"There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared."
Set in 1914, the great sleuth-cum-apiarist is asked to help England in her darkest hour.
Starring Clive Merrison as Sherlock Holmes, Michael Williams as Dr Watson and Norman Rodway as Stamford.
Dramatised by Bert Coules. Director: Enyd Williams
Will a dentist's Pacific encounter with the lovely La La make him put down his drill forever? Read by Garard Green.
Jago’s been kidnapped and taken to London, but Dewey’s far more interested in seeing "Bedlam", which is now in its sixth record-breaking year.
It's 1793 and in the small Cornish village of Drumlin Bay, heroic smuggler Tamsyn Trelawny is still running rings around the customs men, assisted by her drunken father Jago.
Written by Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain.
Starring Sheridan Smith as Tamsyn Trelawny, John Bowe as Jago Trelawny, Cameron Stewart as Major Thomas Falconer, Andrew McGibbon as Captain Marriot, Martin Hyder as Squire Bascombe, Mark Felgate as Dewey and Mark Perry as Hobbs.
Producer: Jan Ravens.
In this third series comedian Mark Steel visits 6 more UK towns to discover what makes them and their inhabitants distinctive.
He creates a bespoke stand-up show for that town and performs the show in front of a local audience.
As well as shedding light on the less visited areas of Britain, Mark uncovers stories and experiences that resonate with us all as we recognise the quirkiness of the British way of life and the rich tapestry of remarkable events and people who have shaped where we live.
During the series 'Mark Steel's In Town' Mark will visit Berwick-Upon Tweed, Holyhead, Basingstoke, Douglas (Isle of Man), Bungay and Wigan.
Episode 1 - In this first episode Mark performs a show for the residents of Berwick-Upon Tweed where he talks about war with Russia, Scottish rivalries and rather unusual local slang. From December 2011.
Written by Mark Steel with additional material by Pete Sinclair.
In light of a festive pudding shortage for forces overseas, Neddie Seagoon takes action. Soon Richard Dimbleby is reporting on the giant Christmas pudding being mixed at dry dock in Chatham.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Made for the BBC General Overseas Service and first broadcast to troops in 1956.
Find out 'What's My Gender', plus a galactic 'Panorama'.
Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Taken in by a kindly preacher, abandoned Ruth Hilton must hide a dark secret. Stars Anton Lesser, Rory Kinnear and Anne Reid.
4 Extra Debut. In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's seasonal whodunnit, Sherlock Holmes investigates the theft of a diamond. Read by Tom Conti.
Confronted with robbery and murder, the detective learns even respected police officers can be suspects. Stars Philip Jackson.
Eschewing his aristocratic background, Crimsworth has rejected aid from his mother's family and is now working as clerk to his brother. But all is not well...
The least-known of Charlotte Bronte's novels: a subtle, ambiguous and unsettling love story dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.
Starring Paul Venables as William Crimsworth, Jonathan Keeble as Edward Crimsworth, Gerard McDermott as Lord Tynedale and Ruth Sillers as Mrs Crimsworth.
Mabel is still brooding about Catherine in the Archers spin-off, while Daniel is wondering if he might not need that DJ after all.
Mariette Hélène Delangle becomes Hellé Nice and enters the first Grand Prix for women. Read by Harriet Walter.
Jim is determined to win Christine from the bearded sportsman, but he will have to fight for her. Read by Martin Jarvis.
Mel Giedroyc learns about the honey bee's waggle dance and explores bridesmaid dresses. Plus there's another episode from Simon Mason's story The Quigleys.
In which the repair of the Embassy typewriter plays a part in the mating of seals, the extermination of bugs, and the silencing of little birds.
Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mr Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson, Milton Johns as Brown, Stuart Organ as Bryant and Christopher Benjamin as the Colonel
With both of them barricaded into the cottage, the Doctor reveals more about the fiendish powers of the extra-terrestrial swarm to Mike Yates.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey and Daniel Hill as Percy Noggins.
A grisly discovery at Professor Lake's camp sparks a perilous two-man flight over monstrous mountains. Read by Richard Coyle.
Zookeepers Howard Moon and Vince Noir try to catch an animal thief at Bob Fossil's Zoo - with the help of a deer costume.
The Boosh is a surreal adventure based on the Perrier Award-winning comedy show, featuring Howard and Vince's battles with zoo manager Bob Fossil.
Vince is a regular 'Mowgli in flares' due to his affinity with animals and adoration for all things Seventies, whereas Howard likes to think he's more the brains of the duo, destined for better things.
Howard Moon ...... Julian Barrattt
Vince Noir ...... Noel Fielding
Bob Fossil ...... Rich Fulcher
Graham ...... Lee Mack
Bloke ...... Simon Evans
After BBC radio gave them their big break with this series, they transferred to BBC TV where The Mighty Boosh ran for three series.
Producer: Danny Wallace.
Cheesy chat show host Alan Partridge is 'Live from Las Vegas' with glamorous American co-host, Kendall Ball.
With guests: Hollywood star couple Sally Hoff & Conrad Knight, New York comic Bernie Rosen and professional gambler Jack 'the Black Cat' Colson.
With thanks to Alan's chief researcher Steve Coogan.
Doon Mackichan with more comic creations including DJ Chantal and Briony the Brownie. With Phil Cornwell. From September 1996.
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2011
WED 00:00 Doctor Who (b0183r2c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vl2hh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jph3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:45 Short Stories by John Mortimer (b007jz3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Now Show Extra (b0183jhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b0080273)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:45 on Monday]
WED 03:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Ruth (b00tx3gc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b0183mwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Petrella (b007jmdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00vl38x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9k9p)
The Saint Overboard
Lantern-jawed, haloed hero Simon Templar - otherwise known as The Saint - sets out to solve the disappearance of missing sunken bullion.
First published in 1936, one of a long series of novels featuring Leslie Charteris's creation Simon Templar, alias "The Saint".
Simon Templar …. Paul Rhys
Loretta Page …. Patsy Kensit
Roger/Ivaloff …. Charles Simpson
Peter Quentin/Intruder …. Jonathan Keeble
Orace …. John Hollis
Vogel …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Murdoch …. John Guerrasio
Prof Yule …. David Timson
Arnheim/Helmsman …. Joshua Towb
Dramatised by Neville Teller.
Director: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.
WED 07:00 Safety Catch (b0184tdb)
Series 2
There Will Be Paint
Simon decides it's about time he and his colleagues prove they understand the true horrors of war by getting out there and actually fighting.
So it is that team Heathcote Sanders go paintballing. Okay, so it's not quite the same as fighting in an actual war, but you can't expect Simon to take part in one of those - I mean, people actually die in those things. So join Simon for one last time as he searches for the hero inside himself.
Laurence Howarth's black comedy of modern morality set in the world of arms dealing.
Simon McGrath.............................Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg..................................Joanna Page
Boris Kemal...............................Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath..............................Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath............................Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull........................Rachel Atkins
Roger/Dave......................................Philip Fox
Guide.............................................Gus Brown
Producer: Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
WED 07:30 Heresy (b00sg1vh)
Series 8
Episode 2
Victoria Coren presents another edition of the show which dares to commit heresy.
Her guests this week are comedians David Baddiel and Lucy Porter and the co-presenter of daytime quiz show Pointless, Richard Osman. Together they have fun exposing the wrong-headedness of received wisdom and challenging knee-jerk public reaction to events.
Arguing against the common belief that "the economy is up the creek without a paddle", David Baddiel says we're actually sailing serenely through the recession. Lucy Porter isn't convinced that "the innocence of children is snatched away too fast these days" and wants to know when her 13 month old daughter will start paying her share of the household bills, and Richard Osman finds reasons not to mourn the passing of the News of the World.
Producer: Brian King
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00j283n)
Series 3
The Bequest
The lad is set to inherit a fortune, but only if he can find a wife!
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1955.
WED 08:30 Harry Worth (b00rd6p0)
Thirty Minutes Worth
The Old Flame
Just as Harry Worth is feeling lonely, a long lost love turns up.
Starring Harry Worth.
With Jacqueline Clarke and Joan Sanderson.
The amiable, woolly-minded bumbler, causes more confusion!
Written by Vince Powell.
Producer: Mike Craig
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1988.
WED 09:00 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008p8q2)
The Old Dunkirk Spirit
Harold Perkins has no materials to rebuild post-war Britain, which well suits the workmates.
Six anarchic tales from those demob days “when we was going to build the new Jerusalem - you know, before the world turned lax and sour”.
Stars Norman Rossington as Big Jim, Roland Curram as Harold Perkins, Harold Goodwin as Old Ned, David John as Nimrod, Sylvester McCoy as Turps, David Beckett as Chick, Norman Bird as Fortescue and Norman Mitchell as PC Speedworth.
Narrated by Bernard Cribbins.
Written by Ted Walker.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
WED 09:30 Whispers (b007k2kr)
Series 2
Episode 1
Revelations about Rasputin and accordion playing from Idi Amin.
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Geoffrey Durham and Valerie Grove join team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
WED 10:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Ruth (b00ty016)
Episode 3
Bellingham's return spells danger. Could the damaging truth about Leonard be revealed? Stars Rory Kinnear and Laura Rees.
WED 11:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b0184v7s)
The Thieves Who Couldn't Help Sneezing
4 Extra Debut. In Thomas Hardy's seasonal whodunnit, horse thieves and house breakers are roaming the moors of Wessex. Read by Tom Conti.
WED 11:15 Petrella (b007jpny)
Series 2
The Missionary Position
A drugs tip-off leads the inspector to a boxing gym, where his police colleague encounters a former tutor. Stars Philip Jackson.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00j283n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Harry Worth (b00rd6p0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9k9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m0zyn)
Belgium
Unable to work any longer for his tyrant of a brother, William has left the mill.
With no job and no prospects, he finds himself in Belgium on Hunsden's advice. But how will he fare?
The least-known of Charlotte Bronte's novels: a subtle, ambiguous and unsettling love story dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.
Starring Paul Venables as William Crimsworth, Shaun Dooley as Hunsden, Roger May as Pelet, Harry Myers as Brown, Niamh Cusack as Zoraide Reuter and Natasha Pyne as Madame Pelet.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
WED 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b00b5vd6)
Penance, Rebellion and Ireland
Henry, whilst seeking penance for the death of Becket, also attempts to conquer Ireland. Narrated by Anna Massey.
WED 14:30 Miranda Seymour - The Bugatti Queen (b00mvd42)
Episode 3
Can Hellé Nice, risqué dancer turned Grand Prix racing driver, break the world record? Read by Harriet Walter.
WED 14:45 Kingsley Amis - Lucky Jim (b00srqfs)
Episode 11
Jim Dixon makes his unconventional and infamous speech and includes his impression of Evelyn Waugh. Read by Martin Jarvis.
The all-time classic comic novel of academic life written by Kingsley Amis, Lucky Jim lists the fortunes - or rather misfortunes - of Jim Dixon, a man of many faces, most of which don't fit his surroundings.
Produced and abridged by Pat McLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
WED 15:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Ruth (b00ty016)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0184v7v)
Mel Giedroyc hears a history of the sandwich and meets the owner of a famous ballet shoe. Plus more from our current story about a funny family called The Quigleys.
WED 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jp9l)
The Business Proposition
It's 1948 and 'Dad's Army' veterans Arthur Wilson and Frank Pike receive a surprise visitor at their bank in Frambourne-on-Sea.
A seaside saga of pier perpetuation starring John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee.
Arthur Wilson ...... John Le Mesurier
Frank Pike ...... Ian Lavender
Bert Hodges ...... Bill Pertwee
Miss Perkins ...... Vivienne Martin
Mr Hunter ...... Robin Parkinson
Mr Short ...... Edward Burnham
Mr Rawlings ...... Gordon Peters
Council Employee ...... Spencer Banks
After a pilot episode was made in 1981, Arthur Lowe sadly died. So this 13-part series was revamped to feature the Dad's Army characters played by Pertwee and Lavender instead. The series was later adapted for ITV by Yorkshire TV.
Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, based on characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1983.
WED 17:30 Safety Catch (b0184tdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Doctor Who (b0184v7x)
Hornets' Nest
The Dead Shoes, part 1
Still marooned in the cottage, the Doctor takes Mike Yates back in time to the 1930s for his next lesson about the infestation of the alien swarm...
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey, Claire Corbett as Ernestina Stott and Christian Rodska as the Reverend Small.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
WED 18:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vlq6b)
Episode 3
Dyer and student geologist Danforth discover sprawling evidence of an incredible ancient civilisation. Read by Richard Coyle.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00j283n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Harry Worth (b00rd6p0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9k9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 21:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b0184v7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Petrella (b007jpny)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Heresy (b00sg1vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Nebulous (b00j5l70)
Series 2
Tempus Fugitive
What is the dark secret of the time-splintered Linda-viduals? Graham Duff's sci-fi spoof. Stars Mark Gatiss and Kate O'Mara. From May 2006.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b019f5q2)
Sunday to Friday, the Comedy Club offers two hours of comedy. Host Arthur Smith chats to Tim Key.
WED 23:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b0082f0w)
Series 1
Barbie
It's school reports time - and Eddie needs a loan to start up his own taxi business.
The lives of the Stockport-based, Conroy family in the first series of Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan's comedy drama.
Jason ...... Dominic Monaghan
Michael ...... Jason Done
Dave ...... Stefan Escreet
Eddie ...... John McArdle
Collete ...... Emma Clarke
Maureen ...... Beverley Callard
Debbie ...... Jo-Anne Knowles
Music: Big George
Producer: Neil Mossey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1999.
WED 23:30 Revolting People (b00fj2br)
Series 2
Even More Trying Times
Samuel's emporium faces competition from a new super-emporium and Mary climbs into bed with Captain Brimshaw.
Sitcom set just before the American War of Independence.
Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
Samuel Oliphant …. Jay Tarses
Sergeant McGurk …. Andy Hamilton
Captain Brimshaw …. James Fleet
Mary Oliphant …. Jan Ravens
Ezekiel Spriggs …. Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant …. Penelope Nice
Joshua Oliphant …. Tony Maudsley
Elizabeth Oliphant …. Susie Blake
Agnes …. Selina Griffiths
Isaac …. Michael Fenton-Stevens
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2011
THU 00:00 Doctor Who (b0184v7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vlq6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9k9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008p8q2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Whispers (b007k2kr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Ruth (b00ty016)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b0184v7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Petrella (b007jpny)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jp9l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Safety Catch (b0184tdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9xgx)
The Saint Closes the Case
Simon Templar is confronted by arch-villain, Doctor Rayt Marius, in a deadly struggle to save the world from an evil weapon.
First published in 1930 under the title 'The Last Hero' - one of a long series of novels featuring Leslie Charteris's creation Simon Templar, alias "The Saint".
Simon Templar …. Paul Rhys
Patricia Holm …. Kim Thomson
Roger Conway …. Charles Simpson
Orace …. John Hollis
Norman Kent …. Joshua Towb
Doctor Rayt Marius …. Sandor Eles
Inspector Claude Eustace Teal …. John Baddeley
Professor Vargan …. John Turner
Captain Harding …. Ross Livingstone
Cynthia …. Linda Regan
Janos …. Paul Jenkins
Gabor/Rudolph …. Jonathan Keeble
Bela …. Stephen Critchlow
Golter/Hale/Lazlo …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Malone/Tibor/Foreshaw …. David Timson
Dramatised for radio by Roger Danes.
Director: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
THU 07:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b5pg3)
The Case of the Deranged Botanist
Baker Street’s Great Detective Sherlock Holmes is on the case in a monstrous tale of cross-bred plants and humans.
Roy Hudd spoofs the famous sleuth in Tony Hare’s comedy series.
With Chris Emmett as Dr Watson, June Whitfield as Mrs Hudson and Jeffrey Holland as Inspector Lestrade.
Musical accompaniment: Ian Smith.
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1999.
THU 07:30 Clare in the Community (b00slqvv)
Series 6
Luck of the Irish
Clare is delighted to discover she has an Irish ancestor...
Clare Barker is the self-absorbed social worker who has the right jargon for every problem she comes across, though never a practical solution. But there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
The team at the Family Centre has been shaken around and shuffled about. Clare is now Acting Team Leader, as Irene has job-swapped. And whilst Irene is in Melbourne the team here are joined by Libby – an Aussie and a lezzie, proud to be both, and after Clare’s job.
But it is in the nature of hell to be unchanging, and most of the regulars are present and correct for a further round of frustration, despair, disappointment, team meetings and 11 o’clock cakes at the Sparrowhawk Family Centre.
Clare ... Sally Phillips
Helen ... Liza Tarbuck
Brian ... Alex Lowe
Ray ... Richard Lumsden
Libby ... Sarah Kendall
Ptolemy … Philip Pope
Megan/Na ... Nina Conti
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Producer: Katie Tyrrell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
THU 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01852vy)
Postal Disorder
The Post Office must boost business, but can the bungling duo manage to deliver?
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 1975.
THU 08:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
Series 2
If the Cap Fits
Captain Mainwaring decides to promote fractious Private Frazer with some unexpected results.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1975.
THU 09:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
Lift Off
Caretaker Ramsay Potts' love of rules sparks catastrophe for an MP in a lift...
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie Spurgeon.
Starring Roy Dotrice as Ramsay Potts and Patricia Hayes as Elspeth Spurgeon
Sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
With Frank Thornton, John Graham, April Walker and John Glover.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1982.
THU 09:30 The 99p Challenge (b007jx6w)
Series 3
Episode 1
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci, Peter Serafinowicz and Bill Bailey.
The game where someone stands to leave the studio 99p richer than when they came in.
Written by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
THU 10:00 Nathaniel Hawthorne - Wakefield (b00rs19x)
A dull middle-aged man whose life has been monotonously ordinary for years, devises a plot to temporarily leave home and observe the effect on his wife from a flat opposite.
But he stays away much longer than expected - and it becomes more and more difficult for him to return...
David Haig stars in Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Wakefield ...... David Haig
Hawthorne ...... John Rowe
Mrs Wakefield ...... Richenda Carey
Mr Lucas Ferris ...... Jonathan Keeble
Mrs Brand ...... Jennie Stoller
Doctor ...... Gordon Reid
Producer: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001
THU 11:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b01852w2)
The Necklace of Pearls
4 Extra Debut. In Dorothy L Sayers' seasonal whodunnit, Lord Peter Wimsey investigates a theft at a country house party. Read by Tom Conti.
THU 11:15 Petrella (b007yp3x)
Series 2
Death Watch
All set to protect a Nuremburg Trials judge from an avenging killer - what about the inspector's insomnia? Stars Philip Jackson.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01852vy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9xgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m16xk)
Zoraide
William feels he’s found his natural place. A gifted teacher, he’s happy and content.
He finds further work in the neighbouring school for girls - in the very same place where he has heard a laughing voice, an enchanting ringing laugh...
The least-known of Charlotte Bronte's novels: a subtle, ambiguous and unsettling love story dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.
Starring Paul Venables as William Crimsworth, Roger May as Pelet and Niamh Cusack as Zoraide Reuter.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
THU 14:15 Ambridge Extra (b01852w4)
Series 2
Episode 22
In the Archers spin-off, it's the night of the Christmas carol concert.
THU 14:30 Miranda Seymour - The Bugatti Queen (b00mvqsb)
Episode 4
Model-turned-Grand Prix driver Hellé Nice survives racing accidents and World War II. Read by Harriet Walter.
THU 14:45 Kingsley Amis - Lucky Jim (b00srwxb)
Episode 12
Some good news leaves lecturer Jim Dixon tickled pink, but he faces a race against time. Concluded by Martin Jarvis.
THU 15:00 Nathaniel Hawthorne - Wakefield (b00rs19x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01852w6)
Mel Giedroyc learns about the language of flowers and a record-breaking train. Plus there's the next episode of Simon Mason's The Quigleys.
THU 17:00 King Street Junior (b007jmdx)
Series 5
D Day Minus One
A day of stock-taking, literally and educationally, as the teachers prepare for a new year. Stars James Grout. From May 1990.
THU 17:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b5pg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Doctor Who (b01852w8)
Hornets' Nest
The Dead Shoes, part 2
Still cowering in the cellar of the cottage, Mike Yates discovers the Doctor's horrifying conclusion about the alien-infested ballet pumps of 1930s Cromer.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey, Claire Corbett as Ernestina Stott and Christian Rodska as the Reverend Small.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
THU 18:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vlw5s)
Episode 4
Investigating fantastic ancient structures high in the Antarctic, Dyer and Danforth face pure terror. Read by Richard Coyle.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01852vy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9xgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 21:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b01852w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Petrella (b007yp3x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Clare in the Community (b00slqvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvt7)
Series 1
Ireland
Travelling from rainy Sligo to busy Dublin, the comedian performs for the locals and learns to play the penny whistle - badly.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
THU 23:00 The Cheese Shop Presents (b007jyyd)
Series 2
The Butter Factor
Manufactured drama in TV docu-soap 'The Newsagents' - and an incompetent vet. Sketch comedy with Dave Lamb. From May 1998.
THU 23:30 Think the Unthinkable (b007jm3k)
Series 1
Moore and Burmans
Ailing high street retailer Moore and Burman desperately needs help. They must be desperate to enlist the services of Unthinkable Solutions!
Ryan persuades them to go for a radical publicity campaign, Daisy facilitates his nervous breakdown and Sophie decides to take charge of her love life with some decisive action.
James Cary’s award-winning sitcom about management consultants.
Ryan Packer ...... Marcus Brigstocke
Sophie Stott ...... Emma Kennedy
Daisy ...... Catherine Shepherd
Timandra ...... Olivia Colman
Clive ...... Mark Heap
Brian ...... Simon Godley
Boris ...... Simon Greenall
Script associates: Paul Mayhew-Archer and Ed Drew.
Music by John Whitehall.
Producer: Adam Bromley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER 2011
FRI 00:00 Doctor Who (b01852w8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vlw5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b00b9xgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The 99p Challenge (b007jx6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Nathaniel Hawthorne - Wakefield (b00rs19x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b01852w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Petrella (b007yp3x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 King Street Junior (b007jmdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b5pg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b007jtvy)
The Saint Plays With Fire
Simon Templar uncovers a fascist conspiracy to seize power in France.
First published in 1938 under the title 'Prelude for War' - one of a long series of novels featuring Leslie Charteris's creation Simon Templar, alias "The Saint".
Simon Templar …. Paul Rhys
Patricia Holm …. Kim Thomson
Valerie …. Fiona Fullerton
Inspector Claude Eustace Teal/Usher …. John Baddeley
Peter Quentin …. Jonathan Keeble
Fairweather …. John Hartley
Luker …. Geoffrey Whitehead
General Sangore …. John Turner
Orace …. John Hollis
Knightley/Foreman …. Andrew Branch
Marteau/Constable/Pietri/Sergeant …. Roger May
Coroner/Bravache …. David Collings
Bream/Senappe …. David Timson
Dramatised for radio by Neville Teller.
Director: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
FRI 07:00 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00ttslq)
Series 3
Thunder and the Ugly Madonna
The Italian priest finds beauty in the most unattractive of circumstances. Stars Joss Ackland and Ian Hogg. From April 2003.
FRI 07:30 What's So Funny? (b01857zc)
Series 2
Episode 11
Ed Byrne, Sarah Millican, Alex Horne and Rich Fulcher discuss the best of upcoming British comedy from radio, screen and stage.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b01857zf)
Operation Recovery
Trouble afloat as the crew of HMS Troutbridge try to locate an American warhead.
Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.
The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Rita ...... Heather Chasen
LS Goldsein ...... Tenniel Evans
The Padre ....... Michael Bates
Written by Lawrie Wyman.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1971.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jnv2)
Series 6
Upstairs Downstairs, Upstairs Downstairs
Albert's laid up with a bad back leaving poor Harold overworked.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Doctor ...... Michael McClain
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.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1976.
FRI 09:00 Semi Circles (b007jtyy)
Series 2
A Lack of Moral Fibre
Christmas is coming and Ben is getting fat, but will going on a fibre diet with Helen raise his spirits?
The improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood.
Starring Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben
Written by Simon Brett
Helen ...... Paula Wilcox
Ben ...... David Wood
Mrs Kelly ...... Pay Heywood
Alastair ...... Tony Millan
Neil ...... Nick Wilton
Britt ...... Rosalind Adams
Blythe ...... Bryan Coleman
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982
FRI 09:30 The Museum of Curiosity (b00knwyq)
Series 2
Episode 5
John Lloyd and Sean Lock invite guests Jon Richardson, Roger Law and Kate Adie to increase the collection. From June 2009.
FRI 10:00 Dave Sheasby - Donkeys Led By Lions (b00vy71t)
Teacher Arthur Willis battles his conscience over fighting in the Great War, with devastating consequences. Stars Ian Dunn.
FRI 11:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b01857zh)
The Flying Stars
4 Extra Debut. In GK Chesterton's seasonal whodunnit, Father Brown investigates a jewel theft during a pantomime. Read by Tom Conti.
FRI 11:15 Petrella (b007jppx)
Series 2
Original Sins
The sleuth must tackle a watery murder mystery when a victim is found chained to a post in the Thames. Stars Philip Jackson.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b01857zf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jnv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b007jtvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m1tfr)
Deceit
William now finds himself attracted to the fascinating Zoraide Reuter, head of the girls' school. But not everything is as it seems...
The least-known of Charlotte Bronte's novels: a subtle, ambiguous and unsettling love story dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.
Starring Paul Venables as William Crimsworth, Roger May as Pelet and Niamh Cusack as Zoraide Reuter.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
FRI 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b00b65v9)
Coeur De Lion
With his father dead, Richard becomes King. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles, with Paul Eddington.
FRI 14:30 Miranda Seymour - The Bugatti Queen (b00mw69m)
Episode 5
Personal, political and financial problems dog Hellé Nice as her glamorous racing years fade. Read by Harriet Walter.
FRI 14:45 The Slumber King (b0185b1b)
Owen's walking stick unlocks the door to a journey beneath the Welsh mountains...and an astounding discovery.
Written by Kevin Crossley-Holland.
Read by Andy Hockley.
Producer: Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 15:00 Dave Sheasby - Donkeys Led By Lions (b00vy71t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0185b1d)
Mel Giedroyc meets a man whose home is out of this world and asks whether Shakespeare's mum was French! Plus, there's the exciting conclusion to Simon Mason's story The Quigleys.
FRI 17:00 Ring Around the Bath (b00tzw38)
Series 2
The Birds and the Bees
If Stella can't move to the country, then the country must move to Stella.
Series 2 of Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson's sitcom about topsy-turvy family life.
Stars Duncan Preston as Patrick, Penny Downie as Stella, Claudie Blakley as Alison, Bruce MacKinnon as Rick, Catherine Shepherd as Xanthe and Daniela Denby-Ashe as Egg.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
FRI 17:30 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00ttslq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Doctor Who (b0185cks)
Hornets' Nest
The Circus of Doom, part 1
Continuing with their cottage encounter, Mike Yates listens eagerly as the Doctor recalls his early 19th century encounter with the alien swarm in a small English rural town...
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susie Ridell as Sally, Michael Maloney as Dr Adam Farrow, Stephen Thorne as Antonio and Jilly Bond as Francesca.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
FRI 18:30 HP Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness (b00vnf09)
Episode 5
Battling in the Antarctic, can Dyer and Danforth escape with their lives? Richard Coyle concludes HP Lovecraft's tale of terror.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b01857zf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jnv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Leslie Charteris - The Saint (b007jtvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 21:00 Christmas with the Detectives (b01857zh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Petrella (b007jppx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 What's So Funny? (b01857zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 In One Ear (b007jqrw)
Festive bickering over Thatcher's Britain and seasonal sexism swipes. Stars Helen Lederer and Nick Wilton. From December 1984.
FRI 23:00 Mastering the Universe (b00wstg6)
Series 1
Christmas
Professor Joy Klamp explores ways to make the festive season truly miserable. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005.
FRI 23:15 Quando, Quando, Quando (b0081rfw)
Love and Marriage
The salon is offering special two-for-one cuts. Brides and grooms are queuing up for days in the hope of getting an appointment. A childhood sweetheart of Rene's appears unexpectedly, hoping to rekindle their love.
Brothers Rene, Carlo and Charlie Quando chop, snip and crimp their lucky clients into shape at London's finest hair salon.
Six-part comedy written and performed by Rainer Hersch and Mark Maie. With Stephen Greif and Catherine Tate.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
FRI 23:30 Vent (b00v8qdv)
Series 2
Arrival
Comatose Ben takes a final trip around the safe fantasy world of his subconscious.
Dark sitcom following the thoughts of comatose patient Ben written by Nigel Smith.
Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.
With Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin, Mark Perry, Laura Aikman and Tim Whitnall.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.