Ed Byrne is joined by Les Dennis and Christopher Biggins to toast the long comic tradition of panto in a very festive review.
A festive tale by three eminent Victorian writers working together - Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Elizabeth Gaskell.
Distressed by an unsettling sign of life in a derelict house across from her new London home, Sophonisba relies on the competitive efforts of an elderly admirer and her manservant to unravel the secrets of the "house to let".
Omnibus of five episodes.
Sophonisba ...... Marcia Warren
Jabez Jarber ...... Alec McCowen
Trottle ...... Brian Croucher
Openshaw ...... Sam Dale
Alice ...... Miranda Keeling
Norah ...... Tracy Wiles
Frank ...... Stephen Critchlow
Meteorologist Helen Young recalls 1975, when snow fell in June and interrupted play at Buxton cricket ground.
The bumbling veteran prepares to face the elements, but can he survive the wilderness? Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2008.
It's New Year's Eve and Eth wants to celebrate with 'The Glums'. Stars June Whitfield and Alma Cogan. From December 1954.
Performance poet Murray Lachlan Young presents a selection of the poems featured on Radio 4's Saturday Live in the past year.
The intrepid boy reporter, Captain Haddock and Snowy try to avert a coup d'etat. Stars Richard Pearce and Andrew Sachs.
As tiger Shere Khan searches for prey, an abandoned young boy is found by wolves. Stars Nisha K Nayar and Eartha Kitt.
A chance to hear an extended edition of the comedian's Desert Island Discs, first broadcast in July 2011 on Radio 4. Presented by Kirsty Young.
Lucy Ash discovers how in the digital age, the world still loves a Soviet Union relic - the low-spec Lomo Camera. From 2006.
Clive's lurking in the shadows in the Archers spin-off, and Daniel's bearing gifts.
Ian Peacock picks up his spoon and delves into the history of "The King of Fruits".
The "most wanted" additions to any early 20th-century dinner party were said to have been Lady Curzon and a Pineapple. The former for her wit and charms, the latter for its taste, of course, but also for its status as a symbol of wealth and exoticism. Pineapples are believed to have been discovered by Columbus in 1493, and by the 18th century they were so sought-after that many wealthy landowners were attempting to grow them here in Britain. Some were successfully grown as far north as Falkirk in Central Scotland.
Lucinda Lambton discusses pineapple representation in architecture here and abroad, while Ian meets a young pineapple grower and tastes a one cooked to an ancient recipe on a spit over an open fire.
On an Edwardian summer's day, an odd fairy known as the Psammead is found, and is soon granting wishes. Stars Julia McKenzie.
Another chance to hear the first programmes in the second part of Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects from the British Museum. This week Neil is exploring the lives and methods of powerful rulers around the world 2000 years ago, asking what enduring qualities are needed for the perfect projection of power.
Contributors include the economist Amartya Sen, the politician Boris Johnson, political commentator Andrew Marr and the writer Ahdaf Soueif.
Neil begins by telling the story of Alexander the Great through a small silver coin, one that was made years after his death but that portrays an idealised image of the great leader as a vigorous young man. Neil then considers how the great Indian ruler Ashoka turned his back on violence and plunder to promote the ethical codes inspired by Buddhism. Neil tells the life story of Ashoka through a remaining fragment of one of his great pillar edicts and considers his legacy in the Indian sub-continent today. The third object in today's omnibus is one of the best known in the British Museum, the Rosetta Stone. Neil takes us to the Egypt of Ptolemy V and describes the astonishing contest that led to the most famous bits of deciphering in history - the cracking of the hieroglyphics on the Rosetta Stone. An exquisite lacquer wine cup takes Neil to Han Dynasty China in the fourth programme and the omnibus concludes with the 2000 year old head of one of the world's most notorious rulers - Caesar Augustus.
The telephone can be a vital lifeline in our lives. A lifeline, however, that can become horribly tangled.
The Man in Black reveals how a phone instils growing fear in house seller Mary Luckham.
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
The Man in Black …. Edward de Souza
Mary …. Hannah Gordon
Hampton …. Peter Tuddenham
Rachel …. Caroline John
Craig …. Gregory de Polnay
Simon …. Michael Deacon
James Elwin …. Peter Sowerbutts
P C Martin …. Peter Craze
Police sergeant …. Joe Dunlop
Bloggs …. Dominic Rickhards
P.C. …. Christopher Scott
Dunning has literary trouble, while Lionheart searches for a mysterious object. Stars Nicholas Courtney and Terry Molloy, with guests Leslie Phillips and Nigel Havers.
90-something good-time girl Dora Dale shares wild tales of her star-strewn past.
Betraying confidences and breaking unwritten rules galore, the friend of the stars reveals some surprising and salacious secrets.
Written by and starring Martin Kelner and Jake Yapp.
Two hours of comedy, as Andi Osho welcomes Luke Wright to chat about life and laughs.
Highlights of BBC Radio Ulster's comedy panel show poking fun at events in Northern Ireland. With Tim McGarry and Neil Delamere.
After meeting Rory McGrath on TV, minor cricketing celebrity Pod is called to Buckingham Palace.
Written by Christopher Douglas, Nick Newman and Andrew Nickolds.
Pod ...... Christopher Douglas
Andy Hamer ...... Andrew Nickolds
With Andy Hamer, Nichola Sanderson, Chris Pavlo, Ewan Bailey and Rory McGrath.
MONDAY 02 JANUARY 2012
MON 00:00 Fear on 4 (b007jmv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Scarifyers (b018sltw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs: Longplay (b018sk8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Shoot from the Hip - The World's Coolest Camera (b0076xhf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Ambridge Extra (b018skgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:45 Lady Curzon and a Pineapple (b00cm6ww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:45 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 Take It From Here (b018sjpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 E Nesbit - Five Children and It (b00d045h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b009mb9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Rudyard Kipling - The Jungle Book (b00cm07b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
The Nine Tailors
3 Bunter Breaks the Law
As Lord Peter Wimsey's murder probe moves to the church bell tower, his manservant Bunter uses his initiative.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Mary Thoday …. Claire Clifford
Potty Peak …. Anthony Hyde
Mrs Ashton …. Marjorie Withers
Mr Ashton …. Brian Haynes
Sluice Keeper …. Peter Tudenham
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
MON 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jqq5)
Paul Temple and the Conrad Case
Hotel Roemer
A fresh cocktail stick clue sees Paul and Steve head to the suppliers in Oberammergau.
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.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Fritz Gunter …. George Hagan
Elliot France …. James Thomason
Denis Harper …. John Bryning
Elsa, The Countess Dekker …. Joan Matheson
Mrs Wheldon …. Virginia Winter
Dr Conrad …. Rolf Lefebvre
Herr Brechschaft …. Jeffrey Segal
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective Paul Temple and glamorous wife Steve solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars.
Producer: Martyn C. Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1959.
MON 07:00 Married (b007w523)
Series 1
Episode 5
Just as he is starting to make the most of his new life, Robin is whisked back to his old universe where his doppelganger has been wreaking havoc...
Hugh Bonneville stars in Tony Bagley's comedy.
Robin ...... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley ...... Josie Lawrence
Dirk ...... Steve Frost
Julia ...... Barbara Murray
Penny ...... Melanie Hudson
Drunk ...... Harry Myers
Producer Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b018g3nz)
Series 8
The Unbelievable Truth - Series 8
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents. Lee Mack, Jack Dee, Rufus Hound and Graeme Garden are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as: Reindeer, Decorations, Boxes and Pantomime.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
Series 4
Episode 11
Kenneth Horne escapes Stalag Limpwrist, Rambling Syd Rumpo sings of a maiden's nodes and a visit to Bona Abbey with Julian and Sandy.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres. Marty departed after series 3.
Scripted by Barry Took, Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer.
Music by the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
MON 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007zgqw)
Series 1
Episode 5
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel tries to swing a prize fight.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With Lorelei King and Graham Hoadly.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1990.
MON 09:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b018sqp3)
Series 3
2001: A Space Idiocy
Arthur's mobile phone lines get crossed, and his hospital radio show sparks disaster. Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2008.
MON 09:30 Foul Play (b00jtm1q)
Series 3
Oh Yes She Is Dead!
Crime writers Susan Moody and Simon Shaw probe a Charming murder at the pantomime. Oh yes they do!
Simon Brett hosts the murder quiz.
Suspects played by Maria McErlane and Lee Simpson.
Producer Liz Anstree
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
MON 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmn6)
I Fall Into Disgrace
The idyllic childhood of a young boy is shattered when his widowed mother remarries.
Charles Dickens described this novel as his "favourite child".
All-star dramatisation in ten-parts by Betty Davies.
Stars Gary Cady as David Copperfield, Susan Sheridan as David's Mother, Miriam Margolyes as Betsey Trotwood, John Moffatt as Mr Murdstone, Timothy Spall as Ham Peggotty and Mary Wimbush as Mrs Gummidge.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1991.
MON 11:00 Winifred Holtby - Why Herbert Killed His Mother (b018sr28)
Very beautiful as a baby, Herbert turns out to be a very different adult. Short story read by Anna Massey.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b018v2kz)
Clive Anderson and guests bid farewell to 2011 from the Radio Theatre.
Clive will be going head to head with Griff Rhys Jones, who in the eighties, teamed up with Mel Smith in 'Not the Nine O' clock News' and 'Alas Smith and Jones'. Griff's new show 'The One Griff Rhys Jones' is part of a series of programmes pioneered by Ronnie Corbett in 'The One Ronnie'. Griff will be joined by Mel to reprise their famous head to head sketch on January 16th on BBC One.
After celebrating Christmas with 'Rev', Olivia Colman will be talking to Clive about her comedy roles in 'Peep Show' and 'Green Wing'. Recently praised for her serious acting, starring as an abused wife in Paddy Considine's award-winning 'Tyrannosaur', Olivia now finds herself acting with Meryl Streep as she plays Carol Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady'.
Meanwhile, over in the comedy corner, Arthur Smith will be talking to the maestro of suburban absurdism, Sam Simmons. Pitched somewhere in the no-man's land between psychotic breakdown, ground-breaking genius and outer space, Sam's Soho Theatre show 'Meanwhile' is a comedic trip to the furthest reaches of humanity!
Clive will be spinning 'The Wheel Of Fortune' and talking to award-winning actor and TV presenter Bradley Walsh, who will be bringing some much-needed 'Law & Order' to the Radio Theatre and telling Clive about playing DS Ronnie Brooks in the sixth series of the ITV 1 drama. Following that arresting performance, Bradley will also be giving Clive tips on how not to keep a straight face on a TV gameshow!
Ay Caramba! Cuban cats 'Ska Cubano' will be offering some musical mambo madness and raucous rumba by performing the title track of their album 'Mambo Ska' and a second helping of samba with 'Soy Campesino'.
Producer: Cathie Mahoney.
MON 12:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007zgqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jqq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Charles Dickens (b007v0b8)
The Old Curiosity Shop
Episode 1
Deep in debt, Little Nell and her grandfather must flee the evil moneylender Quilp.
Starring Emily Chennery as Nell, Alex Jennings as the Narrator, Trevor Peacock as Grandfather, Phil Daniels as Daniel Quilp and Ben Crowe as Dick Swiveller.
Charles Dickens's fourth novel was published in 1841.
Dramatised in 25 episodes by Mike Walker.
Music by Melanie Pappenheim and Anne Wood.
Director Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
MON 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b00bbmfb)
A Day in the Life of 13th Century England
Land becomes a commodity to be bought and sold. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles, with Paul Eddington.
MON 14:30 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pdxrt)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
How The Wizard of Oz sparked a lifelong passion for the Hollywood star in Lucian Freud's daughter. Read by Tamsin Greig.
MON 14:45 Anne Tyler - A Patchwork Planet (b007jm8s)
Episode 1
Black sheep of his philanthropic Baltimore family, Barnaby Gaitlin, takes a train to Philadelphia. Read by William Hope.
MON 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmn6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018xqkv)
Afternoon chat with Mel Giedroyc.
MON 17:00 Ballylenon (b00p2jch)
Series 7
Episode 2
Customers to Miss Maconchy's shop have increased significantly since her 'vision' at Lourdes.
But Mrs Vivienne Hawthorne, wonders if the census that disclosed a fall in her congregation was tampered with..?
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1959.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Phonsie Doherty ...... Gerard Murphy
Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Annie McCartney
Rev Samuel Hawthorne ...... Miche Doherty
Stumpy Bonner ...... Gerard McSorley
Terry Black ...... Mark Lambert
Consuela Dooley ...... Cathy Belton
Pianist: Michael Harrison
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
MON 17:30 Married (b007w523)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
MON 18:00 Doctor Who (b018sss2)
The Pyramids of Mars
Episode 6
The Time Lord travels to Mars to defeat Sutekh, but his only weapon is time itself. Fourth Doctor adventure read by Tom Baker.
MON 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnxp)
Earthsearch II
The Return
Four million years ago, the crew of the starship Challenger abandoned their search for Earth and made their home on Paradise, the third planet of a solar system on the fringe of the galaxy.
But now the crew's settled life is soon to be shattered...
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to his original Earthsearch.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Tidy ...... David Gooderson
George ...... Stephen Garlick
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1982.
MON 19:00 Round the Horne (b007jpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007zgqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jqq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Winifred Holtby - Why Herbert Killed His Mother (b018sr28)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b018v2kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b018g3nz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b018sqp3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (b018gzr1)
Series 76
Oh No It Isn't... The News Quiz
Sandi Toksvig & Andy Hamilton embark on a quest to recover the Greenwich Pips, which have been stolen by an masked stranger and scattered around the distant and mysterious Radio 4 Island. Will they manage to recover them in time for the 7 O'Clock News..? Oh no they won't! Or, in fact, will they?
Written by John Finnemore & Kevin Baker, and featuring all your favourite News Quiz regulars with a host of top-secret Radio 4 names.
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner & Victoria Lloyd.
MON 23:45 Armstrong and Miller (b007k3f2)
Episode 4
School band memories, and a town planning thriller.
Sketches and songs with Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong in their first series for radio.
With Samuel West and Tony Gardiner.
Written by Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.
TUESDAY 03 JANUARY 2012
TUE 00:00 Doctor Who (b018sss2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Wimsey (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jqq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b018sqp3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Foul Play (b00jtm1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmn6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Winifred Holtby - Why Herbert Killed His Mother (b018sr28)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b018v2kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Ballylenon (b00p2jch)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Married (b007w523)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzjm)
The Nine Tailors
4 The Hunt Moves to France
After intercepting the mystery letter, Lord Peter Wimsey decides it's time to head across the English Channel.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers's detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Commissaire Rozier …. Andre Maranne
Mme Le Gros …. Lolly Cockerill
Waiter …. Hayden Wood
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
TUE 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqg)
Paul Temple and the Conrad Case
A Visit To Innsbruck
Betty Conrad's roommate disappears, as the smooth detective and his wife Steve face more peril.
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.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Madame Klein …. Dorothy Holmes Gore
Fritz Gunter …. George Hagan
Elliot France …. James Thomason
Denis Harper …. John Bryning
Elsa, The Countess Dekker …. Joan Matheson
Mrs Weldon …. Virginia Winter
Herr Breckshaft …. Jeffrey Segal
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective Paul Temple and glamorous wife Steve solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars.
Producer: Martyn C. Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1959.
TUE 07:00 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn08)
Timeless Time
Follwing his enforced retirement, grumpy Victor Meldrew's insomnia keeps Margaret awake.
Richard Wilson stars as Victor and Annette Crosbie as his long-suffering wife Margaret.
Adapted for radio by David Renwick from his BBC TV script.
Victor Meldrew ...... Richard Wilson
Margaret Meldrew ...... Annette Crosbie
Winning numerous awards, six series were made for TV plus numerous specials on BBC ONE from 1990 to 2000.
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast in January 1995 on BBC Radio 2.
TUE 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b018gpdn)
Series 3
Douglas (Isle of Man)
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 4 - In this episode Mark performs a show for the residents of Douglas on the Isle of Man, to discuss space travel, fairy bridges and the mystery - or otherwise - of Gef the Talking Mongoose. From December 2011.
Written by Mark Steel with additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Produced by Sam Bryant.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jn76)
Series 6
Tales of Old Dartmoor
Prison governor Neddie Seagoon relocates all of his inmates to the south of France.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
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.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1956.
TUE 08:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr6l)
Strangers on a Train
Best mates Bob and Terry haven't spoken for seven years, so there's a lot to catch up on when they bump into each other on a train.
Starring James Bolam as Terry Collier, Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris and Brigit Forsyth as Thelma Chambers. With Lois Daine and Peter Whitman.
Created and scripted for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Adapted for radio by Patrick Tilley.
Producer: John Browell
Originally lost from the archive, the audio was provided by BBC producer Stan Was.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1975.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz (b018gzr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Armstrong and Miller (b007k3f2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmnd)
I Begin Life On My Own Account
The boy's new life at boarding school brings both friendship and hardship. Stars Sheila Hancock, Timothy Spall and Gary Cady.
TUE 11:00 Mordecai Richler - Herr Bambinger (b018sxnf)
A refugee proves to be an aggravating and judgemental man of mystery. William Roberts reads Mordecai Richler's short tale. From October 1990.
TUE 11:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101l89)
Episode 1
Naval battles, political intrigue and romantic rivalry loom large in Patrick O'Brian's novel, set in 1804-5 in England, India and on the high seas.
Captain Jack Aubrey engages the Spanish at sea and the French on land - but falls victim to enemies at home.
Starring David Robb as Aubrey, Richard Dillane as Stephen Maturin, Jon Glover as Preserved Killick, David Timson as Barret Bonden, Struan Rodger as Sir Joseph Blaine, Liz Sutherland as Sophie Williams, David Holt as Lieutenant Pullings, Dan Starkey as Lieutenant Simmons, Lesley Nicol as Mrs Williams and Sarah Danes as Cecilia Williams.
Dramatised in three parts by Roger Danes.
Director: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jn76)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Charles Dickens (b007v1qj)
The Old Curiosity Shop
Episode 2
Evil money-lender Quilp discovers why Little Nell's grandfather is so badly in debt. Dickens dramatisation with Phil Daniels.
TUE 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jrrf)
Chancery, Treasury and a 13th Century Wedding Brawl
Edward I has introduced the treasury, chancery and the wardrobe with the privy seal. But there is still conflict with the Church. Anna Massey narrates the history of Britain.
TUE 14:30 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pdzg3)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Lucien Freud's daughter compares her family Yuletides to the sometimes difficult childhood of her heroine. Read by Tamsin Greig.
TUE 14:45 Anne Tyler - A Patchwork Planet (b007jm9b)
Episode 2
Uncovering the source of his family's fortune, Barnaby Gaitlin hopes for the same angelic intervention. Read by William Hope.
TUE 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018xqm0)
Afternoon chat with Mel Giedroyc.
TUE 17:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
Series 1
Compromising Positions
Why does William sleep with his windscreen wipers? And will the tabloid press settle for a diplomatic answer?
The British Ambassador gets suspicious...
Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson,Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov, Milton Johns as Brown and Margaret Ward as Mrs Poonskey.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1987.
TUE 17:30 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn08)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Red Dwarf (b00pxjv8)
Better Than Life
Episode 1
Lister, Cat and Rimmer waste away in a computer fantasy. Can lowly service mechanoid Kryten rescue them? Rob Grant and Doug Naylor's cult sci-fi, read by Chris Barrie.
TUE 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007wvjs)
Earthsearch II
Flood
Telson and Darv take the starship Challenger’s shuttle up to locate the android that killed Darv and Astra's son.
But they soon discover that they’re not alone...
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to his original Earthsearch.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Tidy ...... David Gooderson
George ...... Stephen Garlick
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1982.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jn76)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jr6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Mordecai Richler - Herr Bambinger (b018sxnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101l89)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b018gpdn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Boosh (b007jmh0)
Mutants
Bad-tempered Bob Fossil is creating new mutant animals to keep investors interested in his zoo.
A whale the size of a peanut might sound like a good idea, but zookeeper Howard Moon is not happy with the way things are going.
Written by and starring Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt.
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
With Dave Brown.
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.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
TUE 23:00 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mbbfm)
Series 2
Episode 1
The sports agent tackles a footballer who's just issued his seventeenth public apology. Stars Neil Pearson. From November 2005.
TUE 23:30 A Look Back at the Nineties (b007jqm8)
1996
Coming out to parents with a twist, an unusual Blue Peter appeal - and is the end of the world nigh..?
Recorded in 1993 - Brian Perkins, Kate Robbins and Hugh Dennis 'look back' at 1996 - a year that was yet to happen
A satirical review set on New Year's Eve 1999 - the Sony Gold award-winning comedy recalls the events from 1995 to 1999.
Predicted by 'Spitting Image' writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Caroline Leddy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.
WEDNESDAY 04 JANUARY 2012
WED 00:00 Red Dwarf (b00pxjv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007wvjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Wimsey (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The News Quiz (b018gzr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:45 Armstrong and Miller (b007k3f2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:45 on Monday]
WED 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Mordecai Richler - Herr Bambinger (b018sxnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101l89)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn08)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzky)
The Nine Tailors
5 A Question of Identity
Following his trip to France, Lord Peter Wimsey takes a step closer to identifying the killer.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Nobby Cranton …. Stephen Greiff
Emily …. Jenny Twigg
Potty Peak …. Anthony Hyde
Donnington …. John Church
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
WED 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqt)
Paul Temple and the Conrad Case
A Dry Martini
The stylish detective and his wife are advised to drop their enquiries and to avoid Captain Smith.
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.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. Richard Williams
Joyce Gunter …. Dorothy Smith
Madame Klein …. Dorothy Holmes Gore
Fritz Gunter …. George Hagan
Elliot France …. James Thomason
Denis Harper …. John Bryning
Elsa, Countess Dekker …. Joan Matheson
Mrs Weldon …. Virginia Winter
Dr Conrad …. Rolf Lefebvre
Herr Breckshaft …. Jeffrey Segal
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective Paul Temple and glamorous wife Steve solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars.
Producer: Martyn C. Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1959.
WED 07:00 The Right Time (b00b1pcf)
Series 2
Episode 3
A good reason for getting a piercing - and a prediction of reality TV going over the top...
Sketch show with a mature edge, written and performed by people who've lived a bit.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Paula Wilcox, Clive Swift and Roger Blake.
Written by Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Julie Balloo, Ramone Towers, Chris Thompson, Peter Reynolds, John Dowie, Peter Spence, Colin Bostock-Smith, Ronnie Golden and Andrew Nickolds.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
WED 07:30 Heresy (b018gr06)
Series 8
Episode 5
Victoria Coren presents another edition of the show which dares to commit heresy.
Her guests this week are comedian Dave Gorman and newspaper columnists Matthew Parris and Julia Hartley-Brewer. Together they have fun exposing the wrong-headedness of received wisdom and challenging knee-jerk public reaction to events.
Arguing against the popular opinion that celebrities shouldn't tell people how to vote, former MP Matthew Parris says he would much rather listen to an attractive celebrity talking rubbish than listen to the garbage spouted by the average politician.
Julia Hartley-Brewer defends Chick Lit against its detractors on the grounds that you shouldn't judge a book by its pink cover, and argues that it's the kind of literature Jane Austen would be writing if she were around today.
And Dave Gorman puts his republican views to one side to ride to the defence of the extraordinary hat worn by Princess Beatrice at the wedding of William and Kate. Though the Princess may wish he hadn't.
Producer: Brian King
A Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t1bnk)
Series 3
Hancock's Hair
Paranoid over going bald, the lad pays a visit to Maison James
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 January 1956.
WED 08:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b00kkdkm)
From 06/05/1984
From Moscow to the mudflats of Muk Muk via a grand stately home.
Michael Bentine stars in the ultimate one man show written and performed by the host.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1984.
WED 09:00 Cabin Pressure (b00cdsj8)
Series 1
Boston
Sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.
A routine flight to Boston is disrupted by a routine fire, a routine lawsuit and a routine corpse.
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ...... Stephanie Cole
First Officer Douglas Richardson ...... Roger Allam
Capt Martin Crieff ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ...... John Finnemore
ATC Fitton ...... Ewen MacIntosh
Hamilton Leeman ...... Kerry Shale
Paramedic ...... Matilda Ziegler
Written by John Finnemore.
WED 09:30 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
Series 2
Episode 4
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Valerie Grove and Geoffrey Durham 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 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmqs)
Betsy Trotwood
The boy flees London in search of his only living relative. Stars Miriam Margolyes, David Bamber and Gary Cady.
WED 11:00 Frederic Raphael - A Fairly Regular Four (b018ts6x)
Cheating, competition and class loom large for a male quartet of tennis players. Read by Norman Rodway.
WED 11:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101tp7)
Episode 2
Scurvy, death and a surprise proposal, as Captain Jack Aubrey conveys a British ambassador to the East Indies. Stars David Robb. From October 2008.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t1bnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b00kkdkm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzky)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Charles Dickens (b007v2f6)
The Old Curiosity Shop
Episode 3
With no more loans, Little Nell's grandfather is agitated. But who betrayed him? Dickens dramatisation with Trevor Peacock.
WED 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jvmj)
The Welsh Wars and the Most-Feared Weapon
The Welsh fight for independence. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles, with Paul Eddington.
WED 14:30 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pf12f)
You Made Me Love You
How the author's passion led to a schoolgirl infatuation, and what happened when she met Liza Minnelli. Read by Tamsin Greig.
WED 14:45 Anne Tyler - A Patchwork Planet (b007jm9t)
Episode 3
Has Barnaby found his very own fabled 'Gaitlin Angel' aboard the train? Read by William Hope.
WED 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmqs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018xqpg)
Afternoon chat with Mel Giedroyc.
WED 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007k29b)
Inspecting the Piles?
1948: In their battle to restore the pier in Frambourne-on-Sea, Frank and Uncle Arthur must tackle a tricky situation - with an inflatable dinghy.
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
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 December 1983.
WED 17:30 The Right Time (b00b1pcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Red Dwarf (b00q94ry)
Better Than Life
Episode 2
Holly strikes up a relationship with Talkie Toaster, and Rimmer's mind screws it up for everyone. Read by Chris Barrie.
WED 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnyt)
Earthsearch II
Surrender
Believing they've outwitted the Angels, the Challenger crew prepare to wait out the flood.
Their victory, however, is short-lived...
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to his original Earthsearch.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Elka ...... Jill Lidstone
Tidy ...... David Gooderson
George ...... Stephen Garlick
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1982.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t1bnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b00kkdkm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzky)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Frederic Raphael - A Fairly Regular Four (b018ts6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101tp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Heresy (b018gr06)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Mark Tavener - Absolute Power (b018tsh9)
Series 4
Episode 2
Spin doctor Martin's new bestseller drives a wedge between him and Charles. Stars Stephen Fry and John Bird. From February 2004.
WED 23:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b007jrc7)
Series 1
Lights
Eddie scores tickets to Stockport County's biggest match ever. An even greater challenge faces his son-in-law Dave
The lives of the Stockport-based, Conroy family in series 1 of Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan's comedy drama.
Starring Dominic Monaghan as Jason, John McArdle as Eddie, Jason Done as Michael, Stefan Escreet as Dave, Emma Clarke as Collete, Beverley Callard as Maureen and Jo-Anne Knowles as Debbie.
With Alan Green as himself.
Music: Big George
Producer: Neil Mossey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
WED 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01b1sd7)
Arthur Smith chats to Australian comic Sam Simmons, currently on his UK tour.
WED 23:30 Revolting People (b00ftcck)
Series 2
A Bunch More Trying Times
Ezekiel gets a shock, and Mary is wooed by a newly arrived Captain. Little does she know he's recently been named "Cad of the Year" by the Bounder's Gazette.
Comedy set just before the American Revolution.
Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
CAST:
Samuel Oliphant .... Jay Tarses
Sergeant McGurk .... Andy Hamilton
Captain Brimshaw .... James Fleet
Mary .... Jan Ravens
Ezekiel Spriggs .... Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant .... Penelope Nice
Joshua Oliphant .... Tony Maudsley
Dashmount .... Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
THURSDAY 05 JANUARY 2012
THU 00:00 Red Dwarf (b00q94ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnyt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Wimsey (b007jzky)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jqqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Cabin Pressure (b00cdsj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmqs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Frederic Raphael - A Fairly Regular Four (b018ts6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0101tp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007k29b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 The Right Time (b00b1pcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Wimsey (b007jznj)
The Nine Tailors
6 A Damnable Business
Lord Peter Wimsey identifies the mystery body, but he's yet to name the killer.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Nobby Cranton …. Stephen Greiff
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Mary Thoday …. Claire Clifford
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
THU 06:30 Paul Temple (b007jqrt)
Paul Temple and the Conrad Case
Concerning Captain Smith
Arriving to collect vital information from Countess Dekker, the stylish detective gets a shock.
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.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Captain Williams …. John Bennett
Inspector Digby …. Peter Wilde
Paddy …. John Hollis
Denis Harper …. John Bryning
Elsa, Countess Dekker …. Joan Matheson
Charlie …. James Beattie
Sir Graham Forbes …. Richard Williams
Dr Conrad …. Rolf Lefebvre
Herr Breckshaft …. Jeffrey Segal
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective Paul Temple and glamorous wife Steve solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars.
Producer: Martyn C. Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1959.
THU 07:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
The Demon Cobbler of Greek Street
The spoof sleuth probes a shoe clue connection in two mystery murders. Stars Roy Hudd and June Whitfield. From February 1999.
THU 07:30 Clare in the Community (b00stq0j)
Series 6
In The Dog House
Clare is entranced by a dog that follows her into work. Brian is less entranced. However, the dog comes in useful when there's a bump in the night.
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
Ray ..... Richard Lumsden
Helen/Tamzin ..... Liza Tarbuck
Megan/Nali ..... Nina Conti
Libby ..... Jess Robinson
Clerk/WPC ..... Alex Tregear
Jonathan/Burglar ..... Paterson Joseph
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 (b018ttsr)
Traffic Diversions
When planning a new bypass in leafy Surrey, the bungling bureaucrats run into more trouble.
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 and produced by Edward Taylor.
Re-recording of 'The End of the Road' made in April 1980.
THU 08:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
Series 2
Sergeant, Save My Boy!
Barbed wire traps Pike on a seaside minefield - and the tide is turning!
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.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1975.
THU 09:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
Marriage of Convenience
Is it wedding bells for caretaker Ramsay in a quest to keep his job?
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.
Starring Roy Dotrlce as Ramsay and Patricia Hayes as Elspeth Spurgeon.
Eight-part sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
With Pat Coombs, Frank Thornton, John Graham, Jon Glover, April Walker and Benny Lee.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1982.
THU 09:30 The 99p Challenge (b007js9y)
Series 3
Episode 4
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Tom Binns, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost and Marcus Brigstocke.
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 August 2001.
THU 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmr2)
The Question of My Future
David and Steerforth's trip to Yarmouth has unforeseen consequences. Stars Miriam Margolyes, Gary Cady and Timothy Spall.
THU 11:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b00bdn13)
The Supreme Artist
The matinee is over, but who is the visitor waiting at the stage door? Michael Drew reads Daphne du Maurier's short story.
THU 11:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0102nrl)
Episode 3
Tragedy halts the ship's voyage. In Calcutta, Stephen makes a proposal of marriage but faces a duel. Stars David Robb. From October 2008.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b018ttsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Wimsey (b007jznj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Paul Temple (b007jqrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Charles Dickens (b007jwf7)
The Old Curiosity Shop
Episode 4
With Kit banished from the shop, he must set about finding other employment. Dickens dramatisation with Emily Chennery.
THU 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jrs8)
From the Maid of Norway to Robert the Bruce
Anna Massey introduces us to the conflict between England and Scotland, and Robert the Bruce.
THU 14:30 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pf4xc)
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
In her tribute to the Hollywood star, the author examines the differences between "good" and "bad" fans. Read by Tamsin Greig.
THU 14:45 Anne Tyler - A Patchwork Planet (b007jmb8)
Episode 4
As family black sheep Barnaby Gaitlin turns 30, he receives an envelope from his despairing parents. Read by William Hope.
THU 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmr2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018xqq7)
Afternoon chat with Mel Giedroyc.
THU 17:00 King Street Junior (b007jmgt)
Series 5
Choices
Parent Power means troubled times for Mr Sims, while Mrs Rudd falls foul of the law. With Karl Howman. From June 1990.
THU 17:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Red Dwarf (b00qg5vt)
Better Than Life
Episode 3
Rimmer makes a daring jailbreak in a woman's body. Holly is almost out of time when he makes a discovery. Read by Chris Barrie.
THU 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzd)
Earthsearch II
Solaria
Bran wants the Challenger crew to destroy 'an artefact' floating in space. Will they co-operate?
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to his original Earthsearch.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Bran ...... Michael Maloney
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Solaria ...... Pauline Letts
Elkeran ...... Nicholas Courtney
Elka ...... Jill Lidstone
Tidy ...... David Gooderson
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1982.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b018ttsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Wimsey (b007jznj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Paul Temple (b007jqrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b00bdn13)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0102nrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Clare in the Community (b00stq0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 The Atkinson People (b007k1qg)
Sir Benjamin Fletcher
Rowan Atkinson's satirical investigation into the life of the fictional master orator. With Hugh Thomas. From April 1979.
THU 23:00 The Cheese Shop Presents (b0085jh1)
Series 2
Episode 4
Singer Ted Ruby is in jail, and the Heimlich manoeuvre is no choke. Sketch comedy from Cardiff with Dave Lamb. From June 1998.
THU 23:30 The Castle (b01fcpbh)
Series 3
The Dragon of Mass Destruction
Hie ye to The Castle, a rollicking sitcom set way back then, starring James Fleet ("The Vicar Of Dibley", "Four Weddings & A Funeral") and Neil Dudgeon ("Life Of Riley")
In this episode, De Warenne is in trouble as an official enquiry into the Crusades gets mixed up with a Talent Competition and a Dragon of Mass Destruction. Plus embroidery gets a right dissing.
Cast:
Sir John Woodstock ..... James Fleet
Sir William De Warenne ...... Neil Dudgeon
Lady Anne Woodstock Martha Howe-Douglas
Cardinal Duncan ...... Jonathan Kydd
Lady Charlotte ...... Ingrid Oliver
Master Henry Woodstock ...... Steven Kynman
Merlin ...... Lewis Macleod
Written by Kim Fuller & Paul Alexander
Music by Guy Jackson
Produced and directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
FRIDAY 06 JANUARY 2012
FRI 00:00 Red Dwarf (b00qg5vt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Wimsey (b007jznj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Paul Temple (b007jqrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The 99p Challenge (b007js9y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmr2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b00bdn13)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Patrick O'Brian - HMS Surprise (b0102nrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 King Street Junior (b007jmgt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Wimsey (b007jzpw)
The Nine Tailors
7 All Is Not Explained
Lord Peter Wimsey goes snooping to try and establish who killed Geoffrey Deacon - and how.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Jim Thoday …. Malcolm Terris
Engineer …. Leonard Fenton
Hezekiah Lavender …. Michael Spice
Sluice Keeper …. Peter Tudenham
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1980.
FRI 06:30 Paul Temple (b007vg7q)
Paul Temple and the Conrad Case
Coffee For Miss Conrad
The debonair detective and his wife encounter Betty Conrad and a midnight meeting is arranged.
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.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. Richard Williams
Inspector Vosper …. Hugh Manning
Elliot France …. James Thomason
Paddy …. John Hollis
Denis Harper …. John Bryning
Charlie …. James Beattie
Mrs Weldon …. Virginia Winter
Dr Conrad …. Rolf Lefebvre
Herr Breckshaft …. Jeffrey Segal
Betty Conrad …. Jane Jordan Rogers
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective Paul Temple and glamorous wife Steve solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars.
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1959.
FRI 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b007jzm2)
Series 1
Out To Launch
Rosie's company is set to launch the autobiography of the country's most famous footballer, Lloyd Gratton.
The lives of Rosie and her granddaughter Jo are shaken by the return to Rosie's daughter Kate after a long spell working abroad.
Prunella Scales in the first of four series of Simon Brett's sitcom following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event-management company based in Brighton.
With Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob, Annette Badland as Tess, Jon Glover as Greg Turnball, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Lalage Croxton-Sackville and Will Ing as Lloyd Gratton.
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.
FRI 07:30 What's So Funny? (b018tx0v)
Series 2
Episode 14
Special edition. Ed Byrne interviews Fred MacAulay, Sarah Millican, Omid Djalili, Milton Jones and John Lloyd.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b018tx2t)
Operation Cowes Barge
HMS Troutbridge heads to the Isle of Wight and Captain Povey needs a favour from the crew.
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
Belinda ...... Norma Ronald
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 (b007k1r0)
Series 4
And Afterwards At
It's a big day for Harold. He's set to tie the knot! But Albert's not convinced.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H. Corbett as Harold. With Pat Coombes, Patricia Hayes, Margot Boyd, Edward Kelsey, Sheila Grant, Martin Friend and Katherine Parr.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote ten pilots for 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 provided the inspiration for eight series for TV.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1972.
FRI 09:00 Instant Sunshine (b007jxgk)
From 17/12/1986
Humorous songs performed by the comedy musical cabaret quartet, Instant Sunshine:
Featuring David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis attempting to be reasonably together again.
With special guests: The Cambridge Buskers.
Producer: David Rayvern Allen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1986.
FRI 09:30 We've Been Here Before (b007s945)
Series 1
Episode 3
Clive Anderson's panel show of the past with Steve Punt, David Quantick, Robin Ince and Gyles Brandreth. From August 2003.
FRI 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmtp)
Good and Bad Angels
David falls in love, and questions his friendship with Steerforth. Stars Miriam Margolyes, Sheila Hancock and Phil Daniels.
FRI 11:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
The Crossing of Herald Mountjoy
A tale of public and private anguish, based around the Battle of Agincourt. Trevor Nicholls reads Rose Tremain's short story.
FRI 11:15 Martyn Wade - Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg (b00t9xxf)
Comic tale of greed and corruption in Victorian London, based on Thomas Hood's epic poem. With James Grout and Rachel Atkins.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b018tx2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k1r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Wimsey (b007jzpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Paul Temple (b007vg7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Charles Dickens (b007jwff)
The Old Curiosity Shop
Episode 5
Little Nell is faced with the most important decision of her young life. Dickens dramatisation with Alex Jennings.
FRI 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jrsp)
The King's Favourite and Bannockburn
Edward II is infatuated with Piers Gaveston. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles, with Paul Eddington.
FRI 14:30 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pfkw5)
Get Happy
After a duet with Mickey Rooney, the author accepts an invitation to perform at a Garland tribute show. Read by Tamsin Greig.
FRI 14:45 Anne Tyler - A Patchwork Planet (b007jmbr)
Episode 5
Barnaby takes his mother to visit his daughter, while his 'angel' Sofia leaves a message on his machine. Read by William Hope.
FRI 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Personal History of David Copperfield (b007jmtp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b018xqrn)
Afternoon chat with Mel Giedroyc.
FRI 17:00 Desmond Olivier Dingle's Compleat Life and Works of William Shakespeare (b007k2gs)
Episode 2
The Royal Dingle Company tackles the verse of the Bard. Stars Patrick Barlow, with guest Juliet Stevenson. From September 1995.
FRI 17:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jzm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Red Dwarf (b00qm9k4)
Better Than Life
Episode 4
Lister's recovery is interrupted by a game of planetary snooker and a shocking revelation. Read by Rimmer himself, Chris Barrie.
FRI 18:30 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzy)
Earthsearch II
Sundeath
On an abandoned artificial sun, the crew of Challenger probes the computer in charge.
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to his original Earthsearch.
Commander Telson ...... Sean Arnold
Sharna ...... Amanda Murray
Darv ...... Haydn Wood
Astra ...... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Bran ...... Michael Maloney
Angel One ...... Sonia Fraser
Angel Two ...... Gordon Reid
Solaria ...... Pauline Letts
Elkeran ...... Nicholas Courtney
Elka ...... Jill Lidstone
Tidy ...... David Gooderson
Halsten ...... David McAlister
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1982.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b018tx2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k1r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Wimsey (b007jzpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Paul Temple (b007vg7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Martyn Wade - Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg (b00t9xxf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 What's So Funny? (b018tx0v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Comic to Comic (b007vmc3)
Series 1
Jeremy Hardy
Comedian Jeremy Hardy looks back over his career and discusses satire, bad singing and the romance of cardigans...
Series in which Bruce Morton talks to top stand-up comedians about life, the universe and comedy.
Producer: Carol Purcell
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in September 2005.
FRI 23:00 The Skivers (b007yt85)
Series 2
Adam Ant
The secrets of Des Lynham and Sue Cook are revealed.
Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh's skilful sketch show with special guest Adam Ant – with his greatest hits heard as never before...
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 February 1995.
FRI 23:30 And Now in Colour (b007yrwf)
Series 2
Colourthon
The sketch show team attempt their own radio charity fundraiser.
Precision comedy written and performed by Tim Firth, Tim de Jongh, Michael Rutger and William Vandyck.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1991.