SATURDAY 08 NOVEMBER 2014

SAT 00:00 Book at Bedtime (b01p7hf7)
Julian MacLaren-Ross - Of Love and Hunger
Episode 5
5/5 Julian Maclaren-Ross' darkly comic semi-autobiographical love story about the low life of a struggling salesman in a seaside town. With the shadow of war looming, Richard Fanshawe is eking out an existence selling Sucko vacuum cleaners. He's working for the dubious "Smiler" Barnes. He's looking after his friend Roper's wife Sukie, while Roper is away. They have fallen in love and started a passionate affair. First published in 1947.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths
Reader: Carl Prekopp
Producer: Beth O'Dea
Music: The Touch Of Your Lips by Hildegarde.
SAT 00:15 Chinese in Britain (b007cpf2)
Peking Duck ... and Chips
Anna Chen sets out to uncover the early history of the Chinese who came to Britain before the takeaway boom of the 1960s.
10/10. Peking Duck... and Chips
In the early days of Chinese restaurants around Britain, the idea of sweet and sour food was enough to make diners laugh. British appetites were gradually won over with chow mein and chop suey, as long as they were served with chips.
From 2007.
Producer: Mukti Jain Campion
A Culture Wise Production.
SAT 00:30 Gunpowder Women (b0076vgr)
The Wife
By Stephanie Dale. Thomas Bates, the servant of conspirator Robert Catesby, faces execution. Stars Peter Meakin and Deborah McAndrew.
SAT 00:45 Sheila Hancock - The Two of Us: My Life With John Thaw (b0076nr6)
Episode 5
In the past, John has given up alcohol for good. In the present, Sheila confronts her grief at his death, and learns something new about his life.
SAT 01:00 Jest a Minute (b012yngz)
Series 1
Episode 4
Justin Moorhouse, Alun Cochrane, Chris Corcoran and Tom Wrigglesworth join Rhod Gilbert in the comedy quiz. From September 2006.
SAT 01:30 Pioneers (b0151wpr)
Series 2
David Gow
David Gow chats to Clare English about how he came up with the idea of the world's first bionic hand.
Huge advancements in prosthetics are now enhancing the lives of amputees.
Producer: Philip Sime
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in 2011.
SAT 02:00 Martyn Wade - Lover Come Back (b04ndr4h)
Tom is not happy with married life. Will he find true happiness with an old flame? Starring Stephen Moore and Sherrie Hewson.
SAT 02:30 The Story of Flowers in the Rain (b007zmn7)
"And good morning everyone. Welcome to the exciting new sound of Radio One".
Tony Blackburn recalls the story behind the controversy around the first 45 rpm single that he played on his brand new breakfast show on BBC Radio 1 on Saturday 30th September 1967 - The Move's 'Flowers in the Rain'.
Little did Tony know as he spun the record, that thanks to an infamous PR stunt to promote it, the band were to be sued for libel by the then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Tony takes us through the controversial story with two of the original band members Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan.
A Tinderbox production for BBC Radio 4 - first broadcast in September 2007.
SAT 03:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4qn)
September Tide
When Cherry comes home to visit her widowed mother Stella, she brings her new husband with her.
But surprises are in-store, as this is the first time mother and son-in-law have met.
Starring Paula Wilcox, Jonathan Firth and Alice Hart.
Daphne du Maurier's bittersweet love story set in a beautiful house on a Cornish estuary.
Stella Martin …. Paula Wilcox
Evan Davies …. Jonathan Firth
Cherry Davies …. Alice Hart
Robert Hanson …. John Rowe
Mrs Tucket …. Susan Jameson
Neighbour …. Duncan Walsh Atkins
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2005.
SAT 04:00 15 Minute Drama (b01nd3dy)
Heinrich Boll - The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum
Episode 5
A brilliant exploration of the corrosive impact of tabloid journalism on one young woman. The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum is dissects the power of the press and it's impact on individual freedom. Told in the form of an unofficial report, this intelligent and pacy story from the 1970s tackles issues of press freedom, responsibility and police tactics.
It's based on a real incident in the author's own life, when he was publicly accused of being a terrorist sympathiser and hounded by the German press. The subtitle of the book is "how violence develops and where it can lead."
Recorded on location in Berlin, The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum also features a soundtrack of 1970s Krautrock from bands such as Can, Neu, La Dusseldorf and Ash Ra Tempel.
Heinrich Boll is a Nobel Prize winning writer, a giant of German 20th century literature.
Episode 5:
The fugitive Ludwig is captured and Katharina is proved innocent of any involvement with his crime. However, this does not deter the press and their headlines grow ever more lurid, blaming her for her mother's death. At last, she cracks under the pressure and reveals exactly how and why she shot Totges, the journalist responsible for the tabloid campaign against her.
Sound design: Eloise Whitmore
Broadcast assistant: Kath Willgress
Executive producer: Joby Waldman
Abridged by Helen Meller
Produced and directed by Polly Thomas
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 04:15 David Pownall - Nyama (b00s0wrb)
David Pownall's cautionary tale about a money-crazed entrepreneur who transports a pickled whale from the Cape of Good Hope round Southern Africa and makes a fortune.
Other parts played by Alison Pettitt, John Biggins, David Seddon, Michael Shelford and Keeley Beresford
Music composed and performed by Russell Taylor and Steve Cooke.
Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
SAT 05:00 King Street Junior Revisited (b00kfsky)
Series 3
This Is Your Life
It's excitement all round as the staff and children prepare to celebrate the return of Head Teacher, Mrs Devon.
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge. Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Stars Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Devon, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid, Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan, Paul Copley as Mr Long, Christopher Ravenscroft as Paul Devon, Daryl Moore as Roscoe, Reanna Calvert as Tracy, Charlie Barker as Brandon and Elisha Mansuroglu as Kylie.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
SAT 05:30 Spangles 'n' Tights (b04ndrcb)
Pursued By a Bear
A rundown Dublin theatrical costumier is struggling to come to terms with modern working practices.
When an order comes in from a local nun's drama group, it leads to a mix-up with the Gaiety Theatre's opera production.
The opening episode of Christopher Fitz-Simon's five-part comedy.
Dessie Doyle ...... David Kelly
Violet Doyle ...... Pauline McLynn
Antony Gogan ...... Eugene O'Brien
Mr McNamara ...... Frank Kelly
Sister Accumulata ...... Doreen Keogh
Mr Hornibrooks ...... Mark Mulholland
P.J Clohessy ...... Derry Power
Music played by John Trotter.
Directed at BBC Belfast by Roland Jaquarello.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
SAT 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b04nhm9d)
Sherlock Holmes with Carleton Hobbs - Series 5
The Solitary Cyclist
Who is the strange man following Violet Smith as she cycles to see her mother?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective investigates.
Starring Carleton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr Watson.
Violet Smith ...... Jane Wenham
Carruthers: ...... Norman Claridge
Mrs Smith: ...... Gladys Spencer
Woodley ...... Malcolm Hayes
Mrs Hudson ...... Janet Morrison
Landlord ...... Peter O'Shaughnessy
Williamson ...... George Merritt
Adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick.
Producer Graham Gauld
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1964.
SAT 06:30 The Radio Detectives (b007jp6v)
Series 1
The Voice of Sherlock Holmes
Armed with pipe, hansom cab and violin, Professor Jeffrey Richards probes the varied incarnations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most celebrated Baker Street creation, Sherlock Holmes.
Featuring interviews and classic recordings by Orson Welles, Basil Rathbone, Sir John Gielgud, Carleton Hobbes and Clive Merrison.
Affectionate five-part series about popular radio detectives hosted by the aficionado and expert.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
SAT 07:00 Sherlock Holmes (b04nhqp5)
The Six Napoleons
"We have a long way to go. We have some suggestive facts to act upon. The possession of this trifling bust was worth more in the eyes of this strange criminal than a human life."
Who is shattering plaster busts of Napoleon? The Baker Street sleuth is soon on the trail of a murder. Read by Nigel Stock.
Adapted for radio by Donald Bancroft. Producer Tony Cliff.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1977.
SAT 07:30 The House I Grew Up In (b00ctl6p)
Series 2
Sir Tom Farmer
Wendy Robbins presents a series revisiting the childhood neighbourhoods of influential Britons.
She meets Sir Tom Farmer, Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist, on his boyhood stamping ground of Leith.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b03nrn9m)
The Long, Long Trail
Roy Hudd explores Charles Chilton's forgotten 1961 radio masterpiece which inspired the musical Oh What a Lovely War.
Broadcast on the BBC Home Service, The Long, Long Trail told the story of the First World War in a unique way - through the songs sung by soldiers. It was the result of Charles Chilton's personal quest to learn about his father who was killed at Arras in March 1918, aged 19, and whom he had never met.
In 1962, Chilton, already a renowned pioneering BBC radio producer, adapted the programme with director Joan Littlewood and the cast of Theatre Workshop into the landmark stage musical Oh What a Lovely War.
But then the programme disappeared and was never broadcast again. However, shortly before he died in January 2013, Chilton gave a copy to the British Library, so we can now rediscover The Long, Long Trail.
For this programme, Roy Hudd, a close friend and collaborator of 'Charlie', is joined by satirist Ian Hislop, radio historian and Chair of the UK Radio Archives Advisory Committee Professor Hugh Chignell, archivist Helen O'Neill at the London Library, singer Pat Whitmore, Charles's widow Penny Chilton, and their children Mary and David Chilton. Together, they tell the story behind Charles Chilton's remarkable musical documentary, reveal why it was revolutionary and reflect on its significance today.
Producer: Amber Barnfather
Sound design: David Chilton
A Goldhawk Essential production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Adrian Mole: The Mole Truth with Sue Townsend (b007jqr8)
Sue Townsend chats to the man who brought Adrian Mole to the BBC airwaves, former drama producer John Tydeman.
The author - who died in April 2014 - looks back to the beginnings of her creation, who was originally named Nigel Mole for his initial BBC outing. John Tydeman reveals how an impoverished Sue Townsend lacked both the train fare and suitable clothes for their initial meeting in London.
The duo discuss Adrian's change of name and his development through adolescence to adulthood - via specially selected radio readings spanning The Secret Diary to The Cappuccino Years. Featuring Nicholas Barnes and Nigel Planer.
Produced by Peter Reed.
First broadcast on BBC 7 in 2003.
SAT 11:00 Sue Townsend - The Diary of Nigel Mole, aged 13 3/4 (b008hsf1)
The first incarnation of Sue Townsend's misunderstood schoolboy originally named Nigel - before he became Adrian. With Nicholas Barnes as the Diarist.
On the first day of the New Year, Nigel Mole begins to keep a diary for the first time. But it will be no ordinary diary. Mole is no ordinary child - misunderstood schoolboy, undernourished son, unappreciated intellectual, unrecognised poet, rejected helper of the old, sometime friend of punk rocker Adrian and spurned wooer of Pandora.
Now he'll become the detached observer and detailed recordist of the customs and carry-ons of the adult world around him.
Scripted by Sue Townsend. Music by Pip Greasley. Directed by John Tydeman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Thirty Minute Theatre in 1982.
SAT 11:30 Chain Reaction (b01l1g68)
Series 8
Jeremy Front interviews Rebecca Front
Rebecca Front is interviewed by the man who knows her best, her big Brother Jeremy Front.
Producer ..... Carl Cooper
"I have a very strong childhood memory of you playing the flute in a concert and falling off stage into a box of fezes."
The Chain starts with star of The Thick Of It, Grandma's House, The Day Today and most other comedies of note over the past twenty years, Rebecca Front, speaking to the man who knows her best, her writing partner and big brother Jeremy Front.
They cover childhood teasing and being a woman in comedy, reveal how a cough scuppered Rebecca's chances of working with Mike Leigh and end with Jeremy attempting to maker her re-live an amusing childhood trauma.
"I've heard all the anecdotes so I'll probably just read a book."
The chain continues with:
Rebecca Front talking to her Thick Of It co-star and fellow non-nudist, Chris Addison, about working with Armando Iannucci and embracing his middle-classness through stand-up;
Chris Addison in a rare interview with the actually-really-nice-and-he-doesn't-do-any-of-that-weird-stuff-in-real-life, Derren Brown;
Derren Brown chatting hair, beliefs and Tim Minchin with comedy musical megastar and fellow sceptic Tim Minchin;
A poorly Tim Minchin being handed tissues whilst attempting to interview with no questions a not-at-all-poorly and hilarious Caitlin Moran.
Caitlin Moran getting to spend time and talk shoes, Bananarama and women with her comedy hero Jennifer Saunders.
And...
Jennifer Saunders turning up a week later to find the series has ended. Probably. We weren't there because the series had ended.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SAT 12:00 Writing the Century - Omnibus (b04nhqld)
Passages From Empire
Two real-life globetrotting nurses, Gwladys Hughes and Ina Crafer, swap 1920s adventure stories. Stars Sara McGaughey.
SAT 13:10 Inheritance Tracks (b04pqyx3)
Sue Townsend
The author and creator of Adrian Mole inherits Billie Holliday's version of 'All of Me' and passes on Ben E King's 'Stand By Me'.
SAT 13:15 Dickens Confidential (b01mxxh3)
Series 2
Why Are We in Afghanistan?
Agnes interviews the Russian Cavalry maid, while Charles Dickens investigates the prospect of war overseas. Stars Dan Stevens.
SAT 14:00 Radio Active (b00805vg)
Series 1
The Midday Show with Anna Dapter
The National Local Radio Station prepares to welcome some royal visitors. Stars Helen Atkinson-Wood. From September 1981.
SAT 14:30 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jp9l)
The Business Proposition
It's 1948 and 'Dad's Army' veterans Arthur Wilson and Frank Pike receive a surprise visitor at their bank in Frambourne-on-Sea.
A seaside saga of pier perpetuation starring John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee.
Arthur Wilson ...... John Le Mesurier
Frank Pike ...... Ian Lavender
Bert Hodges ...... Bill Pertwee
Miss Perkins ...... Vivienne Martin
Mr Hunter ...... Robin Parkinson
Mr Short ...... Edward Burnham
Mr Rawlings ...... Gordon Peters
Council Employee ...... Spencer Banks
After a pilot episode was made in 1981, Arthur Lowe sadly died. So this 13-part series was revamped to feature the Dad's Army characters played by Pertwee and Lavender instead. The series was later adapted for ITV by Yorkshire TV.
Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, based on characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1983.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b03nrn9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Sherlock Holmes (b04nhm9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 16:30 The Radio Detectives (b007jp6v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SAT 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b04nhqp5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00xhhvm)
Series 6
Ship on a Bottle
After problems assembling his model three masted schooner, Arthur goes in search of a free gift. After taking a well-earned break at Gerry's Cafe he sees an advert in the local paper which gives him an idea...
All he has to do is express an interest in a 'no obligation' timeshare apartment in the Canary Isles, and the free gift is his! What could possibly go wrong?
Cast:
Steve Delaney
Alastair Kerr
Dave Mounfield
Mel Giedroyc
Producers: Richard Daws, Mark Radcliffe & John Leonard
A Komedia Entertainment & Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 18:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jn4d)
Series 2
The Red Planet
The Space Force crew make a discovery in Egypt - while stowaways are reported on the Mars-bound ship.
Charles Chilton's second intergalactic adventure series starring Barry Foster.
Captain Saxon Berry ...... Barry Foster
Chipper Barnett ...... Nicky Henson
Magnus Carter ...... Nigel Stock
Lodderick Sincere ...... Tony Osoba
With Wendy Murray, Willoughby Goddard, Bernard Brown and Mia Soteriou.
Charles Chilton wrote and produced many popular and successful radio programmes for the BBC - including the classic 1950s serial 'Journey into Space' - charting the adventures of Captain Jet Morgan. This fired the imagination of millions, years before the first moon landing. It was the last radio drama to record higher ratings than the new young upstart television!
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1985.
SAT 18:30 William Golding - Lord of the Flies (b036j238)
Gift For Darkness
Since their plane crashed into a deserted island, the group of surviving schoolboys have awaited rescue by mainting a signal fire.
But as tensions rose amongst the group factions have emerged causing a split. Jack and his hunters have set up camp at a rocky outcrop they call Castle Rock while Ralph, Piggy, Simon and a few stragglers have remained at the shelters with the signal fire. And it's the fire that the hunters so desperately crave.
Conclusion of William Golding's classic fable.
Ralph . . . . . Finn Bennett
Jack . . . . . Richard Linnell
Piggy . . . . . Kasper Hilton Hille
Simon . . . . . Jack Kane
Maurice . . . . . Barney Herrin
Sam . . . . . Bradley Shedden
Eric . . . . . Tomi Fry
Roger . . . . . Edward Bracey
Bill . . . . . Gabriel Brody
Littleun . . . . . Isaac Andrews
Mother . . . . . Stephanie Racine
Officer . . . . . Adam Nagaitis
Narrator . . . . . Ruth Wilson
Dramatised by Judith Adams.
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
Conch player: Eilon Morris
Sound design and choral arrangement: Colin Guthrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.
SAT 19:00 Adrian Mole: The Mole Truth with Sue Townsend (b007jqr8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 21:00 Sue Townsend - The Diary of Nigel Mole, aged 13 3/4 (b008hsf1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SAT 21:30 Chain Reaction (b01l1g68)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Watson's Live Address to the Nation (b016lgkl)
Strength
Mark Watson reignites his quest to improve the world, nimbly assisted by Tim Key and Tom Basden.
As broadcast live in November 2011 - Mark invites the audience join in via tweets and messages to work out how we can all make the world a better place.
Asking the big questions crucial to our understanding of ourselves and society - Mark kicks off with a look at "Strength".
Strength comes in many forms. We all need to be strong sometimes in life, whether we're dealing with an emotional fall-out or carrying a really heavy dog to the vet's. Some have inner strength, like people who survive divorce etc; some have outer strength, like guys who pull buses with their teeth in competitions.
But can strength be - ironically - a weakness? Strength can have its downsides. Our fondness for displays of strength has led to disastrous episodes like wars breaking out and 'Gladiators' being brought back. Mr Strong, in the Mr Men books, got strong by eating a barn full of eggs, but must have suffered terrible side-effects. How can we be strong, but remain human?
Mark Watson is a multi-award winning comedian, including the inaugural If.Comedy Panel Prize 2006. He is assisted by Tim Key, winner of Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2009 and Tom Basden who won the If.Comedy Award for Best Newcomer 2007.
Producer: Lianne Coop.
First broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SAT 22:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b007jzvf)
Series 1
Episode 1
The funny man throws open his radio drop-in centre for sketches, chat and big, big fibs. With Phill Jupitus. From May 2005.
SAT 23:00 The Mark Steel Revolution (b00fnnz6)
The Sexual Revolution
Radical comic Mark Steele presents a highly personal account of the sexual revolution.
A series of lectures on the theme of revolution, Mark examines some of the major historical forces at work during revolutions as well as holding up a mirror to our own age.
With Martin Hyder and Carla Mendonca.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
SAT 23:30 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00sr30b)
Series 2
Normal Things
Cartoonist Steven has a very removing experience when an expert de-clutters his house.
Paul McCrink stars as Steven Appleby with what he laughably describes as "insights into normal, everyday life".
With:
Rosalind Paul
Ewan Bailey
Nigel Betts
Rachel Atkins
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003
SAT 23:45 No Tomatoes (b0080274)
Trash Talk
Sketch show mixing up language and sounds. Spaghetti spellings with Paul Copley and Helen Moon. From October 2007.