SATURDAY 03 OCTOBER 2015

SAT 00:00 A Canticle for Leibowitz (b01p1pl8)
Fiat Homo
Episode 5
Brother Francis heads to New Rome for the canonisation of Saint Leibowitz, his greatest hope fulfilled. 1960 post-apocalyptic alternate history read by Nigel Lindsay.
SAT 00:30 Soul Music (b007602h)
Series 1
Summertime
Rodney Greenberg, Harolyn Blackwell and Lesley Garrett reflect on the impact of George Gershwin's classic lullaby.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
SAT 01:00 VI Warshawski (b007jl7g)
Bitter Medicine
6. Public Health
With her murder probe expanding, private detective V.I. Warshawski opts to employ some unusual methods in an attempt to trap the perpetrators.
Sharon Gless stars in the conclusion of Sara Paretsky's thriller.
Dramatised by Michelene Wandor
V.I. Warshawski …. Sharon Gless
Lottie Herschel …. Eleanor Bron
Bobby Mallory …. Bill Hootkins
Peter Burgoyne …. William Dufris
Murray Ryerson …. Kerry Shale
Sal/Nurse …. Alice Arnold
Mrs Rodriguez/Nurse/Woman …. Ann Beach
Alan Humphries …. Christopher Scott
Dick …. John Sharian
Max …. Jonathan Adams
Producer: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
SAT 01:30 Inside the Elephant Mind (b00qxgzw)
Everyone knows that elephants are clever but science is only now beginning to reveal just how smart they are. Andrew Luck-Baker joins British and Kenyan researchers on the East African savannah who are revealing the depths of the elephant mind with the help of a huge loudspeaker in the back of a Land Rover.
By playing different sound recordings (of elephants, lions and people) at elephant family groups, the scientists are probing the sophistication of elephant memory and pachyderm numerical skills. They are also testing whether elephants can distinguish between different human languages. Anecdotes suggest they can.
Another team of British researchers have been using urine samples and smelly clothes in other experiments to probe the agility of elephant grey matter.
All this has been taking place on the plains of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, under the looming presence of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is home to the world's longest running study of a single elephant population. Started by journalist-turned-biologist Cynthia Moss almost forty years ago, the study is a continuing record of every facet of the lives of every elephant living there. Cynthia Moss says the Amboseli data is like "gold" for the visiting animal psychologists to make sense of their experiments.
It turns out that that elephants are more intelligent than humans in some respects. For example, elephants have a much better short-term working memory than we do and out-perform people on at least one numerical skill. But why might they need to distinguish between the English language and the language of the local Masaai people? And what does this research tell us about the evolution of animal intelligence in general?
SAT 02:00 AL Barker - Something of Fancy (b06f3sxc)
A woman's routine is disturbed when she meets a young man near a cathedral. Read by Joanna Myers and Clarence Smith.
SAT 02:15 Forgotten Female Fossilists (b0076g1m)
Anna Thynne
Presenter Rebecca Stott looks at Anna Thynne's fascination for madrepores, which led to the invention of the marine aquarium. From July 2003.
SAT 02:30 Bryony Lavery - Breathing Underwater (b007jtfb)
Episode 5
Simon and Sennen lose contact under water, and the mystery of Sennen's paternity is revealed. Stars Susannah Doyle.
SAT 02:45 You Cannot Live As I Have Lived and Not End Up Like This (b00srwx8)
Episode 5
A salute to the ending of a 'great comic moralist'. Stephen Boxer concludes Terence Blacker's celebration of William Donaldson.
SAT 03:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00tzwyw)
The Soldiers' Voice
1647 - Parliament gets tough on army dissenters, but how will Cromwell react? English Civil War drama with Bernard Hepton.
SAT 04:00 The 99p Challenge (b00ph8rz)
Series 3
Episode 6
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Tom Binns, Ben Moor, Nick Frost and Peter Serafinowicz.
The game where someone stands to leave the studio 99p richer than when they came in.
Written by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001
SAT 04:30 Albert and Me (b007jv04)
Series 1
Pilot Episode
Single dad Bryan Archer struggles to work as well as bringing up his baby son, Albert.
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert and John Comer as Dad. With Frank Thornton as Vernon Wordsworth.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1977.
SAT 05:00 The Change (b0076nxd)
Series 3
Episode 1
Convinced that his wife's having an affair with transvestite George, Ken targets Carol.
Carol …. Lynda Bellingham
George …. Philip Jackson
Violet ...... Marcia Warren
Maureen …. Maureen Beattie
Ken …. James Vaugnan
Sonia …. Emma Kennedy
Jerry …. Barnaby Kay
Dave …. Mark Powley
Series 3 of the sitcom about a married couple's attempts to smooth over their singularly troubled midlife - Carol is hormonal and 15-stone George is a transvestite. Onlookers can't quite agree on the nature of their dynamic.
Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
SAT 05:30 The Absolutely Radio Show (b06d29by)
Series 1
Episode 4
Members of the cast of Channel 4's hugely popular sketch show Absolutely reunite for a brand new series on BBC Radio 4. Pete Baikie, Morwenna Banks, Moray Hunter, Gordon Kennedy and John Sparkes are back together with all new material. They revisit some of their much loved sketch characters for four half hour shows, whilst also introducing some newcomers to the show.
In 2013, the group got back together for the Sketchorama: Absolutely Special for BBC Radio 4 which subsequently won a BBC Audio Drama Award in the Best Live Scripted Comedy category.
The fourth and final episode of the series will feature another meeting of the highly confused Stoneybridge Town Council as well as pearls of nonsense from Calum Gilhooley, Edinburgh's most boring man, and the ever popular Little Girl, telling us what is true about teenagers. Frank Hovis makes an appearance, there will be more stories from those who were nearly there in The People's War, talking Facebook will return and we'll meet an angsting Actor who is very concerned about the length of his co-star's credits.
Produced by Gus Beattie and Gordon Kennedy.
An Absolutely/Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b009z4c6)
Death in the Clouds
Hercule Poirot investigates a murder high in the sky.
On a flight from Le Bourget to Croydon, on which the Belgian sleuth is an apprehensive passenger, a woman is found dead.
A doctor on board is inclined to put it down to a wasp-sting, but Poirot suspects it's a case of murder...
First published in 1935, Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule.
Philip Jackson ..... Chief Inspector Japp
Geoffrey Whitehead ..... Monsieur Fournier
Murray Melvin ..... Daniel Clancy
Teresa Gallagher ..... Jane Grey
Carolyn Jones ..... Lady Horbury
Ben Crowe ..... Norman Gale
Andrew Harrison ..... Jean Dupont
Bruce Purchase ..... Dr Bryant
Liza Sadovy ..... Elise Grandier
Priyanga Elan ..... Anne Richards
Steven Critchlow ..... Airline Steward
Dramatist: Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 07:30 Lucinda Lambton's Elevations and Revelations (b0075xpp)
Chillingham Castle
The architectural historian revels in a fabulous restoration in Alnwick, Northumberland. From September 2000.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b007lkyc)
Test Match Special: Ball by Ball
Rory Bremner looks back at fifty years of BBC Radio coverage of test match cricket in this country.
The programme has seen a rich variety of commentators, including the poetic elegance of John Arlott, the japes of Brian Johnston and the exuberance of Jonathan Agnew. For some the atmosphere has resembled that of an elite club, but for thousands of others the experience has been as vivid a depiction of summer as the smell of cut grass.
First broadcast in 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of Test Match Special.
SAT 09:00 Comedy Greats (b007k0v0)
The 1950s
Episode 2
Decade by decade, Barry Cryer showcases some of the funniest and finest shows ever broadcast by the BBC.
Six more favourite shows plucked from the 1950s schedules of the BBC Home Service and BBC Light Programme:
* Much Binding in the Marsh:
From 28/8/1953
The Weekly Bind brings you Mr Mulch's gardening and Patience Gush's poetry. Stars Kenneth Horne, Richard Murdoch, Maurice Denham, Dora Bryan and Sam Costa. From August 1953.
* Variety Bandbox:
From 22/01/1950
Comedy and songs with Frankie Howerd, Billy Ternent, Jerry Allen, Barbara Leigh, Peter Sellers, Bill Kerr and Philip Slessor. From January 1950.
* Just Fancy:
From 08/03/51
A grumpy neighbour and a helicopter ride. Gentle sketch show starring Eric Barker and his wife Pearl Hackney. From March 1951.
* Educating Archie:
From 01/03/1959
Brough makes a bet that he and Archie Andrews can travel round the British Isles in eight days. Radio ventriloquism with Dick Emery, Bernard Bresslaw and Warren Mitchell. From March 1959.
* Meet The Huggetts:
Loser Pays
Joe and Fred's attempt to teach their wives a lesson backfires. Stars Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison and Kenneth Connor. From September 1957.
* Hancock's Half Hour:
Series 5 (7/20) Hancock's School
Inspired by Bill and supplied by Sid, the lad turns his home into a centre of learning. Stars Tony Hancock. With Sid James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams. From March 1958.
Produced and scripted by Peter Reed
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2003.
SAT 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jp6h)
Series 2
Fallen Idol
During platoon training, fellow officers lead Captain Mainwaring astray.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1975.
SAT 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b007jncs)
Series 6
Episode 7
Operation Chocolate - and a stirring ode to queen of the silver screen, Julie Andrews.
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Bill Oddie and John Cleese.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Liam Cohen, Dave Lee and Bill Oddie.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
SAT 13:00 CJ Sansom - Sovereign (Omnibus) (b06fq5nt)
Episode 2
Colin MacDonald's dramatisation of the third novel in C J Sansom's bestselling crime series, set during Henry VIII's Royal Progress to the north of England in 1541.
Lawyer Mathew Shardlake, and his assistant Barak, arrived in the York a day ahead of the 3,000-strong procession. Officially there to prepare petitions for the King, they have been secretly tasked with a mission by Archbishop Cranmer: to ensure the welfare of one of the northern conspirators, Sir Edward Broderick, who is to be brought back to London for questioning in the Tower.
Soon after his arrival, Shardlake was called upon to investigate a suspicious death - and stumbled upon a daring plot that has the potential to shake England to its core.
Having been badly shaken by an attempt upon his life, Shardlake hopes to convince Sir William Maleverer that he should be sent back to London.
Omnibus of the final five parts of Colin MacDonald's atmospheric dramatisation.
Shardlake ..... Justin Salinger
Barak ..... Bryan Dick
Maleverer ..... Stephen Critchlow
Radwinter ..... David Acton
Wrenne ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Broderick ..... Nick Underwood
Tamasin ..... Cath Whitefield
Rich ..... Chris Pavlo
Rochford ..... Amelia Lowdell
Writer C J Sansom
Dramatised by Colin MacDonald
Producer/Director Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on Radio 4 in September 2015.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06fq76h)
John Waters
4 Extra Debut. Writer, director, actor and comedian John Waters chooses 'Transfusion' by Nervous Norvus and 'Hot Wheels' by Stan Farlow.
SAT 14:15 Drama (b00b54z7)
Landscape
Two plays by Harold Pinter.
1/2. Landscape
A man and a woman sit deep in recollection. While the man's thoughts are of his day in the park and a quarrel in the pub, the woman's are of an idyllic day spent many years ago on a beach with the man she loved.
Duff ...... Harold Pinter
Beth ...... Penelope Wilton
2/2. The Examination
A chilling yet playful monologue in which a man about to be questioned summons up every mental resource to empower himself over his interrogator.
With Michael Gambon.
Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b007lkyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b009z4c6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Lucinda Lambton's Elevations and Revelations (b0075xpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Doctor Who (b06fvndx)
Heroes of Sontar
Episode 2
The Time Lord is on the planet Samur, with three enemies after him. Nyssa hints at some intriguing secrets.
Peter Davison is the Fifth Doctor with his companion Tegan Jovanka played by Janet Fielding.
Planet Samur was once a peaceful haven. Pilgrims journeyed across the seven galaxies to meditate in the courtyards of the vast Citadel that spanned its equator. It was Samur's misfortune, however, to find itself situated on the furthermost frontier in the eternal war between the amoeboid Rutan Host and the belligerent, troll-like Sontarans...
Twenty years after detonating a bacteriological weapon over Samur, rendering it uninhabitable, the Sontarans are back: a select platoon of seven has landed here on a secret mission, carrying sealed orders given to them by Fleet Marshal Stabb.
The TARDIS has landed here, too, bringing the Doctor, Tegan, Turlough and Nyssa into the second great Battle of Samur. Fighting not only the Sontarans, but mystical mercenaries... and a deadly, decades-old curse.
Written by Alan Barnes.
Director: Ken Bentley.
Producer: David Richardson
A Big Finish production.
SAT 19:00 Comedy Greats (b007k0v0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d45ny)
Series 2
Generosity
The comedian examines the virtue of generosity. With poetry and songs by Tom Basden and Tim Key. From August 2008.
SAT 22:30 Tonight (b01692g0)
Series 1
Episode 3
A new age of austerity, riots on our streets, phone hacking, the prospect of global economic meltdown...not since the 1980s has Britain needed its sharp-tongued satirists to pour a healthy dollop of scorn on these uncertain and tumultuous times.
And who better to do that than the country's most well-known satirical impressionist, Rory Bremner? He hosts Tonight, a brand new topical satire show for Radio 4.
Rory's mantra is that it's as important to make sense out of things as it is to make fun of them. He believes only then will people laugh at the truth. So expect a blend of stand-up and sketch combined with investigative satire and incisive interviews with a diverse range of characters who really know what they're talking about.
Regular performers will include Political Animal veteran Andy Zaltzman and the multi-talented impressionist Kate O'Sullivan with a special guest each week.
Presenter: Rory Bremner
Producers: Simon Jacobs & Frank Stirling
A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06g0cc4)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Arthur Smith chats to Ahir Shah.
SAT 23:00 Saturday Night Fry (b007jt29)
Episode 3
Stephen Fry serves up more witty banter and sketches.
With Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent and Julia Hills.
Written by Stephen Fry with additional material by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.
Producer: Dan Patterson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SAT 23:30 28 Acts in 28 Minutes (b008khpv)
Series 2
Episode 1
The fastest show on-air is back!
28 performers have just 60 seconds in which to entertain the audience in this traditional variety show, featuring established stand-ups, and some newer talent
The whole thing is presided over by John Humphrys, who sits at the side of the stage with a stopwatch, ready to cut the microphone when the time is up.
And hey - if there's an act you don't like, well, there's another one along in 55 seconds or so...
Jeremy Limb
Des Clarke
Penny Broadhurst
Arnab Chanda
John Sessions
Christina Martin
Gavin Osborn
Aaron Counter
G-Force
James Kettle
Paula Wilcox
James Branch
Pegabovine
Dave Cohen
Jarlath Regan
Dutch Elm Conservatoire
Jeff Innocent
Katherine Jakeways
Carl Donnelly
Stephen Grant
Mara Carlyle
Stephen K Amos
Barry Davies
Jeff Green
Shappi Khorsandi
Martin Jarvis
The Puppini Sisters
Stewart Lee
Producers: Rohan Acharya and Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2007.


SUNDAY 04 OCTOBER 2015

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (b06fvndx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 CJ Sansom - Sovereign (Omnibus) (b06fq5nt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06fq76h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Drama (b00b54z7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b007lkyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Hercule Poirot (b009z4c6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Lucinda Lambton's Elevations and Revelations (b0075xpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Breathing Underwater Omnibus (b007jtfm)
Sennen is a professional diver who gets a job exploring a Tudor wreck, the Elizabeth Mary, which sunk back in 1575 off Cornwall's Porthant Bay.
But things don't get off to a good start...
Omnibus written by Bryony Lavery.
Sennen Pennamenny ...... Susannah Doyle
Robert Renownden ...... John Turner
Simon Murray ...... Charles Simpson
Harry Trice ...... Geoffrey Hutchings
Bob ...... Sean Arnold
Andy ...... Russell Boulter
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
SUN 07:15 Pier People (b00760mr)
Llandudno Pier
Llandudno Pier is half a mile of Victorian splendour, but it eats money, something its supporters know too well. From February 2001.
SUN 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00h34d1)
Series 4
Coach Trip
Spoof reminiscences of a former variety star. Count Arthur Strong is an expert in everything from the world of entertainment to the origins of the species, all false starts and nervous fumbling, poorly concealed by a delicate sheen of bravado and self-assurance.
After an attempted coach trip to Bridlington goes terribly wrong, Arthur decides the only way out of a sticky situation is to go 'native'.
With Steve Delaney, Mel Giedroyc, Dave Mounfield and Alastair Kerr.
SUN 08:00 Educating Archie (b01s4cwl)
From 07/12/1952
Archie tries to be helpful and gets a surprise after turning his hand to sculpting...
Radio ventriloquism from Peter Brough and schoolboy, Archie Andrews.
With Max Bygraves, Harry Secombe, Beryl Reid, Hattie Jacques and Peter Madden.
Running from 1950- 1958, Educating Archie introduced a number of soon-to-be household names to listeners, including Tony Hancock, Benny Hill, Harry Secombe, Dick Emery, Hattie Jacques, Bruce Forsyth and Max Bygraves - all taking a turn in tutoring Archie.
Script by Eric Sykes and Walter Ridley
With Ronald Chesney and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Charles Shadwell.
Producer: Roy Speer
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1952.
SUN 08:30 Frankie Howerd Show (b007jlh8)
From 7/8/1966
Titters galore from the comedy legend, with June Whitfield, Wallas Eaton and Robertson Hare. From August 1966.
SUN 09:00 Reading Europe Omnibus (b06fvzrl)
4 Extra Debut. The French writer Alba Arikha looks at how long-term immigration is being reflected in her country's contemporary fiction.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06fw1vl)
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Singer Kiri Te Kanawa chooses 'O Mio Babbino Caro' by Puccini and Marschallin's aria from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06fw2lm)
Fashion
Dame Zandra Rhodes
4 Extra Debut. From Pink Floyd to Ravel, fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes makes her castaway choices. With Roy Plomley. From February 1983.
SUN 11:10 TED Radio Hour (b06fw2pf)
Series 2
Animals and Us
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Guy Raz investigates our complicated relationship with animals which we fear, hunt, consume and protect.
With Jon Mooallem, Ian Dunbar, Billy Collins, Laurel Braitman and Frans de Waal.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio.
SUN 12:00 Educating Archie (b01s4cwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Frankie Howerd Show (b007jlh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Breathing Underwater Omnibus (b007jtfm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Pier People (b00760mr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 William Boyd - Sweet Caress (b06fw3zw)
Episode 2
Photographer Amory Clay learns the full consequences of the Maroon Street riot. Read by Barbara Flynn.
SUN 15:45 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b00764b0)
Honeymoon
By the Mediterranean Sea, Fanny contemplates her future with George, a 'man of the world'. Read by Emilia Fox.
SUN 16:00 Saturday Drama (b00w6lqz)
The Caretaker
Davies... David Warner
Aston... Tony Bell
Mick... Daniel Mays
David Warner and Daniel Mays star in Harold Pinter's dark comedy. Two brothers shelter an elderly, homeless man after a fight in a café. But his problems are far from over.
Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
SUN 17:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00h34d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 H Rider-Haggard - She (b0076z26)
Episode 2
Ayesha, the queen whose beauty enthrals and terrifies all who see her, believes Leo to be the lover for whom she has waited 2000 years. She takes Leo and his guardian Holly deep into the mountains to the Pillar of Life.
Hattie Naylor's adaptation of H Rider Haggard's 19th century best-seller set in a mysterious African kingdom explores the complex themes of imperial arrogance, sexual obsession, power and isolation that lie behind the high adventure.
Stars Mia Soteriou as Ayesha, Tim McInnerny as Ludwig Holly, Oliver Chris as Leo, Howard Coggins as Job, Ben Onwukwe as Billali, Janice Acquah as Ustane and Damian Lynch as Agarah.
Composed music by Elizabeth Purnell.
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
SUN 19:00 TED Radio Hour (b06fw2pf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:10 today]
SUN 19:50 Reading Europe Omnibus (b06fvzrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:00 Inheritance Tracks (b06fw1vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 21:05 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06fw2lm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00h34d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 On the Town with the League of Gentlemen (b0080p90)
Go to Joan Glover
An educational theatre troupe with an unusual agenda visit the school in the remote northern town.
The first incarnation of the award-winning black comedy, about the "local people" of Spent - before it hit TV.
Starring Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.
Written by the cast and Jeremy Dyson.
The League of Gentlemen won a Perrier Edinburgh Festival award in 1997 and this radio series debuted in the same year. They also won a Sony Radio Award. The cult series switched to TV for three series on BBC 2 from 1999, plus stage shows and a feature film.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06g0cfd)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Arthur Smith chats to Ahir Shah.
SUN 23:00 Newsjack (b06f3dcy)
Series 13
Episode 4
This week's stories lovingly bashed, mashed and moulded into sketches, one-liners and vox-pops by the public. Trying to make sense of it all is our host, Nish Kumar.
SUN 23:30 Tina C (b0076qds)
Tina C's Tiny Island Tour
Wales
Arriving in Cardiff, the country singer has a very special announcement to make. Stars Christopher Green. From February 2005.
SUN 23:45 2000 Years of Radio (b06fwync)
Series 2
Olympic FM
"Welcome back, and the roads are jammed with Gods flying into Olympia."
The time's just coming up to 776 BC, and it's all aboard the Canker Cart with DJ Suzanne Canker for the first Olympic Games in Greekland with the British Athletics team.
More extraordinary archive radio recordings from the past two millennia of the wireless
Written and performed by Claire Downes, Hazel Grian, Al Holloway, Ben Kozo, Stuart Lane and Patrick McNamara.
Producer: Sean Grundy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.


MONDAY 05 OCTOBER 2015

MON 00:00 H Rider-Haggard - She (b0076z26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Breathing Underwater Omnibus (b007jtfm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Pier People (b00760mr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 William Boyd - Sweet Caress (b06fw3zw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b00764b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Saturday Drama (b00w6lqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00h34d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jpp2)
The Murder at the Vicarage
Episode 1
Even the vicar of St Mary Mead detests a certain member of his flock. But murder seems to be carrying things a bit far?
First published in 1930, Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple.
Rev Leonard Clement...........................Francis Matthews
Griselda Clement....................................Imelda Staunton
Dr Haydock...............................................Nigel Davenport
Dennis........................................................Nicholas Boulton
Lettice Protheroe...................................Rachel Atkins
Miss Wetherby.......................................Joan Matheson
Mrs Price-Ridley....................................Margot Boyd
Mrs Lestrange........................................Jilly Meers
Lawrence Redding...............................James Telfer
Anne Protheroe................................... Frances Jeater
Colonel Protheroe...............................James Greene
Mary.........................................................Alice Arnold
Inspector Slack.....................................John Baddeley
Dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
MON 06:30 Deep in the Heart of Texas (b00cdtxt)
Peter Curran explores the history of Austin, Texas. The city famously hosts the SXSW festival and remains liberal, progressive and bohemian, and continues to struggle against conservatives and developers, despite being the capital of a state renowned for rednecks, oil barons and George W Bush.
MON 07:00 Turf Wars (b00zf33t)
An Incident at the Border
Nigel Planer stars as a border-guard in Kieran Lynn's comedy about boundaries that are both territorial and personal.
Arthur and Olivia take the sun in their local park on a beautiful summer's day. Olivia is reading a newspaper article on their country's new-found independence. It seems that no-one knows quite what the terms are for the secession. Arthur couldn't care less. He's apolitical and just enjoying watching the ducks.
Suddenly a soldier arrives, dragging a tape across the ground, marking out the new border. He barges between the two young lovers. Now one is on one side of the new border, and one on the other!
Arthur's attempt to cross is met with a stun-gun jolt from the guard, who has as little understanding of the new rules as the couple. He just knows he has been trained to be suspicious of everyone who isn't from 'this country' which now includes Arthur!
How can our lovers be reunited?
Reiver ..... Nigel Planer
Olivia ..... Leah Brotherhead
Arthur ..... Joseph Kloska
Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b06d2g56)
Series 15
Episode 6
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Sarah Millican, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Holly Walsh and Katherine Ryan are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as IKEA, marriage, Switzerland and chewing gum.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jp95)
Series 2
A Wilson (Manager)
Captain Mainwaring is aghast when his chief clerk comes up in the world.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1975.
MON 08:30 As Time Goes By (b06fxcmj)
Series 3
Episode 4
Lionel's office becomes Sandy's bedroom. Time to move?
Starring Judi Dench as Jean and Geoffrey Palmer as Lionel. With Moira Brooker as Judith, Philip Bretherton as Alistair and Jenny Funnell as Sandy.
A six-part adaptation by Bob Larbey of series three of his popular BBC TV sitcom. Two former lovers Jean and Lionel have been reunited unexpectedly after losing contact for 38 years.
After falling in love in the early 1950s, army officer Lionel was sent to Korea, but they lost touch after a letter he sent to her never arrived. Both assumed the other had lost interest, but their paths have crossed again on his return to England.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1999.
MON 09:00 The Motion Show (b0075rh9)
Series 1
Episode 2
The merits of moving to America - and being famous.
Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game.
With Steve Punt, John O'Farrell, Derek Draper and Rhona Cameron.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.
MON 09:30 Electric Ink (b01k68hg)
Series 2
Episode 4
Can struggling journalist Maddox make a splash with a tip-off over political corruption that could unseat the coalition?
A comic satire set in the struggling world of newspapers.
A group of dysfunctional journalists attempt to cover major news stories whilst grappling with the demands of a multi-platform environment, as circulation figures plummet as the recession means half the workforce is laid off.
Written by Alistair Beaton and Tom Mitchelson.
Maddox ..... John Sessions
Oliver ..... Alex Jennings
Freddy ..... Stephen Wight
Carol ..... Polly Frame
Masha ..... Debbie Chazen
Julie Compton ..... Joanna Monro
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010..
MON 10:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v2rv4)
Insurrection
Provoked by Parliament, the resolute army aim to get higher ranks on their side. English Civil War drama with Nigel Anthony.
MON 11:00 One Hundred and Forty Characters (b0154y6q)
Would You Like To Reconnect?
By Joanne Harris.
A grieving woman retreats into the world of social networking, finding comfort in the traces left behind there by her dead son. Then, one afternoon, as she scrolls through her timeline, she receives an unsettling message, apparently sent from beyond the grave.
Last in a series of specially commissioned short stories inspired by the social networking phenomenon, Twitter. (For non "tweeters", the title derives from Twitter's format where "tweets" - the postings - can be no longer than 140 characters.)
Read by Monica Gibb.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
MON 11:15 Simon Brett - Cleopatra's Nose (b00p85xz)
Can James overcome his lifelong Egyptian Queen obsession and find a real girlfriend? Stars Benjamin Whitrow and Susan Jameson.
MON 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jp95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 As Time Goes By (b06fxcmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Miss Marple (b007jpp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Deep in the Heart of Texas (b00cdtxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b00w794s)
Dawn French - A Tiny Bit Marvellous
Episode 1
Dawn French's debut novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is told from three very different perspectives.
Yet each is a member of the Battle family - perfectly average, perfectly dysfunctional. Mo is about to hit the big 50, and some uncomfortable truths are becoming quite apparent: she doesn't understand either of her teenage children, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered, and is frightening children. Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has an incurable Oscar Wilde fixation.
A Tiny Bit Marvellous is the story of a modern family whose members all live in their own separate bubbles sinking towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call 'relations'.
Read by:
Dawn French
Lenny Henry
Sam Barnett and
Beattie Edmondson
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 14:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01p3hql)
Episode 1
When the Grimm brothers first published their Children's and Household Tales in 1812, in a scholarly effort to collate a national identity of the people, it was the beginning of an obsessive project of two intricately interwoven lifetimes.
To mark the bicentenary of the first edition, writer and mythographer Marina Warner explores the many compelling and often controversial aspects of the tales in a 10-part series, revealing new insights into the stories we think we know so well, and introducing us to the charms and challenges of those that we don't.
Alongside beautifully narrated extracts from the tales themselves, renowned academics and artists who work closely with the Grimm's rich heritage add to our understanding of these deceptively complex stories.
In the opening episode, we are introduced to the Grimm brothers themselves and the context in which they collected these tales, in parallel with the story of The Frog King - a tale of transformation and sexual favour that has opened the collection since it was first published and has played a central role in the Romantic attraction to the tradition of Volkspoesie.
Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fbvp)
Alison Lurie - Imaginary Friends
Episode 1
Alison Lurie's comic novel of academia and alien gurus, dramatised by Melissa Murray.
New York in 1968, and naive young sociology graduate, Roger Zimmern, has just got his first job at a university.
1/10
Roger ... Jonathan Forbes
McCann ... Nathan Osgood
Elsie ... Barbara Barnes
Verena ... Alex Tregear
Bob ... Simon Bubb
Directed by Marc Beeby
1968. New York State. Newly graduated sociologist Roger Zimmern is delighted to be asked work with his academic hero Tom McCann. They are to investigate the Truth Seekers, a small cult group who believe they are receiving spiritual guidance from the planet Varna. The group is run by middle-aged Elsie and her beautiful niece, Verena. Under cover, the two academics join the Truth Seekers. But things quickly begin to go wrong. Roger's objectivity is tested when he begins to fall in love with Verena. And what is happening to Tom McCann? Why is he behaving so strangely? Poor Roger, desperate to be a success, desperate to be noticed, doesn't know who to trust..
Imaginary Friends is a devastatingly funny look at the foibles of modern times. It's driven by a story that works brilliantly on a number of levels - in part a sharp social satire of the academic profession, in part a witty exploration of the wilder reaches of ' spirituality'. It is also a tender - if slightly skewed - love story, and a touching take on a young man's coming of age.
MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b00dywr9)
Thomas Keneally - Searching for Schindler: A Memoir
Episode 1
Thomas Keneally's account of his discovery of the story of Oskar Schindler, which became the basis for his Booker Prize-winning novel Schindler's Ark and the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List.
MON 15:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v2rv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The Motion Show (b0075rh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Electric Ink (b01k68hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Turf Wars (b00zf33t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b06d2g56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007jtyf)
Episode 1
After suffering a horrific accident, coma patient, Leon undergoes a brand new medical procedure - with some startling side effects...
Award-winning US writer Ted Chiang's sci-fi thriller is read by Rhashan Stone.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0075xkx)
Sir Roy Strong and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Louise Doughty and her guests art historian and gardener, Sir Roy Strong and journalist and campaigner on racial equality, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown discuss favourite books by Eugenie Fraser, Abdulrazak Gurnah and Ian McEwan. From 2000.

The House by the Dvina by Eugenie Fraser
Pub: Corgi

Admiring Silence by Abdulrazak Gurnah
Pub: Penguin

The Child in Time by Ian McEwan
Pub: Vintage.
MON 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jp95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 As Time Goes By (b06fxcmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Miss Marple (b007jpp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Deep in the Heart of Texas (b00cdtxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 One Hundred and Forty Characters (b0154y6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Simon Brett - Cleopatra's Nose (b00p85xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b06d2g56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 The In Crowd (b06g26t0)
Series 4
Episode 5
Unsympathetic beauty therapy and renting videos
Comedy sketch show from Manchester.
Starring Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward.
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06hk8r2)
The best in contemporary comedy. Isy Suttie chats to John Finnemore.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz Extra (b06g26t2)
Series 15
Episode 3
A satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Miles Jupp. This week Miles is joined by Susan Calman, Elis James, Andy Hamilton and Emily Ashton to mull over the big stories of the moment.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy Production.
MON 23:45 Living with Mother (b010drrl)
Series 1
Wild Card
This mother and son are as posh as posh can be. An old established family and proud of it. Unfortunately Xander is a drunken idiot who is always getting into all sorts of scrapes.
His mother has run the family home with a rod of iron ever since her husband was imprisoned for dodgy dealings. Has her foolish son inherited his father's genes? When he loses the family jewels, will she be able to bail him out?
Cast:
Mother: Penelope Keith
Xander: Kevin Eldon
Producer: Anna Madley
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4.


TUESDAY 06 OCTOBER 2015

TUE 00:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007jtyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0075xkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Miss Marple (b007jpp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Deep in the Heart of Texas (b00cdtxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b00w794s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01p3hql)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fbvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b00dywr9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v2rv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075rh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Electric Ink (b01k68hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Turf Wars (b00zf33t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b06d2g56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jppk)
The Murder at the Vicarage
Episode 2
Much to the Vicar's embarrassment, a murder has been committed in his study. But who killed Colonel Protheroe?
Miss Jane Marple is on the case.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple
Rev Leonard Clement..................................Francis Matthews
Griselda Clement..........................................Imelda Staunton
Dr Haydock.....................................................Nigel Davenport
Lettice Protheroe..........................................Rachel Atkins
Mary..................................................................Alice Arnold
Colonel Melchett.........................................Richard Todd
Constable.......................................................Malcolm Ward
Butler...............................................................Lewis Jones
Anne Protheroe...........................................Frances Jeater
Lawrence Redding......................................James Telfer
Inspector Slack.............................................John Baddeley
Gladys Cram.................................................Oona Beeson
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Director Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
TUE 06:30 Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing (b00lg72f)
Hardeep Singh Kohli walks in the footsteps of the famous tightrope walker Blondin to mark his first crossing of Niagara Falls 150 years ago.
Hardeep discovers the continuing appeal of defying gravity from the experiences of circus acrobat Chico, the celebrated 'man on wire' Philippe Petit and the slack-liner Jon Ritson.
Tightrope walking hit the big time 150 years ago when Blondin made 16 crossings over the Niagara River. His career lasted until he was 73, when he retired to Niagara House in Ealing, west London.
A Ladbroke Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 07:00 Arrested Development (b0075vmg)
Episode 2
Jilted by Dave on her wedding day, can Penny's sister Kate help her come to terms with it?
Simon Warne's four-part comedy serial.
Penny ...... Letitia Dean
Bob ...... Phil Cornwell
Andy ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Joy ...... Maggie McCarthy
Kate ...... Susannah Doyle
Frank ...... Roger Walker
Ken ...... Andrew Wincott
Producer: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
TUE 07:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b06d2lz5)
Series 1
The Best A Man Can Get
Things are getting desperate for the staff of Hardacre's, London's worst advertising agency. The work isn't coming in and accounts chief Amanda Brook finds herself reduced to pleading for the business of old friend/nemesis, India.
Back at the office, hopeless creative team Joe and Teddy devise a campaign for an anti-aging cream for men. Worse, they must grapple with the most difficult and least glamorous form of advertising of all - radio work.
They find themselves unexpectedly assisted by creative director Rupert Hardacre who descends from on high at Amanda's instruction to give the little people the benefit of his creative wisdom. The only trouble is, he seems to have forgotten most of it. Fortunately, he wrote it all down in a book entitled Hardacre on Advertising and he sets out to find a copy for Joe and Teddy.
Rupert Hardacre ..... Nigel Havers
Amanda Brook ..... Josie Lawrence
Joe ..... Matthew Baynton
Teddy ..... Rasmus Hardiker
Director: Alan Nixon
Producer: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015
TUE 08:00 Round the Horne (b007jlqv)
Series 3
Episode 2
Kenneth Horne crosses swords in 'The Three Musketeers' and thanks to Julian and Sandy, 'Bona Law' handles his briefs.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1967.
TUE 08:30 Hello Cheeky (b013qzgn)
From 21/10/1979
Red Rum, sound effects galore and more fast-moving pun-tastic fun.
Starring John Junkin, Barry Cryer and Tim Brooke-Taylor.
Script by John Junkin and Barry Cryer.
Music by the Denis King Trio.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1979.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b06g26t2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Living with Mother (b010drrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3n3p)
Summer Manoeuvres
1674, and a spontaneous revolution in army ranks sees troops heading towards London. English Civil War drama with Bernard Hepton.
TUE 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b016ldsy)
Moments Past
The Night Eleanor Roosevelt Became Eleanor Roosevelt
Written by Ellen Feldman.
Read by Miriam Margolyes.
First in a series of new short stories in which leading historical authors write about a particular moment from the past, one which went on to influence the future.
Today, how a shocking discovery changed the course of Eleanor Roosevelt's life.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
TUE 11:15 Drama (b00lc9ff)
The King of Sootland
By Richard Hurford. In the early days of Queen Victoria's reign, a boy and a teenage girl - who he assumes to be a new maidservant but is in fact the young Victoria - go on an adventure through the chimneys of Buckingham Palace.
Queen Victoria ...... Daisy Marsden
Boy Cotton ...... Aidan Parsons
Duchess Of Kent ...... Olwen May
Sir John Conroy ...... Jonathan Keeble
Mr Diggle ...... Malcolm Raeburn
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
TUE 12:00 Round the Horne (b007jlqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Hello Cheeky (b013qzgn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Miss Marple (b007jppk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing (b00lg72f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbq1x)
Dawn French - A Tiny Bit Marvellous
Episode 2
Dawn French's debut novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is told from three very different perspectives. Yet each is a member of the Battle family - perfectly average, perfectly dysfunctional.
Life gets more complicated for Mo and Peter whose respective attraction to Noel grows apace. Meanwhile, the dog is pregnant, and Dora wants to be on X Factor.
Read by:
Dawn French
Lenny Henry
Sam Barnett and
Beattie Edmondson
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 14:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pc2td)
Episode 2
When the Grimm brothers first published their Children's and Household Tales in 1812, in a scholarly effort to collate a national identity of the people, it was the beginning of an obsessive project of two intricately interwoven lifetimes.
To mark the bicentenary of the first edition, writer and mythographer Marina Warner explores the many compelling and often controversial aspects of the tales in a 10-part series, revealing new insights into the stories we think we know so well, and introducing us to the charms and challenges of those that we don't.
Alongside beautifully narrated extracts from the tales themselves, renowned academics and artists who work closely with the Grimm's rich heritage add to our understanding of these deceptively complex stories.
In the second episode, Marina traces the tales right back to their ancient origins, hoping to answer the question of why we find parallels with the Grimms' stories in texts across cultures throughout time. Her search centres on Cinderella as she visits the tale's oldest known incarnation - an ancient Egyptian manuscript that tells the rags-to-riches story of the 'rosy-cheeked' Rhodopis and was a (perhaps fittingly) precious find, recovered from a rubbish dump.
Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fvnf)
Alison Lurie - Imaginary Friends
Episode 2
By Alison Lurie. Dramatised by Melissa Murray
2/10
Young sociologist Roger Zimmern has made contact with the small cult known as the Truth Seekers. But are they crazy enough for a ground breaking sociological study?
Roger ... Jonathan Forbes
McCann ... Nathan Osgood
Elsie ... Barbara Barnes
Verena ... Alex Tregear
Sissy ... Susie Riddell
Bill ... Peter Polycarpou
Mrs Munger ... Jane Whittenshaw
Directed by Marc Beeby.
TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v0)
Thomas Keneally - Searching for Schindler: A Memoir
Episode 2
Thomas Keneally's account of his discovery of the story of Oscar Schindler, which became the basis for his Booker Prize-winning novel Schindler's Ark and the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List.
Poldek and Thomas set out to meet the Australian and American Schindlerjuden, the Jews saved by Oskar.
TUE 15:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3n3p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Act Your Age (b00pxn13)
Series 2
Episode 1
Simon Mayo hosts the comedy show that pits the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest.
Team captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Adrian Walsh are joined by Kevin Bridges, Jason Byrne and Johnnie Casson.
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2010.
TUE 16:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007vmbx)
Episode 3
Nicola is on the verge of romance, while pub customer Andy faces being found out. Stars Michael Williams. From January 1999.
TUE 17:00 Arrested Development (b0075vmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b06d2lz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007s7x3)
Episode 2
After a startling new medical procedure gave him heightened intelligence, Leon develops ingenious ways to outwit the CIA
Rhashan Stone continues award-winning US writer Ted Chiang's sci-fi thriller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.
TUE 18:30 That Reminds Me (b007jn3t)
Series 1
Ned Sherrin
Producer, broadcaster, writer, satirist and raconteur Ned Sherrin recalls moments from his career, as he entertains an audience.
Featuring memories of Noel Coward and the Oliviers.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
TUE 19:00 Round the Horne (b007jlqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Hello Cheeky (b013qzgn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Miss Marple (b007jppk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing (b00lg72f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b016ldsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Drama (b00lc9ff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b06d2lz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Twenty Players (b06g65m6)
Series 1
Doug and Demelza Davidson
Forgotten sporting heroes. David Vine tells the story of Britain's most intrepid mixed lugers. From May 1995.
TUE 22:45 Gus Murdoch's Sacred Cows (b00fgq45)
2. Bank Hols
Incisive reporter Gus Murdoch investigates the pros and cons of bank holidays.
Written by and starring Stephen Carlin.
With:
Neil Edmond
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Stephen Carlin
Helen Longworth
Chris Pavlo
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2008.
TUE 23:00 On the Hour (b007k45s)
Series 1
Episode 5
The latest on the 'Penelope Keith riots', and just 38 weeks to Wimbledon.
All the news as it happens, if it happens – and the sport with Alan Partridge.
Savagely satirical award-winning comedy starring Chris Morris.
With Steve Coogan, David Schneider, Rebecca Front, Patrick Marber and Doon Mackichan.
Written by Chris Morris, Richard Herring, Steven Wells, Andrew Glover, David Quantick and Stewart Lee.
Editor: Armando lannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
TUE 23:30 Ectoplasm (b007w5l4)
The Case of the Missing Lost Soul
A mysterious countess begs Lord Zimbabwe to win back her soul from the lord of the underworld.
Without a soul, she is destined to be a Barry Manilow fan for eternity.
Dan Freedman and Nick Romero’s comedy about the exploits of Lord Zimbabwe, occultist and adventurer.
Lord Zimbabwe ...... Nick Romero
Dr Lilac ...... Dan Freedman
Contessa Del Monte ...... Sophie Aldred
Priest ...... Colin Guthrie
Theremin ...... Peter Donaldson
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.


WEDNESDAY 07 OCTOBER 2015

WED 00:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007s7x3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 That Reminds Me (b007jn3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Miss Marple (b007jppk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing (b00lg72f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbq1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pc2td)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fvnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3n3p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Act Your Age (b00pxn13)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007vmbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Arrested Development (b0075vmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b06d2lz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jpq1)
The Murder at the Vicarage
Episode 3
Multiple confessions to the murder of Colonel Protheroe mount up in the village of St. Mary Mead.
But who does amateur sleuth Jane Marple believe?
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple
Rev. Leonard Clement....................................Francis Matthews
Griselda Clement.............................................Imelda Staunton
Mrs Lestrange..................................................Jillie Meers
Mary....................................................................Alice Arnold
Hilda...................................................................Lisa Howard
Dr Haydock......................................................Nigel Davenport
Lawrence Redding........................................James Telfer
Dennis................................................................Nicholas Boulton
Hawes................................................................David Thorpe
Dr Stone...........................................................Timothy Alcock
Raymond West..............................................Ian Masters
Inspector Slack..............................................John Baddeley
Gladys Cram...................................................Oona Beeson
Nancy...............................................................Vivienne Rochester
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
WED 06:30 Oktoberfest! (b00vkl0j)
John F. Jungclaussen, UK correspondent for German newspaper Die Zeit, travels to Munich to join the millions of revellers celebrating 200 years of the Oktoberfest- the largest folk festival in the World. When he was a student, Jungclaussen spent three years working at the festival selling cigarettes in one of the big beer tents- an experience he describes as 'somewhat traumatic'. He was born in the northern city of Hamburg and found Bavaria to be an alien land- a place of strange customs where people wear lederhosen and dirndl dresses, drink beer out of huge mugs and where brass bands play Oom-pah music.
In this programme, Jungclaussen returns to the festival to ask what it means for Bavarian identity and why over 6 million tourists come from across the globe to join in. He speaks to Prince Luitpold of Bavaria whose great-great-great-grandfather King Ludwig I founded the Oktoberfest in 1810 and who has had a long argument with the city of Munich over his right to sell beer at the festival. He also meets a tent owner who sells thousands of litres of beer for 12 hours a day to increasingly inebriated party-goers.
He speaks to locals who come with their families dressed in traditional clothing and are very proud of their distinctive culture. He goes inside the beer tents and meets tourists from many different countries and from the rest of Germany - many of whom also come in traditional dress. He asks how Bavarian symbols and customs have come to represent the German stereotype and considers why many are still wary of celebrating their national and local identity since the War.
Producer: Susie Warhurst
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 07:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b00strwf)
Series 2
Science Fiction, Science Fact
Special guests Jonathan Ross, graphic novelist Alan Moore and string theorist Brian Greene, join Brian Cox and Robin Ince on stage for a special edition of the science show that boldly goes where no other science show has been before. In a special science fiction themed programme, recorded in front of an audience at London's Southbank Centre, Brian, Robin and guests discuss multiple dimensions, alternate universes and look at whether science fact is far more outrageous than anything Hollywood or science fiction authors could ever come up with.
Producer: Alexandra Feachem.
WED 07:30 Sami Shah's Beginner's Guide to Pakistan (b06d8pql)
Episode 1
Sami Shah is an award-winning comedian and best-selling author, and one of Pakistan's most successful comedians. Yes, Pakistan has comedians. In A Beginner's Guide To Pakistan he has traveled to Birmingham - or, to give it its full name, the Islamic Republic of Birmingham - to give a quick guide to the country which has directly and/or indirectly provided the UK with 1.8% of its population: Pakistan.
In this first episode, he looks at the country's political history, from its foundations in British-ruled India right up to the present day. It's a litany of coups and assassinations, in the middle of which Sami was grew up, moved away and came home - to a very different Pakistan from the one he left. Which isn't to say that there weren't more coups and/or assassinations.
Written and performed by ... Sami Shah
The Voice of the Guide ... Anita Anand
Producer ... Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b013bzbf)
Series 4
The Northampton Hunt Ball
Chief Petty Officer Pertwee receives an invitation and hatches another cunning plan.

Stars Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Ronnie Barker as Able Seaman Johnson, Richard Caldicote as Captain Povey and Heather Chasen as Ramona Povey.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976.

Scripted by Lawrie Wyman

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1961.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00dp3qq)
Series 6
Episode 8
A dandy's revenge with Beau Legs - and persecuting pigeons.
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for eight years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Liam Cohen, Dave Lee and Bill Oddie.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in June 1968.
WED 09:00 Puzzle Panel (b00yrrgg)
Episode 8
Scratch your head along with Chris Maslanka, Dr Victor Bryant, Dr Doreen Baxter and William Hartston. From July 1998.
WED 09:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076hv6)
Episode 1
Twenty years married to Catherine of Aragon - and no son for the King. Should she take all the blame?

Jonathan Coy stars as Henry VIII

An unreliable history, created and written in six parts by Barry Grossman.

Henry VIII ...... Jonathan Coy
Catherine of Aragon ...... Carla Mendonca
Thomas Cromwell ...... Milton Johns
The Chronicler ...... Alfred Burke
Donna Elvira ...... Sheila Steafel
Cardinal Wolsey ...... John Rowe
The Pope ...... Stephen Greif

Music by Jim Parker.

Producer: John Fawcett Wilson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
WED 10:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3vw7)
The Power of the Sword
The Model Army easily reaches London, but with sinking confidence in Cromwell. English Civil War drama with Deborah Makepeace.
WED 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b016pkq1)
Moments Past
A Black Dog
Written by Philippa Gregory.
Read by Maureen Beattie.
Short story series in which leading historical authors write about a particular moment from the past, one which went on to influence the future.
Today, bestselling author Philippa Gregory examines the life and trial of of Eleanor Cobham: the unlucky Duchess of Gloucester, who married Duke Humphrey, uncle to Henry VI of England, in 1428 and was accused of treasonable necromancy - using magic to destroy the king.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
WED 11:15 Drama (b00q3kw2)
Richard Monks - The Journey
By Richard Monks. A chance sighting on a news report leads to an extraordinary reunion between two siblings and the father they cremated four years previously. A play exploring the emotional hinterland of reconciliation.
Stephen ...... Robert Glenister
Clare ...... Suranne Jones
Sophie ...... Joanne Mitchell
Alan ...... David Hargreaves
Nurse/Reporter/TV Reporter/Custody Sergeant/Mechanic ...... Terence Mann
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b013bzbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00dp3qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Miss Marple (b007jpq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Oktoberfest! (b00vkl0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbq87)
Dawn French - A Tiny Bit Marvellous
Episode 3
Dawn French's debut novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is told from three very different perspectives. Yet each is a member of the Battle family - perfectly average, perfectly dysfunctional.
Dora sits her A-Level exams but focuses on her social life. Noel flirts with Mo, and Peter flirts with Noel, with dramatic consequences.
Read by:
Dawn French
Lenny Henry
Sam Barnett and
Beattie Edmondson
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pc2q7)
Episode 3
When the Grimm brothers first published their Children's and Household Tales in 1812, in a scholarly effort to collate a national identity of the people, it was the beginning of an obsessive project of two intricately interwoven lifetimes.
To mark the bicentenary of the first edition, writer and mythographer Marina Warner explores the many compelling and often controversial aspects of the tales in a 10-part series, revealing new insights into the stories we think we know so well, and introducing us to the charms and challenges of those that we don't.
Alongside beautifully narrated extracts from the tales themselves, renowned academics and artists who work closely with the Grimm's rich heritage add to our understanding of these deceptively complex stories.
In the third episode we enter the magical worlds of the fairy tale, immersing ourselves in the spellbound transformations, landscapes and objects that have charmed generations. When magic rubs against the grain of reality and the impossible is naturalised, the stories' unique character comes alive.
Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fqn6)
Alison Lurie - Imaginary Friends
Episode 3
By Alison Lurie, dramatised by Melissa Murray
3/10
Sociologists Roger Zimmern and his boss, Tom McCann, have managed to infiltrate the small cult of the Truth Seekers. But now their reasons for being there are about to be exposed.
Roger ... Jonathan Forbes
McCann ... Nathan Osgood
Elsie ... Barbara Barnes
Verena ... Alex Tregear
Ken ... Simon Bubb
Bill ... Peter Polycarpou
Felicia... Susie Riddell
Mrs Munger ... Jane Whittenshaw
Directed by Marc Beeby.
WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v3)
Thomas Keneally - Searching for Schindler: A Memoir
Episode 3
Thomas Keneally's account of his discovery of the story of Oscar Schindler, which became the basis for his Booker Prize-winning novel Schindler's Ark and the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List.
Poldek takes Thomas to Poland to witness 'the intimacy of horror' in the Krakow ghetto.
WED 15:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3vw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Puzzle Panel (b00yrrgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076hv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b00strwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Sami Shah's Beginner's Guide to Pakistan (b06d8pql)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007s8gp)
Episode 3
Leon starts planning for the exciting new way of life that his medically enhanced mind has revealed.
Rhashan Stone continues award-winning US writer Ted Chiang's sci-fi thriller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b0076tdr)
The Road to Hell
Matthew Parris asks Helen Walsh, Jay Benedict and poet Attila the Stockbroker about the sulphurous road to hell. From August 2005.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b013bzbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00dp3qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Miss Marple (b007jpq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Oktoberfest! (b00vkl0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b016pkq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Drama (b00q3kw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Sami Shah's Beginner's Guide to Pakistan (b06d8pql)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Bird Island (b01jrknt)
Series 1
Episode 1
On the one hand, Ben is on the trip of a lifetime to Sub-Antarctica. On the other, he's trapped in an icy hell with one other person, a dodgy internet connection and a dictaphone. Loneliness is something of a problem. His fellow travelling scientist Graham should alleviate this, but the tragi-comic fact is, they are nerdy blokes, so they can only stumble through yet another awkward exchange. Ben experiences all the highs and lows that this beautiful, but lonely place has to offer but fails miserably to communicate this to Graham. So, Ben shares his thoughts with us in the form of an audio 'log'.
Apart from his research studying the Albatross on the Island, Ben attempts to continue normal life with an earnestness and enthusiasm which is ultimately very endearing. We're with him as chats awkwardly with Graham, telephones his mother and as he tries to form a long distance relationship with a woman through Chemistry.com. In fact, we follow Ben as everything occurs to him. We also hear the pings and whirrs of machinery, the Squawks and screeches of the birds and the vast expanse outside. Oh, and ice. Lots of ice.
Bird Island is written by Katy Wix, one half of the sketch Duo 'Anna and Katy'. Katy is a writer performer who has made appearances in 'Miranda', 'Outnumbered' and stars regularly as Daisy in 'Not Going Out'.
EPISODE ONE:
Bird Island is the story of Ben, a young scientist working in Antarctica, trying to socially adapt to the loneliness by keeping a cheery audio diary on his Dictaphone. An atmospheric 15 minute non-audience comedy. In episode 1, Ben loses his watch and logs on to a dating website.
Written by ..... Katy Wix
Produced by ..... Tilusha Ghelani.
WED 22:45 Before They Were Famous (b01lv38v)
Series 1
Episode 1
Ian Leslie presents a new Radio 4 comedy show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of some of the world's best known writers. A project of literary archaeology, Leslie has found evidence in the most unlikely of places - within the archives of newspapers, periodicals, corporations and universities - showcasing the early examples of work by writers such as Jilly Cooper during her brief and unfortunately unsuccessful foray into the world of war reporting, and Hunter S Thompson in his sadly short-lived phase working in the customer relations department for a major American Airline.
These are the newspaper articles, advertising copy, company correspondence and gardening manuals that allow us a fascinating glimpse into the embryonic development of our best loved literary voices - people we know today for their novels or poems but who, at the time, were just people with a dream...and a rent bill looming at the end of the month.
Produced by Anna Silver and Claire Broughton
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06hk9mq)
The best in contemporary comedy. Isy Suttie chats to John Finnemore.
WED 23:00 The History Plays (b01cdvb7)
Stonehouse in Alice
Written and directed by Nigel Smith and starring Tim McInnerny as John Stonehouse and Daniel Rigby as Ed Jennings. Stonehouse in Alice is the second of The History Plays, imaginary conversations set against the backdrop of real events.
It's 1974 and Ed Jennings, a cub reporter from a local paper has stumbled upon the scoop of a lifetime while on holiday in Australia. Because Leonard has found missing maverick MP, John Stonehouse.
Stonehouse recently faked his death to escape from a sea of debt, the fraud squad, his wife, and a series of misadventures back home in the UK. A charmer, a snob, an aesthete, a writer and a con man, the Walsall North MP, once one of the greatest loose cannons of his political generation, is now in hiding, shacked up with his mistress in one of the loneliest places on earth. What will be kept secret for decades, however, is that he's also a communist spy.
Ed is bright enough to know this story will make his name. It has all the ingredients; celebrity, notoriety, sex, politics and sleaze. But what it's fundamentally about is greed. And that is still seen as shocking in an MP. Chisholm knows no post-war English politician will have had such a fall from grace. Profumo only erred for lust. This is something new... and thrilling. And it turns out Stonehouse has an offer for the young reporter. One that will change both their lives.
WED 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00rmygl)
Series 1
Smoked Meat
Sir Marcus wants a global web presence by the end of the week.
Mean marketing director John Weak descends to the IT netherworld to do battle with Gavin Smedley, an IT director grown from the sweat of a techie's armpit.
Alexander Armstrong stars as John Weak in Guy Browning’s sitcom.
John Weak ...... Alexander Armstrong
Hayley ...... Clare Perkins
Sir Marcus ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Bill Peters ...... Ron Cook
Gary Peyton ...... Ewan Bailey
Gavin Smedley ...... Gerard McDermott
Paul ...... Harry Myers
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.


THURSDAY 08 OCTOBER 2015

THU 00:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007s8gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b0076tdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Miss Marple (b007jpq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Oktoberfest! (b00vkl0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbq87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pc2q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fqn6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v3vw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Puzzle Panel (b00yrrgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII (b0076hv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b00strwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Sami Shah's Beginner's Guide to Pakistan (b06d8pql)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqf)
The Murder at the Vicarage
Episode 4
Investigations into the murder of Colonel Protheroe don't go at all to plan. Who is the killer?
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple.
Rev. Leonard Clement.............................................Francis Matthews
Griselda Clement.......................................................Imelda Staunton
Lettice Protheroe......................................................Rachel Atkins
Dr Haydock................................................................Nigel Davenport
Anne Protheroe.......................................................Frances Jeater
Inspector Slack........................................................John Baddeley
Gladys Cram.............................................................Oona Beeson
Hawes........................................................................David Thorpe
Mrs Price-Ridley.....................................................Margot Boyd
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
THU 06:30 Gurinder, The Movie (b00ldblk)
On the set of her latest film, director Gurinder Chadha tells the story of her ‘dual nationality’.
She discusses how her early life in Southall in west London, where she grew up conscious of both her Asian and British inheritance, has informed and enriched her hit films including Bend It Like Beckham.
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2009.
THU 07:00 North by Northamptonshire (b017mx3z)
Series 2
Episode 1
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians.
Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each with envious eyes. Now Katherine Jakeways is giving Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, benevolently, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Joined by the same incredible cast which graced Series One - including Sheila Hancock as the Narrator, Penelope Wilton, Mackenzie Crook, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon - and with the exciting addition of Geoffrey Palmer, North by Northamptonshire promises once again to delight audience and critics.
Wadenbrook is a small market town in a corner of Northamptonshire, and will be familiar to anyone who has ever lived anywhere. This year, its residents are building up to a Dickensian Festival weekend, so expect mob caps, cravats and shawls which are usually used as cat-blankets.
Written by and also starring 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.
THU 07:30 The Brig Society (b06d9lhx)
Series 3
Diplomat
Ahem. Marcus Brigstocke coughs politely, dons a crumpled linen suit and fibs for Britain as he tries his hand at becoming a diplomat. On the way, he'll look at the history and origins of diplomacy, the training required and the fact that approximately 60% of the modern British diplomat's work is spent apologising for Jeremy Clarkson.
Helping him to foster mutually beneficial relationships will be Margaret Cabourn-Smith, William Andrews and Colin Hoult.
Written by Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Salsby, Toby Davies, Nick Doody, Steve Punt and Dan Tetsell
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
Series 3
Tea for Two
A famous by-election visitor sparks party wars for the rag and bone duo.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With John Rye and Edward Kelsey.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.
THU 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
Series 2
Episode 2
Shady lawyer, Waldorf T Flywheel turns farmer for a wealthy Uncle.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1991.
THU 09:00 Genius (b0076vc0)
Series 2
Johnny Vegas
From a robotic dog to friendly car horns.
Dave Gorman asks comedian and actor Johnny Vegas to select the public's best loopy idea
Series in which award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
THU 09:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
Series 4
Positive Thinking
"I've never seen Clare so sure of herself. Or so sure of anything."
With Julian back on the scene, Clare is ecstatic. But her mother Sarah has concerns.
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
Julian …. Jasper Jacob
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1989.
THU 10:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v7r8n)
Discussions at Putney
1647, the Model Army attempt to bring Cromwell round to their way of thinking. English Civil War drama with Nigel Anthony.
THU 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b016pktn)
Moments Past
Hare Dreamer
Written by Manda Scott.
Read by Colette O'Neil.
Short story series in which leading historical authors write about a particular moment from the past, one which went on to influence the future.
Manda Scott's story takes us back to 61AD and imagines the mood of the Eceni elders on the eve of the final battle of the Boudican revolt - which came tantalisingly close to ridding Britain of the Roman legions.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
THU 11:15 Drama (b00xb0sf)
Marcy Kahan - Incredibly Guilty: A Comic Moral Fable
by Marcy Kahan
Ed Hanson didn't mean to put Penhaligon Rhinehart into a coma;
after all he's a National Treasure.
Now Ed's life is about to change forever.
Directed by Sally Avens
It's an important day for Ed Hanson; he has to do two things, present a 'vision statement' to keep hold of his job and propose marriage to his girlfriend, Lucinda. What isn't on Ed's list of things to do is put Penhaligon Rhinehart, author, barrister, circus clown and National Treasure into a coma. Ed's life will never be quite the same again.
Stephen Mangan is one of our leading comic actors from playing roles such as 'Adrian Mole' on television and Norman in 'The Norman Conquests' on Stage and most recently Dirk Gently on BBC4
Marcy Kahan is an award winning screen and stage dramatist.
THU 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Gurinder, The Movie (b00ldblk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbqcb)
Dawn French - A Tiny Bit Marvellous
Episode 4
Dawn French's debut novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is told from three very different perspectives. Yet each is a member of the Battle family - perfectly average, perfectly dysfunctional.
Oscar confides in Nana Pamela, Dora celebrates her 18th birthday but Mo is a far from dutiful mother, on account of a date with Noel.
Read by:
Dawn French
Lenny Henry
Sam Barnett and
Beattie Edmondson
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 14:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pcs5z)
Episode 4
When the Grimm brothers first published their Children's and Household Tales in 1812, in a scholarly effort to collate a national identity of the people, it was the beginning of an obsessive project of two intricately interwoven lifetimes.
To mark the bicentenary of the first edition, writer and mythographer Marina Warner explores the many compelling and often controversial aspects of the tales in a 10-part series, revealing new insights into the stories we think we know so well, and introducing us to the charms and challenges of those that we don't.
Alongside beautifully narrated extracts from the tales themselves, renowned academics and artists who work closely with the Grimm's rich heritage add to our understanding of these deceptively complex stories.
In the fourth episode, Marina tells the latent truth from the familiar fiction in the tales, identifying the real people and places that some believe to have inspired the Grimms brothers' collection. Was Bluebeard inspired by the real-life serial killer Giles de Rais, a 15th century French lord who served under Joan of Arc? Was Snow White based on truth? Leading academics discuss what these parallels tell us about the dormant human anxieties that transcend time and place.
Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fs6c)
Alison Lurie - Imaginary Friends
Episode 4
By Alison Lurie. Dramatised by Melissa Murray
4/10
Verena, leader of the Truth Seekers, seems to have lost her way. Her aunt Elsie has persuaded professor Tom McCann to speak to her. But McCann has an agenda of his own.
Roger ... Jonathan Forbes
McCann ... Nathan Osgood
Elsie ... Barbara Barnes
Verena ... Alex Tregear
Bill ... Peter Polycarpou
Mrs Munger ... Jane Whittenshaw
Directed by Marc Beeby.
THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v5)
Thomas Keneally - Searching for Schindler: A Memoir
Episode 4
Thomas Keneally's account of his discovery of the story of Oscar Schindler, which became the basis for his Booker Prize-winning novel Schindler's Ark and the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List.
The journey ends in Israel and Thomas goes home to write his book.
THU 15:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v7r8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Genius (b0076vc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 North by Northamptonshire (b017mx3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Brig Society (b06d9lhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007scyn)
Episode 4
Reynolds and Leon prepare for a battle of minds.
Who will survive?
Rhashan Stone concludes award-winning US writer Ted Chiang's sci-fi thriller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076rln)
Series 7
Mozart
4 Extra Debut. Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo selects composer Wolfgang Mozart. With Francine Stock and Stephen Johnson. From April 2005.
THU 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Gurinder, The Movie (b00ldblk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b016pktn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Drama (b00xb0sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 The Brig Society (b06d9lhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Newsjack (b06g7bpf)
Series 13
Episode 5
This week's stories lovingly bashed, mashed and moulded into sketches, one-liners and vox-pops by the public. Trying to make sense of it all is our host, Nish Kumar.

Producers: Suzy Grant and Matt Stronge

BBC Radio Comedy production
THU 23:00 We Are Klang: Amazing Lives (b007k3hw)
Max Phantasmo
The controversial American comedian, by those who know him. Spoof starring Greg Davies and Steve Hall. From April 2007.
THU 23:30 Sounding Off with McGough (b007jvnp)
6. The Way Things Are
Roger McGough's reflections on life, death and BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme.
With the accompaniment of long-time musical collaborator Andy Roberts.
Recorded at the Bath Festival.
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
THU 23:45 The Shuttleworths (b007jm2l)
Series 1
John Goes to London
Sheffield singer John Shuttleworth's efforts to find Big City fame don't go to plan. Stars Graham Fellows. From April 1994.


FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2015

FRI 00:00 Understand by Ted Chiang (b007scyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076rln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Gurinder, The Movie (b00ldblk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbqcb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pcs5z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b012fs6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v7r8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Genius (b0076vc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 North by Northamptonshire (b017mx3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Brig Society (b06d9lhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqv)
The Murder at the Vicarage
Episode 5
Amateur sleuth Jane Marple battles to unearth the proof she needs to reveal the murderer's identity - along with a few other surprises.
The conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring June Whitfield as Miss Marple.
Rev. Leonard Clement.......................................Francis Matthews
Griselda Clement.................................................Imelda Staunton
Lettice Protheroe.................................................Rachel Atkins
Colonel Melchett.................................................Richard Todd
Dr Haydock............................................................Nigel Davenport
Inspector Slack......................................................John Baddeley
Gladys Cram..........................................................Oona Beeson
Mrs Sadler..............................................................Tina Gray
Constable................................................................Dominic Letts
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
FRI 06:30 Bowling for Love (b00mr5r6)
Following a bowls community, and the friendships and romances formed on and off the green. When Brian and Meryl joined Adastra Bowls Club in Hassocks, they were looking for a new hobby. But as their lives changed, the crown green became the setting for another sort of interest.
FRI 07:00 The Change (b0076p0j)
Series 3
Episode 2
Ken is surprised to find that he has a new bedmate - but not the one he'd hoped for.
Carol …. Lynda Bellingham
George …. Philip Jackson
Violet ...... Marcia Warren
Maureen …. Maureen Beattie
Ken …. James Vaugnan
Sonia …. Emma Kennedy
Jerry …. Barnaby Kay
Dave …. Mark Powley
Series 3 of the sitcom about a married couple's attempts to smooth over their singularly troubled midlife - Carol is hormonal and 15-stone George is a transvestite. Onlookers can't quite agree on the nature of their dynamic.
Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
FRI 07:30 Liam Mullone's Disappointing World (b06f54rz)
British comedy's only contrarian libertarian antiquarian, Liam Mullone tackles the universal theme that sums up all human endeavour - disappointment.
In this comedy lecture dedicated to history's losers Liam celebrates some enormously bad ideas from the world of technology.
He tells the hubristic story of Sweden's 17th Century warship, The Vasa, which was even more disappointing than The Mary Rose. Some of NASA's most inspiration-lacking ventures are laid bare. And Frenchman Marcel Lucont honours countryman Jacques Cousteau and his cigarette smoke-filled Conshelf stations in a song.
Performers: Liam Mullone with Alexis Dubus and Eri Jackson
Writer: Liam Mullone
Producer: Aled Evans.
FRI 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jsqv)
Series 5
Around the World in 80 Days
The lad accepts a bet when challenged to copy Phileas Fogg's trip - but in far less time.
Stars Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1958.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007jslg)
Series 5
The White Box of Great Bardfield
Can Neddie Seagoon get rich quick by exporting Brtain's surfeit of snow?

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan

First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.

With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.

Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.

Announcer: Wallace Greenslade

Producer: Peter Eton

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1955.
FRI 09:00 The 3rd Degree (b00yqhrp)
Series 1
Southampton
Coming this week from the University of Southampton, host Steve Punt quizzes Biology students and Mathematics dons alike on dachshunds, Dante, and Doctor Who. So if you've ever wondered whether "The Golgi Apparatus" refers to part of a eukaryotic cell or is merely a little-read Robert Ludlum novel then this is the show for you.
"The 3rd Degree" is a funny, lively and dynamic new quiz show aimed at cultivating the next generation of Radio 4 listeners whilst delighting the current ones. It's recorded on location at a different University each week, and it pits three Undergraduates against three of their Professors in a genuinely original and fresh take on an academic quiz. Being a Radio 4 programme, it of course meets the most stringent standards of academic rigour - but with lots of facts and jokes thrown in for good measure.
Together with host Steve Punt, the show tours the (sometimes posh, sometimes murky, but always welcoming!) Union buildings, cafés and lecture halls of six universities across the UK.
The rounds vary between Specialist Subjects and General Knowledge, quickfire bell-and-buzzer rounds and the 'Highbrow & Lowbrow' round cunningly devised to test not only the students' knowledge of current affairs, history, languages and science, but also their Professors' awareness of television, film, and Lady Gaga... In addition, the Head-to-Head rounds, in which students take on their Professors in their own subjects, were particularly lively, and offered plenty of scope for mild embarrassment on both sides...
The resulting show is funny, fresh, and not a little bit surprising, with a truly varied range of scores, friendly rivalry, and moments where students wished they had more than just glanced at that reading list...
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 09:30 Albert and Me (b007jynb)
Series 1
Rate of Decline
Struggling to bring up his baby son Albert, single dad Bryan Archer desperately needs cash for his rate arrears.
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert and John Comer as Dad. With Harry Fowler as Joe Billings.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1977.
FRI 10:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v7sqn)
The Logic of Events
Major Francis White seeks peace with his father before heading into battle. English Civil War drama with Graham Blockey.
FRI 11:00 Mat Coward - The Hampstead Vegetable Heist (b06g7r3j)
A former yuppie decides to rob a betting shop, using an unusual fake gun. A stick-up and a frame-up, read by Larry Lamb. From February 1995.
FRI 11:15 Drama (b007ycm8)
Rachel Joyce - Feather
By Rachel Joyce.
Fern believes in magic, Father Christmas and the Tooth Fairy. She is collecting feathers because they can make wishes come true, and Fern has a very big and important wish.
Fern ...... Maisie Cowell
Lucy ...... Claire Price
Flyn ...... Shaun Dooley
Lloyd ...... Jot Davies
Grandma ...... Richenda Carey
Sam ...... Rachel Bavidge
Cayleigh ...... Morgan Gayle
Directed by Tracey Neale.
FRI 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jsqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jslg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Bowling for Love (b00mr5r6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b00wbqjc)
Dawn French - A Tiny Bit Marvellous
Episode 5
Dawn French's debut novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is told from three very different perspectives. Yet each is a member of the Battle family - perfectly average, perfectly dysfunctional.
Dora fixes a secret date on Facebook, but thanks to Oscar, Dad finds out and stirs himself to action. Mo plans to run away with Noel. Will the Battles ever be the same again?
Read by:
Dawn French
Lenny Henry
Sam Barnett and
Beattie Edmondson
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:15 Grimm Thoughts (b01pcvlb)
Episode 5
When the Grimm brothers first published their Children's and Household Tales in 1812, in a scholarly effort to collate a national identity of the people, it was the beginning of an obsessive project of two intricately interwoven lifetimes.
To mark the bicentenary of the first edition, writer and mythographer Marina Warner explores the many compelling and often controversial aspects of the tales in a 10-part series, revealing new insights into the stories we think we know so well, and introducing us to the charms and challenges of those that we don't.
Alongside beautifully narrated extracts from the tales themselves, renowned academics and artists who work closely with the Grimm's rich heritage add to our understanding of these deceptively complex stories.
In the fifth episode, we are drawn into the tales' rich history of illustration. These evocative stories have always stirred vivid images in the minds of artists, from the angular drawings of an early David Hockney to Dickens' Victorian illustrator George Cruikshank. Through these artists' impressions, we paint a new picture of the tales' vital contribution to the long tradition of visual storytelling.
Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b012ftrn)
Alison Lurie - Imaginary Friends
Episode 5
By Alison Lurie. Dramatised by Melissa Murray
5/10
Sociologist Tom McCann is behaving increasingly strangely, much to the frustration of his young assistant Roger. But they're about to hear some news that will make things a great deal stranger.
Roger ... Jonathan Forbes
McCann ... Nathan Osgood
Elsie ... Barbara Barnes
Verena ... Alex Tregear
Sissy ... Susie Riddell
Bill ... Peter Polycarpou
Mrs Munger ... Jane Whittenshaw
Directed by Marc Beeby.
FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b00dz9v8)
Thomas Keneally - Searching for Schindler: A Memoir
Episode 5
Thomas Keneally's account of his discovery of the story of Oscar Schindler, which became the basis for his Booker Prize-winning novel Schindler's Ark and the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List.
Thomas has finished writing Schindler's Ark and Steven Spielberg is interested in making it into a film.
FRI 15:00 Don Taylor - God's Revolution (b00v7sqn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 3rd Degree (b00yqhrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Albert and Me (b007jynb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Change (b0076p0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Liam Mullone's Disappointing World (b06f54rz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Carey Harrison - A Call from the Dead (b01nf2h9)
It's good to talk - or so they say - but not when you're called from beyond the grave...
Stars John Shrapnel as Dr Edward Elmore, Nick Dunning as Stephen Warburton, Christopher Scott as the Reverend Neville Barber and Carolyn Jones as Martha.
Scripted by Carey Harrison
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b06g7tf8)
Series 1
You'll Never Walk Alone
Carl Davis and Gerry Marsden reflect on the impact of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Carousel solo which became an anthem.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
FRI 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jsqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007jslg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Miss Marple (b007jpqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Bowling for Love (b00mr5r6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Mat Coward - The Hampstead Vegetable Heist (b06g7r3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Drama (b007ycm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Liam Mullone's Disappointing World (b06f54rz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 BBC New Comedy Awards (b06gptvc)
2015
Heat six
The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from London's famous Up The Creek comedy club.
Our host Jessica Fostekew presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.
Judges for this heat are comedian Jocelyn Esien, BBC Comedy Producer Sam Bryant and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett.
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner and Laura Baron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2015.
FRI 23:30 The Skivers (b00j1ff4)
Series 3
Michael Fish
High winds alert! Weatherman Michael Fish bids for stardom. Sketch show with Nick Golsen and Tim de Jongh. From January 1997.