5. The Diary
Mystery for Tony and Flora - is her son back from Australia? And can a diary unlock the mystery?
Nigel Havers stars as Tony Beach.
Dick Francis's thriller dramatised by Ernest Dudley.
Tony Beach …. Nigel Havers
Commentator …. Michael Kilgarriff
Flora …. Jennifer Piercey
Orkney …. Edward de Souza
Isabella …. Avril Clark
Gerard …. George Parsons
Chief Sup. Wilson …. Manning Wilson
In Petrograd, Ashenden encounters a fastidious American businessman called Mr Harrington, whose penchant for spotless laundry has ugly consequences when the Bolsheviks revolt.
Ashenden also crosses paths with his former Russian lover, Anastacia, who's only too eager to help him in his biggest and most important mission yet.
A series of short stories based on William Somerset Maugham's own First World War experiences
Following a fleeting visit from a cardinal, Plethora initiates plans to put Monte Guano on the pilgrimage map.
Neal Anthony's comedy drama about the chaotic lives of the ruling family of Renaissance Italy's most inconsequential city-state.
Stars David Swift as Ludovico, Sian Phillips as Plethora, Graham Crowden as Francesco, Paul Bigley as Alessandro, Saskia Wickham as Rosalie, Nick Romero as Salvatori, Christopher Kelham as Guido and Kim Wall as Brother Michael.
Beauty wonders why so many British men get stuck in the emotional wilderness and find it hard to communicate with each other, as she deals with an elderly gentleman and his son.
Beauty's dreams of becoming a model are given a boost when she applies to be the Face of the Social Services.
Comedy by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson.
Beauty Olonga works as a carer for the Featherdown Agency and sees herself as an inspiration to other African girls hoping to achieve their goals in the land of semi-skimmed milk.
Beauty ...... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Mr Clark ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Julian ...... Christopher Douglas
Georgie ...... Emma Fryer
Sally ...... Felicity Montagu
Karen ...... Nicola Sanderson
Mrs Gupte ...... Indira Joshi
Anil ...... Paul Sharma
Race Commentator ...... Christopher Douglas
Music by The West End Gospel Choir.
Overlooked in the New Year's Honours, the lad brushes up on his social etiquette skills.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques.
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.
Gerald and Diana compete to publicize their new books.
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic crime writer written by Basil Boothroyd.
Starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife and more successful writer, Diana.
With James Thomason, Anthony Smee and Peter Craze.
The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter ran from 1976 to 1981.
Lucy's offer to help a first-time celebrity author write a book finds her stuck in a remote Cornish cottage with an ex-Page 3 model and a neurotic mother.
This leaves Daniel to have an unusual boys’ night out...
Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Daniel …. David Tennant
Lucy …. Liz Carling
Katie …. Samantha Spiro
Andy …. Tony Gardner
Suzie …. Paula Wilcox
Ned Sherrin's music quiz with Worcester's Alan Douglas, Christine Lumsden of Edinburgh and Chris Moore-Bridger from Oswestry.
A rich London merchant's son is banished to his family seat in the north. Stars Liam Brennan, Sean Chapman and Tom George.
Disobeying rules for a silver wedding anniversary recipe book sparks unexpected consequences. Short story read by Lynda Baron.
With the Palace of Westminster blown up, can an assistant librarian rebuild it for Queen Victoria to open? Stars Alex Jennings.
After the tragedy, Neely gets agitated and Anne gets a visit from an old flame. Stars Madeleine Potter and Susan Jameson.
Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles, with Peter Jeffrey. What kind of man was Clive of India?
Just as student Mike Engleby finds he's getting closer to Jennifer, something truly terrible happens. Read by Douglas Hodge.
Michael Morpurgo explores education's expansion for boys in the 17th century, and when boyhood ended and manhood began.
Mel introduces the Inheritance Tracks of Julian Lennon, hears about the musical stones of Skiddaw and takes a trip down the Amazon with Helen Skelton.
When Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha sparks uproar - can his valet Jeeves save the day?
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Aunt Agatha ..... Joan Sanderson
Aileen Hemingway ..... Pat Coombs
Sidney Hemingway ..... Brian Oulton
Chamber Maid ..... Miriam Margolyes
Hotel Manager ..... Brian Haines.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
3. Anyone for Tennis?
As the Oblivions have so much time on their hands, it couldn't possibly hurt to introduce them to the gentle game of tennis, could it?
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Ken ...... Tom Hollander
In the chilly waiting-room of a railway station, an old man relates a disturbing history of a haunting in a job he formerly held...
Read by Kenneth Cranham.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Still homeless and separated from his wife, Dave plans to move out of The Storage Garden, while Geoff plans to move in.
Stars Reece Shearsmith and Mark Heap.
Sitcom written by Tom Collinson and Barnaby Power.
Dave ...... Reece Shearsmith.
Geoff ...... Mark Heap.
Ron ...... Tom Goodman-Hill.
Judy ...... Rosie Cavaliero.
Sarah ...... Susan Earl.
Estate agent ...... Phil Nichol
The battle of the sexes rages over cold feet and tog ratings. The writer shares more deep thoughts on trivia. From March 2003.
From 'Merry Wives' to a 'Merchant' - but are the crazy, mixed-up Bard's comedies actually funny? From May 1994.
Underachiever David makes the most of jury service, while Giles is fighting the law. Stars Richard E Grant. From January 1995.
THURSDAY 26 APRIL 2012
THU 00:00 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wvd6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Dick Francis (b007mx06)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008gbq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0080q77)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Counterpoint (b00dbdnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl7lx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Dan Rebellato - Erskine May (b007jw23)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 PG Wodehouse - The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jvz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00761mn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Dick Francis (b007n1gf)
Proof
6. Visitors
Wine merchant Tony Beach has to deal with some unwanted visitors to his store.
Nigel Havers stars as Tony Beach.
Dick Francis's thriller dramatised by Ernest Dudley.
Tony Beach …. Nigel Havers
Flora …. Jennifer Piercey
Gerard …. George Parsons
Paul Young …. Stuart Organ
Charter Jun/P.C. …. Kim Wall
Sgt. Ridger …. Stephen Hattersley
Mrs Palissey …. Sheila Grant
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
THU 06:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008gcmq)
Miss King
Agent Ashenden finds his Swiss hotel is a hive of activity for spies from both sides of the war and is summoned to the deathbed of an English governess who wants the ear of one of her countrymen before she dies.
A series of short stories based on William Somerset Maugham's own First World War experiences
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Neville Teller
Producer: Eoin O'Callaghan
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
THU 07:00 Unnatural Acts (b00jhmlp)
Series 1
A Death in the Family
As Caroline mourns Monty the gerbil, a seance brings some surprises. Stars Kit Hollerbach and Jeremy Hardy. From April 1987.
THU 07:30 Shedtown (b011vgbz)
Series 1
Night Screams
As the Shedists settle into life under asphalt there's a strange noise coming from William's shed. Wes holds a puppet show and all are invited.
Cast:
Barry .....Tony Pitts
Jimmy & Johnny ...... Kevin Eldon
Colin ...... Johnny Vegas
Diane ...... Suranne Jones
Dave ...... Shaun Dooley
Eleanor ....... Ronni Ancona
Deborah Dearden ..... Emma Fryer
William ..... Adrian Manfredi
Carly ..... Jessica Knappett
Father Michael ...... James Quinn
Wes ....... Warren Brown
Postwoman ...... Caron May
Narrator ...... Maxine Peake
Music ....... Paul Heaton
Written and created by Tony Pitts
Directed by Jim Poyser
Producer: Sally Harrison
A Woolyback Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 08:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b007ncw8)
Series 3
Episode 3
The much-loved comedy duo celebrate Britain's "greatest living writer" - Ernie.
With Marion Montgomery.
Written by Eddie Braben.
Music by Peter Knight and his Orchestra.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
THU 08:30 Dad's Army (b007jpkw)
Series 3
A Man of Action
When a landmine sparks martial law, a reporter catches Captain Mainwaring in charge.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Private Walker ...... Larry Martyn
Town Clerk ...... Julian Orchard
Mr Norris ...... Jonathan Cecil
Inspector Baker ...... Fraser Kerr
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1976.
THU 09:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b008kmmq)
Series 2
Read All About It
After his disastrous children's TV appearance, Robert finds his flat surrounded by the press.
Is it an actor's dream or an actor's nightmare?
John Gordon Sinclair stars in Paul Mayhew-Archer's sitcom.
Robert Wilson ..... John Gordon Sinclair
Desmond Shaw ..... Gary Waldhorn
Sue ..... Caroline Quentin
With:
Jane Whittenshaw:
David Goodge
Donald Gee
Nicky Henson
Rosemary Martin
Producer: Paul Spencer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1990
THU 09:30 The Museum of Curiosity (b00sj6ts)
Series 3
Episode 4
John Lloyd invites guests Sarah Bakewell, Michael Welland and Simon Evans to add to the collection. From May 2010.
THU 10:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq56)
Over the Border
There's trouble afoot when Francis quarrels with Rashleigh and heads to Glasgow. Stars Liam Brennan and Sean Chapman.
THU 11:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl6vd)
The Ugly Sister
A Cinderella pantomime character wonders if her own Prince Charming is in the audience. Short story read by Lesley Sharp.
THU 11:15 Martyn Wade - Another Shakespeare (b0080hlv)
Drama inspired by the true life story of an 18th-century forger of the Bard. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt and James Grout.
THU 12:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b007ncw8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jpkw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dick Francis (b007n1gf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008gcmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mk688)
Episode 14
Lyon is back and Anne still has feelings for him, despite being engaged to Kevin. Stars Madeleine Potter and Barbara Barnes.
THU 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jsxg)
Death of a Prime Minister, the Sacking of Pitt and a New Calendar
Pitt's vision of becoming Prime Minister looks remote and Britain comes to dominate world trade. Narrated by Anna Massey.
THU 14:30 Sebastian Faulks: Engleby (b00p92xw)
Episode 4
With the police investigating the University mystery - will they turn their attentions to student Mike? Read by Douglas Hodge.
THU 14:45 The Invention of Childhood (b00scw5x)
But Can She Spin?
Michael Morpurgo learns how girls' education regressed in the 16th century, with the sinful Eve as the main female archetype.
THU 15:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq56)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01gk9st)
Mel Giedroyc hears about a man who made a mint from some old Roman coins, sets sail with a female steamboat captain and goes postal at a postcard fair.
THU 17:00 The World As We Know It (b00fnrkf)
Around the World in 80 Hours
It's Bank Holiday weekend and Donna, Johnny, Patrick and Abigail see no reason to end their usual habits just because the world has ended.
So they do what they usually do and go away on holiday. But with the choice of anywhere in the world, where will they go?
Sitcom by Luke Sorba.
Donna ...... Meera Syal
Johnny ...... Toby Longworth
Patrick ...... Luke Sorba
Abigail ...... Carla Mendonca
The Stranger ...... Simon Greenall
Producer: Elizabeth Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
THU 17:30 Unnatural Acts (b00jhmlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
4. Martinis
The dangers of tennis are now apparent to the Oblivions - but Martinis? What could possibly go wrong with Martinis?
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Ken ...... Tom Hollander
Tony ...... Geoff McGivern
Clive ...... Guy Witcher
Jonathan ...... RossAlistair McGowan
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
THU 18:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
A Recluse
One hot evening in the English countryside, a traveller is forced to stay the night at the remote house of a sinister gentleman...
Read by Anthony Head.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
THU 19:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b007ncw8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Dad's Army (b007jpkw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Dick Francis (b007n1gf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008gcmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl6vd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Martyn Wade - Another Shakespeare (b0080hlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Shedtown (b011vgbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d45vn)
Series 2
A Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse
As the Victorian comic epic continues, Pip finds himself heavily in debt when he has to bribe the whole of the House of Commons not to hang him. But has he found true love at last in the form of wealthy Southern belle Talullah Not-A-Man?
Or is it some sort of fiendishly subtle plot hatched by an evil villain in a frock.
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Volume Two, Chapter the Fourth: a Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse.
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa/Woman............................Susy Kane
The Bailiff................................Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01h0f4g)
From
10pm - midnight, Sunday to Friday, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus tonight Ed and Ray have more chat with guest Pam Ann.
THU 23:00 The In Crowd (b00sf7tp)
Series 3
Episode 2
How to open a pocket museum, how not to purchase a smoke alarm and how not to go about being a medium, an auctioneer or a tramp.
The ever helpful sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store.
With Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward.
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
THU 23:30 Hut 33 (b00wfwyl)
Series 2
Getting Heavy
Hut 33 has come bottom in the ranking at Bletchley Park, and the code breakers must do something to prove themselves.
James Cary's sitcom set at Bletchley Park - the top-secret home of the Second World War codebreakers.
Charles …. Robert Bathurst
Archie …. Tom Goodman-Hill
Minka …. Olivia Colman
Mrs Best …. Lill Roughley
Gordon …. Fergus Craig
Joshua … Alex McQueen
With Lisa Sutherland, Arnab Chanda and Ben Crowe.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2012
FRI 00:00 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Dick Francis (b007n1gf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008gcmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b008kmmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Museum of Curiosity (b00sj6ts)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq56)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl6vd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Martyn Wade - Another Shakespeare (b0080hlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The World As We Know It (b00fnrkf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Unnatural Acts (b00jhmlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dick Francis (b007n9gl)
Proof
7. Man of Mystery
Kenneth Junior makes a request from hospital, and Tony learns more about the mysterious Paul Young.
Nigel Havers stars as Tony Beach.
Dick Francis's thriller dramatised by Ernest Dudley
Tony Beach …. Nigel Havers
Gerard …. George Parsons
Clerk/Delivery Man …. David Goodland
Vernon …. Tim Reynolds
Paul Young …. Stuart Organ
Quigley …. Brian Hewlett
Flora …. Jennifer Piercey
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
FRI 06:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008ggv1)
Giulia Lazzari
Agent Ashenden's summoned to a Paris hotel and tasked with ensnaring a known agitator - Indian lawyer, Chandra Lal who's caused much trouble for the British war effort.
When a large reward was offered for his arrest, Chandra fled to Berlin and where he fell in love with an Italian dancer, Giulia Lazzari. But Intelligence Head R has intercepted their love letters sparking a plan to trap him.
A series of short stories based on William Somerset Maugham's own First World War experiences
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Neville Teller
Producer: Eoin O'Callaghan
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 07:00 Ring Around the Bath (b01gklt7)
Series 3
Loophole
Patrick gets a TV presenting job on the Barbeque Channel - filming on location in the family home.
As the flames get higher, Stella's precious garden is under threat!
Series 3 of Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson's sitcom about topsy-turvy family life.
Stars Duncan Preston as Patrick, Pippa Haywood as Stella, Claudie Blakley as Alison, Bruce MacKinnon as Rick, Catherine Shepherd as Xanthe, Daniela Denby-Ashe as Egg and and Russell Bently as Fergus.
Director: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
FRI 07:30 In and Out of the Kitchen (b017ckf5)
Series 1
September 18th to 24th
Damien 's routine is thrown into disarray when Anthony's goddaughter, Libby, is sent to stay with them for "respite".
Meanwhile, Anthony finally has his long-awaited job interview and Damien is offered the chance to front his own TV cookery show.
More entries from the kitchen diary of cookery writer, Damien Trench - "no matter how grizzly" as he puts it "or, indeed, how gristly".
Written by and starring Miles Jupp.
The programme also features Damien's easy-to-follow recipes for:
- cracking crepes Suzette
- Spanish-as-sangria, "chorizo und patatas"
and
- a tastebud tantalising, Beef Oxford.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony ...... Justin Edwards
Damien's Mother ...... Selina Cadell
Mr Mullaney ...... Brendan Dempsey
Ian Frobisher ...... Philip Fox
Libby/Angie ...... Maggie Service
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b01gklt9)
Series 5
The Ghost Ship
Could HMS Troutbridge really be the next Marie Celeste?
Stars Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Ronnie Barker as Able Seaman Johnson, Richard Caldicote as Captain Povey and Tenniel Evans as Taffy Goldstein.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1963.
FRI 08:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jlyw)
Series 1
Peel Bananas the Burkiss Way
Welcome to the Burkiss Way to dynamic living - radio's first correspondence course. Send no money.
Lesson one is courtesy of Denise Coffey, Nigel Rees, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris.
Then you too can write a script like Andrew Marshall, John Mason and David Renwick and produce a programme like Simon Brett.
The groundbreaking sketch show with cult status.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1976.
FRI 09:00 North East of Eden (b01glrp1)
Plague
The annual festival of St Marcus brings a host of tourists to Paradise Island, but a mysterious illness threatens the torchlight parade.
Rebecca Front and Joan Sims stars in Peter Kerry's sitcom about a GP living on a remote island off the coast of Northumbria.
Dr Marcia Hulme …. Rebecca Front
Auntie Annie …. Joan Sims
Hjorst …. Niall Ashdown
Joseph Gates …. James Garbutt
Mrs Peevis …. Jean Southern
William …. Sammy Johnson
Ralph …. Stephen Thirkeld
Producer: Kathy Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
FRI 09:30 Puzzle Panel (b00yb2vg)
Episode 6
More testing brain teasers with Chris Maslanka, Paul Lamford, Val Gilbert and Professor David Singmaster. From July 1998.
FRI 10:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq7m)
Helen McGregor
Francis and Jarvie reach the Highland Line, heading for McGregor country. Stars Liam Brennan. Sean Chapman and Tom George.
FRI 11:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl32x)
Fule's Gold
After 40 years teaching creative writing, sneaky Mr Fisher discovers a masterpiece. Short story read by Stephen Moore.
FRI 11:15 Heathcote Williams - Hancock's Last Half Hour (b01glrp3)
An imagining of the comedy legend alone in a Sydney hotel room on the day he died, with a book of newspaper cuttings, a telephone and a bottle of vodka for company. In a tour de force performance Richard Briers plays his great comedy hero, Tony Hancock, looking back over the highs and lows of his career. Heathcote Williams's play reveals a comedy genius, tormented by his own desire to improve himself. A desire which overwhelmed him, when he tragically took his own life in June 1968.
Produced by Ned Chaillet for BBC Radio 3 in 1988.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b01gklt9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jlyw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Dick Francis (b007n9gl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008ggv1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mlxk3)
Episode 15
Betrayed by Neely, and with Lyon becoming more distant, Anne turns to the dolls. Stars Madeleine Potter and Barbara Barnes.
FRI 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007jsxn)
The Black Hole of Calcutta, Minorca and Seven Years War
Pitt the Elder comes to realise his ambition and proves his worth. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles.
FRI 14:30 Sebastian Faulks: Engleby (b00pblz7)
Episode 5
Missing Jennifer is still very much in the thoughts of Mike Engleby, who gets a surprise visit. Read by Douglas Hodge.
FRI 14:45 The Invention of Childhood (b00scz3n)
Overburdened with Children
Michael Morpurgo tells the story of the Poor Law, a forerunner of the welfare state and a safety net for many poor children.
FRI 15:00 Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy (b007jq7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01glrp5)
Mel Giedroyc says Happy Friday with a tour of the new Harry Potter exhibition, hears about Ben Fogle's dip with crocodiles and gets a lesson in claymation with Nick Park.
FRI 17:00 Brothers in Law (b007js84)
Series 2
Keeping It Warm
Will barrister Roger manage to make up with girlfriend Sally?
Starring Richard Briers as Roger Thursby, John Glyn-Jones as Grimes, Julia Lockwood as Sally, Jean Anderson as Mrs Thursby, Norman Bird as Brigstocke, John Gabriel as Lowthwaite, Francis de Wolff as Mr Justice and Peter Tuddenham as the Lord Justice.
Written by Henry Cecil and Basil Dawson.
Published in 1955, Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was adapted first for TV in 1962 by Frank Muir and Denis Norden. It provided the first regular starring role for Richard Briers, who later reprised his role of the idealistic young lawyer Roger Thursby for BBC Radio between 1970 and 1972.
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1971.
FRI 17:30 Ring Around the Bath (b01gklt7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jp0g)
5. Things Hot Up
When Norman introduces the Oblivions to the pleasures of the flesh, one thing leads to another...
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Clive ...... Guy Witcher
Buzz ...... Peter Serafinowcz
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
FRI 18:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wwd8m)
The Almond Tree
A man looks back on the complex relationship between his parents and a female friend of his father's. It's one that will influence the rest of his life...
Read by Julian Wadham.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b01gklt9)
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08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jlyw)
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08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Dick Francis (b007n9gl)
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06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 W Somerset Maugham - Ashenden, Gentleman Spy (b008ggv1)
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06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl32x)
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11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Heathcote Williams - Hancock's Last Half Hour (b01glrp3)
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11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b017ckf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jmd4)
Series 3
The Beautiful Game
Satan decides to hold a major football tournament in Hell - The Underworld Cup.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
The Professor …. James Grout
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by Felicity Montagu, Philip Pope, Nick Revel and Michael Fenton Stevens.
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999
FRI 23:00 Lenin of the Rovers (b007jpjn)
Series 1
Episode 2
Midfield maestro Ricky Lenin's new economic policy kicks in at Felchester Rovers football club.
Starring Alexei Sayle as Ricky Lenin, Keith Allen as Terry Trotsky, Andrew McClean as Stevie Stalin, Tony Alias as Des Frankly and Ballard Berkeley as the Colonel.
Legendary BBC football commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme is Frank Lee Brian.
Written by Marcus Berkmann.
Producer: Harry Thompson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1988.
FRI 23:30 Vent (b01glrp7)
Series 3
The Stand-In
Ben vows to do something alone but buying an envelope at the post office is not that easy.
Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.
Written by Nigel Smith.
Ben ...... Neil Pearson
Mary ...... Fiona Allen
Mum ...... Josie Lawrence
Blitz ...... Leslie Ash
Nurse ...... Jo Martin
Derek ...... Stephen Frost
Marley ...... Spencer Brown
Bea ...... Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Lorraine ...... Tessa Nicholson
Mr Shah ...... Bruce Alexander
Martin ...... Nigel Hastings
Boy ...... Lizzy Watts
Assistants ...... Kate Layden, Tara Lynch Coppers, Tom Price & Abigail Burdess
Director: Nigel Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.