2. Dead On Arrival
Someone is very keen to acquire Selby Farm, where the owner's brother has disappeared.
Can amateur sleuth, the Toff - the Honourable Richard Rollison- find out what's really going on?
John Creasey's thriller starring Terence Alexander.
The Toff ...... Terence Alexander
Jolly ...... Robert Dorning
Gillian Selby ...... Heather Stoney
Monty Morne ...... Terrence Hardiman
Bert ...... Frank Jarvis
Mr Brandt ...... Ed Bishop
Clairvoyant Myra's husband Bill faces the grim aftermath of the kidnap stunt. Anton Lesser reads Mark McShane's thriller.
The authorities have conman Frank Abagnale Jr within their reach, but he's a very slippery catch. Concluded by William Hope. From August 2010.
Edgar Finchley meets a one-man band, is put in the picture and all is revealed.
Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.
Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Finchley.
With Peter Vaughan as Turk, Robert Gill as Robert Finchley, Dinah Sheridan as Mrs Finchley, Richard Ridings as Duffy, Ian Bartholomew as Jenks, Bill Wallis as Joe Turnbull, Geoffrey McGivern as James Grimes, Sebastian Brennan as Clarence Armitage and Jacqueline Tong as Mrs Armitage.
Concluding episode narrated by James Villiers.
Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Tied to a railway track, the comedian's life flashes before his eyes. With Dave Lamb.
Returning from a holiday abroad, Sid tricks the lad and Bill into sneaking in watches.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Kenneth Williams, Patricia Hayes and Noel Dryden.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Newly re-elected, MP Jim Hacker is summoned to the PM's office.
Jim learns from his chauffeur that the new St Edwards Hospital has 300 administrators, cooks and cleaners, but no doctors, nurses or patients. How can he cure it? As usual the Minister doesn't know his ACAS from his NALGO.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn satirical sitcom ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984. Yes Minister is centred around the hapless Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
Jim Hacker ...... Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby ...... Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard ...... Derek Fowlds
Annie Hacker ...... Diana Hoddinot
Frank Weisel ...... Bill Nighy
Sir Arnold ...... John Nettleton
Chief Whip ...... Edward Jewesbury
Nigel ...... Haydn Wood
Radio Presenter ...... Gordon Clyde
Newsreader ...... Bob Docherty
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
The humorous singing quartet of David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis entertain. From April 1985.
Comedy panel game with Humphrey Lyttelton, Willie Rushton, Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer and Tim Brooke-Taylor. From May 1984.
Martyn Wade's dramatisation of the novel by Anthony Trollope.
Romance is in the air for the young folk staying at Noningsby, the country home of Judge and Lady Staveley. Lady Mason accepts Sir Peregrine's invitation to spend Christmas at The Cleeve, and, in the Moulder household, there is business to consider.
Anthony Trollope ...... Tim Pigott-Smith
Lady Mason ...... Samantha Bond
Sir Peregrine ...... Ronald Pickup
Peregrine Orme ...... Dan Stevens
Mrs Edith Orme ...... Amanda Root
Lucius Mason ...... Jonathan Christie
Sophia Furnival ...... Lydia Leonard
Mr Furnival ...... Robert Maskell
Lady Staveley ...... Pamela Miles
Madeline Staveley ...... Manjeet Mann
Augustus Staveley ...... Robert Lonsdale
Felix Graham ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Mr Dockwrath ...... Sam Dale
Miriam Dockwrath ...... Janice Acquah
Joseph Mason ...... Jonathan Tafler
Mr Moulder ...... Stephen Critchlow
Mrs Moulder ...... Jane Whittenshaw
John Kenneby ...... Inam Mirza
Mr Kantwise ...... Paul Rider
Matthew Round ...... Dan Starkey
A candid look at contemporary family through the prism of two North London siblings Lucy and Tom as they schlep between their determinedly hands-on parents. Lucy is excited about exploring surrealism, Tom is obsessively counting sultanas and their mum Mimi (Sarah Alexander) is desperate for her third attempt at married life to get started, but the children's father Joe (David Tennant) has come to a decision that will change their all their lives...
If it's Wednesday... it must be Holloway
Joe ..... David Tennant
Mimi ..... Sarah Alexander
Tom ..... Finlay Christie
Lucy ..... Phoebe Abbott
Harry ..... Stuart Milligan
Memories of revolution in Romania, kidnapping in Uruguay and assassination in Dublin. Katie Hickman presents.
Pressure from outside forces mounts as the hearing of the Connor Walshe case approaches. Read by Gerard Murphy.
Striking spoofer's gold with 'The Henry Root Letters'. Stephen Boxer reads Terence Blacker's celebration of William Donaldson.
When an American heiress is blackmailed by her 'dead' husband, it's a case for the astute crime solver. Stars Bernard Hepton.
Clive James muses on the first day of televising the House of Lords in 1985. Is parliament the right place for comedy?
Mel Giedroyc plays dolls houses with Charlie & Lola creator Lauren Child, Ranulph Fiennes explains why family matters, and some under-12 girl footballers learn about team spirit.
London is melting, but planetary decontaminationists Arnold and Gregor get the blame and go on the run.
Stephen Hawking once warned us that our species could soon be wiped out by plagues, asteroids and our tendency to destroy ourselves. The solution, he suggested, was for us to colonise other planets. But Chris Larner and David Gilbert's sci-fi comedy sees the truth as a little more complicated.
The Laxian Key shows how, as soon as Man steps onto another planet, he promptly fouls it up just as he did earth. The heroes of this wonderfully wacky tale are two interplanetary decontaminationists.
Arnold …. Chris Larner
Gregor …. Mark Bonner
Evan …. Trevor Cooper
Office …. Alex Lowe
Ferngraum …. Sam Dale
Jo …. Christine Kavanagh
Dolores …. Virge Gilchrist
Virtual Newsreader …. Bethan Walker
Biochemist Diana Brackley has stumbled across something earth-shattering - but why does no-one want to know?
The scientific world, government, media and the beauty salon are set to collide...
Read by Joanna Tope.
John Wyndham's 1960 sci-fi novel abridged by Scott Stainton Miller.
The Scottish comedy team pokes fun at topical events. From Glasgow's Citizens Theatre. With Gregor Fisher. From April 2000.
Frenzying is all the rage in Ancient Athens, but can Aristophanes cash in on the craze? Stars Stephen Moore. From January 2001.
Goliath's crew faces a Russian sub, a Harrier jet, a sewing machine and a promotion. Underwater comedy stars Jim Field Smith. From November 2005.
THURSDAY 12 MAY 2011
THU 00:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2m3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k36c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Instant Sunshine (b007jxfm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b011082h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b010y3f8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Sunday]
THU 02:50 Front Row Interviews (b010y3fb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:50 on Sunday]
THU 03:00 Anthony Trollope - Orley Farm (b011082k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Very World of Milton Jones (b007jx48)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Baroness Orczy - The Teahouse Detective (b007jmlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Clive James - Even As We Speak (b009x79j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrwm)
3. Destination Danger
After the discovery of a body, the Toff is determined to uncover the secrets growing at Selby Farm.
Rural intrigue stalks amateur sleuth - the Honourable Richard Rollison
John Creasey's thriller starring Terence Alexander.
The Toff ...... Terence Alexander
Jolly ...... Robert Dorning
Gillian Selby ...... Heather Stoney
Monty Morne ...... Terrence Hardiman
Red Brandt ...... Ed Bishop
Inspector Bishop ...... Derek Newark
Smith ...... Reg Lye
Police Sergeant ...... Paul Meier
Other parts played by the cast.
Dramatised by Roy Lomax
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in April 1977.
THU 06:30 Mark McShane - Seance on a Wet Afternoon (b00rdsz6)
Episode 6
The backlash from Myra Savage's kidnap stunt catches up with her at a seance. Anton Lesser concludes Mark McShane's thriller.
THU 06:45 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
Inspector Morse - The Burglar
Neighbourly concern about a suspicious stranger sets a new puzzle for the Oxford-based detective. Read by John Turner.
THU 07:00 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
Series 1
Episode 2
Brothers Nigel and Michael review a new website and Oonagh becomes a therapist.
Starring Adam Godley and Raymond Coulthard.
Comedy series about two brothers starting a website-design company - written by Caroline and David Stafford.
Nigel ...... Adam Godley
Michael ...... Raymond Coulthard
Oonagh...... Pauline McLynn
Zorro ...... Pearce Quigley
Sally ...... Alice Hart
Producer: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
THU 07:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
Series 2
Limerick
In the last of the series, an interminable flight with a very baffling cargo gives our crew the opportunity to pass the time by alternately opening their hearts up to each other and persuading Arthur not to play charades...
Starring
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ..... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ..... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ..... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ..... John Finnemore
Written by John Finnemore.
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
THU 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01109vz)
Thoroughly Modern Ministry
Life's a drag for Lamb when a new receptionist isn't all she seems...
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler. With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in August 1971.
THU 08:30 Jim the Great (b01109xq)
Pilot
Back in England's days of feudal fiefdoms, one particular chieftain was very hard up. Stars Jimmy Edwards. From February 1976. Pilot episode.
THU 09:00 No Commitments (b007jp4g)
Series 8
All Roads Lead to Rome
Roger's jealousy leads him to an unexpected confrontation. Stars Celia Imrie, Angela Thorne and Bill Nighy. From February 2002.
THU 09:30 Just a Minute (b0110b7v)
From Bath, chairman Nicholas Parsons welcomes Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Paul Merton and Julian Clary. From June 1998.
THU 10:00 Ambridge Extra (b0110c2b)
Series 1
Episode 12
Chris faces a dilemma, and Kirsty's got a lunch date.
THU 10:15 Loose Ends (b010y1x2)
Clive Anderson and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.
Clive is joined by the Hollywood actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who after roles in American Gangster and Endgame takes the lead in BBC Two's conspiracy thriller The Shadow Line.
Proudly holding the title as the '41st Best Stand Up Ever', cult comic Stewart Lee brings his knowing irony and charmed cynicism to the Loose Ends studio. His BAFTA nominated TV series, Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle returns to BBC Two and he's also curating his own weekend, Stewart Lee's Austerity Binge, as part of the Southbank Centre's Festival of Britain Celebrations.
Neil Strauss made his name with his best selling expose on the pick up artist community, The Game. But he delves into his music journalism for his latest book Everyone Loves You When You're Dead, revealing the wild adventures and surprising disclosures of stars including Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, Brian Wilson, Marilyn Manson and Britney Spears. From talking death with Johnny Cash and sex with Russell Brand to buying nappies with rap star Snoop Dogg.
Emma Freud talks to camper extraordinaire Emma Kennedy about the follow up to her best selling childhood memoir, The Tent, The Bucket and Me. Her new book, I Left My Tent in San Francisco, charts her hapless attempt to cross America, in glorious ineptitude and humour. Jack Kerouac it ain't...
There's music from 'The recession's soul voice of reason...' Aloe Blacc, performing one of this years biggest hits I Need A Dollar, which has been hailed as the anthem of our time.
Sunshine by name, Sunshine by nature - sun soaked soul from Atlanta singer, songwriter and pianist, Avery Sunshine who plays her single I Got Sunshine from her eponymous debut album.
Producer: Cathie Mahoney.
THU 11:00 Anthony Trollope - Orley Farm (b00ghrhb)
3. Secrets
Lady Mason has confessed to her terrible secret and her chance of marriage with Sir Peregrine has been shattered.
Will her secret be exposed at the trial and will her beloved son lose Orley Farm?
Starring Tim Pigott-Smith, Samantha Bond and Ronald Pickup.
The conclusion of Anthony Trollope’s compelling, emotional novel
Dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Anthony Trollope ...... Tim Pigott-Smith
Lady Mason ...... Samantha Bond
Sir Peregrine ...... Ronald Pickup
Peregrine Orme ...... Dan Stevens
Mrs Edith Orme ...... Amanda Root
Lucius Mason ...... Jonathan Christie
Sophia Furnival ...... Lydia Leonard
Mr Furnival ...... Robert Maskell
Mrs Furnival ...... Joanna Monro
Lady Staveley ...... Pamela Miles
Judge Staveley ...... Chris Pavlo
Madeline Staveley ...... Manjeet Mann
Augustus Staveley ...... Robert Lonsdale
Felix Graham ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Mr Dockwrath ...... Sam Dale
Joseph Mason ...... Jonathan Tafler
Mr Moulder ...... Stephen Critchlow
Mrs Moulder ...... Jane Whittenshaw
John Kenneby ...... Inam Mirza
Chaffanbrass ...... Malcolm Tierney
Miss Biggs ...... Jill Cardo
Judge ...... Dan Starkey
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01109vz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Simon Day Show (b010t7qt)
Series 1
Dave Angel
British comedy legend and star of The Fast Show, Down the Line and Bellamy's People, Simon Day debut's his own Radio 4 character comedy show.
Simon Day and his characters welcome listeners to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK. Each week one of Simon's characters come to perform at The Mallard and we hear the highlights of that night's show, along with the back stage and front of house goings on at the theatre itself.
This week 1990s Eco-Warrior Dave Angel (Simon Day), performs at The Mallard Theatre and a confused delivery man arrives with gifts from a star.
Cast list:
Dave Angel / White Van Man ..... Simon Day
Catherine ..... Catherine Shepherd
Goose ..... Felix Dexter
Ron Bone ..... Simon Greenall
Written by Simon Day
Produced by Colin Anderson.
THU 13:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Mark McShane - Seance on a Wet Afternoon (b00rdsz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 13:45 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
THU 14:00 Daughters of Britannia (b007jpt1)
Unforgettable Days
From Japanese cherry blossoms to the splendour of Russian Society - Katie Hickman's magical moments of the diplomats' wives.
THU 14:15 Ambridge Extra (b0110c2b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 14:30 David Park - The Truth Commissioner (b0110d0m)
Episode 9
Connor Walshe's case comes before the Truth Commission, but how much about his death will be revealed? Read by Gerard Murphy.
THU 14:45 You Cannot Live As I Have Lived and Not End Up Like This (b00srqfq)
Episode 4
Life and writing get mixed up - a dangerous combination. Stephen Boxer reads Terence Blacker's celebration of William Donaldson.
THU 15:00 Baroness Orczy - The Teahouse Detective (b007jmjf)
The de Genneville Peerage
A murder shatters Polly, as the old man's crime-solving efforts meet furious resistance. With Bernard Hepton and Suzanne Burden.
THU 15:45 Clive James - Even As We Speak (b009xxq9)
Thorpie, Hoogie and the Golden Lolly
The essayist cogitates on the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the mania surrounding the swimmer they called the 'Thorpedo'.
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0110fw7)
Boom bang-a-bang! Mel Giedroyc celebrates the Eurovision Song Contest, eats biscuits, and hears a different take on sat-nav from a famously booming actor.
THU 17:00 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 18:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2tx)
Episode 3
With the planetary decontaminationists on the run, Arnold's apologetic call for melting Earth is traced.
Stephen Hawking once warned us that our species could soon be wiped out by plagues, asteroids and our tendency to destroy ourselves. The solution, he suggested, was for us to colonise other planets. But Chris Larner and David Gilbert's sci-fi comedy sees the truth as a little more complicated.
The Laxian Key shows how, as soon as Man steps onto another planet, he promptly fouls it up just as he did earth. The heroes of this wonderfully wacky tale are two interplanetary decontaminationists.
CAST:
Arnold …. Chris Larner
Gregor …. Mark Bonner
Evan …. Trevor Cooper
Office …. Alex Lowe
Ferngraum …. Sam Dale
Jo …. Christine Kavanagh
Dolores …. Virge Gilchrist
Virtual Newsreader …. Bethan Walker
with Paul Biggin, Emma Noakes and Joseph Kloska
Music by Mark Stevens and Chris Larner
Producer: Peter Kavanagh
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2007.
THU 18:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k3cz)
Episode 2
Perturbed by her boss's silence over the mysterious properties of the lichen, biochemist Diana Brackley secretly begins her own investigation
The scientific world, government, media and the beauty salon collide in John Wyndham's 1960 sci-fi novel.
Read by Joanna Tope.
Abridged by Scott Stainton Miller.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2007.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01109vz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Jim the Great (b01109xq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Mark McShane - Seance on a Wet Afternoon (b00rdsz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 20:45 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
THU 21:00 Anthony Trollope - Orley Farm (b00ghrhb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 22:00 The Simon Day Show (b010t7qt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
THU 22:30 The Museum of Everything (b007k17t)
Series 1
To Infinity and Beyond
A bunch of Star Trek fans beam in to a sci-fi convention at the museum - and a rival theme park draws visitors away from Badgerland.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
THU 23:00 I Think I've Got a Problem (b007wwdc)
Series 1
Episode 2
Having been arrested for inciting a near riot at a football match, Tom is sentenced to do community service at an old folks home where he meets an aging banjo player who can also see his "imaginary" band.
Will Charlie prove to Sadie that he's not going mad? Will there be lots of dancing and singing on the terraces? Will there be a pun about "perfect-pitch..?
Andrew McGibbon and Nick Romero's everyday story about a man who can't stop himself from breaking into song.
Suggs ..... Tom Caine
Bob Monkhouse ..... Dr Boone
Mika Simmons ..... Sadie
Phil Cornwell ..... Bouche
Michael Roberts ..... Clammy Clemence
Andrew McGibbon ..... Jake
Nick Romero ..... Monty DeVere
Emma Clarke ..... Judge
Songs: Andrew McGibbon. Nick Romero and Suggs
Director: Chris Neill
Producers: Torquil MacLeod. Julian Mayers and Andrew McGibbon.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
THU 23:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b007jsmf)
Cold Turkey with Dan and Nick
Fish Gordon has only 48 hours to save the aquarium.
A comedy extravaganza written by and featuring Dan Freedman and Nick Romero
Meet characters including Incy Wincy Quincy, spider pathologist.
Music by the Gents.
Producer: Julian Mayers
Pilot for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 1998
FRIDAY 13 MAY 2011
FRI 00:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2tx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k3cz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 No Commitments (b007jp4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Just a Minute (b0110b7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Ambridge Extra (b0110c2b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Loose Ends (b010y1x2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:15 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Anthony Trollope - Orley Farm (b00ghrhb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Baroness Orczy - The Teahouse Detective (b007jmjf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Clive James - Even As We Speak (b009xxq9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrzd)
4. Cause For Alarm
Farm owner Gillian Selby reveals that she no longer requires any assistance from the Toff. Stars Terence Alexander.
Rural intrigue stalks amateur sleuth - the Honorable Richard Rollison
John Creasey's thriller starring Terence Alexander.
The Toff ...... Terence Alexander
Jolly ...... Robert Dorning
Gillian Selby ...... Heather Stoney
Monty Morne ...... Terrence Hardiman
Superintendent Grice ...... Duncan Lamont
Red Brandt ...... Ed Bishop
Lola Bridge ...... Liz Gebardt
Alan Selby ...... Alaric Cotter
Other parts played by the cast.
Dramatised by Roy Lomax
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in April 1977.
FRI 06:30 Eric Ambler - Topkapi (b0110jbv)
Episode 1
Minor crook Arthur Abdel Simpson spots a likely mark at Athens airport. That's where the trouble starts. Read by David Westhead.
FRI 07:00 Desmond Olivier Dingle's Compleat Life and Works of William Shakespeare (b007k390)
Episode 6
The Royal Dingle Company re-enact the Bard's great cinematic moments. Stars Patrick Barlow and Lionel Blair. From October 1995.
FRI 07:30 Snap (b00tf82j)
Series 1
Episode 2
After their split, Molly and Doug are determined to prove they can have a life without each other.
And maybe they would, if it wasn't for Doug's elderly mum misbehaving...
Paul Mendelson’s sitcom stars Rebecca Lacey and Paul Venables.
Molly …. Rebecca Lacey
Doug …. Paul Venables
Kaz …. Soumaya Keynes
Ryan …. Jessie Sullivan
Scarlet …. Rebecca Front
Annie …. Marlene Sidaway
Raymond …. Jonathan Tafler
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b007vkkf)
Series 3
The Explosive Biscuits
Povey is warned about a bomb on a new frigate while Phillips receives a special gift for a journey.
Starring Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Heather and Ronnie Barker and Michael Bates as the Potarneylanders.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1960.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b00rdsv7)
Series 1
The Bird
Harold Steptoe is furious when his date Roxanne is late for dinner.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962.
The Offer featured the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and son Harold - and was the spark for a run of 8 series on TV.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Roxanne ...... Marion Stone
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1966.
FRI 09:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jzcw)
I'll See You at the Source
As their Thames quest climaxes, Jennifer attempts to drink Sam under the table. Stars Timothy Spall. From January 1993.
FRI 09:30 Does The Team Think? (b00l75tx)
Series 1
Episode 1
Vic Reeves hosts, as Alan Carr, Jools Holland, Ben Miller and Pauline McGlynn answer the audience's questions. From June 2007.
FRI 10:00 What's So Funny? (b01113jl)
Series 1
Episode 6
Rufus Hound and guests with news, reviews and previews of what's happening in comedy this week.
FRI 10:30 Ambridge Extra Omnibus (b010y3hv)
Series 1, Episodes 11-12
Fallon turns up the heat at the barbeque, and Chaz has a proposition for Alice.
FRI 11:00 Alan Ayckbourn - Absent Friends (b007k2tz)
Colin's had it rough, but his concerned friends have their own troubles. Black comedy starring David Jason and Miriam Margolyes.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b007vkkf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The News Quiz (b010t6f2)
Series 74
Episode 4
A satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Sandi Toksvig. Featuring Jeremy Hardy, Rebecca Front, Richard Herring and Susan Calman.
Produced by Sam Bryant.
FRI 13:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Eric Ambler - Topkapi (b0110jbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Daughters of Britannia (b007jptg)
Coming Home
A 17th century widow's lonely return and a sad goodbye to the Middle East. Katie Hickman bids farewell to the diplomatic wives.
FRI 14:15 William Trevor Short Stories (b007jtxy)
The Forty-Seventh Saturday
Mavie and McCarthy have a weekly assignation, but is he as trapped by marriage as she thinks he is? Read by Denys Hawthorne.
FRI 14:30 David Park - The Truth Commissioner (b011140n)
Episode 10
Despite efforts to protect Gilroy, Stanfield summons him to the hearing of Connor Walshe. Read by Gerard Murphy.
FRI 14:45 You Cannot Live As I Have Lived and Not End Up Like This (b00srwx8)
Episode 5
A salute to the ending of a 'great comic moralist'. Stephen Boxer concludes Terence Blacker's celebration of William Donaldson.
FRI 15:00 Baroness Orczy - The Teahouse Detective (b0088zsz)
The Dublin Mystery
A dying businessman appears to have settled his will, but revenge wreaks family havoc. Stars Bernard Hepton and Suzanne Burden.
FRI 15:45 Clive James - Even As We Speak (b009xyzb)
Destination Europe; Running Beside Ron Clarke
In the last of his essays, the writer shares thoughts on European unity and the joy of gyms. From July 2001.
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b011140q)
Mel Giedroyc hears the stories of three teenage refugees, discovers the joys of fossil hunting, and tries out laughter yoga. Plus Andi Osho's comedy Sneaky Peeks.
FRI 17:00 Desmond Olivier Dingle's Compleat Life and Works of William Shakespeare (b007k390)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Snap (b00tf82j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Laxian Key (b007k30w)
Episode 4
Evans the Welsh vigilante aims to senselessly bomb the planetary decontaminationists for melting Earth.
Stephen Hawking once warned us that our species could soon be wiped out by plagues, asteroids and our tendency to destroy ourselves. The solution, he suggested, was for us to colonise other planets. But Chris Larner and David Gilbert's sci-fi comedy sees the truth as a little more complicated.
The Laxian Key shows how, as soon as Man steps onto another planet, he promptly fouls it up just as he did earth. The heroes of this wonderfully wacky tale are two interplanetary decontaminationists.
CAST:
Arnold …. Chris Larner
Gregor …. Mark Bonner
Evan …. Trevor Cooper
Office …. Alex Lowe
Ferngraum …. Sam Dale
Jo …. Christine Kavanagh
Dolores …. Virge Gilchrist
Virtual Newsreader …. Bethan Walker
with Paul Biggin, Emma Noakes and Joseph Kloska
Music by Mark Stevens and Chris Larner
Producer: Peter Kavanagh
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2007.
FRI 18:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k3kn)
Episode 3
Biochemist Diana's compensation payout catches the attention of Fleet Street.
Meanwhile, Paul has told his wife about the antigerone
The scientific world, government, media and the beauty salon collide in John Wyndham's 1960 sci-fi novel.
Read by Joanna Tope.
Abridged by Scott Stainton Miller.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b007vkkf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b00rdsv7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 John Creasey - The Toff on the Farm (b007jrzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Eric Ambler - Topkapi (b0110jbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Alan Ayckbourn - Absent Friends (b007k2tz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 22:00 The News Quiz Extra (b0111568)
A new programme for Radio 4 Extra, featuring jokes that you won't have heard in this week's News Quiz, some clips from the archives and exclusive behind-the-scenes material.
FRI 22:45 Elastic Planet (b007k3h0)
The Hair
A documentary maker films endangered hairstyles.
Oliver Postgate narrates a stream of bizarre coincidences in Ben Moor’s cosmic comedy of connections.
With Dan Strauss, Doon Mackichan, Kerry Shale, Michael Troughton, Ben Moor and Alexander Armstrong.
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995.
FRI 23:00 What's So Funny? (b01113jl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 23:30 Lenin of the Rovers (b007jvds)
Series 2
The Felchester Firm
Crunchthorpe is a place so hard they dump nuclear waste in the town centre.
Can the so-called 'Felchester Firm' protect Ricky and the team?
More adventures of communist football club, Felchester Rovers starring Alexei Sayle.
Ricky Lenin ...... Alexei Sayle
Jeff Frankly ...... John Sessions
Frank Lee Brian ...... Kenneth Wolstenholme
Colonel Brace Cartwright ...... Donald Hewlett
Stevie Stalin ...... Andrew McLean
Terry Trotsky ...... Phil Cornwell
Announcer ...... John Witty
Written by Marcus Berkmann.
Producer: Harry Thompson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.