3. The Green Mamba
The emeralds of Suliman are stolen in North Africa and brought to London.
But the "mamba" (Mr JG Reeder) sets out thwart the thieves' plans as he hounds a notorious gangland villain...
Mr JG Reeder's novel methods bring the criminals of 1920s London to justice.
Created by Edgar Wallace, he is a uniquely English detective. An apparent fuddy-duddy working in some obscure capacity in the Public Prosecutor's office, he actually has a razor-sharp intellect and is a super-sleuth.
Mr JG Reeder solves his mysteries because he fully understands the "criminal mind".
Abridged for radio by Neville Teller.
Back from the Crusades, detective monk Brother Cadfael faces treachery. Nigel Anthony reads Ellis Peters' medieval mystery.
The barber decides his corner shop needs a makeover. Stars Victor Spinetti, John Laurie and Deborah Watling. From November 1979.
Taking a walk in Wales with his son and dog, the comedian falls into a river as his life flashes before his eyes. From May 2001.
When he hears his sound-alike in a TV commercial, the lad heads straight to court.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Peter Goodwright, Ann Lancaster, Jerry Stovin, Jack Watson, Ronald Wilson and Wilfrid Babbage.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Jim Hacker gets floored by the high rise world of property business.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical sitcom centred around the hapless MP Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
It first ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984.
Jim Hacker …. Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby …. Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard Woolley …. Derek Fowlds
Sir Desmond …. Richard
Selina Scott …. Herself
Sir Frank …. Jeffrey Wickham
Bill Pritchard …. Antony Carrick
Mrs Philips …. Zulema Dene
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
Ken and Sandy both suffer marital problems, but at least they've won Pink Len's ad account. Stars Martin Jarvis. From November 1986.
Leicester welcomes Humphrey Lyttelton, with Jeremy Hardy, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Barry Cryer. From June 2002.
Precious learns about her competition, and Mma Makutsi embarks on an entrepreneurial enterprise. Stars Claire Benedict.
7. From Nelson to Women's Emaciation
The emaciation of women.
Continuing the history of mankind.
Presented by the entire cast of the National Theatre of Brent - Desmond Olivier Dingle and Wallace, aided by Mr Barker.
Written by Patrick Barlow, with additional material by Jim Broadbent and Martin Duncan.
With guest star Peter Barker.
In which Flora's plots begin to thicken and she seems to be making headway over the tidying-up of the farm. But she’s reckoned without Aunt Ada Doom...
Starring Patricia Gallimore and Elizabeth Proud.
Stella Gibbons' tale of early-20th-century rural England dramatised by Elizabeth Proud.
Flora Poste ..... Patricia Gallimore
Stella Gibbons ..... Elizabeth Proud
John Westbrook ..... John Westbrook
Reuben Starkadder ..... Trevor Martin
Adam Lambsbreath ..... Cyril Shaps
Seth Starkadder ..... Sion Probert
Amos Starkadder ..... John Hollis
Micah Starkadder ..... Alexander John
Richard Hawk-Monitor ..... Stephen Garlick
The Abbé Fausse-Maigre ..... Malcolm Hayes
Meriam ..... Amanda Murray
Mrs Beetle ..... Miriam Margolyes
Aunt Ada Doom ..... Fabia Drake
Mr Mybug ..... Michael Spice
Claud Hart-Harris ..... Roger Hammond
Harkaway Starkadder ..... David Timson
Urk Starkadder ..... Christopher Scott
Monsieur Solide ..... Alan Dudley
Rennett Starkadder ..... Christine Absalom
Mrs Hawk-Monitor ..... Margot Boyd
Elfine Starkadder ..... Jane Knowles
Young Man ..... David McAlister
Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together.
Fed up with everything on the radio originating from Cambridge, Ed decides to immerse himself in popular culture and retunes away from Radio Four. The new outlook on the world that Radios 1, 2 and 5 bring to Ed proves fortuitous when his daughter, Eli, manages to secure him an interview at her husband's university. So it is that Ed finds himself 'Writer in residence' with all the benefits that this affords, including discussing the merits of the worst Lady Gaga wardrobe malfunction of the year.
Ed Reardon ..... Christopher Douglas
Professor Judith ..... Rachel Atkins
Announcer ..... Lewis Macleod
Ping ..... Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Felix ..... John Fortune
Eli ..... Lisa Coleman
Bill ..... Darren Boyd
Pearl ..... Rita May
Olive ..... Stephanie Cole
Stan ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Confusing emails fly rapidly between Irene and Vera. Is Lesley marrying or not? Stars Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
The actor reads letters written to his wife Prunella Scales during his 1975 RSC Hedda Gabler tour of Australia and America.
Undergraduette glamour and bluestocking fashion. Miriam Margolyes continues the story of the first female university students.
The critic's passionate campaign against stage censorship was fearless and funny. Read by Michael Sheen and David Horovitch.
Mike Perham tells us about sailing round the world single-handedly, we'll dress up in medieval armour and find out why the dinosaurs were so giant!
3. Moon Music
Captain Jet Morgan is disturbed by visions and a sense of foreboding - as his rocket fails to respond.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
A deal is struck. Sequel to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, with Stephen Mangan and Peter Serafinowicz.
An affecting story of 'the fields of the sky', and one expert whose speciality stuns a whole meeting. Read by Crawford Logan. From January 2002.
James Bond star Daniel Craig tries to get car insurance. Jon Culshaw explores famous folk's private lives. From August 2010.
Two crime writers decide to aid the perfect murder. Stars Peggy Mount, Dorothy Tutin and John Savident. From September 1988.
Sitcom by Kim Fuller, set in a medieval castle with some remarkably modern trappings.
De Warenne decides to woo Lady Anne with a swearing cook and a chocolate fountain. What Ho! magazine features a world exclusive.
Sir John Woodstock ...... James Fleet
Sir William De Warenne ...... Neil Dudgeon
Lady Anne Woodstock ...... Susan Earl
Cardinal Duncan ...... Jonathan Kydd
Lady Charlotte ...... Ingrid Oliver
Master Henry Woodstock ...... Steven Kynman
Sam Tree ...... Toby Ross-Bryant.
THURSDAY 04 AUGUST 2011
THU 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jms4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Eoin Colfer - And Another Thing... (b012ylgk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 00:45 Elspeth Davie - A Collection of Bones (b012ymgs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:45 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082h2b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Light on the Road to Woodstock (b007jqqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jsb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b007jq5m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (b00k89mk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 All the World's a Globe (b007jww5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Stella Gibbons - Cold Comfort Farm (b007jpwk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Tony's (b007k30t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 The Very World of Milton Jones (b00h99p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082hw0)
4. The Strange Case
A wealthy government minister is defrauded of a large sum of money and suspects his wastrel nephew.
Then he's murdered, so Mr JG Reeder sets out uncover the truth.
Read by David Horovitch
Mr JG Reeder's novel methods bring the criminals of 1920s London to justice.
Created by Edgar Wallace, he is a uniquely English detective. An apparent fuddy-duddy working in some obscure capacity in the Public Prosecutor's office, he actually has a razor-sharp intellect and is a super-sleuth.
Mr JG Reeder solves his mysteries because he fully understands the "criminal mind".
Abridged for radio by Neville Teller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2007.
THU 06:30 Light on the Road to Woodstock (b007jqqs)
Episode 2
Tackling a case of treachery against his master, detective monk Brother Cadfael misses his friend Alard. Read by Nigel Anthony.
THU 07:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bfq14)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Sundry Happenings in a Garden
Bertie Wooster must mend bridges after the debacle of the fake burglary.
PG Wodehouse romp adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Jonathan Cecil as Boko Fittleworth, Peter Woodthorpe as Percy, Lord Worplesden, Bronwen Williams as Florence Craye and Denise Bryer as Edwin the Boy Scout.
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
THU 07:30 Double Science (b012ymwf)
Moving House
Incompetent teachers Kenneth and Colin are going to have to find new abodes quick smart.
The turmoil continues at a Sixth Form College specialising in drama, after the arrival of new head Alison, determined to revitalise the science department.
Written by and starring Ben Willbond and Justin Edwards.
With Rebecca Front, Raza Jaffrey and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
THU 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b012yngx)
Don't Let Them Needle You
The truth will out - with the bureaucrats' mix-up over a flu vaccine.
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler. With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley, John Graham and John Cole.
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 March 1973.
THU 08:30 Hello Cheeky (b00dy523)
From 09/06/1973
Brought to you from a phone box in Slough and featuring 'The Gang that stole Michael Aspel'.
Pun-tastic fast-moving comedy sketch series written by and starring John Junkin, Barry Cryer and Tim Brooke-Taylor.
Special guest: Michael Aspel.
With musical accompaniment from the Denis King Trio.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1973.
THU 09:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00bfq16)
Series 2
All Aboard!
There's mutiny in the air as Tommy and Sheila set off on their cruise.
30 years after sweethearts Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr won the 1962 Eurovision Song Contest, the musical double-act are back in the big time.
June Whitfield and Roy Hudd star in Mike Coleman's sitcom.
Tommy Franklin ...... Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr ...... June Whitfield
With Pat Coombs, Julian Eardley, Edward Halstead, Tracy Ann Oberman and Les Dennis.
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1999.
THU 09:30 Jest a Minute (b012yngz)
Series 1
Episode 4
Justin Moorhouse, Alun Cochrane, Chris Corcoran and Tom Wrigglesworth join Rhod Gilbert in the comedy quiz. From September 2006.
THU 10:00 The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (b00k8t2y)
Series 2
The Admirer
Precious makes an unhappy discovery and Mma Makutsi finds a fan at the Kalahari typing school for men. Stars Claire Benedict.
THU 10:45 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
8. From 20th Century Wars to Twiggy
The National Theatre of Brent's definitive history of Earth reaches the 20th century. With guest Ben Kingsley. From June 1990.
THU 11:00 Stella Gibbons - Cold Comfort Farm (b007k2m0)
Flora's Rights Again
As the wedding draws near, Flora Poste wrestles with Aunt Ada Doom. Will she get her rights at last?
Starring Patricia Gallimore and Elizabeth Proud.
The conclusion of Stella Gibbons' tale of early-20th-century rural England.
Flora Poste ..... Patricia Gallimore
Stella Gibbons ..... Elizabeth Proud
John Westbrook ..... John Westbrook
Reuben Starkadder ..... Trevor Martin
Judith Starkadder Margaret Robertson
Adam Lambsbreath ..... Cyril Shaps
Seth Starkadder ..... Sion Probert
Amos Starkadder ..... John Hollis
Micah Starkadder ..... Alexander John
Richard Hawk-Monitor ..... Stephen Garlick
The Abbé Fausse-Maigre ..... Malcolm Hayes
Aunt Ada Doom ..... Fabia Drake
Mrs Beetle ..... Miriam Margolyes
Mr Mybug ..... Michael Spice
Harkaway Starkadder ..... David Timson
Urk Starkadder ..... Christopher Scott
Rennett Starkadder ..... Christine Absalom
Mrs Hawk-Monitor ..... Margot Boyd
Elfine Starkadder ..... Jane Knowles
Charl;es Fairford ..... David McAlister
Earl P Neck ..... Nigel Anthony
Dr Mudel ..... John Rye
Letty ..... Pauline Letts
Susan ..... Diana Bishop
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud.
Music: Terence Allbright
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1981
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b012yngx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
Series 5
International Diplomat
Diplomat Milton Jones is on the run after leaking all the UN's emails - except for the Swiss ones, which were too dull. And he meets a shadowy hacker. And the shadowy hacker's mum. He's joined in his endeavours by his co-stars Tom Goodman-Hill ("Camelot"), Dan Tetsell ("Newsjack") and Lucy Montgomery ("Down The Line").
Milton Jones returns to BBC Radio Four for an amazing 9th series - which means he's been running for longer than Gardeners' Question Time and answered more questions on gardening as well.
Britain's funniest Milton and the king of the one-liner returns with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes for a series of daffy comedy adventures
Each week, Milton is a complete and utter expert at something - brilliant Mathematician, World-Class Cyclist, Aviator, Championship Jockey...
... and each week, with absolutely no ability or competence, he plunges into a big adventure with utterly funny results...
"Milton Jones is one of Britain's best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners" - The Guardian.
"King of the surreal one-liners" - The Times
"If you haven't caught up with Jones yet - do so!" - The Daily Mail
The cast includes regulars Tom Goodman-Hill ( "Spamalot"), Lucy Montgomery ("Down The Line"), Dave Lamb ("Come Dine With Me") and Ben Willbond ("Horrible Histories")
David Tyler's radio credits include Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Cabin Pressure, Bigipedia, Another Case Of Milton Jones, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off, The 99p Challenge, The Castle, The 3rd Degree and even, going back a bit, Radio Active. His TV credits include Paul Merton - The Series, Spitting Image, Absolutely, The Paul & Pauline Calf Video Diaries, Coogan's Run, The Tony Ferrino Phenomenon and exec producing Victoria Wood's dinnerladies.
Written by Milton with James Cary ("Think The Unthinkable", "Miranda"), the man they call "Britain's funniest Milton," returns to the radio with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes.
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 13:00 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082hw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Light on the Road to Woodstock (b007jqqs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b007k3bf)
Ladies of Letters.com
Episode 9
Mystery over Irene's burglary, happenings at The Bothy and Karen's whereabouts. Stars Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
THU 14:15 Timothy West - I'm Here I Think, Where Are You? (b007jw4l)
Episode 4
Timothy West reads letters to wife Prunella Scales, when he was asked to perform before the Pope and an audience of thousands.
THU 14:30 Jane Robinson - Bluestockings (b012yp7q)
Episode 4
The suffragette movement makes its mark on academia. Miriam Margolyes tells the story of the first female university students.
THU 14:45 Kenneth Tynan - Theatre Writings (b00r92l8)
A Verbal Wizard
Reviews for The Entertainer, A Taste of Honey and heralding Harold Pinter. Read by Michael Sheen and David Horovitch.
THU 15:00 The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (b00k8t2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 15:45 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b012ysn3)
Actress Anjelica Huston tells us about her father's legendary film The African Queen, we'll find out why we have a sweet tooth and learn all about Gentoo penguins.
THU 17:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bfq14)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Double Science (b012ymwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmsm)
Operation Luna
4. Is There Anybody Out There?
Captain Jet Morgan and his crew face catastrophe when their rocket loses power.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
Other parts played by David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
THU 18:30 Eoin Colfer - And Another Thing... (b012ysn5)
Episode 4
A far-off planetoid needs a presiding god, as do some hitchhikers. Sequel to Douglas Adams' series, with Stephen Mangan.
THU 18:45 Elspeth Davie - A Collection of Bones (b012ysn7)
A Collection of Bones
A troubling tale of a man with an obsessive hobby, and what happens when it suddenly comes to an end. Read by Crawford Logan.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b012yngx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Hello Cheeky (b00dy523)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082hw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Light on the Road to Woodstock (b007jqqs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Stella Gibbons - Cold Comfort Farm (b007k2m0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
THU 22:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b007jsf7)
Series 1
A Day Trip to Romney Marsh
Linda and her chums head to the coast, letting the train increase the strain.
Comedy series written by and starring Linda Smith.
With Femi Elufowoju Jr, Jeremy Hardy, Martin Hyder, Margaret John, Chris Neill and Mark Steel.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01397pn)
David Sedaris
Humourist and writer David Sedaris, the darling of the New Yorker, chats to Arthur Smith about his forthcoming Edinburgh show.
THU 23:00 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mwm67)
Series 4
Episode 6
Revealing the new yoghurt for women, and introducing Britain's top police tortoise.
Sketch show starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
With Olivia Colman, Sarah Hadland and James Bachman.
Producer Gareth Edwards
Firs broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
THU 23:30 Forty Nights in the Wildebeest (b008kxnk)
Episode 6
Dan Freedman and Nick Romero eavesdrop on Radio 4 newsreaders after hours, and visit the Planet of the Grapes. From May 2000.
FRIDAY 05 AUGUST 2011
FRI 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Eoin Colfer - And Another Thing... (b012ysn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 00:45 Elspeth Davie - A Collection of Bones (b012ysn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:45 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082hw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Light on the Road to Woodstock (b007jqqs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00bfq16)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Jest a Minute (b012yngz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (b00k8t2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Stella Gibbons - Cold Comfort Farm (b007k2m0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bfq14)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Double Science (b012ymwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dixon of Dock Green (b012yv9b)
Series 1
London Pride
George Dixon is showing new boy in blue, Andy Crawford, the ropes on the beat of Dock Green in London's East End.
Much to PC Crawford's surprise, Dixon is prepared to bend the rules in order to arrest one of a gang of safebreakers.
Radio revival of BBC TV's famous copper starring David Calder as PC George Dixon and David Tennant as Andy Crawford.
Dixon of Dock Green's roots go back to 1950 film drama 'The Blue Lamp' which ended with Dixon being shot dead. However, Warner's role was resurrected for the BBC TV series running from 1955 to 1976.
PC George Dixon ...... David Calder
PC Andy Crawford ...... David Tennant
Jack Judd ...... MacDonnell
Emmy Judd ...... Avril Elgar
Lenny Judd ...... Jacob Dylan
Agar ...... Jonathan Tafler
Fred Jenkins ...... Eddie Martin
Written by Ted Willis. Dramatised from his TV screenplay by Sue Rodwell.
Produced in Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2005.
FRI 06:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
Episode 1
Given just days to live, a Victorian policeman is ready to make his final confession
He candidly reveals his involvement in a murder case many years before. As a young police constable in London, he recalls how a young woman burst in with news of a gruesome killing...
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Read by Ronald Pickup.
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
FRI 07:00 Anything Legal (b0089hl7)
Episode 6
Charles and George's new business course sets tongues wagging.
Starring Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles.
A Tale of Two City Gents by Wally K Daly
Charles ...... Donald Hewlett
George ...... Michael Knowles
Fiona Fenning ...... Jennifer Croxton
Course Chairman ...... Henry Stamper
Advertising Lecturer ...... John Kane
Finance Lecturer ...... Peter Cellier
Mr Hunter ...... Roland MacLeod.
Theme music by Jim Parker
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1984.
FRI 07:30 Snap (b012yvf2)
Series 3
Episode 4
Doug wonders if he can rely on his ex-wife Molly for help during his mum's convalescence.
Continuing Paul Mendelson's sitcom about a couple trying to rebuild their relationship after divorce.
Starring Rebecca Lacey as Molly, Paul Venables as Doug, Soumaya Keynes as Kaz, Jessie Sullivan as Ryan, Marlene Sidaway as Annie, Robin Weaver as Dawn, Jonathan Tafler as Raymond and Richard Firth as Ansel.
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b0084rjh)
Series 3
Commodore Goldstein
Hard up Able Seaman 'Taffy' finds himself mistakenly promoted aboard HMS Troutbridge.
Stars Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Ronnie Barker as Able Seaman 'Fatso' Johnson, Richard Caldicote as Captain Povey, Teniel Evans as LS Goldstein and Heather Chasen as WREN Chasen.
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 February 1961.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b00t39lf)
Series 2
The Siege of Steptoe Street
Albert and Harold are besieged by all their creditors demanding money.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert, Harry H Corbett as Harold and Robert Dorning as Mr Stacey the butcher
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 was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.
FRI 09:00 After Henry (b007jmgk)
Series 1
The Older Man
Widow Sarah battles to bring up her 18-year-old daughter Clare, hindered by her meddling mother Eleanor.
The debut episode of Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare and James Griffiths as Nick.
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1985.
FRI 09:30 All the Young Dudes (b007rkc3)
Series 1
People's Parties
Billy is not keen on entertaining round at his place, until someone suggests a game of cards. Starring Jim Sweeney. From August 2001.
FRI 10:00 Loose Ends (b012w9wg)
Clive Anderson and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.
Clive is joined by the Post-Punk, New Wave legend that is Adam Ant. Prince Charming himself will not be so much standing but sitting and delivering news on the rejuvenation of his musical career. Adam has now formed a new band The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse and they'll be playing two shows in London later in the week.
Olivier Award-nominated Sahr Ngaujah is bringing the success of his Broadway performance to London's Sadler's Wells returning as the lead in FELA! The all singing production explores the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend and political activist Fela Kuti.
Have you ever stopped to think about how the design of a building affects you? Well Tom Dyckhoff, architecture critic and presenter has done just that. In his new Channel 4 series 'The Secret Life of Buildings' Tom discovers that the pure economics or mere aesthetics of buildings are far less important than the ways in which they influence our behaviour, feelings and wellbeing.
Unfortunately, Michael Simkins had to retire from playing cricket for the Harry Baldwin Occasionals this year but fortunately for Loose Ends this gave him time to write his new book The Last Flannelled Fool and talk to fellow cricket fan Arthur Smith about it. This is the story of his love of cricket, it's demise and his one-man odyssey around the country to take the temperature of the game.
Music from two newcomers with debut music to perform in the Loose Ends studio: Lucy Rose plays her single 'Middle Of The Bed'. And bringing some Brazilian rhythm, jazz and silky smooth vocals is Emily Saunders with the track Wishing Well from her debut album Cotton Skies.
Producer: Cathie Mahoney.
FRI 10:45 15 Minute Musical (b00sryqv)
Series 1
Brothers in Arms
A medieval rock musical, with Tony de Blair and Gordon de Brown heading to Downing Street. Stars Alex Lowe. From October 2004.
FRI 11:00 Stella Gibbons - Westwood (b012yw3g)
1. Challis Charm
1943: Margaret Steggles moves to bomb-damaged London to take up her new teaching job.
Through a dropped ration book, she meets the Challises, who live at Westwood, an elegant house in Highgate.
The Challis family have great charm, and, with the casual selfishness of the privileged, they soon take advantage of Margaret's slavish admiration.
Stella Gibbons' gentle comedy adapted in two parts by Lynne Truss.
Narrator/Lady Challis …. Rosemary Leach
Margaret Steggles …. Juliet Aubrey
Gerard Challis …. Michael Fenton Stevens
Hilda Wilson …. Saffron Burrows
Hebe Niland …. Caroline Harker
Zita Mandelbaum …. Mia Soteriou
Seraphina Challis …. Phyllida Nash
Dick Fletcher …. Jonathan Nibbs
Mrs Steggles …. Angela Barlow
Mr Hudson …. Chris Donnelly
Grantey …. Jacqueline Tong
Earl …. Martin T. Sherman
Mrs Wilson …. Barbara Kellermann
Producer: Kate McAll
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b0084rjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Chain Reaction (b012r9b1)
Series 7
Rhys Thomas talks to Simon Day
Chain Reaction is Radio 4's tag-team interview show. Each week, a figure from the world of entertainment chooses another to interview; the next week, the interviewee turns interviewer, and they in turn pass the baton on to someone else - creating a 'chain' throughout the series.
This seventh series starts with Rhys Thomas - perhaps better-known to the Radio 4 audience as Gary Bellamy, host of Down The Line - interviewing the actor Simon Day. They have worked together since The Fast Show, when Simon was an established member of the team, and Rhys was a supporting cast member; Simon also appeared in the sitcom Swiss Toni, which Rhys co-wrote, and provides voices for Down The Line. But Simon, sixteen years older than Rhys, came to prominence in a very different comedy culture to Rhys. He also came from a live background, as opposed to Rhys's first break working as a runner on Shooting Stars; he also waited until this year to have his own show (Radio 4's The Simon Day Show), whereas Rhys had written two series of his own sitcom by the age of 21. All these differences, and all this common ground, makes for an absorbing and hilarious interview.
FRI 13:00 Dixon of Dock Green (b012yv9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b007k3c8)
Ladies of Letters.com
Episode 10
The Mystery Man comes to Irene's door, and she has a confession to make to Vera. Stars Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
FRI 14:15 Timothy West - I'm Here I Think, Where Are You? (b007jw4n)
Episode 5
In letters to his wife Prunella Scales, the actor reflects on the Bristol Old Vic and touring 'King Lear' in Ireland.
FRI 14:30 Jane Robinson - Bluestockings (b012yylw)
Episode 5
The quest for women's higher education has finally succeeded, but what next for the Bluestockings? Read by Miriam Margolyes.
FRI 14:45 Kenneth Tynan - Theatre Writings (b00r9y0y)
An Open Letter
The critic's surprisingly negative 1962 review about his idol Laurence Olivier. Read by Michael Sheen and David Horovitch.
FRI 15:00 Loose Ends (b012w9wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 15:45 15 Minute Musical (b00sryqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b012yyly)
Mel hears from the man behind The Simpsons, Matt Groening. Andi Osho presents another Sneaky Peeks and we're in the Falkland Isles with a lot of penguins.
FRI 17:00 Anything Legal (b0089hl7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Snap (b012yvf2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmt2)
Operation Luna
5. The First of Many
The stalled rocket ship prevents Captain Jet Morgan and his crew from returning to Earth.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
Other parts played by David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
FRI 18:30 Eoin Colfer - And Another Thing... (b012yym0)
Episode 5
An immortal challenge must be faced - will Zaphod Beeblebrox get to see Thor? Sequel to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, with Stephen Mangan.
FRI 18:45 Elspeth Davie - A Collection of Bones (b012yym2)
The Eyelash
A humorous diversion into an evening meal, ruined by a small matter which prompts a big discussion. Read by Edith MacArthur. From January 2002.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b0084rjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b00t39lf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Dixon of Dock Green (b012yv9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Stella Gibbons - Westwood (b012yw3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Chain Reaction (b012r9b1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Knocker (b00890vp)
Privinvasionacy
Armed with a broken clipboard, puny incentives, inappropriate footwear and an unflagging commitment to the Market Researcher's Code of Conduct, Ian Dunn seeks the precious opinions of a hostile public.
CAST:
Ian Dunn …. Neil Edmond
Mary/Mrs Rapidis …. Paula Wilcox
Mrs Worth …. Julia Deakin
Ms Shape …. Tina Gray
Mr Bluff …. Simone Treves
Written by Neil Edmond
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 7 in 2007.
FRI 22:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00swl5g)
Series 2
Normal Truth
Cartoonist Steven boldly tells the truth to end this series.
A less-than-wise career move
Paul McCrink stars as Steven Appleby with what he laughably describes as ‘insights into normal, everyday life.’
With:
Rosalind Paul
Ewan Bailey
Nigel Betts
Rachel Atkins
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
FRI 23:00 The Jason Byrne Show (b00mw69r)
Series 1
Sport
Probing a fresh theme each week, the Irish comedian hosts stand-up and sketches. With Ivan Brackenbury. From August 2008.
FRI 23:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jrmc)
Series 2
Meet the Wife
When the band performs at Lorelei's school reunion - is honesty the best policy? With Stephen Tompkinson. From July 2001.