SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2014

SAT 00:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years (b007jqtd)
Pensioners
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years is the fifth book of the Mole series and is set between 30th April 1997 and 2nd May 1998. He is now 30 years-old.
Adrian is Head Chef in a Soho restaurant, estranged from his Nigerian wife, Jo Jo, and is the father of a three year-old called William. During the course of the book Adrian loses his job, moves back to Ashby-de-la-Zouche, his mother moves in with Pandora's father and Pandora herself becomes an MP. Adrian also discovers he has another - disruptive - son and inherits a house. He and his two sons move in together, but the house is burned to the ground by a woman who is infatuated by him.
SAT 00:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mvg01)
Every Man's Home Is His Castle
Elaborate rituals of locking up at night, plus records of Old Bailey trials. Amanda Vickery's hidden history of the home over 400 years.
SAT 00:30 A House to Let (b00x544m)
Episode 5
The derelict house finally reveals its sad secrets, but Trottle is determined to make it a happy ending. Stars Marcia Warren.
SAT 00:45 Book of the Week (b0077613)
Brian Thompson - Clever Girl: A Sentimental Education
Sausages for Tea
Having come down from Cambridge, Brian Thompson marries his sensible girlfriend. 1950s memoir concluded by David Troughton.
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 01:30 My Life in Five Books (b00v3cyk)
Series 1
Sir Terry Pratchett
Acclaimed author Sir Terry Pratchett has sold over 65 million books worldwide.
In conversation with Stuart Cosgrove, Sir Terry reveals the five most important books in his life. As well as revealing his literary secrets he tells Stuart about his life as a journalist, how he copes living with Alzheimer's and why he really wanted to be an astronomer.
Sir Terry died in March 2015 aged 66.
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in October 2010
SAT 02:00 Doctor Who (b01852w8)
Hornets' Nest
The Dead Shoes, part 2
Still cowering in the cellar of the cottage, Mike Yates discovers the Doctor's horrifying conclusion about the alien-infested ballet pumps of 1930s Cromer.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey, Claire Corbett as Ernestina Stott and Christian Rodska as the Reverend Small.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
SAT 02:30 Bette in Britain (b00bzdg8)
Susan George profiles Hollywood legend Miss Bette Davis, recalling her visits to Britain and the impact she had on British actors, directors and producers.
Reflecting the plotlines of characters she played on screen, Bette Davis's visits across the Atlantic left behind stories of success, mystery, court battles, failed marriages and sadness.
Miss Davis starred in several British films and was inspired by our history and influenced by our culture. She came here in the 1970s to tour her one-woman show where it has been claimed on a visit to Cardiff she searched for and found her relatives.
The programme features Davis's memorable appearance at the National Film Theatre and looks at the time she came to the UK to record an album of songs.
With extracts from her British interviews spanning 30 years the programme includes contributions from actor Wendy Craig, broadcaster Wyn Calvin and director Jimmy Sangster.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 to mark the centenary of the birth of Miss Bette Davis in 2008.
SAT 03:00 RL Stevenson - The Master of Ballantrae (b00cbcpd)
Episode 1
Two brothers, James and Henry Durie, engage in a bitter struggle over money, power and love in this dark and dramatic adventure story set in 18th-century Scotland and America.
After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the Master flees Scotland for a life of piracy, buried treasure and murder...
Starring David Rintoul and Liam Brennan.
First published in 1889, Robert Louis Stevenson's buccaneering tale dramatised in two parts by Chris Dolan.
James Durie …. David Rintoul
Henry Durie …. Liam Brennan
Ephraim McKellar …. John Shedden
Alison Graeme …. Vicki Liddelle
Chevalier Burke …. Patrick Moy
Captain Teach …. John Kazek
Dutton …. Simon Tait
Jess Broun …. Lesley Hart
Lord Durrisdeer …. Tom Fleming
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
SAT 04:00 Patrick O'Brian - The Surgeon's Mate (b0076m9w)
Episode 8
A gale is blowing up in the mouth of the Channel when HMS Ariel sights a French frigate on the windward side. Read by Benedict Cumberbatch.
SAT 04:15 Gideon Fell - The Blind Barber (b04v36dw)
There is only one clue to a brutal killing on an ocean liner - the engraving on the murder weapon.
Thriller starring Donald Sinden as Dr Gideon Fell, John Hartley as Superintendent Hadley and Patrick Allen as Lord Sturton.
Amateur sleuth, Dr Gideon Fell is an archetypal English eccentric created by American-born John Dickson Carr.
Dramatised by Peter Ling. Director Enyd Williams.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997
SAT 05:00 After Henry (b007jq6v)
Series 3
A Box of Chocolates
"Any treaty drawn up with my mother would have to include strict boundary agreements. I'm afraid she has the same attitude to frontiers as Genghis Khan. And now I come to think of it, the similarities don't end there."
When Sarah meets an old flame 30 years on, her mother manages to interrupt them once again.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Sarah ...... Prunella Scales
Eleanor ...... Joan Sanderson
Russell ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Clare ...... Gerry Cowper
Peter ...... Tom Wilkinson
Doctor ...... Julie Berry
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1987.
SAT 05:30 Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me (b0076shv)
Series 2
I Get Along Without You Very Well
When Barry's wife leaves him for another man, Roy of course thinks he knows the best way to get her back. But at 2am and after many fortifying glasses of rum, it's not looking so hopeful.
Don Warrington........... Roy
Yvonne Brewster.........Vi
Sam Kelly.......................George
George Layton..............Barry
Caroline Lee Johnson...Bernadette
Mike Kearsey..................Trombonist
Written by Marcus Powell
Producer Carol Smith.
SAT 06:00 Jules Verne - Journey to the Centre of the Earth (b007jtt8)
Ancient runes spark a geologist's exploration of an impossible realm. Jules Verne's adventure stars Nathaniel Parker and Nicholas Le Prevost.
SAT 07:30 The House I Grew Up In (b00dgjg0)
Series 2
Baroness Mary Warnock
Wendy Robbins presents a series revisiting the childhood neighbourhoods of influential Britons.
Baroness Mary Warnock has been a moral referee for 30 years. Her judgement has often been relied upon to steer a path through a tangle of controversies from human embryo research to euthanasia. She takes Wendy back to her idyllic childhood in Winchester, where she was brought up by her beloved nanny and an eccentric mother.
SAT 08:00 Kenny Everett - Here's Kenny (b01n4h2n)
Music journalist Mark Paytress re-assesses the pioneering Kenny Everett and his place in broadcasting history - using a host of clips of the genius at work.
Through interviews with friends, fans and colleagues along with unheard examples of his maverick style on the BBC and pirate ship airwaves, we delve into Everett's colourful style - and restore his name amongst the radio greats.
We also look at the little-known work with his great friends, The Beatles. Everett was the first to play Strawberry Fields, toured America with them, and even produced 2 Fan Club Albums!
Produced by Sian Price.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SAT 09:00 Barry Cryer's Christmas Selection Box (b007jqqy)
Episode 1
Avoiding all the hard centres - our jovial host Barry Cryer plunders his Christmas selection box to bring you six shining examples of Auntie's festive jewels:
* Radio Active's Christmas Turkey - 1983.
The National Local Radio Station links up with Bethlehem and drops in on sick kids.
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Philip Pope, Geoffrey Perkins, Angus Deayton and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
* The Masterson Inheritance - Christmas Special 1993
The Masterson family face repercussions from a child's innocent gift. Improvised historical saga.
Starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson.
* Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket - 1983.
Evadne's mother is on a festive visit, and she's driving her daughter crackers!
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket, Dr Evadne Hinge, Jean Heywood, Anthony Sharp, Chris Emmett and Frances Jeater.
* Round the Horne: Cinderella - 1967.
Baron Hardup's daughters battle it out to go to Prince Charming's ball.
Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Douglas Smith.
* Lines from my Grandfather Christmas's Forehead - 1971.
How even the best laid festive plans can go awry - and a message from your milkman.
Starring Ronnie Barker, Terence Brady and Pauline Yates.
* The Goon Show: Ye Bandit of Sherwood Forest – 1954 .
Neddie Seagoon wants fame and riches, but will he risk life and limb for Maid Marion?
Starring Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers.
Mr Cryer's Santa hat and baubles (not shown) artiste's own.
Mr Cryer's contractual egg nog provided by his producer: Peter Reed.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2003.
SAT 12:00 Just a Girl (b04v89nl)
Series 1 Omnibus
How would you cope if your child was born into the wrong body? Powerful new drama by Mark Davies Markham.
SAT 13:15 The Lady Detectives (b00cq611)
Mr Bovey's Unexpected Will
Miss Florence Cusack, one of Victorian London's most clever and determined private consulting detectives, investigates a case where a man's fate depends on his weight in gold.
From the Golden Age of the crime short story, 'The Lady Detectives' is a series of four female sleuths to rival the great Sherlock himself.
LT Meade and Robert Eustace's mystery stars Elizabeth Conboy as Miss Cusack, Crawford Logan as Dr Lonsdale and Paul Young as Inspector Schilling.
Dramatised by Roger Danes.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
SAT 14:00 The Goon Show (b007jl4y)
Series 7 Special
Operation Christmas Duff
In light of a festive pudding shortage for forces overseas, Neddie Seagoon takes action. Soon Richard Dimbleby is reporting on the giant Christmas pudding being mixed at dry dock in Chatham.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
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: Pat Dixon
Made for the BBC General Overseas Service and first broadcast to troops in 1956.
First UK broadcast was Christmas Day 1986 on BBC Radio 4.
SAT 14:30 Take It From Here (b0186dsr)
From 17/12/1953
Pa Glum mediates between Ron and Eth - who gets which presents? Stars Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield. From December 1953.
SAT 15:00 Kenny Everett - Here's Kenny (b01n4h2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Jules Verne - Journey to the Centre of the Earth (b007jtt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 The Rest is History (b04v2ssq)
Series 1
Episode 1
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it.
This comedy discussion show with celebrity guests promises to help him find out more about it.
With Dave Gorman, Sara Pascoe and historian in residence Dr Kate Williams
Frank and company navigate their way through the annals of time, picking out and chewing over the funniest, oddest, and most interesting moments in history.
Producers: Dan Schreiber and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2014.
SAT 18:00 MR James (b007jtk7)
The Hex
Embroiled in a public controversy with a black magic charlatan called Gardini, Montague receives an unexpected apology from the man - an apology which masks a strange and inexorable curse: Montague has been hexed.
A play by Gregory Evans based on MR James's short story, The Casting of the Runes.
Staring Conrad Phillips and Peter Copley.
Montague ...... Conrad Phillips
Rhodes ...... Peter Copley
Laura ...... Carole Boyer
Elspeth ...... Kim Hartman
Gardini ...... Edward Atienza
Other parts played by Tim Bannerman and Edward Atienza
Producer: Brian Miller.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Theatre in January 1981.
SAT 18:55 The Scarifyers (b00wv6vz)
Mr Crowley's Christmas
It's 24 December 1937, and the world's foremost satanist Aleister Crowley is full of dread. Stars Nicholas Courtney and David Benson. From December 2010.
SAT 19:00 Barry Cryer's Christmas Selection Box (b007jqqy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Rhod Gilbert's Bulging Barrel of Laughs (b00tkmcl)
Episode 1
Welsh comic Rhod Gilbert introduces regulars Lloyd Langford and Greg Davies.
Plus Sarah Millican takes a weekly look at The Six Stages of Woman.
Find out whether whales can paint and what annoys Rhod about supermarket potatoes.
With live music from Scouting for Girls, including their hit She's So Lovely.
Guest comedian is country and western singer Wilson Dixon.
Producers: Julia Mckenzie and Lianne Coop.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 2010.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b04xtdlz)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Arthur Smith chats again to James Acaster.
SAT 23:00 The Mark Steel Lecture (b007qw7m)
Series 3
Ludwig van Beethoven
The radical comedian offers his humorous assessment of the influential German composer. From September 2002.
SAT 23:30 Josie Long: All of the Planet's Wonders (b00hkrbb)
Astronomy for Dummies
Comedian Josie Long tries to better herself through learning and discovering things in reference books.
She presents her essay on a given subject, with fellow comedian Maeve Higgins helping out with questions, illustrations and interruptions.
For starters, Josie uses the book "Astronomy for Dummies" to unravel the greater mysteries of the cosmos.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.
SAT 23:45 Fabulous (b00hlxwn)
Series 1
Episode 2
Faye fancies a day under her duvet, but perhaps it would be more peaceful at the office?
Daisy Haggard stars as Faye in Lucy Clarke’s sitcom about a woman who wants to be fabulous but can't cope.
With:
Olivia Colman
Adam Buxton
Katy Brand
Matthew Holness
Laura Solon
Anne Reid
Joanna Scanlan
Eve Dallas
Joanna Neary
John Dougall
Music by Osymyso.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.


SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2014

SUN 00:00 MR James (b007jtk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:55 The Scarifyers (b00wv6vz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:55 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Kenny Everett - Here's Kenny (b01n4h2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Just a Girl (b04v89nl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 The Lady Detectives (b00cq611)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Jules Verne - Journey to the Centre of the Earth (b007jtt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 The Rest is History (b04v2ssq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Charles Dickens (b00x8c60)
A House to Let (Omnibus)
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
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
SUN 07:15 The Snowman (b0075zpl)
The Snowman is the sand castle of an inclement season, the winter equivalent of the scarecrow, and the jolliest of the folk-figure creations.
From pagan times to contemporary snowmen, there are factual and mythical accounts of this cheery winter character ... as well as evidence of the existence of snowwomen...
Producer: Alison Quinn
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
SUN 07:30 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00z58bb)
Series 1
Osminia
Brian Gulliver, a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have had a number of bizarre adventures.
This week he travels to Osminia, a land where marriage is outlawed.
Produced by Steven Canny
Brian Gulliver's Travels is a new satirical adventure story from Bill Dare. The series has attracted an excellent cast led by Neil Pearson and award winning star of the RSC's current season, Mariah Gale. Cast includes fantastic actors Tamsin Greig, John Standing, Paul Bhattacharjee, Christopher Douglas, Catherine Shepherd, Vicky Pepperdine, Phil Cornwell, Antonia Campbell Hughes, Jo Bobin and Katherine Jakeways.
For years Bill Dare wanted to create a satire about different worlds exploring Kipling's idea that we travel, 'not just to explore civilizations, but to better understand our own'. But science fiction and space ships never interested him, so he put the idea on ice. Then Brian Gulliver arrived and meant that our hero could be lost in a fictional world without the need for any sci-fi.
Satirical targets over the series: the medical profession and its need to pathologize everything; the effect of marriage on children; spirituality and pseudo-science; compensation culture; sexism; the affect of our obsession with fame.
Gulliver's Travels is the only book Bill Dare read at university. His father, Peter Jones, narrated a similarly peripatetic radio series: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
SUN 08:00 Jerome K Jerome - Three Men in a Boat (b01c6h6v)
Episode 1
"We arranged to start on the following Saturday. Harris and I would take the boat up to Chertsey, and George, who would not be able to get away from the city till the afternoon, would meet us there. (George goes to sleep at the bank from ten to four each day, except Saturdays, when they wake him up and put him outside at two)."
George, Harris and J holiday on the River Thames from Kingston to Oxford - with Montmorency the dog. Adapted and performed in three episodes by Jeremy Nicholas.
Music by Jeremy Nicholas. Performed by The Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
SUN 08:30 Stop Messing About! (b00rgltx)
Series 2
Episode 5
Two Hell's Angels woo a waitress, and love is in the air in the Smith Report.
Starring Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Joan Sims and announcer Douglas Smith.
After the unexpected death of Kenneth Horne in 1969, plans for the next series of Round The Horne were axed. Instead - using an old catchphrase of Kenneth Williams as a series title - Kenneth joined Hugh Paddick to continue the comedy tradition and was also reunited with his "Carry On" film co-star Joan Sims.
Written by Myles Rudge, David Cumming and Derek Collyer.
With the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1970.
SUN 09:00 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b007jqrn)
Aunt March Settles the Question
Father returns for Christmas and Meg gets a proposal. Stars Buffy Davis, Jemma Redgrave and Gayle Hunnicutt.
SUN 09:30 Captain Kidd and the First Fifteen (b04v8j57)
Episode 6
Harry's health is failing fast, while Captain Kidd thinks he has cheated justice. Stars Polly James and Philip Voss.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b04v8j59)
Children's Writers
Michael Rosen
4 Extra Debut. From Ewan MacColl to Smiley Culture, children's author Michael Rosen shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From August 2006.
SUN 10:45 Afternoon Reading (b00t3z7n)
Just William - Pursuin' Happiness
The Knight at Arms
He's back! Who? Just William.
Richmal Crompton's grubby, tousled, William Brown occupies his usual would-be-heroic starring role in three stories new to BBC Radio 4, brought to definitive life, as ever, by Martin Jarvis.
In this opening tale, William, inspired by his history teacher's accounts of medieval derring-do, sets out with his faithful squire Ginger to succour the oppressed. They come upon a beautiful damsel who is unquestionably oppressed, and therefore clearly in need of helpful succouring!
But as so often with William, things aren't quite what they seem.
Director: Pete Atkin
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres Production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 11:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b018j117)
Series 7
Christmas Compilation
The festive funny man's highlights from Christmases past. Including legendary folk singer Odetta and soprano Renee Fleming.
SUN 12:00 Charles Dickens (b00x8c60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 The Snowman (b0075zpl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Michael Frayn - Clouds (b00d9ywg)
"They're all the same these places... guided tour of collective farms, National folk-dance company, Kindergarten where they sing you a patriotic song. You go along with it for a couple of days before you put the boot in. Insist on seeing the jails. My name's Owen by the way. I'm doing it for one of the colour mags."
Coffee and literature or art and sugar? Rival Sunday supplement writers clash under 1970s Cuban skies.
Michael Frayn's drama stars Dinsdale Landen as Owen, Morag Hood as Mara, Don Fellows as Ed, Paul Chapman as Angel and Arturo Venegas as Hilberto.
Originally transmitted as the United Kingdom contribution for the "Globe Theatre" season of six plays from around the world, broadcast simultaneously by BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service.
Director: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1987.
SUN 15:00 Jerome K Jerome - Three Men in a Boat (b01c6h6v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Stop Messing About! (b00rgltx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b04v8kwg)
Sir Quentin Blake and Christmas Crackers
Mel Giedroyc brings you some of best bits of the past week on the 4 O'Clock Show, including a tour of Sir Quentin Blake's studio and the reason why Christmas crackers go bang!
SUN 17:00 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b007jqrn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Captain Kidd and the First Fifteen (b04v8j57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Weird Tales (b00vknmp)
Series 2
Connected
WEIRD TALES: Connected
By Melissa Murray
Hoarder of horror Lovecraft returns for a new series to share more of his chilling tales.
When her brother-in-law is killed in a car crash, Steph is overcome with sadness. One day, feeling maudlin, she rings his mobile number. She just wants to hear his voice really. The next day he rings her back...
Steph ..... Fiona Glascott
Ray ..... Joseph Kloska
Jamie ..... Piers Wehner
Lovecraft ..... Stephen Hogan
Mother ..... Kate Layden
Jan / Flight Attendant ..... Melissa Advani
Passenger ..... Ewan Hooper
Shop Assistant ..... Rhys Jennings
Passerby ..... John Biggins
Passerby 2 / Estate Agent ..... Tessa Nicholson
Directed by Mary Peate
Introduced by the mysterious H.P. Lovecraft, Weird Tales is a series of three chilling and intimate plays for the late night slot on Radio 4.
Drawing the audience into a claustrophobic and disturbing world, the plays set out to explore the characters' deepest fears and torments. The series will concentrate on the psychological element of the horror genre stirring the imagination of the listener.
One hundred years ago, H.P. Lovecraft created The Necronomicon, a grimoire of lost souls, magical rites and forbidden lore. Locked away, he is after new stories, new blood, to add to his collection. From ghosts to demons, the plays draw the audience into a claustrophobic and disturbing world, exploring the audience's deepest fears and neuroses.
SUN 18:30 The Scarifyers (b01b1y01)
The Magic Circle
Episode 1
Uncanny investigators MI-13 are back on the case. David Warner joins the regular cast for a brand new Scarifyers adventure, The Magic Circle.
Professor Dunning (Terry Molloy) is finding the business of single-handedly saving Great Britain from the forces of darkness rather taxing.
And Lionheart? Lionheart is missing.
When the only clue to his disappearance seems to lie in a twenty-year-old murder investigation, Dunning turns to the one man who might have the answers: Lionheart's erstwhile colleague Harry 'Thumper' Crow (David Warner).
Harry doesn't hold with supernaturalism, but over the next few days he's going to see some very strange things indeed: a string of murdered magicians, a dead music-hall star come back to life, and a pensioner from the depths of hell.
Can Crow and Dunning find Lionheart? A terrible truth awaits, as they unearth the long-buried secrets of The Magic Circle.
This is the sixth story in supernatural comedy series 'The Scarifyers.' The series follows the exploits of 1930s ghost-story writer Professor Dunning (Terry Molloy) and Detective Inspector Lionheart (Nicholas Courtney), who together investigate weird mysteries under the auspices of top-secret government department MI-13.
In 2011, Nicholas Courtney passed away. 'The Magic Circle' introduces a new lead character, played by David Warner, and serves as a farewell to both Lionheart and to the actor who played him.
PRODUCER
Name: Simon Barnard
Tel: 07771657529
Email: simon@cosmichobo.com
Indie Company Name: Cosmic Hobo Productions.
SUN 19:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b018j117)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 20:00 Jerome K Jerome - Three Men in a Boat (b01c6h6v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 Stop Messing About! (b00rgltx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b04v8j59)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Afternoon Reading (b00t3z7n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00z58bb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d3rm9)
Series 1
An Adolescence Utterly Trashed
Young Pip aims to escape school, with a crone's help. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson. From August 2007.
SUN 23:00 The Cornwell Estate (b00vhhnj)
Series 2
Colin Oberon
Created by Phil Cornwell and Andrew McGibbon. Six new, edgy comic characters are brought to life in a brand new series of The Cornwell Estate, starring Jill Halfpenny (Strictly Come Dancing, Eastenders), Roger Lloyd Pack (Only Fools and Horses, Vicar of Dibley), Simon Greenall (Alan Partridge) and Ricky Champ (Him and Her, BBC3).
Colin Oberon is a primary school English teacher determined to teach his class anything but how to speak English. He wants them to learn his new language "Globe-ish" The school and governors are not impressed.
Cast:
Colin Oberon ..... Phil Cornwell
Head Teacher ..... Mia Soteriou
School Govenor ..... Cyril Nri
Parents ..... Damola Adelaja, Lashana Lynch, Daniel York, Amy Ip, Tom Reed, Harvey Virdi
Written and directed by Andrew McGibbon
Additional material by Nick Romero
Producer: Andrew McGibbon
A Curtains for Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 23:15 Knocker (b00890vp)
Privinvasionacy
Armed with a broken clipboard, puny incentives, inappropriate footwear and an unflagging commitment to the Market Researcher's Code of Conduct, Ian Dunn seeks the precious opinions of a hostile public.
CAST:
Ian Dunn …. Neil Edmond
Mary/Mrs Rapidis …. Paula Wilcox
Mrs Worth …. Julia Deakin
Ms Shape …. Tina Gray
Mr Bluff …. Simone Treves
Written by Neil Edmond
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 7 in 2007.
SUN 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jr0v)
Series 3
The Masterson Bunch
Suffragettes split the Masterson family, sparking drama at the races.
The award-winning improvised historical family saga based entirely on audience suggestions.
Starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Lee Simpson, Phelim McDermott and Caroline Quentin.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.


MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 2014

MON 00:00 Weird Tales (b00vknmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Scarifyers (b01b1y01)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b04v8j59)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Afternoon Reading (b00t3z7n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Jerome K Jerome - Three Men in a Boat (b01c6h6v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Stop Messing About! (b00rgltx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00z58bb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Michael Frayn - Clouds (b00d9ywg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b007jqrn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Captain Kidd and the First Fifteen (b04v8j57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Doctor Who (b0185cks)
Hornets' Nest
The Circus of Doom, part 1
Continuing with their cottage encounter, Mike Yates listens eagerly as the Doctor recalls his early 19th century encounter with the alien swarm in a small English rural town...
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susie Ridell as Sally, Michael Maloney as Dr Adam Farrow, Stephen Thorne as Antonio and Jilly Bond as Francesca.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
MON 06:30 Not Now Arthur (b007vzml)
Stewart Henderson tells the colourful life story of Arthur Tolcher, the man made famous for not playing his harmonica on The Morecambe and Wise Show. A veteran of music hall and variety theatre, Arthur survived through his versatility and professionalism.
MON 07:00 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007524c)
Series 4
Episode 6
Sofa-bound TV presenters Mike and Sue tackle the problems of breaking up relationships plus a delve into the world of money.
Starring Robert Duncan and Jan Ravens.
With Roger Blake, Alistair McGowan, Ronnie Ancona and Steve Punt.
Written by Steve Punt from a format by Bill Dare.
Music by Mark Burton.
Producer: Aled Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b04v3103)
Series 62
Episode 5
The godfather of all panel shows pays a visit to The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. John Finnemore and Graeme Garden are joined on the panel by Susan Calman and Tony Hawks, with Jack Dee in the chair. Colin Sell accompanies on the piano.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
MON 08:00 Over the Garden Wall (b04v986b)
From 07/10/1948
Norman Evans plays toothless Lancastrian housewife Fanny Fairbottom, later inspiring Les Dawson's homage Ada. From October 1948.
MON 08:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcw)
The Army Show
Spike Milligan's military merrymaking with Barry Humphries, John Bluthal, John Bird, Alan Clare, Roddy Maude-Roxby and Phillipe Le Bars. Recorded before an audience of soldiers.
Written by Spike Milligan. Produced by Charles Chilton.
Audio courtesy of The Goon Show Preservation Society
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in June 1965.
MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
Series 14
Tennessee Williams
This week the "Author of the Week" is American playwright and twice Pulitzer Prize-winner, Tennessee Williams. The teams answer questions about his immensely colourful life and work, as well as solve the usual literary brain-teasers as posed to them by Write Stuff host, James Walton.
Joining Sebastian Faulks on his team this week is bestselling children's author and "Horrid Henry" creator, Francesca Simon. Opposite them, on John Walsh's team will be award-winning crime writer, Mark Billingham.
The show will end, as ever, on the hilarious pastiches that the panellists have written of Williams' work. This week their brief is to imagine what Williams' plays might be like if he had set them, not in the American Deep South, but in the British Home Counties.
MON 09:30 Britain Versus the World (b04v992d)
Series 1
Episode 1
Comedy panel show which pits two British comedians against a team of comics from overseas to find out which side is superior.
Joining the British captain, Hal Cruttenden, is Scottish comedian Susan Calman while the captain of the Rest of the World - Henning Wehn - is teamed with Malawian stand-up Daliso Chaponda.
The contest is overseen by Irishman Ed Byrne who does his very best to stay impartial.
Programme Associate: Bill Matthews
Devised and produced by Ashley Blaker.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
MON 10:00 RL Stevenson - The Master of Ballantrae (b00cbmp9)
Episode 2
After the brother's bitter duel - the body of James Durie has mysteriously disappeared. The House of Durrisdeer is shattered for a second time.
Brothers James and Henry Durie engage in a bitter struggle over money, power and love in this dark and dramatic adventure story set in 18th-century Scotland and America.
Starring David Rintoul and Liam Brennan.
Conclusion of Robert Louis Stevenson's buccaneering tale dramatised by Chris Dolan.
James Durie …. David Rintoul
Henry Durie …. Liam Brennan
Ephraim McKellar …. John Shedden
Alison Graeme …. Vicki Liddelle
Hasty …. Patrick Moy
Captain Harris …. John Kazek
Carlyle/General Clinton …. Simon Tait
Lesley Hart (Katherine)
Lord Durrisdeer …. Tom Fleming
Secundra Dass …. Ali de Souza
Colonel Johnson …. James Bryce
Mr Mountain …. Alec Heggie
Alexander Durie …. Harris Young
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
MON 11:00 Patrick O'Brian - The Surgeon's Mate (b0076mbh)
Episode 9
Shipwrecked on the treacherous Breton coast, Aubrey and Maturin pass once more into captivity. Read by Benedict Cumberbatch.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b04v9r5c)
Nikki Bedi, David Jason, Jennifer Saunders, Joan Bakewell, Clive Rowe, Annie Eve, Johnny Sly
Clive catches up with Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, Detective Inspector Jack Frost, Granville and Pop Larkin... in fact, just with Sir David Jason.... a bona fide national treasure, about his new series 'Still Open All Hours'. Joan Bakewell DBE tells Clive of the pleasures of working for the second year in a row, with entertainer Frank Skinner, on Sky Arts 'Portrait of the Year'. Clive's co-host Nikki Bedi's guest is 'bloke in a frock', celebrated grande dame of pantomime Clive Rowe who makes his much-anticipated return to Hackney Empire this Christmas in Mother Goose. And in a similar vein, we feature a 'boy in a dress' - the Christmas TV adaptation of David Walliams' children's novel stars Clive's guest Jennifer Saunders.
With music from Johnny Sly who perform 'Peace of Mine from their 'Lost Thoughts' EP, and from Annie Eve who performs 'Basement' from her album 'Sunday 91'.
Producer: Sukey Firth.
MON 12:00 Over the Garden Wall (b04v986b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Doctor Who (b0185cks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Not Now Arthur (b007vzml)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008hzgk)
Art, Culture and Politics
Adrian speaks to the nation and plans a political party. What is Pandora's present? Read by Nicholas Barnes.
MON 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4f)
All My Life Is a Struggle With Dirt
Women's struggle to clean and care for their families in a household moral mission. Amanda Vickery's hidden history of the home.
MON 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pc2kb)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 1
Vera faces homelessness and Irene is inundated. Carole Hayman and Lou Wakefield's missives star Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
MON 14:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w1d)
Episode 1
The writer's quest to discover the real St Nicholas takes him from Santa's Kingdom in Birmingham to Turkey. Read by Alan Cox.
MON 15:00 RL Stevenson - The Master of Ballantrae (b00cbmp9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b04v99v4)
Antarctica, Keep It in the Family, Howl's Moving Castle
Mel Giedroyc goes to Antarctica with wildlife cameraman John Aitchison for the first episode of A View Through a Lens, and Fred MacAulay returns with Keep It in the Family.
MON 17:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c075x)
Series 3
Episode 3
Sheila and Tommy tackle their memoirs, but are their memories up to it?
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr continue their second stab at fame.
Series 3 of Mike Coleman’s six-part sitcom,
CAST:
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray Franklin …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Dudley Rathbone …. Alex Lowe
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
MON 17:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007524c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f5t)
There's Something Up There
Evil monsters await the supreme spaceman and his crew, the voluptuous Carla and boffin Dr Gitfinger.
It's blast off for the world's most fabulous man, Captain Elvis Brandenburg Kremmen.
With an IQ of 498 and a height of 6ft 10 inches, he's a Supreme Athlete, a Concert Pianist, Concorde Pilot, Mountain Climber, Diplomat, Space Captain and Genius.
Just like Kenny, Captain Kremmen was born in Liverpool on Christmas Day in 1950.
Kenny Everett's lovingly crafted sci-fi serial made its debut on London's Capital Radio in 1976.
MON 18:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b04v9b75)
Sir Ernest Hall and Gillian Tindall
Sarah LeFanu and her guests, pianist and entrepreneur Sir Ernest Hall and writer Gillian Tindall, discuss paperbacks by Evelyn Waugh, Apsley Cherry-Garrard and Marguerite Yourcenar. From December 1998.
Decline and Fall, by Evelyn Waugh
Publisher: Penguin 20th Century Classics
The Worst Journey in the World, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Publisher: Carroll & Graf, Imported by Biblios
Memoirs of Hadrian, by Marguerite Yourcenar
Publisher: Penguin 20th Century Classics.
MON 19:00 Over the Garden Wall (b04v986b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Doctor Who (b0185cks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Not Now Arthur (b007vzml)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 GM Fraser - Royal Flash (b00y8yrk)
Episode 1
Celebrated cavalry officer Harry Flashman is caught with his trousers down in a London club. Read by Iain Cuthbertson.
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b04v9r5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b04v3103)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Britain Versus the World (b04v992d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 23:00 The News Quiz Extra (b04v9bn3)
Series 12
Episode 9
Made for 4 Extra. Satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Sandi Toksvig with regular guest Jeremy Hardy, plus Bob Mills, Mark Steel and Rebecca Front.
MON 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b00b41k4)
Series 1
Episode 3
The poet laureate of alternative comedy, John Hegley, presents a selection of his work.
With:
Keith Moore
Susan Norton
Nigel Piper
Andrew Bailey
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1996.


TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2014

TUE 00:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008hzgk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pc2kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 00:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w1d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 A Good Read (b04v9b75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Doctor Who (b0185cks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Not Now Arthur (b007vzml)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 RL Stevenson - The Master of Ballantrae (b00cbmp9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Patrick O'Brian - The Surgeon's Mate (b0076mbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b04v9r5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c075x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007524c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f5t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:55 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Doctor Who (b0186ldb)
Hornets' Nest
The Circus of Doom, part 2
Still barricaded in their cottage, the Time Lord reveals more to former UNIT ally, Mike Yates about the 19th century extra-terrestrial swarm's efforts to re-animate the dead.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susie Ridell as Sally, Michael Maloney as Dr Adam Farrow, Stephen Thorne as Antonio and Jilly Bond as Francesca.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
TUE 06:30 Letters To Father Christmas (b00765hw)
JRR Tolkien immortalised Christmas letters in Letters from Father Christmas.
Charles Dickens penned a letter to Santa in 1843 telling him about his new work, A Christmas Carol.
Carole Boyd takes us from the beautifully penned sentiments of great writers to some of the most original examples of children's letters and explores the origins and continuing popularity of this favourite Christmas tradition.
Producer: Adele Armstrong
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
TUE 07:00 Bristow (b007sxvq)
Series 2
The Girl in the Yellow Overcoat
It's the Chester-Perry office party and Jones thinks all his Christmases have come at once.
Michael Williams stars as Bristow, the buying clerk from Frank Dickens' famous newspaper cartoon strip. Syndicated internationally, it ran for 41 years in London's Evening Standard.
Bristow ...... Michael Williams
Jones ...... Rodney Bewes
Mrs Purdy ...... Dora Bryan
Hewitt ...... Owen Brenman
Miss Sunman ...... Katy Odey
MoorcroftRobert Bathurst
Fudge ...... Jon Glover
Post Boy ...... Simon Schatzberger
Witherspoon ...... Peter Kelly
Fenella ...... Anna Mountford
Yellow Overcoat Girl ...... Zeena Eate
Music composed and performed by John Whitehall.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
TUE 07:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04v3838)
Series 2
The Well of Loneliness
When Tom's father uncovers some potentially life-changing news through his research into the family tree, Tom is pressganged into helping him find a church which could be devastating for the Wrigglesworth name.
Meanwhile, Tom's mum and gran enter the cut-throat world of competitive well-dressing.
Tom ...... Tom Wrigglesworth
Granny ...... Judy Parfitt
Dad ...... Paul Copley
Mum ...... Kate Anthony
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
TUE 08:00 Blackpool Night (b04v9p0q)
From 18/08/1963
Morecambe and Wise head a star-spangled bill from Blackpool's Jubilee Theatre - now sadly demolished.
With Ronnie Hilton, Reginald Dixon, Bill Waddington, Rawicz and Landauer, Elizabeth Larner, Tony Melody and The Four Ramblers.
And the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra directed by Bernard Hermann. Deputy: M Davis
Introduced by Jack Watson
Produced by James Casey
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1963.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b04v9bn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Hearing With Hegley (b00b41k4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075g8s)
Episode 1
Unable to find any Christmas entertainment, Thackeray invents his own fireside pantomime - a story of kings, princesses, lions and battles. Stars Prunella Scales and Maureen Lipman.
TUE 11:00 Patrick O'Brian - The Surgeon's Mate (b0076mc0)
Episode 10
Dr Maturin's greatest enemy has tracked him to Paris. He and Captain Aubrey must lose not a minute to make their escape. Concluded by Benedict Cumberbatch.
TUE 11:15 Drama (b00s3h42)
Tracy-Ann Oberman - Bette and Joan and Baby Jane
Written by Tracy-Ann Oberman.
On 23 July 1961, filming started on "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?" at the Producers Studio, Hollywood. It was a film that industry insiders thought would never be made, as its two female stars had an ongoing feud as famous and as long lasting as both of their glittering screen careers. Bette Davis "the actress" and Joan Crawford "the movie star" both arrived on set determined to prove everyone wrong, including each other...
Tracy-Ann's first radio play tells the story of the making of a legendary film, of the creation of two iconic stars and of the origins of a deep seated hatred that spanned five decades.
Producer: Liz Anstee.
A CPL Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 12:00 Blackpool Night (b04v9p0q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:00 Doctor Who (b0186ldb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Letters To Father Christmas (b00765hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008j08b)
A Mole in Moscow
When Mr Braithwaite has a spare ticket to Moscow, Adrian jumps at the chance to experience 'revolution in the raw'. Read by Nicholas Barnes.
TUE 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4j)
Pots and Pans
What do letters and diaries tell us about running the home in the 16th and 17th centuries? Why do pots and pans matter?
TUE 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pcs3j)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 2
Aggrieved Irene must bite her tongue when Vera's daughter Karen has a serious health scare. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
TUE 14:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w1x)
Episode 2
Tracing the myth of Saint Nicholas back to Turkey, Jeremy Seal finds mysterious relics, including a finger. Read by Alan Cox.
TUE 15:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075g8s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b04v9kl5)
Howl's Moving Castle, Keep It in the Family, Glasgow Central Station
Mel Giedroyc is joined by Fred MacAulay for the next episode in our quiz Keep It in the Family, and we go to the hidden world above and below Central Station in Glasgow.
TUE 17:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (b04v8y6p)
Series 1
French Week in Stackton
A Gallic visitor allows Hilda to rehearse her language skills.
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
The dear ladies reside in the Suffolk village of Stackton Tressel. This was the genteel setting for three Radio 4 series between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on Radio 2 until 1990. In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... George Logan
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... Patrick Fyffe
Maude ...... Daphne Heard
Jean-Pierre ...... Andre Maranne
Mr Smollett ...... David Marlowe
Scripted by Mike Craig, Lawrie Kinsley and Ron McDonnell.
Produced at BBC Manchester by James Casey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1977.
TUE 17:30 Bristow (b007sxvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f6l)
Inside the Thing
Donning spacesuits, Kremmen and Carla tread boldly to investigate the mysterious thing. Kenny Everett's 1970s sci-fi serial starring the world's most fabulous starship captain.
TUE 18:00 Chain Reaction (b01lv7ys)
Series 8
Derren Brown interviews Tim Minchin
Last week's interviewee, Illusionist Derren Brown, dispenses with the trickery and gets inside the mind of Tim Minchin by cleverly asking him some questions then listening to the answers. They talk beliefs, magic, music and Minchin.
Producer ..... Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.
TUE 18:30 The Tingle Factor (b04v9kl7)
Ken Russell
Ken Russell shares those musical moments which stir strong emotions with Jeremy Nicholas.
From Elgar to Leonard Bernstein , the film director also looks back over his life and career.
Producer: Andrew Mussett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
TUE 19:00 Blackpool Night (b04v9p0q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 20:00 Doctor Who (b0186ldb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Letters To Father Christmas (b00765hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 GM Fraser - Royal Flash (b00yhvw0)
Episode 2
Celebrated cavalry officer Harry Flashman is pursued by London police, and falls in love. Read by Iain Cuthbertson.
TUE 21:15 Drama (b00s3h42)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04v3838)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Headset Set (b012r7v2)
Series 1
Episode 6
The call centre staff at catalogue company Smile5 discover why Sailesh left Bangalore.
Eavesdrop on both sides of the bizarre, horrific and ludicrous phone calls when customers call in as events unfold with company staff.
Aleesha and other characters ..... Chizzy Akudolu
Bernie and other characters ..... Margaret-Cabourn Smith
Big Tony, Ralph and other characters ..... Colin Hoult
Sailesh, Bradley and other characters ..... Paul Sharma
Various ..... Philip Fox
Writers: James Kettle, Stephen Carlin, Celia Pacquola, Andy Wolton, Benjamin Partridge, Colin Hoult, Kevin Core, Madeliene Brettingham, Rebecca Hobbs and Dan Tetsell.
Script editor: James Kettle
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.
TUE 23:00 Delve Special (b00t5zzv)
Series 1
The Shifton Scandal
In 1982, four men mounted an illegal operation to build London's third airport at Shifton, 20 miles north east of Birmingham.
David Lander now concludes his investigation into the notorious demolition scandal with a look at the arrests, the trial and the disturbing aftermath.
Studio production by Stephen Fry, Jack Klaff, Tony Robinson and Moray Watson and Brenda Bleythn.
With Peter Wear, Mark Arden, Stephen Frost and Robert Bathurst.
Dramatic reconstruction by Phil Nice, Arthur Smith, John Bond and Carol Boyd.
Researched and compiled by Tony Sarchet.
Editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1984.
TUE 23:30 Vent (b00t6v4j)
Series 1
Switching Off
As he lies unconscious in intensive care, Ben's mind takes him on the most difficult journey yet.
Travelling through the landscape of his own chaotic brain, it looks surprisingly like Mordor.
In the real world, it's time to see if Ben can breathe on his own.
Dark sitcom written by Nigel Smith.
Ben …. Neil Pearson
Jean …. Josie Lawrence
Mary …. Fiona Allen
Blitzkrieg …. Leslie Ash
With Dave Lamb, Mark Perry, Jo Martin, Tim Whitnall and Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.


WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2014

WED 00:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008j08b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pcs3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 00:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Chain Reaction (b01lv7ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Tingle Factor (b04v9kl7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Doctor Who (b0186ldb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Letters To Father Christmas (b00765hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075g8s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Patrick O'Brian - The Surgeon's Mate (b0076mc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Drama (b00s3h42)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (b04v8y6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Bristow (b007sxvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:55 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Doctor Who (b0186szp)
Hornets' Nest
A Sting in the Tale, part 1
In his next alien insect encounter, the Time Lord travels back in the TARDIS to medieval England.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey, Claire Corbett as the Nun, Suzie Riddell as the Sister and Rula Lenska as the Swarm.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
WED 06:30 Crib City (b0076pnq)
Susannah Clapp investigates Naples's claim to be the home of the Christmas crib. The Italian city has been making miniature model holy stables for centuries with great craftsmanship and the tradition has continued to the present day. She visits the great churches of the city where spectacular cribs are on show and mingles with Christmas shoppers down the city centre street of crib makers to explore the survival of this true folk art.
WED 07:00 North by Northamptonshire (b018fmt1)
Series 2
Episode 4
Esther has a big question to ask Ken and Keith, while on the horizon, storm clouds gather...
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
John Biggins................................Keith
Mackenzie Crook...........................Rod
Kevin Eldon...................Jonathan / Ken
Shelia Hancock....................... Narrator
Jessica Henwick...........................Helen
Katherine Jakeways........ Esther / Jacqui
Felicity Montagu..............................Jan
Geoffrey Palmer........................Norman
Lizzie Roper..............................Angela
Penelope Wilton............................Mary
Rufus Wright................................Frank
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 07:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
Series 1
Communication
Paul Sinha looks through all of human history and examines how we came to be where we are.
In this edition, he looks at the modern's youth's obsession with a device that can be used to email, text, surf the web, play games and, very occasionally, make telephone calls - the telephone.
The story of how it came, legally, into being obviously involves electro-shock therapy and an exploding boat.
Paul also looks at a more positive aspect of young people, and tells a story of how the introduction of gin to the United Kingdom inspired the 17th-century equivalent of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
WED 08:00 Up the Pole (b04v9dlg)
From 01/11/1948
Dopey Jimmy Jewel and fast-talking Ben Warriss settle into their new flat over a disused fire station. Desperate Jimmy's in love and needs cash fast...
The sole surviving episode from 4 series of 'Up The Pole' which ran from 1947 - 1952. In the first series, the duo ran an Arctic trading post. First cousins, Jewel and Warriss found great success on stage, film, radio and TV in the post-war years.
With Claude Dampier, Jon Pertwee, Betty Paul and Roger Snowdon.
Music by the Five Smith Brothers and the Dance Orchestra - conducted by Stanley Black
Scripted by Ronnie Hanbury.
Producer: George Inns
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1948.
WED 08:30 Spike Milligan (b04vd21s)
The Naughty Navy Show
Spike Milligan's one-off festive show
Co-starring:
John Bird
Bernard Miles
Bob Todd
Phillipe Le Bars
Roddy Maude-Roxby
Music from Alan Clare's Naughty Navy Quartet.
Recorded before an audience of students at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. By permission of the Admiral President, Rear-Admiral P U. Bayley C.B.D.S.C.
Written by Spike Milligan.
Producer: Charles Chilton
Audio courtesy of The Goon Show Preservation Society.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1965.
WED 09:00 Foul Play (b00jm6kb)
Series 3
The Proof of the Pudding
Crime writers PD James and HRF Keating probe a death at dinnertime.
Simon Brett hosts the murder quiz.
Suspects played by Maria McErlane and Lee Simpson.
Producer Liz Anstree
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
WED 09:30 The Hudson and Pepperdine Show (b0075t8y)
Series 1
Episode 3
Being a 'breatharian' sparks disaster for host Mel.
Variety meets sitcom meets sketch show - written and performed by Mel Hudson and Vicki Pepperdine.
With Martin Hyder, Keith Wickham and Jim North.
Script editor: Graeme Garden
Producers: Claire Jones and Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2000.
WED 10:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075ggj)
Episode 2
Countess Gruddanuff and Fairy Blackstick make plans for the four royal young lovers. Stars Prunella Scales and Maureen Lipman.
WED 11:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n956s)
A Peacock in Sulphur
The first of three specially commissioned stories by James Hopkin. Niko Pirosmani was one of Georgia's greatest artists, but was it his art that killed him?
Read by Allan Corduner
Producer:Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 11:15 PL Travers - The Fox at the Manger (b00g227d)
When a fox meets the Messiah at the Nativity, he offers up his cunning. Magical story starring Wendy Hiller and Alec McCowen.
WED 12:00 Up the Pole (b04v9dlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Spike Milligan (b04vd21s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Doctor Who (b0186szp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Crib City (b0076pnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008j0km)
Mole on Lifestyle
Adrian reveals all about his fascinating way of life, including socks, soaps, kissing and parents. Read by Nicholas Barnes.
WED 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4l)
Kitchen Physic
Historian Amanda Vickery presents a series which reveals the hidden history of home over 400 years. She draws on first-hand accounts from letters and diaries, many of which have never been heard before. Including songs which have been specially recorded for the series.
From rabies to madness and piles, the housewives of the past were expected to concoct medicines which would cure any condition.
Readers: Deborah Findlay, John Sessions, Madeleine Brolly and Simon Tcherniak.
Singers: Gwyneth Herbert and Thomas Guthrie, with David Owen Norris at the keyboard.
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pcxq3)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 3
There is a major fallout when Vera's theories over Irene's relations spark family uproar. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
WED 14:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w2f)
Episode 3
From Myra to Bari, Jeremy Seal tracks the 11th-century European battles for the bones of Saint Nicholas. Read by Alan Cox.
WED 15:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075ggj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b04v9qcz)
Mary Berry, Sanjeev Singh Kohli in Pantoland
Mel Giedroyc presents her Bake Off chum Mary Berry's Inheritance Tracks, and Sanjeev Singh Kohli finds out how to create panto magic!
WED 17:00 Life in London (b0121lz3)
An End to Life in London
With Bob "on the Fleet" for debts, Tom betrayed by Kate, and Jerry so fatigued that rustication is recommended, is this an end to the trio's adventures?
Some years on, an older, more reflective Egan ruminates on the heyday of Life in London.
Starring Greg Wise and Mark Gatiss.
Conclusion of Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted by Dan Tetsell.
Pierce Egan ... Geoffrey McGivern
Theodore Holt ... Giles Taylor
Corinthian Tom ... Greg Wise
George Sala ... Ben Graves
Jerry Hawthorn Mark Gatiss
Fanny Margaret ... Cabourn Smith
Bob Logic ... James Bachman
Corinthian Kate ... Amanda Abbington
Original music by Ben Walker
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
WED 17:30 North by Northamptonshire (b018fmt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f89)
Trust Me, I'm a Doctor
Inside the strange vessel, Kremmen and Carla embark on a mystery trip with Dr Gitfinger. Kenny Everett's 1970s sci-fi serial starring the world's most fabulous starship captain.
WED 18:00 Foul Play (b00jm6kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b0076gp0)
Nostalgia
Cricketer Ed Smith, his father Jonathan Smith and novelist Sarah Harrison get all nostalgic with Matthew Parris.
In each programme, Matthew Parris introduces a group of writers of fact and fiction: new talent and established names. In the context of a discussion of one of the ideas and pre-occupations of our times, each presents a piece on this week's topic.
The best new writing and the freshest conversation from 2003.
WED 19:00 Up the Pole (b04v9dlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Spike Milligan (b04vd21s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Doctor Who (b0186szp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Crib City (b0076pnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n956s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 PL Travers - The Fox at the Manger (b00g227d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jzzh)
Christmas Special 2002
The Roll of the Dice
Satan embarks on an epic quest - and encounters Queen Victoria, Harpo Marx and a highly intelligent bluebottle.
Meanwhile the saintly Hope Fraser's arrival in Hell sparks confusion...
Andy Hamilton's two-part devilishly funny, festive special from Hell.
Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan
Hope ...... Claire Skinner
With Philip Pope, Felicity Montagu and Michael Fenton Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
WED 23:00 The Shuttleworths (b008hzry)
Specials
Christmas Eve With the Shuttleworths
Sheffield singer John Shuttleworth's plans for a festive family gathering go awry. Stars Graham Fellows. From December 1993.
Retired Sheffield security guard, John Shuttleworth is a "versatile singer-songwriter" living in a semi detached world with wife Mary, and teenage kids Karen and Darren. Unfortunately, his plans for a festive family gathering go awry. Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
WED 23:15 The News at Bedtime (b00pft4y)
Series 1
Episode 2
Twin presenters John Tweedledum and Jim Tweedledee present in-depth news analysis, covering the latest stories happening this 'once upon a time'.
Including a report on Yuletide Stress Syndrome, the latest on Santa's strike, a forecast for the Feast Of Stephen, and an update on The Xmas Factor.
With Jack Dee, Peter Capaldi, Lewis MacLeod, Alex MacQueen, Lucy Montgomery and Vicki Pepperdine.
Written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
WED 23:30 4 at the Store (b007jw7y)
Series 2
Episode 1
Simon Bligh hosts the Christmas flavoured stand-up from London's Comedy Store.
With:
Luke Ponte
Mitch Benn
Ian Moore.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.


THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER 2014

THU 00:00 Sue Townsend - Adrian Mole at Christmas (b008j0km)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pcxq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 00:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Foul Play (b00jm6kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Off the Page (b0076gp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Doctor Who (b0186szp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Crib City (b0076pnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 WM Thackeray - The Rose and the Ring (b0075ggj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n956s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 PL Travers - The Fox at the Manger (b00g227d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Life in London (b0121lz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 North by Northamptonshire (b018fmt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f89)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:55 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
Hornets' Nest
A Sting in the Tale, part 2
With the Doctor feeling increasingly disorientated, the alien swarm begin communications...
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey, Claire Corbett as the Nun, Suzie Riddell as the Sister and Rula Lenska as the Swarm.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
THU 06:30 We Three Kings (b00g1rmq)
Ian Hislop examines the myths and realities surrounding the Three Kings of the Christmas story.
They merit only a small mention in the Bible but they have had a huge impact on our understanding of Christ's birth story, so much so that they even have their own feast day. Ian examines 2,000 years of the telling of their story to see how history has shaped the legend of the Kings. Along the way he meets theologians, historians, the Archbishop of Canterbury and, curiously, a lot of people from Colchester.
THU 07:00 The Elephant Man (b04v8qcq)
Labour Pains
Terry's bank balance is redder than a baboon's bottom, so he decides to take on a paper round as well.
Peter Serafinowicz stars in Debbie Barham's sitcom about the life of an elephant zoo keeper.
Terry Lyon .... Peter Serafinowicz
Leonard .... Chris Emmet
Adam .... Richard Pearce
Stephanie .... Joanna Monro
Vem .... Wayne Forester
The Waitress .... Debra Stephenson
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1996.
THU 07:30 My Teenage Diary (b04v5fk2)
Series 6
Robert Newman
Rufus Hound is joined by the comedian and author Robert Newman, who reads from his 1981 teenage diaries. The young Newman goes on a CND rally, meets Tony Benn and Joe Strummer, and falls in love on the bus... twice.
Produced by Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 08:00 Ken Dodd - It's Great to Be Young (b04v9dlj)
'How tickled I am!' Gags and songs from 'young' Ken Dodd - with a trip to Doddyland and more mysteries tackled by Professor Dodd....
With Peter Goodwright, Judith Chalmers, Leonard Williams, Karat Gardner and Jimmy Goldie.
Music from the Littlewood Songsters and the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra conducted by Bernard Herman.
Written by James Casey, Frank Roscoe and Eddie Braben.
Producer: James Casey
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1960.
THU 08:30 Sid and Dora (b04vd29z)
Celebrating Christmas doesn't quite go to plan for Sid and Dora Edge.
Starring Sid James and Dora Bryan.
With Pat Coombs and Derek Lanyon.
Incidental music by Jack Emblow
Script by Eddie Maguire
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1965.
THU 09:00 Who Goes There? (b00fks6r)
Series 3
Episode 3
Martin Young chairs the quiz which looks at the noteworthy and the notorious from history.
Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego with guests Carol Sarler and Rachel Holmes.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2000.
THU 09:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0076t5h)
Series 4
Ground Control to Major Derek
Sitcom by Kay Stonham.
Wendy and Maureen take the weekend off while Robin and Derek receive unexpected visitors.
Robin ...... Brian Capron
Wendy ...... Kay Stonham
Derek ...... Martin Trenaman
Maureen ...... Amelia Bullmore.
THU 10:00 Happy Birthday Maurice Cole (b00wv3xy)
A look at the early life of Kenny Everett, who was born on Christmas Day 1944.
BBC Political Correspondent Paul Rowley tells the story of a quiet Catholic boy from Merseyside called Maurice Cole who became Britain's most creative, innovative DJ.
Deliberately, the programme is not about his TV work, his gay lifestyle, or his brief flirtation into politics, all of which have been widely covered. There are no celebrity interviews. Rowley went back to the home where he was born, speaking to neighbours, friends and family including the man who first showed him how to use a tape-recorder. There are extracts from a little-heard but very revealing interview he did with Radio Merseyside in 1976 when he talks about his schooldays, his failed attempts to become a missionary, and his first job "scraping gunk off sausage rolls" in a bakery.
He talks about his pioneering work on pirate radio, the Light Programme, and BBC Radio 1, illustrated with rare recordings from Rowley's extensive personal archive. You hear about his sackings, his love of classical music, and some of the jingles from his time on BBC Local Radio in the 1970s after he fired from Radio 1.
With Rosemarie Robertshaw, Tony Ormesher Dora Hirons and Lee Everett Alkin
Produced by Paul Rowley.
First broadcast on 20 BBC Local Radio stations at Christmas 2009.
THU 11:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n98tx)
The Wurst Express From Kakheti
The second of three specially commissioned stories by James Hopkin, inspired by his travels in Georgia.
It is summer 2008 and an impoverished Georgian poet is living in Berlin for three months. He is not expecting to hear shattering news from his homeland.
Read by Tom Goodman-Hill.
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 11:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Hercule Poirot does not care for the British weather at the best of times, but at Christmas he's convinced the only way to survive is to shut himself up in his London apartment.
Imagine his horror, then that to avert a diplomatic catastrophe, he must take on a case that means spending the festive period in a large old house in the countryside. Attending an old-fashioned dinner party, he must use all his powers of deduction to retrieve a stolen ruby.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Poirot. With Donald Sinden as Colonel Lacey, Sian Phillips as Mrs Lacey, Ifan Meredith as The Prince/Michael and Elizabeth Proud as Mrs Ross.
From a book first published in 1960 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Directed by Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
THU 12:00 Ken Dodd - It's Great to Be Young (b04v9dlj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Sid and Dora (b04vd29z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 We Three Kings (b00g1rmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Sue Townsend - Mole Cooks His Goose (b007jty0)
Adrian Mole takes charge of the family's festive lunch. Sue Townsend's festive tale is read by Nicholas Barnes.
THU 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4n)
Ornamenting the Home
Exploring life at home in the past, historian Amanda Vickery reveals sewing was a housewife's duty and also acted as valuable therapy.
THU 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pd62t)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 4
Daughter Karen mediates after her mum Vera and Irene's vitriolic falling out. Stars Anne Reid, Prunella Scales and Mia Soteriou.
THU 14:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w2z)
Episode 4
Leaving southern Europe behind, Jeremy Seal tracks Saint Nicholas to Amsterdam where he becomes Sinterklaas, and onwards across the Atlantic. Read by Alan Cox.
THU 15:00 Happy Birthday Maurice Cole (b00wv3xy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b04vdfpj)
Lemurs in Edinburgh Zoo, WWI Christmas Truce
Mel Giedroyc celebrates Christmas with a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, and commemorates the famous truce during World War One.
THU 17:00 No Commitments (b00sp1qg)
Series 3
A Man Who Cares
Victoria fumes jealously as Charlotte proudly parades her new lover. Stars Celia Imrie and Nicola Pagett. From December 1994.
THU 17:30 The Elephant Man (b04v8qcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f9f)
Crashing at the Thargoids'
Crash landing on the mystery planet, Kremmen and his crew meet their horrible hosts. Kenny Everett's 1970s sci-fi serial starring the world's most fabulous starship captain.
THU 18:00 Who Goes There? (b00fks6r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076dls)
Series 3
Rachmaninov
Conductor Leonard Slatkin proposes composer Sergei Rachmaninov for great life status. With Humphrey Carpenter.
The biographical series in which a distinguished guest chooses someone who's inspired their life. Will their hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life? From 2003.
THU 19:00 Ken Dodd - It's Great to Be Young (b04v9dlj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Sid and Dora (b04vd29z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 We Three Kings (b00g1rmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n98tx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 My Teenage Diary (b04v5fk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 The Shuttleworths (b0075t54)
Shuttleworth Showtime
Singer-songwriter John Shuttleworth holds a Christmas Party at his house in Sheffield.
Janet le Roe (Paula Kit) comes to the door with a card for John and the family and Mary serves her Christmas lunch. The wandering bard, Hovis Presley, sits down with John over some poetic thoughts for Christmas and a mince pie.
Jo Brand tries to make Mary merry and Bonnie Tyler drops by for a game of Buckeroo and agrees to sing a duet.
Script writer: Michael Redmond. Produced by Paul Schlesinger.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in December 1994.
THU 23:30 Pleased to Meet You (b018j463)
A Very Dora Christmas
A Very Dora Christmas
Legendary showbiz veteran Dora Dale is here to reveal the contents of her bulging sack.
Playing her own choice of festive tunes, Dora is here to put the 'X' into Xmas with some of her saucy seasonal yarns.
Written and produced by Jake Yapp and Martin Kelner
Made by BBC Radio Leeds for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2011.


FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER 2014

FRI 00:00 Sue Townsend - Mole Cooks His Goose (b007jty0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pd62t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 00:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w2z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Who Goes There? (b00fks6r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Great Lives (b0076dls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Doctor Who (b01871wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 We Three Kings (b00g1rmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Happy Birthday Maurice Cole (b00wv3xy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01n98tx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Hercule Poirot (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 No Commitments (b00sp1qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Elephant Man (b04v8qcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:55 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Doctor Who (b01875j2)
Hornets' Nest
Hive of Horror, part 1
Now fully up to speed, former UNIT ally, Mike Yates joins forces with the Time Lord to tackle the alien swarm.
Part of a five-story adventure written by Paul Magrs.
Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey and Daniel Hill as Percy Noggins.
Producer: Kate Thomas
Made by BBC Audio.
FRI 06:30 Ainsley's First Kitchen (b0076w78)
Ainsley Harriott takes us back to some of the culinary milestones of his South London youth - the market stalls still selling their global range of fruit and veg; the Greek matriarch and magnificent cook, now in her nineties, who treated Ainsley as an addition to her copious family; the kitchen in his childhood home, kindly lent for the occasion by the present occupants, now completely transformed but redolent with memories. In that kitchen, where his mother taught him how to cook, Ainsley prepares some Christmas favourites from forty years ago and invites along a few friends to share the moment, including another South London boy, comedian Arthur Smith.
Ainsley's parents emigrated from Jamaica in the late 1950's and made a new life for themselves in Balham, South London. By the time Ainsley and his siblings were born a few years later, the area was already home to a vibrant and diverse community. People newly arrived from the Caribbean, Greece or Hong Kong and their English-born children lived alongside Londoners who had been in the area for generations. Parents swapped neighbourly small talk, children were in and out of each other's houses sampling the national cuisine of their hosts. The local shops and markets began to reflect this culinary cornucopia, stocking mangoes and sweet potatoes as well as apples and sprouts, and some of Ainsley's earliest memories are of going shopping with his mother, her basket crammed with exotic produce.
FRI 07:00 Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me (b0076sm2)
Series 2
Swingin' Down the Lane
No Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me
Series 2
Episode 3 of 4 - Swingin' Down the Lane
Roy and George hear that an old bandleader, Gillie Truman, is on his deathbed and George is keen to visit. But Roy fell out with Gillie fifty years earlier and sees no reason to bury the hatchet.
Don Warrington..... Roy
Yvonne Brewster..... Vi
Sam Kelly..... George
George Layton..... Barry
Caroline Lee Johnson..... Bernadette
Marcus Powell..... Victor
Michael Bertenshaw..... Gillie
Angie Wallis..... Laura
Mike Kearsey..... Trombonist
Written by Marcus Powell
Producer Carol Smith.
FRI 07:30 The Rest is History (b04vd88y)
Series 1
Episode 2
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it.
This comedy discussion show with celebrity guests promises to help him find out more about it.
With Victoria Coren Mitchell, Andy Zaltzman and historian in residence Dr Kate Williams
Frank and company navigate their way through the annals of time, picking out and chewing over the funniest, oddest, and most interesting moments in history.
Producers: Dan Schreiber and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2014.
FRI 08:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale:- 12th May 1944 (b04v986f)
The ever-efficient Nurse Dugdale battles to arrange the hospital pageant.
Arthur Marshall's comic creation, Nurse Dugdale was a popular addition to the BBC Home Service schedule in the latter years of the Second World War.
With:

Marjorie Westbury
John Slater
Jack Jackson.
Special guest: Emile Littler.
Music from the Mayfair Hotel Dance Orchestra, Josephine Driver, Dorothe Morrow's Aristocrats, and the singing sailor, Ivor Pye.
Musical arrangements by Peter Akister and Phil Cardew.
Script by Arthur Marshall.
Producer: David Yates Mason.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1944.
FRI 08:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcy)
The GPO Show
Spike Milligan delivers first class fun to Postmaster General Tony Benn and General Post Office staff.
A seasonal Goon's-eye view of Operation Mailbag in full swing at London's Mount Pleasant sorting office scripted by Spike Milligan.
With Harry Secombe, John Bluthal, Barry Humphries, Bob Todd and Gary Miller.
Music from the Grand Piano Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1964.
FRI 09:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b00slqw1)
Series 3
Episode 5
John receives offerings from polymath Daniel Tammet, explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison and comedian Ronni Ancona. From June 2010.
FRI 09:30 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008klgb)
Up the Pole
When Harold Perkins befriends the Carnival Queen, the workmates plot a little sabotage.
Six anarchic tales from those demob days “when we was going to build the new Jerusalem - you know, before the world turned lax and sour”.
Stars Norman Rossington as Big Jim, Roland Curram as Harold Perkins, Harold Goodwin as Old Ned, David John as Nimrod, Sylvester McCoy as Turps, David Beckett as Chick, Steven Harrold as Harry and Carol Hawkins as Miss James.
Narrated by Bernard Cribbins.
Written by Ted Walker.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
FRI 10:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084sb1)
When in Rome
1970s Rome. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn is incognito and on the trail of a vast drugs syndicate - and some exceptionally unsavoury blackmail.
But he hasn't reckoned on murder...
Another tale of Dame Ngaio Marsh’s gentleman detective.
CDI Alleyn …. Jeremy Clyde
Nigel Bathgate …. Nick Waring
Sonia, Lady Bracely …. Pauline Jameson
Kenneth Dorne …. Tom George
Baron Van der Veghel …. David Swift
Baroness Van der Veghel …. Paula Jacobs
Sophy Jason …. Annabelle Dowler
Barnaby Grant …. Sean Arnold
Major Sweet …. Derek Waring
Sebastian Mailer …. Matthew Devereaux
Father Denys …. James Greene
Valdarno …. Stephen Critchlow
Violetta/Receptionist …. Carolyn Jones
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
FRI 11:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01ng1hz)
The Soul Is Missing Fairy Tales!
The third of three specially commissioned stories by James Hopkin, inspired by his travels in Georgia in Autumn 2008.
A tour bus of journalists, writers and artists breaks down on the infamous military highway from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi. It is only nine days since the Russian army withdrew from parts of Georgia, but there are rumours of a return.
Read by Ben Miles.
Producer: Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 11:15 The Sorcerer's Apprentice (b008j0gn)
A young magician is left alone in his master's workshop. Judith French updates Goethe's tale. Starring Paul Rhys and Harry Towb.
FRI 12:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale:- 12th May 1944 (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Doctor Who (b01875j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Ainsley's First Kitchen (b0076w78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
The Signalman
The famous spine-chilling tale about a railway worker haunted by a spectre, warning him of danger on the rails. Read by Emlyn Williams.
FRI 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mzw4q)
Mistress and Servants
Historian Amanda Vickery on the perils of running a house in Lancashire with unreliable servants. From Elizabeth Shackleton's diaries.
FRI 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01pdy7x)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 5
Irene discovers her daughter-in-law's awful secret plan, while Vera's future looks bleak. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
FRI 14:45 Jeremy Seal - Santa: A Life (b0076w3f)
Episode 5
Writer Jeremy Seal's quest to discover the real Santa Claus concludes at the northernmost point of the globe. Read by Alan Cox.
FRI 15:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084sb1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b04vdm14)
Animal Impersonations, Howl's Moving Castle, Keep It in the Family
Mel Giedroyc hears from a man with an amazing talent for impersonating animals, and has the last in our family quiz Keep It in the Family.
FRI 17:00 After Henry (b007k01q)
The Season of Relative Goodwill
"Even doing what you always do at Christmas presupposes agreement about exactly what it is that you always do".
Sarah's mother makes everyone follow her strict timetable for Christmas Day.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell and Gerry Cowper as Clare.
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
FRI 17:30 Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me (b0076sm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:55 Kenny Everett - Captain Kremmen (b01n4f9y)
The Pain of Strain Falls Mainly on the Brain
Held hostage for their brains, can Kremmen and his crew evade their evil captors? Kenny Everett's 1970s sci-fi serial starring the world's most fabulous starship captain.
FRI 18:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b00slqw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 18:30 My Life in Five Books (b00v6kfk)
Series 1
Tony Parsons
In this series Stuart Cosgrove meets guests from the literary world and beyond to hear about the five very special books in their lives.
Tony Parsons is a bestselling author, a newspaper columnist and an outspoken commentator.
He published his first novel, The Kids in 1976 while working in a Gin factory. Making a name for himself as a journalist on the New Musical Express he went on to publish several semi-autobiographical novels including Man and Boy in 1999.
His latest book, Tony Parsons on Life, Death and Breakfast has just been published.
Talking to Stuart Cosgrove, Tony picks five significant books from his book shelves including a memorable title from his childhood, a book he would describe as life changing and the tome he has bought but has never finished.
FRI 19:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale:- 12th May 1944 (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Spike Milligan (b04vdhcy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Doctor Who (b01875j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Ainsley's First Kitchen (b0076w78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 James Hopkin - A Georgian Trilogy (b01ng1hz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 The Sorcerer's Apprentice (b008j0gn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 The Rest is History (b04vd88y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Cowards (b00fq6rq)
Series 2
Episode 4
Step inside the strange and happy world of the Cowards.
Series 2 of sketch comedy with a comic slant on human frailties
Starring Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
FRI 23:00 Blue Jam (b04v8zs4)
Series 2
Episode 4
Cult dark comedy from the imagination of Chris Morris. With Kevin Eldon, Sally Phillips, Phil Cornwell, Mark Heap, Peter Baynham, David Cann, Amelia Bullmore and Julia Davis.
Are you still lying curare-still, seeking relief in feigning dead? Then welcome, oo-tazz welcome. Chris Morris is here to help you wallow in the melancholy, for the second series of this subversive radio classic.
Immediately prior to Blue Jam's initial burst on radio, Chris Morris had caused a furore with Channel 4's Brass Eye. Yet Blue Jam managed to be a total departure from his previous work. Originally airing late at night on BBC Radio 1, it's a blend of ambient music, deadpan ( sometimes brutal ) sketches and offbeat monologues. A whole audio landscape of the subconscious, the ad-hoc low-fi sheen of production lending it a kind of verisimilitude.
In sharp contrast with the personality-led comedies of recent years, Blue Jam makes a virtue of anonymity. Borat scribe Pater Baynham is one of the writers, and Julia Davis and Amelia Bulmore are among the cast. Rightly winning a clutch of Sony Awards, it remains unique - nothing before or after was remotely like it.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in April 1998.