3. The Perplex'd Plot of the Perilous Plague
As London is ravaged by an epidemic - the playwright spy is on the case of a double-crossing.
Historical comedy mysteries by Ged Parsons. Amid the splendour and squalor of Elizabethan London - scholar, playwright and government spy, Christopher Marlowe is assigned to investigate a number of baffling mysteries and perplexing intrigues...
Starring Dominic Jephcott as Marlowe, Bill Wallis as Ratsbane, Paul Brooke as Sir Francis Walsingham, Garard Green as Beaumont, Ronald Herdman as Faversham, Richard Bonneville as Ripley and Hugh Dennis as Dr Valentine.
Attending one of Lady Windermere's regular Thursday evening society parties, the dashing Lord Arthur Savile offers his hand for a reading by the dastardly palmist, Podgers. He's shocked when his murderous fate is revealed...
Michael Maloney reads Oscar Wilde's mystery written in 1891.
Produced in Manchester by Katherine Beacon.
The salon is accused of turning a customer's hair bright green.
Series 2 of the misadventures in the life of a corner-shop barber starring Victor Spinetti as Tony, Deryck Guyler as Stanley, Deborah Watling as Maisie.
With guests: Dilys Laye, Douglas Blackwell, Royce Mills and Leonard Fenton.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Incidental music by Max Harris.
Derek is devastated when he hears that his ex-wife Jackie is unwell.
After using Wendy as a shoulder to cry on, he rushes to Jackie's side, leaving Maureen feeling uncharacteristically panicky at the thought of being without him.
Sitcom about the mundane lives of childless couple, Robin and Wendy and their friends and neighbours - with a twist.
Wendy ...... Kay Stonham
Robin ...... Brian Capron
Derek ...... Martin Trenaman
Maureen ...... Amelia Bullmore
Written by Kay Stonham.
The lad throws a launch party - with cocktails and dinner - for his very first half hour, but things don't quite go to plan.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Gerald Campion and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
A victim of phone tapping, Jim Hacker rebuts state surveillance - until his own life comes under threat.
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 …. Derek Fowlds
Commander Forrest ...... Graeme Garden
Anne Hacker ...... Diana Hoddinot
Walter Fowler ...... Derek Newark
Detective ...... Peter Acre
Detective ...... William Eadle
Head Waiter ...... John Bott
Brian Perkins ...... Himself
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
Edward Wilson becomes embroiled in mysterious government machinations.
Starring Robert Lindsay.
Futuristic sitcom by Richard Turner and William Osborne with a nod to George Orwell.
Edward ...... Robert Lindsay
Sophie ...... Siobhan Redmond
Charles ...... Paul Shearer
With Pam Ferris, Richard Turner and David Goodland.
How the antidote to panel games began for Humphrey Lyttelton, Jo Kendall, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
Poor parishioners revolt and curious medical problems in the diary of Somerset parson William Holland. Stars Ronald Pickup.
Michael Feydeau and David Pershore exhume a murder case on a luxury liner. Stars Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis. From October 2001.
When a concert party is marooned in the Midlands, the lives of three dissatisfied people are entwined. Stars Philip Jackson.
The multi award winning National Theatre of Brent - Artistic Director Desmond Olivier Dingle and the entire acting company (Raymond Box) - returns triumphantly to Radio 4 in the last of an occasional series celebrating the rare but rarefied beings deemed in Desmond's expert view to be Iconic Icons. Previous celebratees include Bob Dylan and Tracey Emin.
The final and climactic iconic icon is his holiness the Dalai Lama. Desmond and Raymond trace his journey from two year old yak boy to disaffected teenage Dalai to the mature Lama, exiled from his country, separated from his people, but spiritually at one with himself and the world, and possessor of a top twinkly smile. They also present Buddhism in a Nutshell.
Written and performed by the National Theatre of Brent, who are Patrick Barlow and John Ramm, in front of an audience at the Bush Hall in London, this latest addition to the Brent canon will be as essential and massive a contribution to the current artistic and spiritual life of this country as the rest of their work. And, of course it will be very funny.
Desmond Olivier Dingle ..... Patrick Barlow
Raymond Box ..... John Ramm
As the war comes to an end, Muriel hears news of Delia and comes to a decision. Stars Claire Goose and Deborah McAndrew.
Nature writer Roger Deakin is in North Wales to celebrate the living outdoor sculptures of David Nash. Read by Sean Baker.
Fred upsets girl-about-town Holly, while a man from her Hollywood past arrives in New York. Read by Henry Goodman.
Novelist Iris Murdoch's husband reflects on married life and recalls their wedding day in 1956. Read by Oliver Ford Davies.
Mel Giedroyc takes a ride with a rollercoaster inventor, hears the favourite songs of the creator of Elmer The Patchwork Elephant and goes hunting for cave-dwelling spiders.
13. Set Course for Earth
After blasting off, Captain Jet Morgan and his crew try to make sense of their mammoth trip through time.
Conclusion of the futuristic tale set in 1965 as first broadcast in 1953.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
Other parts by David Jacobs and Deryck Guyler.
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Though first heard in 1953, the original recordings were wiped.
Cayce Pollard has realised she’s entangled in something quite ruthless after being cornered by muggers in Tokyo.
William Gibson's cool and compelling thriller read by Lorelei King.
Abridged by Ron Roberts.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Fred MacAulay brings you the very best comedy and music from the Fringe 2011. Guests today include David Sedaris and Tim Key.
Paul Foot and Arthur Smith engage in a surreal comedy chat. What fun.
You can answer a mobile phone anywhere, including a cinema. Should you say anything if somebody does?
Adam Bloom attempts to tackle this tricky situation.
Written by Adam Bloom.
Timothy Tamperton reports back on the stranger's death wish on the evil Joshua Farley. Stars Stephen Moore. From October 1988.
Sitcom by Kim Fuller, set in a medieval castle with some remarkably modern trappings.
The village pub acquires two new mysterious barmaids as Anne and Charlotte plot to ensnare Sam Tree. De Warenne gets in touch with his feminine side whilst Duncan gets in touch with his masculine one.
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 18 AUGUST 2011
THU 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmz0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 William Gibson - Pattern Recognition (b007k1yz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Christopher Marlowe Mysteries (b007k1yk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq36)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Nineteen Ninety-Four (b013dntm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b007jt05)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Paupers and Pig Killers (b007jx4d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Creme de la Crime (b0080sx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 JB Priestley - The Good Companions (b007jlnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Tony's (b00tlvzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b013cx3p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 The Christopher Marlowe Mysteries (b007k1zv)
4. The Murky Mystery of Murder at St Mark's
Can a college murderer at large be outwitted?
The eloquent Elizabethan spy heads to Cambridge, where college professors are dropping like flies.
Historical comedy mysteries by Ged Parsons. Amid the splendour and squalor of Elizabethan London - scholar, playwright and government spy, Christopher Marlowe is assigned to investigate a number of baffling mysteries and perplexing intrigues...
Starring Dominic Jephcott as Marlowe, Bill Wallis as Ratsbane, Paul Brooke as Sir Francis Walsingham, Peter Serafinowicz as Darus, Gordon Reid as Sir Hubert and Sarah Thomas as Mistress Parker.
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
THU 06:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq3l)
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime
Episode 2
Acting on palmist Podger's chilling prediction, the dapper Lord Arthur is in for a fresh shock.
Michael Maloney reads Oscar Wilde's mystery written in 1891.
Produced in Manchester by Katherine Beacon.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2003.
THU 07:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bwtw9)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Fancy Dress
Bertie Wooster helps his fearsome Uncle Percy with a spot of dressing up.
P.G. Wodehouse’s romp adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
CAST:
Jeeves …. Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster …. Richard Briers
Boko Fittleworth …. Jonathan Cecil
Peter Worplesden …. Peter Woodthorpe
Nobby Hopwood …. Rosalind Adams
Stilton Cheesewright …. Michael Kilgarriff
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
THU 07:30 Double Science (b013dzmw)
Field Trip
Alison takes her class to a Cumbrian wind farm, with keen colleagues Colin and Kenneth in hot pursuit.
The turmoil continues at Forresters Sixth Form College.
Written by and starring Ben Willbond and Justin Edwards.
With Rebecca Front, Raza Jaffreyand Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
THU 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b013dzmy)
Food for Thought
The antics of the bungling bureaucrats attract some sinister interest from abroad...
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 April 1973.
THU 08:30 Hello Cheeky (b013dzn0)
From 16/05/1976
Fast-moving pun-tastic fun as the trio welcome Grandstand's Frank Bough.
Written by and starring John Junkin, Barry Cryer and Tim Brooke-Taylor.
With musical accompaniment from the Denis King Trio.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1976.
THU 09:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c6vrj)
Series 3
Episode 2
Sheila raises Tommy's suspicions and blood pressure, but there's method in her madness.
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr continue their second stab at fame.
Series 3 of Mike Coleman’s six-part sitcom,
CAST:
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray Franklin …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Jack Dunne …. William Franklyn
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
THU 09:30 Jest a Minute (b013f0vy)
Series 1
Episode 6
Justin Moorhouse, Greg Davies, Chris Corcoran and Lucy Porter star in Rhod Gilbert's comedy quiz. From September 2006.
THU 10:00 Paupers and Pig Killers (b007jx4j)
Series 2
Don't Look Down Your Nose at Me, Sir
Unruly parishioners, lazy farmers and a bucolic manservant - the life of Somerset parson William Holland. Stars Ronald Pickup.
THU 10:45 Creme de la Crime (b0081mpp)
Series 2
Six Feet Down Under
Michael Feydeau -TV's much loved Inspector Niblett - and crime expert, David Pershore probe a strange death by cutlery back in 1824.
Tales from the vaults of villainy written by and starring Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Director: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
THU 11:00 JB Priestley - The Good Companions (b007jlnw)
Episode 2
After three strangers arrive, the marooned concert party start making plans without their manager. Stars Helen Longworth.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b013dzmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b0132p8h)
Series 5
Royal Speech Therapist
As the royal Speech Therapist, Milton Jones helps a Prince find his voice and a king find his pomegranates. He also starts three wars in one afternoon, and another three a little later on.
He's joined in his endeavours by his co-stars Tom Goodman-Hill ("Camelot"), Dave Lamb ("Come Dine With Me") 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
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. 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.
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 13:00 The Christopher Marlowe Mysteries (b007k1zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00b0jqd)
Winifred Holtby - The Crowded Street
Episode 9
Diana Griffiths's dramatisation of Winifred Holtby's tale of a woman's journey into self-fulfilment.
9/10. Muriel moves from Yorkshire to London to live with Delia. She quickly adjusts to her new life until she receives an unexpected visit.
Muriel ...... Clare Goose
Delia Vaughan ...... Deborah McAndrew
Godfrey ...... James D'Arcy
Mrs Hammond ...... Brigit Forsyth
Directed by Pauline Harris.
THU 14:15 Roger Deakin - Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees (b00j26h2)
Driftwood
Nature writer Roger Deakin marvels at forest birdsong in France and hunts bush plums with Aboriginal women. Read by Sean Baker.
THU 14:30 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089btv)
Episode 4
Holly Golightly throws a party in New York, where Fred meets the glamorous Mag Wildwood. Read by Henry Goodman.
THU 14:45 John Bayley - Iris (b007jzjq)
Episode 4
Iris Murdoch's husband remembers the eerie, early signs of Alzheimer's shown by his novelist wife. Read by Oliver Ford Davies.
THU 15:00 Paupers and Pig Killers (b007jx4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 15:45 Creme de la Crime (b0081mpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b013f2wh)
It's a spacey 4 O'Clock Show with Mel Giedroyc as we learn about a fantastic space lift, go for a moon walk with our Daily Dalek and blow some big bubbles at the Edinburgh Fringe.
THU 17:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bwtw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Double Science (b013dzmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jx5r)
The Red Planet
1. Mayhem on the Moon
Captain Jet Morgan and his crew aboard Discovery blast off for their epic mission to Mars - but there's a problem...
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Various …. Anthony Marriott
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1954.
THU 18:30 William Gibson - Pattern Recognition (b007k208)
Episode 4
Searching for clues to the origins of the mysterious online film known as "the footage" has led Cayce Pollard across the world.
Now she finds herself in a deserted government complex near Bournemouth and discovers just how close she is getting to the truth....
William Gibson's fast-moving thriller read by Lorelei King.
Abridged by Ron Roberts.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in February 2007.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b013dzmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Hello Cheeky (b013dzn0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Christopher Marlowe Mysteries (b007k1zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 MacAulay and Co (b013fkm0)
Edinburgh Festival 2011
Episode 4
Fred MacAulay brings you the very best comedy and music from the Fringe 2011. Guests today include Ruby Wax and Police Academy star Michael Winslow.
THU 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b0132p8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
THU 22:30 4 Extra at the Fringe (b013m6qw)
Ed Byrne chats to Andi Osho.
THU 22:40 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b007r0c7)
Series 1
Lending Things
Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
Adam Bloom explores what happens when you give something to someone and then ask for it back.
With stand-up reconstructions and help from Rob Rouse.
Written by Adam Bloom.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.
THU 22:55 4 Extra at the Fringe (b013m6qy)
Pete Firman chats to Andi Osho. Magic.
THU 23:00 The Skivers (b007tcph)
Series 1
Ken Campbell
Action from Ancient Greece to 221B Baker Street.
Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh's skilful sketch show with special guest Ken Campbell
Written and performed by Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh.
With Peter Bradshaw and Mel Giedroyc
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994.
THU 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007qctj)
Series 1
Monsters
The spoof TV sci-fi star explains life's big mysteries. Stars Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Tom Baker. From October 1992.
FRIDAY 19 AUGUST 2011
FRI 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jx5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 William Gibson - Pattern Recognition (b007k208)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Christopher Marlowe Mysteries (b007k1zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c6vrj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Jest a Minute (b013f0vy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Paupers and Pig Killers (b007jx4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Creme de la Crime (b0081mpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 JB Priestley - The Good Companions (b007jlnw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bwtw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Double Science (b013dzmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Bill Murphy - Hallows End (b007k2zc)
Wealthy Dubliner Dermot McPhail misguidedly buys a Gothic mansion on the wild coast of west Cork, but things start going dramatically wrong when the unscrupulous property developer and his pampered wife Clodagh move in.
Is someone sabotaging Dermot's dream, or is the ancient curse of Hallows End at work?
Bill Murphy's whodunit stars Gerry O'Brien as Dermot, Ann Marie Horan as Clodagh, Darragh Kelly as Patrick, Helen Norton as Aoife and Simon Delaney as Martin/Barman.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.
First broadcast in 2007.
FRI 06:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq42)
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime
Episode 3
Still thwarted in trying to fulfil his predicted dark destiny, Lord Arthur Savile decides to change his tactics.
Michael Maloney concludes Oscar Wilde's mystery written in 1891.
Produced in Manchester by Katherine Beacon.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2003.
FRI 07:00 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
Episode 8
With their business struggling, Charles and George turn to nanny.
Starring Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles.
A Tale of Two City Gents by Wally K Daly
Charles ...... Donald Hewlett
George ...... Michael Knowles
Nanny ...... Marjorie Withers
Theme music by Jim Parker
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1985.
FRI 07:30 Snap (b013fct0)
Series 3
Episode 6
Molly's surprise pregnancy makes Doug to do something neither of them ever expected...
Conclusion of 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 (b0089bpn)
Series 3
Pertwee and the Laundry
Johnson's not keen when the Chief hatches a money-making wheeze using surplus crew pyjamas.
Stars Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Ronnie Barker as AS 'Fatso' Johnson/Lt Commander Stanton, Richard Caldicote as Captain Povey and Heather Chasen as Ramona Povey.
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 March 1961.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b013fj7r)
Series 2
The Wooden Overcoats
Trouble ensues when Harold brings home coffins on the cart, sparking a burst of manic superstition from Albert.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
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 (b007jmnj)
Series 1
The Cowboy
Sarah's mother and daughter gang up on her when she hires a cheap builder with big brown eyes...
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 Leo Dolan as Terry.
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 May 1985.
FRI 09:30 Trivia Test Match (b007v02t)
Umpire Brian Johnston bowls the questions to Willie Rushton, Tim Rice, William Franklyn and Paul Merton. From August 1992.
FRI 10:00 Loose Ends (b0134wjg)
Peter Curran and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.
Taking Ireland by storm and opening in UK cinemas soon is 'The Guard' written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, starring Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle. John will be talking to Peter about this and his other work including the screenplay for a recent take on the infamous 'Ned Kelly'.
For some, Hip-hop and Shakespeare do not make easy bedfellows, but for rapper Akala they have formed the cornerstone of his recent musical and educational successes. Since 2008, he has toured his 'Hip-hop Shakespeare' workshops across the UK and is now presenting a new series on Channel 4 called 'Life of Rhyme'. Peter will be talking to Akala about this series and its exploration of emcee culture's contribution to the spoken word and poetry in Great Britain.
Trojan Records for many IS reggae music, and now Universal are releasing a CD box set telling the story of the label through archive classics, rarities and unreleased material. Laurence Cane-Honeysett compiled this set and will also be talking to Peter about his book 'Young, Gifted and Black'.
Jo Bunting will be talking to a very recognisable face, Sally Lindsay, star of Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights. Sally is now leading the cast of Sky's new suburban comedy drama 'Mount Pleasant' as Lisa, a 30-something Mancunian navigating the highs and lows of cul-de-sac life.
Raghu Dixit, hugely successful in India and now the UK, will be playing their fusion of traditional Indian music and folk rock with the track, 'I'm In Mumbai Waiting For A Miracle'.
Also performing, are the wonderfully 'bluesy' & sumptuous tones of Louise and the Pins, the project of singer-songwriter Louise Hill with their track 'Bell Jar'.
Producer: Sukey Firth.
FRI 10:45 Creme de la Crime (b008756y)
Series 3
The Quiller Killer
TV detective Michael Feydeau ponders the murder of Christopher Marlowe. Stars Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis. From April 2003.
FRI 11:00 JB Priestley - The Good Companions (b007jlp4)
Episode 3
As the concert party hits rock bottom, will their manager and 'angel' Miss Trant pull the plug on them? Stars Jemma Churchill.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b0089bpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Chain Reaction (b0132pv7)
Series 7
Peter Hook talks to John Cooper Clarke
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.
After Rhys Thomas interviewed Simon Day, Simon interviewed the musician and author Peter Hook. This week, Peter interviews a fellow Salfordian, the punk poet laureate John Cooper Clarke. Coming to prominence during the punk years of the late 70s, Clarke would appear on the bill with The Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks, and Peter's own Joy Division - and Peter's next band, New Order, would support John on a tour of New Zealand and Australia. The interview takes in their shared Salford heritage, doing adverts in the 1980s, and John's recent appearance on the GCSE English syllabus.
FRI 13:00 Bill Murphy - Hallows End (b007k2zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq42)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00b0qj8)
Winifred Holtby - The Crowded Street
Episode 10
Diana Griffiths's dramatisation of Winifred Holtby's tale of a woman's journey into self-fulfilment.
10/10. Muriel returns to Marshington in Yorkshire for the annual fete and is faced with a life-changing decision.
Muriel ...... Clare Goose
Godfrey ...... James D'Arcy
Mrs Hammond ...... Brigit Forsyth
Directed by Pauline Harris.
FRI 14:15 Roger Deakin - Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees (b00j2j7f)
Heartwood
Nature writer Roger Deakin visits a library full of apples and returns home to lay a tree hedge by hand. Read by Sean Baker.
FRI 14:30 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b008900m)
Episode 5
Budding New York author Paul gets a job, but is still captivated by girl-about-town Holly Golightly. Truman Capote's New York novel. Read by Henry Goodman.
FRI 14:45 John Bayley - Iris (b007jzl1)
Episode 5
Iris Murdoch's husband reflects on his wife's inner world after the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Read by Oliver Ford Davies.
FRI 15:00 Loose Ends (b0134wjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 15:45 Creme de la Crime (b008756y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b013fj7t)
It's party time with Mel Giedroyc as she looks at the history of jelly, gets inventive at the Edinburgh Fringe and remembers the first dogs in space.
FRI 17:00 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Snap (b013fct0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jpkd)
The Red Planet
2. What's Wrong with Whittaker?
Freighter No 2 of Captain Jet Morgan's Mars space fleet is in trouble.
But when radio mechanic Lemmy and motor engineer Steve tried to cross over from the flagship, Discovery, to put the trouble right, Steve became unhitched from his safety line and is now drifting in the void...
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Various …. Anthony Marriott
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1954.
FRI 18:30 William Gibson - Pattern Recognition (b007k21k)
Episode 5
'Coolhunter' Cayce travels to Moscow for an emotional encounter with the maker of "the footage" - the mysteriously compelling online film haunting web-surfers around the world.
But why is Cayce's boss at the ad agency so interested in it?
William Gibson's fast-moving thriller concluded by Lorelei King.
Abridged by Ron Roberts.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in February 2007.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b0089bpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b013fj7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Bill Murphy - Hallows End (b007k2zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Oscar Wilde (b007jq42)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 MacAulay and Co (b013fkv9)
Edinburgh Festival 2011
Episode 5
Fred MacAulay brings you the very best comedy and music from the Fringe 2011. Guests today include Never Mind the Buzzcocks star Phill Jupitus and 4 Poofs and a Piano.
FRI 22:00 Chain Reaction (b0132pv7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
FRI 22:30 4 Extra at the Fringe (b013m6rv)
Seann Walsh on how he's doing this year in Edinburgh plus music from Jay Foreman.
FRI 22:40 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b007rgld)
Series 1
Cutting Corners
The frugal comedian features an excerpt from his stand-up show at the Edinburgh Festival. With Rob Rouse. From September 2003.
FRI 22:55 4 Extra at the Fringe (b013m6rx)
Holly Walsh reveals how she ended up in hospital after jumping off a pier.
FRI 23:00 What's So Funny? (b013fj7w)
Series 1
Edinburgh Special
Comedian Jason Cook with guests and music from Edinburgh's Comedy Festival. News, reviews and gossip on front runners for the prestigious comedy award.
FRI 23:30 Big Town All Stars (b007jrwp)
Series 2
The Ballad of Kenny and Christine
Kenny's new girlfriend wants to join his a cappella band - but she can't sing. Stars Stephen Tompkinson. From July 2001.