsellor, to explain how the act of writing helped her to process the experience.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton
Producer: Louise Corley
Studio Engineer: Donald MacDonald


MON 11:00 The Patch (m001y89k)
Northowram, Halifax

One random postcode and a story you probably haven't heard before.

A small village in Yorkshire mysteriously has two cricket clubs, separated by a dry stone wall - how did this happen? And how do they both survive?

Produced and Presented by Polly Weston


MON 11:45 An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi (m001y89m)
Dinkenesh

An epic, sweeping history of the continent told through the voices of Africans themselves.

An encounter with a palaeontological superstar uncovers the roots of our evolutionary history.

Written and read by Zeinab Badawi
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

Zeinab Badawi is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and filmmaker. She is President of SOAS, University of London and is an honorary fellow of her alma mater St Hilda’s College, Oxford. Born in Sudan, she has worked in the British media for several decades. Zeinab is a recipient of the President’s Medal of the British Academy, a Patron of the United Nations Association UK, and is on the boards of the Arts, Humanities and Research Council, MINDS (the Mandela Institute for Development Studies), the International Crisis Group and Afrobarometer.


MON 12:00 News Summary (m001y89p)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


MON 12:04 You and Yours (m001y89r)
Subscription traps, Tourist tax, Ethical spending

It’s estimated that over 80% of UK households have a subscription service – you can get them for everything now, from TV, films and music, through to expert advice, food and stationary.
As these services have grown in popularity so have the concerns of the subscription trap. This is where services are easy to enter yet difficult to cancel, and in some cases people unknowingly paying for subscription.
We talk to one 90 year old who has just found out that he’s spent over £700 over two years for a service he’s never used. As always we’ll be giving you some advice on how to stop this happening to you, and if there is anything you can do if you fall foul to the trap.

Tourism tax, you may have come across it if your travelled abroad, but increasingly they are being used around the UK as well.
It’s not the law for places to charge it, instead they are run by Business Improvement Districts in places like Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, Tweed Valley, Moray and Speyside, and Loch Ness.
We’ll be looking in to what this money is spent on, and how they impact the tourists.

And ethical spending, do you think about this when you’re out shopping?
We talk to two friends who take two approaches when trying to be as ethical as they can in their own budgets. Then we talk with Fairtrade who are 30 years old in 2024 and say that ethical spending has grown even in the cost of living crisis.

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Dave James

You can contact You & Yours by emailing youandyours@bbc.co.uk or using the hashtag #youandyours


MON 12:57 Weather (m001y89t)
The latest weather forecast


MON 13:00 World at One (m001y89w)
Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment.


MON 13:45 Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity (m001y89y)
The Birth of Civilisation

Modern life would quite literally fall apart without glues – they hold our buildings, our phones, even our bodies together. But the story of stickiness runs much deeper than that. In fact, our greatest leaps forward as a species couldn’t have happened without adhesives.

In this series, materials scientist Mark Miodownik charts the journey of human progress through the sticky substances that have shaped us. In episode one he explores the very earliest adhesives, dating back at least 190,000 years, that allowed our ancestors to invent, innovate, and make the first tools.

And he hears how lumps of these prehistoric glues contain fragments of the stone age people who used them, trapped in time for thousands of years.

Contributors:
Geeske Langejans, Delft University of Technology
Hannes Schroeder, University of Copenhagen

Producer: Anand Jagatia
Presenter: Mark Miodownik
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
BBC Studios Audio Production


MON 14:00 The Archers (m001y8b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Sunday]


MON 14:15 Drama on 4 (m000sync)
The Flowers Are Perfect in the Garden

In The Flowers Are Perfect in The Garden by Lucy Caldwell, a man spends his final days in a hospice surrounded by his wife and once estranged children, who have travelled far and wide to be by his bedside at this time. It is full of laughter and tears as memories often are and it is a chance for them to re-connect and re-charge the loving bond that had been lost for a time. They are able to come together as a family and as a result in the death of their father there is a birth of a family once more.
Starring:
Pat ... Dermot Crowley
Mary ... Dearbhla Molloy
Oisín ... Patrick O'Kane
Emma ... Charlene McKenna
Emma (child) ... Clara Murphy
Oisín (child) ... Alex Warburton
Letitia ... Deborah Bahi
Corazón ... Maria Cristina Crampton
Other parts were played by Alice Hoskyns and Tom Glenister
Writer ... Lucy Caldwell
Director ... Celia de Wolff
BBC NI Radio Drama Production


MON 15:00 Great Lives (m001y8b2)
Antoni Gaudi

Baroness Ros Altmann, a Conservative peer and former pensions minister, was “blown away” by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi on a trip to Barcelona in the 1990s. She’s been back several times and her wonder at Gaudi’s use of colour and natural shapes has not faded. She wants to find out more about the conservative, religious man who created such exuberant and flamboyant work. Gaudi biographer Gijs Van Hensbergen joins Ros and host Matthew Parris to explore Gaudi’s childhood, his personal life and how his Catholicism and love of Catalan nature informed his work.
Producer: Paul Martin for BBC Studios Audio.


MON 15:30 History's Secret Heroes (m001y3v6)
13. Christine Granville: The Spy Who Skied In from the Cold

Thrill-seeker Christine Granville offers to ski across enemy lines and over the deadly Carpathian mountains, into Nazi-occupied Poland to gather intelligence for the British. Churchill would later call her his favourite spy.

Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.

A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Producer: Suniti Somaiya
Edit Producer: Melvin Rickarby
Assistant Producer: Lorna Reader
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Written by Alex von Tunzelmann
Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts


MON 16:00 Haiti - Descent Into Anarchy (m001yf8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]


MON 16:30 Soul Music (m001y7wy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Saturday]


MON 17:00 PM (m001y8b4)
Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines.


MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (m001y8b6)
Iran attacked Israel in what it said was a response to a strike on its consulate in Syria


MON 18:30 It's a Fair Cop (m001y8b8)
Series 8

3. Top Dog

A fan favourite returns this week, Zeus the Police Dog!

But how does our favourite canine copper react when his position as leader of the pack is threatened?

Written and presented by Alfie Moore
Script Editor: Will Ing
Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum
Producer: Sam Holmes

An EcoAudio Certified Production
A BBC Studios Audio Production


MON 19:00 The Archers (m001y8bb)
Oliver is keen to impress the Lord Mayor of Felpersham and her husband on Wednesday. Fallon and Harrison are also staying at the hotel on Wednesday, after Chris donated his prize to them.

Harrison and Lily get chatting, as he’s at Grey Gables today giving a talk on crime prevention. Lily assures Harrison he and Fallon with have a memorable stay at the hotel, and he suggests he may put more business her way, with the Police ball coming up later in the year. Lily gives Harrison a tour of potential spaces, but finds herself talking down Grey Gables and making a case for Lower Loxley. Harrison warns Lily not to play a dangerous game, but Lily is confident she knows what she’s doing.

Alice drags Kate with her to see GP Azra, who’s not impressed by seemingly being used to settle a family argument. Azra wants to see Alice alone, and Alice apologises to Kate, who reassures Alice she’ll be waiting for her in the waiting room. Alice admits to Azra that she knows why she flared up at Kate and Lilian – she does worry about staying sober and has a fear of falling. Later they bump into each other by chance at the shop, and Azra talks about possibly moving to Ambridge. Alice is contrite and it seems to be a day for apologies. Azra seems aware that Alice has used her experience to help others struggling with addiction, and she warns Alice to be careful and look after herself first – she may need to keep her distance to be safe.


MON 19:15 Front Row (m001y8bd)
The Book of Clarence, Liberation Squares, Northern Ireland's filming boom

British director Jeymes Samuel discusses his new film The Book of Clarence, a Biblical comedy about a down-on-his-luck young man who tries to escape from a debt by pretending to be a messiah like Christ.

Sonali Bhattacharyya on her new play Liberation Square, which just opened at the Nottingham Playhouse and explores the lives of three young Muslim women who find themselves caught up in the state surveillance ‘Prevent’ programme.

With the hit Belfast-set drama Blue Lights returning to BBC One for its second season tonight, Kathy Clugston reports on Northern Ireland booming film industry.

Presenter: Nick Ahad
Producer: Paula McGrath


MON 20:00 The Briefing Room (m001y2zx)
What's happened to Hamas?

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to “eliminate” Hamas but after six months of death and destruction in Gaza what do we know about their status?

David Aaronovitch talks to:

Jennifer Jefferis, Teaching Professor at Georgetown University's Security Studies program and author of Hamas: Terrorism, Governance, and its Future in Middle East Politics.

Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.

Khalil Shikaki, Director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research

Gershon Baskin, Middle East Director, International Communities Organization and a former Israeli negotiator with Hamas

Production team: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight and Ben Carter
Editor: Richard Vadon
Production Co-ordinator: Ibtisam Zein
Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar


MON 20:30 BBC Inside Science (m001y2zz)
Bird flu outbreak in cows

A strain of highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, has been spreading unchecked through wild bird, and some mammal, populations for the past few years. Last week, news of a large number of dairy cows in the USA being infected with bird flu has alarmed the public and virologists alike. One farm worker has also picked up the virus and although they are not seriously ill, the jump between cattle and humans raises serious concerns over how the virus is moving and adapting. Virologist Dr Tom Peacock has the details.

Also this week, thousands of eyes across America were turned to the skies to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse. But this event isn’t just a spectacle for the eyes – it’s a real scientific opportunity. Space physicist and electrical engineer Dr Nathaniel Frissell reveals his unusual approach to studying the eclipse via radio. And BBC reporter Georgina Rannard, who has been following the eclipse this week, tells Vic what other research scientists investigated during the four-minute window of darkness.

And don’t turn your eyes away from the sky just yet, as another celestial spectacle is set to occur. About 3,000 light-years away, a pair of orbiting stars called T Coronae Borealis are not normally visible from Earth. But every 80 years or so, one of the stars in the binary system explodes, creating a ‘new’ star in our night sky. But you’ll only have a day or two to spot it. Astrophysicist Dr Rebecca Smethurst joins Vic in the studio to talk about this once-in-a-lifetime star explosion.

And to close the show, the life and work of a legend. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs has died at the age of 94. Higgs’s biographer Professor Frank Close tells us how Higgs predicted the existence of a particle that’s fundamental to our understanding of the Universe and reveals the legacy he’s left behind.

Presenter: Victoria Gill
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Ella Hubber
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth


MON 21:00 Start the Week (m001y89c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 21:45 Café Hope (m001y89f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 today]


MON 22:00 The World Tonight (m001y8bg)
How will Israel respond to Iran attack?

Israel's army chief has vowed to respond to Iran's unprecedented attack - despite calls from allies to show restraint. A leading right-wing Israeli politician tells us why he supports hitting back. And we speak to former CIA chief General David Petraeus about the risk of escalation.

Also on the programme:

We're in India, hearing from excited first-time voters ahead of the general election which begins this week.

And as actress Hannah Waddingham's reprimands a photographer who appeared to ask her to “show leg”, we ask a paparazzo about blue language on the red carpet.


MON 22:45 Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (m001y8bj)
Episode 6

The explosive literary sensation and winner of the 2023 Booker Prize. As read by Clare Dunne (‘Kin.’)

On a dark, wet evening in Dublin, scientist and mother-of-four Eilish Stack answers her front door to find the GNSB – the Garda National Service Bureau – on her step. Two officers from Ireland’s newly formed secret police are here to interrogate her husband, a trade unionist.

Ireland is falling apart. The country is in the grip of a government turning towards tyranny and Eilish finds herself caught within the nightmare logic of a society that is quickly unravelling.

How far will she go to save her family? And what – or who – is she willing to leave behind?

The Author
Paul Lynch is the prize-winning author of five novels: ‘Prophet Song’, ‘Beyond the Sea’, ‘Grace’, ‘The Black Snow’, and ‘Red Sky in Morning’. He was awarded The Booker Prize 2023 for his esteemed novel ‘Prophet Song’. He has won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year and the French booksellers’ prize Prix Libr’à Nous for best foreign novel. He has also been shortlisted for UK’s Walter Scott Prize, the US’s William Saroyan International Prize, and France’s Prix Jean Monnet for European Literature and the Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger, among other prizes. Libération has called Lynch “one of today’s greatest Irish writers”. He lives in Dublin with his wife and two children.

Reader: Clare Dunne
Author: Paul Lynch
Abridger: Rowan Routh
Producer: Michael Shannon

A BBC Audio Northern Ireland Production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 23:00 Limelight (p09h4vpy)
The System - Series 1

The System - Level 2: Sweat Blood

By Ben Lewis.

A witty and propulsive six-part thriller about a mysterious personal development programme. Starring Siena Kelly, Jack Rowan and Iain de Caestecker.

Level 2: Sweat Blood.

The Past: Jake and his fellow underdogs begin to radically transform their minds and bodies.
The Present: Maya’s hunt for their leader gets tense when she realises they might be hunting her.

Cast:
Alex … Iain de Caestecker
Maya … Siena Kelly
Jerome… Don Gilét
Coyote…Divian Ladwa
Beau…Matthew Needham
Jake …Jack Rowan

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

With thanks to Dr Joel Busher at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, University of Coventry.

A BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams


MON 23:30 Today in Parliament (m001y8bl)
Alicia McCarthy as MPs question the prime minister about the attack on Israel by Iran and the UK's involvement.

TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2024

TUE 00:00 Midnight News (m001y8bn)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4


TUE 00:30 An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi (m001y89m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 on Monday]


TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (m001y8bq)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (m001y8bs)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (m001y8bv)
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping


TUE 05:30 News Briefing (m001y8bx)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4


TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (m001y8bz)
A reflection and prayer to start the day with Rev Dr Bert Tosh.


TUE 05:45 Farming Today (m001y8c1)
After farmers held protest against post-Brexit agricultural policy in Wales, is the new Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs ready for the challenge? In his first interview for the programme, Anna Hill asks him about the 10% tree policy, how they plan to tackle bovine TB and whether they're doing enough to clean up Welsh rivers.

The Government has published its long awaited River Wye Action Plan, which includes the doubling of grants for farm slurry stores and up to £35 million worth of funding for poultry manure combustors. Campaigners say the river is in an ‘ecological death spiral’ and blame the spreading of manure from intensive chicken farming onto fields in the catchment, resulting in pollution going into the river. Research led by Lancaster University showed that 70% of the excess phosphate in the Wye, comes from agricultural waste.

And many farms have ventured into retail and hospitality in the hope of selling some of their produce direct to customers. We visit a farm which has gone one step further, and as well as having a farm shop, butchery and cafe, it also rents farm buildings to other small businesses.

Presented by Anna Hill
Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons


TUE 06:00 Today (m001y8c5)
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.


TUE 09:00 The Life Scientific (m001y87c)
Hannah Critchlow on the connected brain

With 86 billion nerve cells joined together in a network of 100 trillion connections, the human brain is the most complex system in the known universe.

Dr. Hannah Critchlow is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist who has spent her career demystifying and explaining the brain to audiences around the world. Through her writing, broadcasting and lectures to audiences – whether in schools, festivals or online – she has become one of the public faces of neuroscience.

She tells Professor Jim Al-Khalili that her desire to understand the brain began when she spent a year after school as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital. The experience of working with young patients - many the same age as her - made her ask what it is within each individual brain which determines people’s very different life trajectories.

In her books she’s explored the idea that much of our character and behaviour is hard-wired into us before we’re even born. And most recently she’s considered collective intelligence, asking how we can bring all our individual brains together and harness their power in one ‘super brain’.

And we get to hear Jim’s own mind at work as Hannah attaches electrodes to his head and turns his brain waves into sound.

Producer: Jeremy Grange


TUE 09:30 Inside Health (m001y87f)
We go on a tick hunt

Scientists are worried about ticks.

They say they’re starting to pose more of a health risk here in the UK, as our climate warms and urban areas spill into green spaces.

But what are ticks, what kind of disease can they cause – and how much of a problem are they? We go on a tick hunt in Richmond Park and then head back to the lab to meet the ticks we’ve collected. We find out why new species of ticks and new diseases could be coming our way - and what you can do to keep safe.

Also this week, we answer your questions on the impact of noise on our health following our recent programme.

And we delve into the fascinating world of measles. It’s the most contagious virus in the world – by a long way. What is it about this virus that makes it so spectacularly good at infecting us?

Keep in touch with the Inside Health team at insidehealth@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: James Gallagher
Producer: Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Production coordinator: Liz Tuohy


TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (m001y8c7)
Hollywood film producer Deborah Snyder, Young women and voting, Machinal star Rosie Sheehy

Deborah Snyder has produced some of the biggest blockbusters and action franchises in the last decade including Wonder Woman, 300 and Watchmen. Her newest work, Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver arrives on Netflix this week. It's the second instalment of the Rebel Moon series, a space opera set in a fictional galaxy with a female protagonist. Deborah produced it alongside her husband and long-term creative collaborator, director Zack Snyder. She joins Jessica Creighton live in the studio.

A proposed new UK tournament for women's tennis at The Queen's Club in London is facing a set-back. They need to convince the men's professional tennis circuit that they won't damage the grass for the men's tournament at the same club the following week. The week-long women's event would be staged for the first time in 2025, and would replace Eastbourne as the only Women's Tennis Association 500 event, taking place in the UK in the run-up to Wimbledon. Jess speaks to tennis broadcaster Catherine Whitaker to discuss.

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the local elections on May 2nd. The most recent data suggest that 4.3 million young people in England aren’t currently registered. Jessica speaks to Sharon Gaffka, who’s supporting the Give an X campaign, calling on young people to get involved. A survey by the youth led charity My Life My Say also says that fewer than 1 in 6 of young women trust politicians and more than four in 10 believe their vote won’t make a difference in an election. Also joining Jessica is Rosie Campbell, Professor of Politics and Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, to explain the trends behind the latest data.

In 1927 journalist Sophie Treadwell attended the sensational trial of Ruth Snyder, a New York woman accused murdering her husband. Ruth was found guilty, along with her accomplice lover Henry Judd Gray, and both were executed by electric chair in January 1928. Those events inspired Sophie Treadwell to write the play Machinal, which premiered on Broadway later that year. A recent production has just transferred from the Theatre Royal Bath to the Old Vic in London and its star, Rosie Sheehy, along with US academic Dr Jessie Ramey join Jessica to discuss the case of Ruth Snyder and why Machinal still resonates with audiences today.


TUE 11:00 Screenshot (m001y2xv)
Interlopers

Andrew Scott is the latest in a long line of actors to play Thomas Ripley - the seductive, sociopathic conman created by American crime writer Patricia Highsmith, and immortalised in films from Plein Soleil to The Talented Mr Ripley.

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode look at Ripley and other social strivers on screen, asking how these interlopers have insinuated themselves into our hearts and minds.

Ellen explores what makes Patricia Highsmith’s work so cinematic, with a lifelong Highsmith fan – critic and novelist Kim Newman. And she speaks to Swiss documentary filmmaker Eva Vitija about her 2022 film Loving Highsmith – a fascinating look at the author’s life and artistry, told through her unpublished diaries, and interviews with her friends and former lovers.

Mark Kermode looks beyond Highsmith’s work, to explore how the 'Ripleyesque' figure has endured. He discusses cinema’s most notorious interlopers, from The Great Gatsby to Saltburn, with Manuela Lazic, a French critic, writer and filmmaker.

Mark also talks to two of his favourite filmmakers, Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor. Christine and Joe’s newest film Baltimore – about the debutante turned IRA member Rose Dugdale – is just one of many stories about interloping and identity that they’ve brought to the screen over the years. They tell Mark why the theme fascinates them.

Producer: Jane Long
A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 11:45 An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi (m001y8c9)
Aksum

An epic, sweeping history of the continent told through the voices of Africans themselves.

Zeinab Badawi uncovers the forgotten kingdom of Aksum, one of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world.

Written and read by Zeinab Badawi
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

Zeinab Badawi is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and filmmaker. She is President of SOAS, University of London and is an honorary fellow of her alma mater St Hilda’s College, Oxford. Born in Sudan, she has worked in the British media for several decades. Zeinab is a recipient of the President’s Medal of the British Academy, a Patron of the United Nations Association UK, and is on the boards of the Arts, Humanities and Research Council, MINDS (the Mandela Institute for Development Studies), the International Crisis Group and Afrobarometer.


TUE 12:00 News Summary (m001y8cc)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


TUE 12:04 You and Yours (m001y8cf)
Call You and Yours - Bank Branch Closures

Bank branches are disappearing from our high streets at a rapid pace. There were 22,000 high street banks and building societies in 1986. Last year there were were 7,670 left. Last year an Age UK survey estimated that 4 million people were not managing money online. And it’s not just vulnerable groups who are struggling. For four out of ten small businesses, cash is the main payment method.

We want to hear from you. How have bank closures affected you?

Call us from 11am on Tuesday on 03700 100 444

PRODUCER - CATHERINE ERALAM
PRESENTER - WINIFRED ROBINSON


TUE 12:57 Weather (m001y8ch)
The latest weather forecast


TUE 13:00 World at One (m001y8ck)
Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment.


TUE 13:45 Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity (m001y8cm)
How rubber changed the world

In this series, materials scientist Mark Miodownik charts the journey of human progress through the sticky substances that have shaped us.

In episode two he explores how latex, the sticky sap of the rubber tree, transformed the world we live in.

He learns how rubber is an ancient Mesoamerican innovation dating back at least 3,600 years, used by the Olmec people for its incredible stretchiness and bounciness.

And he hears how scientists of the industrial revolution were captivated by rubber, but struggled to harness its miraculous properties. Eventually, one man would solve this sticky problem – but the quest nearly killed him, and cost him everything he had.

Contributors:
Charles Slack, Author and historian
Mike Tarkanian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sound effects: DeLorean DMC-12 (V6 PRV engine) by SkyernAklea, from Freesound

Producer: Anand Jagatia
Presenter: Mark Miodownik
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
BBC Studios Audio Production


TUE 14:00 The Archers (m001y8bb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Monday]


TUE 14:15 Drama on 4 (m000x6pk)
Song of the Reed

Song of the Reed: Swallowtail

Sophie Okonedo and Mark Rylance star in the first of Steve Waters’ seasonal dramas following the life of Fleggwick, a fictional wetlands nature reserve, over the period of one year.

Fleggwick, like the ecosystem it protects, is under threat. The site was not financially sustainable when its founder passed away so his daughter Liv (Sophie Okonedo) needs to find a way for it to survive. But if that means selling out to ‘trendy conservation’ then Ian (Mark Rylance), the Warden, wants nothing to do with it.

Recorded on location at RSPB’s Strumpshaw Fen, the story is informed by the real work and science of conservation taking place in the face of rapid environmental change in the wetlands of Norfolk, and everywhere.

It’s a rainy summer's day and a Swallowtail Safari is being held at the reserve with members of the public, as well as a manager from WildScapes, visiting Fleggwick with the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive and utterly beautiful swallowtail butterfly. The future of the reserve may ride on it.

Cast:
Liv ..... Sophie Okonedo
Ian ..... Mark Rylance
Tam ..... Ella Dorman Gajic
Kay ..... Molly Naylor
Sadegh ..... Zaydun Khalaf
Nikki ..... Karen Hill
Voice of the Reed ..... Christine Kavanagh
Other parts played by staff and volunteers at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

Written by Steve Waters
Music by Michael Somerset Ward with Rebecca Hearne
Sound Design by Alisdair McGregor

Produced and Directed by Boz Temple-Morris
A Holy Mountain production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 15:00 Don't Log Off (m001tbcl)
Series 15

Between Two Worlds

Alan Dein searches the internet to connect with strangers who have found themselves caught between two worlds – in religion, vocation, or who are quite literally all at sea.

In South Africa, Kepa is devoted to Kwantu, the community choir he conducts. But his journey to music wasn't straightforward. Alan connects with Ayu in Indonesia, who tells him about her passion for self-transformation and growing up between two faiths. And Alan hears from Cezar, a Romanian chief mechanic on board an enormous oil tanker, about photography and life at sea as he docks in Bangladesh.

Producer: Martha Owen


TUE 15:30 Beyond Belief (m001y8cp)
Faithful Feet

In our society feet are often hidden away in shoes, perhaps to make an odd appearance post pedicure… but they can be an incredibly powerful symbol within many religions.

Giles Fraser meets Kai Bridges, a Shamanic practitioner who guides people through firewalks as part of his spiritual practice. For him firewalking goes beyond an exercise in empowerment and grounds him in the moment, connecting him to the elements.

Our panel Sughra Ahmed, Priyesh Patel and Lucy Winkett walk us through what feet symbolise in their respective faith traditions, and the different ways feet are a part of religious tradition and practice.

Presenter: Giles Fraser
Producers: Ruth Purser and Katharine Longworth
Editor: Tim Pemberton


TUE 16:00 Split Ends (m001ybgx)
1. Dr. Feelgood

Singer-songwriter and BBC Introducing presenter Kitty Perrin charts the stories of band splits, looks at what really happened in the break ups of some of history's best loved bands. With new interviews with band members and music professionals, academics, and writers she attempts to analyse the reasons behind why bands split.

In this first episode, she looks at the splits and re-incarnations of 1970s Canvey Island pub rock band Dr Feelgood, charting how, through creative differences, deaths, and rigours of touring#, the current line-up of the band has none of the original members. Yet they are still Dr Feelgood, they still tour and have a huge international fanbase. Kitty speaks with original drummer ‘The Big Figure’, manager Chris Fenwick and current band members, Gordon Russell, Phil Mitchell, Kevin Morris and Robert Kane.

She hears from Jodi Milstein an LA based psychotherapist who runs Rockstar Therapy – akin to marriage guidance for bands - as well as from Tamsin Embleton, editor of band touring bible Touring And Mental Health. And Ryan Dusick, original drummer with the American Band Maroon 5, talks about how touring took its toll on his mental health.

Presented by Kitty Perrin

Produced by Julian Mayers and Chris Wilson
Music by Gordon Russell

A Yada-Yada Audio production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 16:30 When It Hits the Fan (m001y9pt)
Dorothy Byrne special

On When It Hits the Fan, we often talk about crises as if they should be avoided at all costs. But Dorothy Byrne, the former head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4, is living proof that walking towards the fan is often a hallmark of people that effect positive change.

In this special deep-dive interview, David Yelland and Simon Lewis talk to Dorothy about the relationship between PR and journalism, being lobbied, and her fearless approach to reporting the truth – including her 2019 MacTaggart lecture when she called the then prime minister a “known liar”.

Producer: Eve Streeter
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: William Miller
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 17:00 PM (m001y8cr)
Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines.


TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (m001y8ct)
The pupil argued the ban on prayer rituals was discriminatory


TUE 18:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (m001y8cw)
Series 6

1. Apple Is the New Black

Star of Mock The Week, Milton Jones ends up in prison for committing a True Crime podcast and asks the question “Sound effects and soundproofing - which came first, the chicken or the eggbox?”

Complete with his unmissable jokes and a fully-working cast.

“The best one-line merchant in British comedy...” - Chortle
"King of the surreal one-liners" - The Times
“Milton Jones is one of Britain’s best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners” – The Guardian

Written by Milton Jones, James Cary and Dan Evans

Starring Milton Jones, Tom Goodman-Hill, Josie Lawrence, Dan Tetsell and James Akka

With music by Guy Jackson

Produced and directed by David Tyler

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 19:00 The Archers (m001y86r)
Chelsea is doing Fallon’s hair before her stay at Grey Gables tomorrow, and has pictures to show her for inspiration. Chelsea spots a notice on the tea room door and Fallon explains they’re looking for cover for Emma while she does her tree surgery course, and then potentially a permanent job. Chelsea’s interested, so Fallon offers to speak with Natasha. Later, Jazzer also spots a job going at the Bull, and they’re keen to speak to Chelsea. Chelsea has an interview on Thursday at the Tea room, though – but has a cunning plan to go for both jobs and expects two offers.

Alice has forgotten about Harry’s meeting tonight so rearranges childcare to go with him. Alice makes something up and asks Chris, but he’s busy tonight. He eventually misses his drink with Hannah to help as a last resort, leaving Hannah to chat with Fallon at the pub and mention she was meeting him – just as mates.

Alice phones Chris to check in, keeping up the pretence about work as she waits in her car for Harry after the meeting. Harry gets in the car and explains he hung back to find out about the next meeting. Harry’s so grateful and offers to come to Alice’s meeting later this week, but as she has been to his she doesn’t need another one. Harry vows to support himself from now on, as he doesn’t want to complicate Alice’s life. Alice would just like to stay in touch occasionally to check in. Harry agrees and says not to worry – he is on the right track.


TUE 19:15 Front Row (m001y8cz)
Sir John Akomfrah, bicentenary of Byron's death and sped-up music

Lord Byron died 200 years ago on Friday. Lady Caroline Lamb described him as 'mad, bad and dangerous to know'. Fiona Stafford has edited Byron's Travels, a new selection of his poems, letters and journals. He was only 36 when he died, but had written seven volumes of verse, thirteen volumes of journal and thousands of letters. The poet A. E. Stallings, who lives in Greece, where Byron died while supporting the Greek struggle for independence - and Fiona Stafford, join Tom Sutcliffe to celebrate this great, scandalous and very funny Romantic poet.

We talk about the sped-up music phenomenon, and what it tells us about the constantly evolving relationship between the music industry and music fans. Music business writer Eamonn Forde and singer-songwriter Fiona Bevan are in the Front Row studio.

And artist Sir John Akomfrah joins us from the British Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale where he is representing the UK, with his exhibition, Listening All Night To The Rain.

Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe
Producer: Paul Waters


TUE 20:00 File on 4 (m001y867)
Lasting Legacy: What went wrong at a Hull funeral home?

The discovery of 35 bodies and an unknown quantity of unidentified human ashes at a Hull funeral home has become one of the most harrowing investigations in the history of Humberside Police. Linsey Smith investigates what went wrong and hears from some of the many families who've been left devastated by the discovery - some of whom now know the ashes they were given didn't belong to their loved ones.

File on 4 also hears how the funeral industry is largely unregulated and how concerns raised more than three years ago by the Competition and Markets Authority about the storage and treatment of the deceased haven't been acted upon.

Reporter: Linsey Smith
Producers: Holly Clemens and Nicola Dowling
Technical Producer: Craig Boardman
Digital producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith
Production Coordinators: Tim Fernley & Jordan King
Editor: Carl Johnston

Image Credit:Christopher Furlong\Getty


TUE 20:40 In Touch (m001y8d2)
Audio Description: New Ofcom Guidelines & Application in the Theatre

The communications regulator Ofcom has just made changes to its guidelines surrounding audio description provided by television and on-demand services. For the first time, there will be unique recommendations for on-demand providers. Helen Shaw is part of Ofcom's content policy team and tells In Touch about the amendments and how the Media Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament, will impact access services more widely.

And what is creative audio description? Our reporter Fern Lulham finds out by visiting The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, where it can be found at every show in the production's run.

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Beth Hemmings
Production Coordinator: Liz Poole
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.


TUE 21:00 Crossing Continents (m001y8d4)
Reggaeton: The pride of Puerto Rico?

Reggaeton’s the soundtrack to Puerto Rico. The globally popular music reflects what’s going on in the cultural and political scene of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean Island.

It started out as underground music in marginalised communities but was criticised for allegedly promoting violence and being too sexually explicit.

Reggaeton has since been used as an anthem to overthrow a local governor and a way to criticise the island’s complex relationship with the United States.

It’s also evolved from misogynist roots to reach new audiences in the LGBTQ community.

Jane Chambers travels to Puerto Rico to meet the people and hear the music which is both maligned and revered.

Presenter and Producer: Jane Chambers
Field Producers: Hermes Ayala and Yondy Agosto
Sound Mix: Neil Churchill
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy


TUE 21:30 Three Million (p0hcrs0r)
3. The F-Word

Colonial authorities wanted to censor the famine. They were worried that Britain’s wartime enemies - the Germans and the Japanese - would use it as propaganda against them.

But as more and more starving people arrive in cities across Bengal, it becomes harder to suppress. Indian writers, photographers and artists document the humanitarian catastrophe, but it was risky as the censor forbade mention of the word famine. A British journalist and editor of the English language Statesman newspaper, in Calcutta, decides to challenge the censor and begins publishing photographs and then scathing editorials about what is really going on in Bengal. It shocks the world. In London, the BBC reports on “famine conditions” and, as we uncover, the British government tries to pressurize the broadcaster to tone down its coverage.

Presenter Kavita Puri
Series Producer: Ant Adeane
Editor: Emma Rippon
Sound design and mix: Eloise Whitmore
Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck
Original music: Felix Taylor

With thanks to Dr Janam Mukherjee, Professor Joya Chatterji and Dr Diya Gupta.


TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (m001y8d6)
MPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67, despite opposition from several leading Tory figures – we hear from one of them.

Also on the programme:

The Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives has a plan to unblock military aid for Ukraine;

And the government’s Rwanda Bill has suffered a fresh set of defeats in the House of Lords. We hear the story of one man who made the journey to the UK from Sudan, knowing he could be flown to the east African country if the law changes…


TUE 22:45 Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (m001y8d8)
Episode 7

The explosive literary sensation and winner of the 2023 Booker Prize. As read by Clare Dunne (‘Kin.’)

On a dark, wet evening in Dublin, scientist and mother-of-four Eilish Stack answers her front door to find the GNSB – the Garda National Service Bureau – on her step. Two officers from Ireland’s newly formed secret police are here to interrogate her husband, a trade unionist.

Ireland is falling apart. The country is in the grip of a government turning towards tyranny and Eilish finds herself caught within the nightmare logic of a society that is quickly unravelling.

How far will she go to save her family? And what – or who – is she willing to leave behind?

The Author
Paul Lynch is the prize-winning author of five novels: ‘Prophet Song’, ‘Beyond the Sea’, ‘Grace’, ‘The Black Snow’, and ‘Red Sky in Morning’. He was awarded The Booker Prize 2023 for his esteemed novel ‘Prophet Song’. He has won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year and the French booksellers’ prize Prix Libr’à Nous for best foreign novel. He has also been shortlisted for UK’s Walter Scott Prize, the US’s William Saroyan International Prize, and France’s Prix Jean Monnet for European Literature and the Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger, among other prizes. Libération has called Lynch “one of today’s greatest Irish writers”. He lives in Dublin with his wife and two children.

Reader: Clare Dunne
Author: Paul Lynch
Abridger: Rowan Routh
Producer: Michael Shannon

A BBC Audio Northern Ireland Production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 23:00 The Confessional (m001gww6)
Series 3

The Confession of Lady Antonia Fraser

Stephen Mangan’s series of soul-searching, self-abasement and moral pratfalls. Each week, he invites a different eminent guest into his virtual confessional booth to make three confessions.

This is a cue for some rich and varied story-telling and surprising insights as their confessions are put under the microscope.

In this episode, Stephen examines the conscience of historian and biographer Antonia Fraser. There are stories here of royal parties, theft and fake masses.

Other guests in this series are Jessie Cave, Neil Dudgeon, Sheila Hancock, Maisie Adam and Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown).

Presenter: Stephen Mangan
Additional material: Nick Doody
Producer: Frank Stirling

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4


TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (m001y8db)
Sean Curran reports on plans to create the UK's first smoke-free generation, and on further wrangling between the government and the Lords on the Rwanda scheme.