2. An Arrest for Murder
A seance at the remote Sittaford House has revealed the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Evans …. Donald Gee
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Williamson …. David Goudge
Kirkwood …. John Gabriel
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Mrs. Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Sylvia Dering …. Susan Sheridan
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
With Queenie dead - will her clue help the debonair detective and wife Steve find the missing baby?
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Richard Williams as Sir Graham Forbes, Frederick Treves as Inspector Eden, James Beattie as Charlie, Peter Wilde as Terry Palmer, June Tobin as Mary Desmond, David Spenser as Sergeant Digby, John Stott as Bill McCall, Richard Hurndall as Roger Shelly, Jeffrey Segal as George, James Thomason as the Waiter, Hugh Manning as the Sergeant and Hilda Schroder as the Telephone Girl.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Tamsyn's mother, 'Lizabeth, suddenly turns up at the tavern - and greets Tamsyn with the immortal phrase " 'Ello, princess..."
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 Roderick and Alison Steadman as 'Lizabeth.
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 2 - In this episode Mark performs a show for the residents of Holyhead in Anglesey, where he talks about sinking ships, fishy foot nibbling, the town's newest locals, Kate and Wills, and a mayor whose eccentricity puts Boris to shame... From December 2011.
Written by Mark Steel with additional material by Pete Sinclair.
An eccentric millionaire funds an expedition for fragments of a famous dessert. Stars Spike Milligan. From November 1955.
The team mock TV and radio's festive line-up. Stars Nigel Rees, Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris. From December 1976.
Kay Harker must battle evil forces to capture the treasure. John Masefield's yarn stars Sam Salter, Nickolas Grace and Charles Dance.
A kindly angel meets George Bailey at Christmas. Make no mistake, this is not what you think it is. Read by Michael Williams.
The lives of six characters intersect in London at Christmas. Semi-improvised drama. Stars Alex Lanipekun and Laura Molyneux.
William spurns Mademoiselle's advances, and Frances disappears from class.
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, Niamh Cusack as Zoraide Reuter, Claire Price as Frances and Penelope Rawlins as Sylvie.
In the Archers spin-off, the atmosphere is still tense at the Stables, while at the Vicarage, Amy receives shocking news.
Tired of London high-life, Pandora Bland sets out to win the man of her dreams. Fenella Woolgar reads Stella Gibbons's tale. Made for 4 Extra.
Mel Giedroyc with a bag of winter goodies, including an ice hotel in Canada and a nativity play set on a real farm. Plus, Alan Bennett reads part two of The House at Pooh Corner.
In which a promising retirement is threatened by a freak hailstorm - and Ambassador Mackenzie discovers something worse than a frank exchange of views in an atmosphere of cordiality.
Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson, Michael Bilton as Yakov Korovin, Jonathan Kidd as Mikael Korovin and Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov.
In his next alien insect encounter, the Time Lord travels back in the TARDIS to medieval England.
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 the Nun, Suzie Riddell as the Sister and Rula Lenska as the Swarm.
As the starship Challenger returns to its solar system after a 115-year-long search for a planet suitable for colonisation - it's a home that the crew have never known.
Born aboard the craft, the four-strong space crew must come to terms with some shocking news...
James Follett's 10-part adventure serial in time and space.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Sentinel ...... Alexander John
Simon ...... David Bradshawe
Howard has had enough of the way Bob Fossil is running the zoo, so he sets off in search of his childhood hero and legendary zookeeper, Tommy.
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.
Howard Moon ...... Julian Barrattt
Vince Noir ...... Noel Fielding
Bob Fossil ...... Rich Fulcher
Wirth Richard Ayoade.
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.
With thanks to Alan's chief researcher Steve Coogan.
The family face repercussions from a child's innocent gift. Improvised historical saga with Paul Merton. From December 1993.
WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER 2011
WED 00:00 Doctor Who (b0186szp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jlb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jp92)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Now Show Extra (b0186lgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:45 Creme de la Crime (b00890lk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:45 on Monday]
WED 03:00 John Masefield - The Midnight Folk (b00fwdlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Lynne Truss - Life Without George (b0186rm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Sheila Goff - Doppler Effect (b0186rn9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Flying the Flag (b007jy0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00vsx4v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
The Sittaford Mystery
3. Emily Goes to Work
James Pearson has been arrested for the murder of his uncle.
But his fiancee Emily is determined to prove his innocence.
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Maid …. Jane Slavin
Cab Driver …. Vincent Brimble
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
WED 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9h)
Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair
Introducing Mr Droste
More mystery, as the debonair detective sets out to unravel the secret behind Mrs Desmond's gloves.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Richard Williams as Sir Graham Forbes, Peter Wilde as Terry Palmer, John Scott as Bill McCall, Richard Hurndall as Roger Shelly, Simon Lack as Philip Droste, Grizelda Hervey as Vanessa Droste, John Cazabon as Eddie, Leigh Crutchley as the Taxi Driver, John Bryning as Charles Marett and Beryl Calder as the Telephone Girl.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
WED 07:00 The Right Time (b009v5dn)
Series 2
Episode 1
From the perils of seduction to topless sunbathing. 40 is the new 21.
Sketch show about life, written and performed by people who have lived a bit.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Paula Wilcox, Clive Swift and Roger Blake.
Written by Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, John Pidgeon, Jan Etherington, Julie Balloo and Ramone Towers.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
WED 07:30 Heresy (b0184s33)
Series 8
Episode 3
Victoria Coren presents another edition of the show which dares to commit heresy.
Her guests this week are comedian David Mitchell, the Rev Richard Coles and Diane Abbott MP. Together they have fun exposing the wrong-headedness of received wisdom and challenging knee-jerk public reaction to events.
Diane Abbott is happy to argue against the received wisdom that "the Labour Party chose the wrong Miliband" though she can't help observing that the party really should have chosen her, the Rev Richard Coles is happy to speak in defence of parents who go to church just to get their kids into the local faith schools, and David Mitchell is incredulous that anyone would believe that "if a friend is doing something for charity you should sponsor them.
Producer: Brian King
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
Bill and Father Christmas
It's a far from festive season when Bill overhears the blabbermouth lad. Stars Tony Hancock and Bill Kerr. From December 1958.
WED 08:30 Harry Worth (b00rl56h)
Thirty Minutes Worth
The Burglar
Cat burglar Fingers Fogerty pays Harry Worth an unwelcome visit.
Starring Harry Worth.
With Jacqueline Clarke, Roger John-Lee and Michael Robbins.
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 Cabin Pressure (b00wqj4v)
Cabin Pressure at Christmas
Bing-bong merrily on high! It's Xmas morning on board MJN Air, but when Carolyn schedules an extra stop-off to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Arthur has just seven minutes to celebrate Xmas. How can Douglas and Martin make this the best Xmas Arthur's ever had when all they have on board are some custard creams and a Russian oligarch...
With special guest Ben Willbond ("Horrible Histories")
Cast:
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ..... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ..... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ..... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ..... John Finnemore
Mr. Alyakhin ..... Ben Willbond
Written by John Finnemore
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 09:30 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
Series 2
Episode 2
What is the real truth about Alexander Graham Bell, Walt Disney and Lord Lucan?
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Lynne Truss and Michele Brown 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 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
Norfolk, 1947: A parson tries to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The Magic of Christmas works in mysterious ways – in this feel good, festive treat.
Wynyard Browne's classic stage play dramatised by Jonathan Hall.
Gregory ...... Kenneth Alan Taylor
Margaret ...... Susannah Harker
Jenny ...... Eve Best
David ...... Matthew Pidgeon
Bridget ...... Maureen Toal
Lydia ...... Ann Rye
Richard ...... Philip Voss
Director: Polly Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day in 2005.
WED 11:00 Keith Waterhouse - Albert and the Liner (b0186y9l)
A lad is convinced a model of the Queen Mary is coming his way for Christmas. Keith Waterhouse's tale is read by Malcolm Hebden.
WED 11:15 Lavinia Murray - By the Coast of Coromandel (b0186yvm)
A surreal tale of Edward Lear in search of his creations. Songs by Nina Perry. Stars Derek Jacobi and Floella Benjamin.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Harry Worth (b00rl56h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m5qlj)
Turmoil
William realises he loves Frances, so he sets out to find her.
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, Niamh Cusack as Zoraide Reuter and Claire Price as Frances.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
WED 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b00b79ym)
Bad King John and the Loss of Normandy
Richard is dead, John becomes King and there follows a separation from France. Anna Massey narrates the history of Britain.
WED 14:30 Winter Tales (b0186zct)
Winter Tales - Series 1
The Murder Mark
Others laugh until Mr Pavey's preoccupation with palmistry helps solve a murder. Fenella Woolgar reads Stella Gibbons's tale. Made for 4 Extra.
WED 15:00 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018702p)
Mel Giedroyc learns about Icelandic moss bread and checks out some Christmas turkeys down on the farm. Plus the third part of The House at Pooh Corner.
WED 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007k1sl)
The Bank Loan
1948: Will a visit to the pier in Frambourne-on-Sea pour cold water on the renovation plans?
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
Guthrie ...... Glynn Edwards
Mr Johnson ...... Michael Bilton
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 the characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1983.
WED 17:30 The Right Time (b009v5dn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
Hornets' Nest
A Sting in the Tale, part 2
With the Doctor feeling increasingly disorientated, the alien swarm begin communications...
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 the Nun, Suzie Riddell as the Sister and Rula Lenska as the Swarm.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
WED 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jlbf)
Earthsearch I
Sands of Kyros
The Challenger's crew has returned to its solar system to discover that a million years has passed on Earth while only 115 years had passed on their starship.
After their devastating news, the four-strong crew face peril from a once benign force...
James Follett's 10-part adventure serial in time and space.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Sentinel ...... Alexander John
George ...... John McAndrew
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1981.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Harry Worth (b00rl56h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Keith Waterhouse - Albert and the Liner (b0186y9l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Lavinia Murray - By the Coast of Coromandel (b0186yvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Heresy (b0184s33)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Nebulous (b00jd58s)
Series 2
Last of the Present Sirius
The Professor gets trapped in a time loop, but what's causing his intergalactic deja vu? Stars Mark Gatiss. From May 2006.
WED 23:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b007jr5m)
Series 1
The Agony and the Ecstasy
Italian exchange student Gian Paolo meets the Conroy family. Eddie's trying not to lose his patience - or his fare to Gay Pride.
Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan's comedy-drama series following the lives of the Conroys, a family living in Stockport.
Jason ...... Dominic Monaghan
Gian-Paulo ...... Stefan Escreet
Eddie ...... John McArdle
Gran ...... Ann Rye
Father Ryan ...... Chris Pavlo
Maureen ...... Beverley Callard
Michael ...... Jason Done
Debbie ...... Jo-Anne Knowles
Music: Big George
Producer: Neil Mossey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
WED 23:30 Revolting People (b00fkx2m)
Series 2
Some More Trying Times
Sergeant McGurk takes up spying, Samuel enters showbiz and Ezekiel gets stuck.
Comedy set just before the American Revolution.
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
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER 2011
THU 00:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jlbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Cabin Pressure (b00wqj4v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Keith Waterhouse - Albert and the Liner (b0186y9l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Lavinia Murray - By the Coast of Coromandel (b0186yvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007k1sl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 The Right Time (b009v5dn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
The Sittaford Mystery
4. A Recipe for Ginger Cake
Emily suspects that the Willetts, - who've rented Sittaford House, - are somehow involved in the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
But how can she get into the house?
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Dora …. Jane
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
THU 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9x)
Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair
Boulevard Seminaire
The mystery glove trail leads the suave detective and his wife to a rendezvous in Paris.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Richard Williams as Sir Graham Forbes, John Scott as Bill McCall, Simon Lack as Philip Droste, Grizelda Hervey as Vanessa Droste, John Bryning as Charles Marett, Jon Farrell as Luke, Betty Baskcomb as the Telephone operator, Rolf Lefebvre as Louis Franz, David March as the Waiter and Beatrice Ormonde as the Receptionist/Lady.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
THU 07:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b9ftc)
Sherlock Holmes and the Glorious Doppelganger
Baker Street’s Great Detective Sherlock Holmes investigates when Queen Victoria suffers a severe personality change.
The ghastly truth is revealed at Buckingham Palace garden party.
Roy Hudd spoofs the famous sleuth in Tony Hare’s comedy series.
With Chris Emmett as Dr Watson, June Whitfield as Mrs Hudson and Geoffrey Whitehead as Moriarty.
Musical accompaniment: Ian Smith.
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1999.
THU 07:30 Clare in the Community (b00snrjy)
Series 6
Some Others Do 'Ave 'Em
Clare Barker's back on the social work frontline as a vomiting bug hits her colleagues.
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.
Clare ... Sally Phillips
Brian ... Alex Lowe
Helen ... Liza Tarbuck
Ray ... Richard Lumsden
Libby ... Sarah Kendall
Megan/Na ... Nina Conti
Peggy ... Rosemary Leach
Dolly ... Doreen Mantle
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 (b018741f)
Boots
When bungling bureaucrats have to find 5000 boats, No 1's writing proves problematic.
The first of 14 shows not kept in the archive and re-recorded in 1980 - previously never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler ( who replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966).
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
Producer: Edward Taylor
Re-recording of 'The Great Footwear Scandal" made in April 1980.
THU 08:30 Dad's Army (b007s8kl)
Series 2
Put That Light Out
Captain Mainwaring's platoon causes havoc in Walmington-on-Sea during an air-raid.
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 (b01874kv)
Not to Be Used for Babies
Caretaker Ramsay awards cleaner Elsie her own storeroom, but he’s keen to ensure the perk isn't abused.
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.
Starring Roy Dotrice as Ramsay and Patricia Hayes as Elspeth Spurgeon.
8-part sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
With Pat Coombs, John Graham and Sue Holderness.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1982.
THU 09:30 The 99p Challenge (b00p6c86)
Series 3
Episode 2
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci, Peter Baynham and David Quantick.
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 Black Cinderella Two Goes East, or Confessions of a Glass Slipper Tryer Onner (b00g31bq)
All-star panto set in the land of Saxmania. Co-produced by Douglas Adams. With Peter Cook and John Cleese. From December 1978.
THU 11:00 The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (b00wt8ty)
Goblins kidnap a surly grave-digger to teach him some valuable lessons. Clive Francis reads Charles Dickens' seasonal tale.
THU 11:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Hercule Poirot does not care for the British weather at the best of times, but at Christmas he's convinced the only way to survive is to shut himself up in his London apartment.
Imagine his horror, then that to avert a diplomatic catastrophe, he must take on a case that means spending the festive period in a large old house in the countryside. Attending an old-fashioned dinner party, he must use all his powers of deduction to retrieve a stolen ruby.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Poirot. With Donald Sinden as Colonel Lacey, Sian Phillips as Mrs Lacey, Ifan Meredith as The Prince/Michael and Elizabeth Proud as Mrs Ross.
From a book first published in 1960 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Directed by Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b018741f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b007s8kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m5tkq)
Joy and Sorrow
Happy news for William and Frances, but the orphan worries for their future.
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 and Claire Price as Frances.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
THU 14:15 Ambridge Extra (b018754w)
Series 2
Episode 24
In the Archers spin-off, there may not be room at the inn for one person, and Daniel is on a spending spree.
THU 14:30 Winter Tales (b018756l)
Winter Tales - Series 1
Cake
Jenny is a perfect example of modern womanhood, until she interviews a suffragette. Fenella Woolgar reads Stella Gibbons's tale. Made for 4 Extra.
THU 15:00 Black Cinderella Two Goes East, or Confessions of a Glass Slipper Tryer Onner (b00g31bq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0187592)
Mel Giedroyc jumps in for some wild swimming round Britain and checks out winter headgear for Russians. Plus, Alan Bennett reads part four of The House at Pooh Corner.
THU 17:00 King Street Junior (b007jmfd)
Series 5
Is This a Career I See Before Me?
Crossed swords in the school staff room and a bombshell for headmaster, Mr Beeston. Stars James Grout. From May 1990.
THU 17:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b9ftc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Doctor Who (b01875j2)
Hornets' Nest
Hive of Horror, part 1
Now fully up to speed, former UNIT ally, Mike Yates joins forces with the Time Lord to tackle 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 and Daniel Hill as Percy Noggins.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
THU 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jlbs)
Earthsearch I
The Solaric Empire
Searching for Earth - which has mysteriously vanished from the solar system - two of the crew of the starship Challenger have landed on neighbouring planet, Kyros.
At first it appears to be uninhabited, but Astra and Darv soon discover otherwise...
James Follett's 10-part adventure serial in time and space.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Thale ...... Graham Faulkner
Helan ...... Judy Franklin
Thorden ...... John Bott
Spegal ...... Stephen Garlick
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1981.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b018741f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Dad's Army (b007s8kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (b00wt8ty)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Clare in the Community (b00snrjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvv4)
Series 1
Singapore
Spotting a monkey and shopping malls galore - the globetrotting comedian is having a bad hair day in the city's incredible humidity.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
THU 23:00 The Cheese Shop Presents (b00fffxy)
The Brandy Butter Factor - Christmas Special
A festive hamper of seasonal sketches with Gerard Foster, Dave Lamb, Gordon Southern and Tim Verrinder. From December 1997.
THU 23:30 Think the Unthinkable (b007jm43)
Series 1
Utiliton
Unthinkable Solutions are hired to transform Utiliton's call centre, where customer complaints have reached record levels.
Daisy and Sophie bring in Owen, an IT expert of low hygiene and low morals.
James Cary’s award-winning sitcom about management consultants.
Ryan Packer ...... Marcus Brigstocke
Sophie Stott ...... Emma Kennedy
Daisy ...... Catherine Shepherd
Pam ...... Olivia Colman
Simon ...... Kim Wall
Peter ...... Chris Pavlo
Owen ...... David Mitchell
Script associates: Paul Mayhew-Archer and Ed Drew.
Music by John Whitehall.
Producer: Adam Bromley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER 2011
FRI 00:00 Doctor Who (b01875j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jlbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jp9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Know Your Place (b01874kv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The 99p Challenge (b00p6c86)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Black Cinderella Two Goes East, or Confessions of a Glass Slipper Tryer Onner (b00g31bq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (b00wt8ty)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 King Street Junior (b007jmfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b9ftc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
The Sittaford Mystery
5. The Second Seance
Mr Rycroft decides that only by re-enacting the séance which announced the murder of Captain Trevelyan, will the identity of his killer finally be revealed.
The conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring Geoffrey Whitehead as Inspector Narracott.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Ellwood …. Jack May
Martin Dering …. David Goudge
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jpbb)
Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair
Roger Shelley Makes a Suggestion
The debonair detective and his wife are in Paris, when the telephone rings with a long distance call...
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Richard Williams as Sir Graham Forbes, Frederick Treves as Inspector Eden, Peter Wilde as Terry Palmer, June Tobin as Mary Desmond, John Scott as Bill McCall, Simon Lack as Philip Droste, Betty Baskcomb as the Telephone Operator, Rolf Lefebvre as Louis Franz, John Graham as Dr Foy and Richard Hurndall as Roger Shelly.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1959.
FRI 07:00 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00tw1hk)
Series 3
Don Camillo Gets Into Trouble
Banishment looms for the Italian priest when he upsets the bishop. Stars Joss Ackland and Ian Hogg. From April 2003.
FRI 07:30 What's So Funny? (b0187xms)
Series 2
Episode 12
Ed Byrne catches up with Graham Linehan, while Scott Capurro and Stephen Armstrong review some Christmas comedy offerings.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b0187xy4)
The Slogan Contest
A recruitment drive sparks some creative writing aboard HMS Troutbridge, but the Chief does some creative scheming.
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
Mrs Povey ...... Heather Chasen
The Admiral ...... Tenniel Evans
The Rear Admiral ....... Michael Bates
Written by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1971.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jmlj)
Series 4
The Three Feathers
Harold Steptoe is convinced a commode will make him rich.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Douglas Blackwell and Leslie Heritage
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.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1972.
FRI 09:00 Instant Sunshine (b00pf59k)
Seasonably Together Again
A Christmas entertainment in words and music to help you beat the weather, written and performed by Instant Sunshine
The musical quartet features David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis
With their special guests: The Fine Arts Brass Ensemble.
Producer: David Rayvern Allen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1985.
FRI 09:30 The Museum of Curiosity (b00ksvt5)
Series 2
Episode 6
John Lloyd and Sean Lock invite guests Tim Minchin, Philip Pullman and Clive James to add to the collection. From June 2009.
FRI 10:00 The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew (b018p8c4)
Episode 1
The Magician's Nephew: The first of CS Lewis' classic Narnia fantasy books. A lion sings a new world into existence, but a dark treachery threatens its future. Episode 1 of 3.
FRI 10:50 Inheritance Books (b0196vlc)
Andy Stanton
The children's author inherits 'The Iron Giant' by Ted Hughes and passes on 'Holes' by Louis Sachar.
FRI 11:00 Nay, Ivy, Nay (b007jqtg)
Ivy covets a sprig of white-berried holly, cultivated by a botany professor in his garden, to decorate her Christmas pudding.
Crawford Logan reads Shena Mackay's modern festive tale.
Producer: Julia Butt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
FRI 11:15 PL Travers - The Fox at the Manger (b00g227d)
When a fox meets the Messiah at the Nativity, he offers up his cunning. Magical story starring Wendy Hiller and Alec McCowen.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b0187xy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jmlj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jpbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Charlotte Bronte - The Professor (b00m5wdp)
Victor
Married to the woman he adores and successful in his work, William is on the verge of bringing his journal to a close
Conclusion of Charlotte Bronte's subtle, ambiguous and unsettling love story dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.
Starring Paul Venables as William Crimsworth, Shaun Dooley as Hunsden, Claire Price as Frances and Jack Joseph Miller as the Boy
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
FRI 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b00b9gcc)
Magna Carta
Was King John really as ruthless as he was portrayed? Anna Massey narrates the history of Britain, with Paul Eddington.
FRI 14:30 Winter Tales (b0187y7t)
Winter Tales - Series 1
Golden Vanity
A day-dreaming librarian is shocked back into the real world by her literary hero. Fenella Woolgar reads Stella Gibbons's tale. Made for 4 Extra.
FRI 15:00 The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew (b018p8c4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 15:50 Inheritance Books (b0196vlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:50 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0187y99)
Christmas is nearly here! Mel Giedroyc builds a snowman, hears about walking to the Arctic and samples an Icelandic Christmas. Plus, the last part of The House at Pooh Corner.
FRI 17:00 Ring Around the Bath (b00v7sp7)
Series 2
All Over Bar the Wrapping Paper
Stella's determined to get away - but a moveable feast is on the family Christmas menu.
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, Daniela Denby-Ashe as Egg and Terence Frisch as the Man in Garden Centre.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
FRI 17:30 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00tw1hk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Doctor Who (b0187yc3)
Hornets' Nest
Hive of Horror, part 2
In his battle with the sinister Queen of the swarm, the Doctor must come up with a plan...
Conclusion 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 Rula Lenska as The Queen.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
FRI 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007s19b)
Earthsearch I
The Pools of Time
Darv and Astra, two of the starship's crew, are in grave danger after being taken prisoner by the inhabitants of Zelda 5.
Their crewmates Telson and Sharna are in hot pursuit aboard the Challenger...
James Follett's 10-part adventure serial in time and space.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Helan ...... Judy Franklin
Thorden ...... John Bott
Spegal ...... Stephen Garlick
Custodian of the Past ...... Eve Karpf
Old Man ...... Godfrey Kenton
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1981.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b0187xy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jmlj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jpbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Nay, Ivy, Nay (b007jqtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 PL Travers - The Fox at the Manger (b00g227d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 What's So Funny? (b0187xms)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Old Harry's Game (b00wqfn8)
Christmas Special
Christmas Spirit
Satan decides to ban Christmas in Hell.
Two-parter written by and starring Andy Hamilton.
With Annette Crosbie as Edith, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn, Jimmy Mulville as Thomas.
And Felicity Montagu, Nick Revell, Philip Pope and Michael Fentons Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
FRI 23:00 The Demon Cakestand of Beastley Chase (b008f8hb)
A festive tale from the Mausoleum Club. Could Sir Henry's cake adoration be his downfall? Stars Stephen Fry. From December 1984.
FRI 23:15 Quando, Quando, Quando (b0082bz0)
The Christmas Rush
When the Christmas snipping gets out of hand and the salon clients get too crazy, Carlo decides he's had enough. It's time to do something about it...
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 And Now in Colour (b007jqrx)
Christmas Special
It's party time - with dried fish, advocaat and the local constabulary. Stars Tim Firth and Tim de Jongh. From December 1990.