SATURDAY 23 JULY 2016

SAT 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b03vh0c6)
Ed Harris - The Interplanetary Notes of Ambassador B, Episode 5
Ambassador B should be inspecting minor planets of far-away suns for the peaceful Interplanetary Commonwealth. Instead, her recorded reports reveal that she is veering off-course, pursuing a vendetta and bringing anything but peace.
Mind-bending, interstellar fun and adventure from Sony Gold-winning writer Ed Harris.
5/5 Ambassador B decides to turn in her badge on the next planet she finds. But when she gets there, there's no one to surrender to.
Produced and Directed by Jonquil Panting.
SAT 00:15 Bryan Appleyard - The First Church of the New Millennium (b007jqqm)
Episode 10
Architect Stephen Rix's cathedral has finally been built. But what has been the true cost? Concluded by David Horovitch.
SAT 00:30 Sounds Natural (b07lp1v3)
Derek Nimmo
From the Bar-Tailed Godwit to the Natterjack Toad. Actor, producer, author and Just A Minute panellist, Derek Nimmo talks to Derek Jones about his love of wildlife photography and filming, plus his recent trip to Australia - aided by recordings from the BBC Sound Archive.
Derek Nimmo: born 1930 - died 1999.

Producer: John Burton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1973.
SAT 01:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037bh90)
Episode 10
Going to Jean's aid, Dick and Freddie find the distinction between friends and enemies is becoming blurred.
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
SAT 01:15 Edgar Wallace - White Face (b012s2g9)
Episode 10
The master criminal tells all about his humble origins and rise to prominence, and seals his fate. Concluded by Danny Webb.
SAT 01:30 Green Ears (b0122t6q)
Many of us think of our gardens, parks and green urban spaces as retreats and oases of calm from our busy lives, others think of them as places for fun, socialising and play, whereas there are some who think of them as just hard work. Whatever we think, we usually think of them in terms of what they look like, even maybe what they smell like. But in Green Ears, Professor Trevor Cox explores what they sound like.
Acoustics play a massive part in our sense of space. With loud noises like traffic or industrial works actually causing us harm. The right sorts of sounds, at the right volume and pitch though can really help to enhance our sense of tranquillity.
So what are the sounds we most like to hear in our gardens? Water tricking, birds singing, bees buzzing, wind rustling leaves and children playing (quietly or from a distance!) can be as calming as beautiful planting and clever layout. But it has to be the right trickle of water, get it wrong and you may find you want to rush to the loo! too loud and the sense of Niagara Falls in your small back yard can feel threatening. Trevor talks to the scientists who have put it to the test and found the water sound we all seem to enjoy. He talks to garden designers who not only think about harmonising colours and textures of plants, but think about how they'll attract birds and insects into the garden as well as creating cocooned quiet spaces and introducing natural noises.
Plants can also be used to block out or distract you from unwanted sounds. Green walls not only reflect sounds, but they can also absorb them. Again water can be used to distract you from a busy motorway - and these have all been used to varying effect by urban planners aiming to create pockets of peace and calm in busy cities.
Trevor also explores the use of artificial sounds in our green spaces and finds out how a garden in Florence is being used as a sound laboratory to test cutting edge sonic devices to see if they can increase the harmony of the garden.
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kd0wq)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 5
Written by Michael Palin.
Mabbut has been commissioned to write a book about the elusive activist Hamish Melville. He heads to India in search of his subject but, as he begins to unravel the full story, Mabbut finds himself in deep trouble.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 02:15 The Invention of Childhood (b00sprf9)
Reinventing Childhood
Michael Morpurgo recalls the impact of adults on childhood down the centuries up to the present day.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b012x129)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 5
Ernest Hemingway's beautiful novel of love and war, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 5/10 Frederic takes up with a new ambulance unit, and takes part in the great Italian retreat.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Catherine ..... Morven Christie
Bonello ..... Carl Prekopp
Girl ..... Alex Tregear
Bartolomeo ..... Jonathan Forbes
Sergeant ..... James Lailey
Medical Officer ..... Simon Bubb
Piani ..... Daniel Rabin
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b014m93d)
Tim Jeal - Explorers of the Nile, Episode 5
Having found Dr Livingstone, Stanley is determined to continue the doctor's quest to find the source of the Nile
Nothing obsessed explorers of the mid-nineteenth century more than the quest to discover the source of the White Nile. It was the planet's most elusive secret, the prize coveted above all others. Between 1856 and 1876, six larger-than-life men and one extraordinary woman accepted the challenge. Showing extreme courage and resilience, Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke, James Augustus Grant, Samuel Baker, Florence von Sass, David Livingstone, and Henry Morton Stanley risked their lives and reputations in the fierce competition.
Award-winning author Tim Jeal deploys fascinating new research to provide a vivid tableau of the unmapped 'Dark Continent', its jungle deprivations, and the courage as well as malicious tactics of the explorers.
Jeal weaves the story with authentic new detail and examines the tragic unintended legacy of the Nile search that still casts a long shadow over the people of Uganda and Sudan.
Tim Jeal is the author of acclaimed biographies of Livingstone, Baden-Powell, and Stanley, each selected as a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times and the Washington Post. He lives in London.
Reader: Alex Jennings
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007k02r)
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Redress
Neville Landless, whom Jasper thinks killed Edwin, has been found stabbed to death. But Datchery has a plan. Stars John Moffatt.
SAT 04:00 Whispers (b007k3bv)
Series 3, Episode 5
Gyles Brandreth hosts the scandals quiz with Lucy Moore, Anthony Holden, Richard Herring and Louise Doughty. From November 2005.
SAT 04:30 No Commitments (b01mtn2p)
Series 10, A Marriage of Inconvenience
Victoria is livid when her daughter's wedding plans are upstaged by her sister Charlotte. Stars Bill Nighy. From February 2004.
SAT 05:00 Winston in Europe (b007vcn9)
Where Are We Now?
The old rogue challenges Nancy's intelligence, and Father sings the praises of Crewe toilets. Starring Maurice Denham.
SAT 05:30 Dave Podmore's Big Bake Off Bash (b07kp5gj)
England's sleaziest cricketer Dave Podmore says there's more to cricket than stuffing yourself with cakes and sandwiches half-way through the game, but he can't remember what. Pod's at rock bottom, crying into his cold beans, until he thinks there could be "some light at the end of the doldrum" when he hits on a plan to create the best cricket tea that ever graced a Cath Kidston tablecloth or clogged an English artery, and to do it on the biggest stage of all: The Great British Bake Off.
Logging every glorious calorie along the way is Andy Hamer of Radio One County's ever popular "Triglyceride Watch". It's oven gloves off as Pod battles through the rounds, but will his unorthodox kebab cake rise to the occasion? Let's see how the public votes.
SAT 06:00 Eric Pringle - Meeting Bea (b041th7q)
In 1927, children's author, Beatrix Potter was living the life of a recluse as Mrs Beatrix-Heelis.
The arrival at her Lake District home of an American publisher and an admiring Lancashire Mill-girl, sparks painful memories of an appalling childhood and youth.
Eric Pringle's play stars Stephanie Cole as Beatrix Potter and Clive Swift as her husband, William Heelis. With Ed Bishop as Alexander McKay and Caroline Strong as Sally Worboys.
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
SAT 07:30 Rupert Bear and Me (b0167qpt)
From his humble beginnings in a strip cartoon back in 1920, Rupert Bear has been captivating children - and adults - for the best part of a century.
Now into his 90's Rupert Bear is one of the longest-running children's comic characters in the world and has touched the lives of millions and drawn them into his enchanting world.
Lifelong Rupert fan, Mark Radcliffe reflects on his life growing up with the little white bear and explores what makes Rupert and his adventures in Nutwood so appealing.
He delves into his own Rupert annual collection and talks to fellow fans including the actor Terence Stamp, former-Python Terry Jones and comedy actor John Thomson about what they find so enticing about the world of the curious white bear.
With contributions from current Rupert annual illustrator Stuart Trotter, biographer Caroline Bott and children's literature expert Julia Eccleshare, Mark takes a look at Rupert's origins, the artistry and creativity of long-time illustrator Alfred Bestall and the significance of Rupert's home - the wonderful world of Nutwood.
With a yellow and black checked scarf tied firmly round his neck, Mark dives into the magical world of Nutwood and considers Rupert's place in popular culture, his rock 'n' roll credentials, his longevity and success.
Producer: Lorna Skingley
A Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b012zy1c)
RP RIP?
"It is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman hate or despise him." George Bernard Shaw.
A hundred years ago, Shaw ridiculed the British obsession with class, recognising that its most powerful expression was not in what someone said, but how he or she said it.
An imperative for anyone at public school or studying at Oxbridge, was speaking in RP, a 'non' accent which denoted all that was masterful in the British Empire.
But changes are afoot. Cheryl Cole's push from American X Factor because of her Geordie accent has exasperated many Brits, who love her AND her accent and think the Yanks are missing out.
Using a wealth of archive, we hear how the drive to hide linguistic, geographical roots often went hand in hand with a desire to be seen as part of the metropolitan set. The fear of being labelled as provincial, unfashionable or rustic would develop into "RP" - Received Pronunciation.
With access to archives of soldiers during the First World War, Melvyn discusses the rarity of hearing different accents at the time. He points out that RP was the 'non' site-specific accent of the officer class while everyone else was identified by their regional accents.
The BBC burst on the scene with Lord Reith who insisted that RP be used for BBC broadcasting, arguing that it had greater 'clarity' and was better suited for broadcasting.
We hear about the post war levelling and the move away from RP. The popular music scene developed an accent of it's own - John Peel went to public school, but cultivated a soft scouse accent, instinctively recognizing this as an acceptable voice in popular music - adopting a non-standard UK accent - with 'Jafaican' as one of the burgeoning metropolitan accents - suggesting individual freedom
Producer: Kate Bland
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Frank Loesser - Guys and Dolls (b00czkq3)
Broadway star Mandy Patinkin, Claire Moore, John Challis and Anita Dobson star in an exclusive, complete BBC recording of Frank Loesser's 1950's musical. Introduced by Sheridan Morley.
Set in a New York alive with gamblers, cops, nightclub performers and members of the Salvation Army, the score includes 'Adelaide's Lament', 'Luck Be a Lady' and 'Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat'. A gambler in need of cash bets he can make any girl go to Havana with him. But his pals pick a girl at the Save a Soul Mission in need of recruiting sinners to her cause.
The all-time Broadway classic ran for 1200 performances and won a Tony Award for Best Musical. Music and lyrics written by Frank Loesser based on stories by Damon Runyon, with a book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling.
Starring Mandy Patinkin as Sky Masterson, Claire Moore as Sarah Brown, John Challis as Nathan Detroit, Anita Dobson as Adelaide, Patrick Clancy as Nicely Nicely Johnson, Michael Cahill as Benny Southstreet, Stephen Hill as Rusty Charlie, Matt Zimmerman as Harry the Horse, James Smillie as Big Jule, Don Fellows as Arvid Abernathy, Pamela Cundell as General Cartwright, Peter Harding as Lt Brannigan/Narrator and David Kelsey as Joey Biltmore.
With the Stephen Hill Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra led by Cynthia Fleming and conducted by Michael Reed.
Script Associate: David Kelsey
Sound Balancer: Mike Robinson
Producer: John Langridge
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1994.
SAT 11:30 Russell Davies (b00svvss)
Russell Davies on Guys and Dolls
Russell Davies spotlights the award-winning American composer, Frank Loesser through his all-time classic Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls.
Recorded to mark Loesser's centennial year.
Producer: Roy Oakshott
First broadcast in 'The Russell Davies Show' made by Wise Buddah productions for BBC Radio 2 in 2010.
SAT 12:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00v2pbf)
Series 2, Awards
18th century smuggler Tamsyn Trelawny wants to win "Peasants Personality of The Year". Stars Sheridan Smith. From April 2004.
SAT 12:30 Tanika Gupta - Pankhiraj (b07lp4lr)
The Wedding
Dida is a storyteller with an unpredictable brand of magic. In Tanika Gupta's four-part comedy, three generations of women collide at a family wedding.
Starring Charubala Chokshi as Dida, Souad Faress as Sripurna, Meera Syal as Malati, Vinny Dhillon as Rehana and Geoffrey Beevers as Geoffrey.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994.
SAT 13:00 Marcy Kahan - Lunch Omnibus (b07lp80k)
Two ex-flatmates meet to talk about everything but how much they love each other. Comedy with Stephen Mangan and Claire Skinner.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b07lp80m)
John Challis
Actor John Challis chooses 'Life Gets Tee-Jus, Don't It?' by Peter Lind Hayes and 'Here I Go Again' by Whitesnake.
SAT 14:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b04d0klc)
Zoe Wanamaker
The actress opens up to Anthony Clare about her childhood, upbringing and relationship with her parents. From October 1998.
Born in Dublin, author Anthony held a doctorate in medicine, a master's degree in philosophy and was a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After becoming a regular on BBC Radio 4's Stop the Week in the 1980s, he became Britain's best-known psychiatrist and earned his own vehicle, In the Psychiatrist's Chair. Starting in 1982, this series ran until 2001 and also transferred to TV. Series highlights include conversations with Bob Monkhouse, Cecil Parkinson and Gerry Adams.
Anthony Clare died suddenly in Paris aged 64 in 2007.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b012zy1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Eric Pringle - Meeting Bea (b041th7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Rupert Bear and Me (b0167qpt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Bram Stoker - The Lair of the White Worm (b07lp80p)
It's 1870 in Derbyshire's High Peak district. While on a visit to his elderly uncle in the tiny village of Penda's Dale, Adam Salton - already shocked by the oppressive melancholic atmosphere in the village - quickly realises that the disappearance of several local men is not accidental.
His investigations lead him to the discovery of a terrifying and ancient secret: a malevolent force is at work in Penda's Dale.
Bram Stoker's gothic tale of horror adapted by Brian Wright.
Starring Jimi Mistry as Adam Salton, Peter Marinker as Dr Daniel Salton and Ben Crowe as Frank Davenport.
Soundtrack specially commissioned from the San Francisco-based sound sculptors Matmos.
Producer: Rishi Shankar
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2004.
SAT 19:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (b03tws3x)
The great gardener Gertrude Jekyll once said: "A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust." Through her fascination with colour, cottage gardens and experimentation, it has been said she "changed the face of England more than any save the Creator and perhaps Capability Brown".
Penelope Keith explores Miss Jekyll's own 10-acre garden - the enchanting Munstead Wood in Surrey - and along the way unearths some horticultural wisdoms and delights from the BBC sound archive.
Joining Penelope to discuss Gertrude's influence and changing horticultural fashions are broadcaster and author, James Wong, author Catherine Horwood and Munstead Wood's head gardener, Annabel Watts.
Programmes include:
Great Gardens: Gertrude Jekyll, with Chris Serle from 1984
Gardeners' Question Time from 1947
The BBC Home Service's Radio Allotment from 1942
At Home With the Snails, from 2001 starring Geoffrey Palmer and Angela Thorne
An interview with Percy Thrower from 1963 in Beyond the Back Door: That Reminds Me
Desert Island Discs from 2000 when Sue Lawley's castaway was the gardening writer Christopher Lloyd.
Made by Pier Productions for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 22:00 Buy Me Up TV (b009p9f3)
Episode 4
Another chance to hear the comedy series inspired by every shopping channel you've ever seen and every product you've never wanted to buy.
Starring Justin Edwards, Colin Hoult, Katherine Jakeways, Ewen MacIntosh, Alex MacQueen, Greg Proops and this week's special guests, Brian Blessed, Aled Jones and Terry Wogan.
SAT 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07lsdf8)
The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith is joined again by Andrew Maxwell.
SAT 22:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b007jzvf)
Series 1, Episode 1
The funny man throws open his radio drop-in centre for sketches, chat and big, big fibs. With Phill Jupitus. From May 2005.
SAT 23:00 The Mary Whitehouse Experience (b044153k)
Series 4, Episode 2
Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt, Robert Newman and David Baddiel face the pernicious evil of shampoo and conditioner. From October 1990.
SAT 23:30 2525 (b03m80yd)
Episode 2
In the year 2525, if man is still alive, if woman can survive... then it may sound something like this. Set 511 years in the future, 2525 invites you to hear more snippets of our future from weight-gain classes to talking pets.
Cast:
Jenny Bede
Jamie Demetriou
Kieran Hodgson
Catriona Knox
Waen Shepherd
Written by Colin Birch, Ali Crockatt and David Scott, Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris, Jon Hunter, Jane Lamacraft, Alex Lowe, Paul Putner, John Luke Roberts and Eddie Robson
Produced by Ashley Blaker
A John Stanley production for BBC Radio 4.

SUNDAY 24 JULY 2016

SUN 00:00 Bram Stoker - The Lair of the White Worm (b07lp80p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Marcy Kahan - Lunch Omnibus (b07lp80k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b07lp80m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b04d0klc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b012zy1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Eric Pringle - Meeting Bea (b041th7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Rupert Bear and Me (b0167qpt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms: Omnibus (b0131ylt)
Episode 1
Ernest Hemingway's moving story of love and war, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. An omnibus of the first five episodes, originally broadcast on Radio 4 in the Woman's Hour serial.
SUN 07:15 Out of Armenia (b04w0k5n)
Istanbul
"I see them, I see them myself, I see them all the time."
Charles Emmerson continues to Istanbul on his journey through the Armenian diaspora communities of Europe. He learns how the murder of Turkish-Armenian newspaper editor Hrant Dink in 2007 - reported and condemned worldwide - has changed relations between the city's Turks and Armenians. Long suppressed or hidden, Istanbul's Armenian life is seeping back to the surface. Subjects long taboo are now discussed openly.
Armenians have lived in Istanbul for centuries - jewellers, porters, businessmen and architects. They have had a patriarch in the city since just a few years after the Turkish conquest.
Yet when Hrant Dink was shot dead by a radical Turkish nationalist outside his office one Friday afternoon, many outside Turkey were surprised to learn that Armenians still lived in Istanbul at all.
The moment became a watershed. Turks appeared on the streets of Istanbul bearing banners reading 'We are all Armenians'.
Istanbul Armenians tell Charles of their pride in their culture and their city, and of their determination to continue Hrant Dink's legacy, building a new relationship with their Turkish friends and compatriots. Rober Koptas, Agos' current editor, takes Charles to the paper's cramped first floor offices. The paper's purpose now, he says, is to be "a playground, not a castle".
In a bustling Armenian restaurant - the city's only Armenian restaurant - Charles runs into Turkish-Armenian photographer Ara Güler, Istanbul's Cartier-Bresson, and hears the story of his most famous photograph. Speaking to a publisher we discover how literature is drawing Turks and Armenians closer together.
Produced by Cicely Fell
An Above The Title production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 07:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01dtmb8)
Series 1, Kevin Eldon
Comedian Alex Horne is joined by his own 5 piece jazz band for a brand new series of music and comedy. The band will be joined by comedian Kevin Eldon.
Host .... Alex Horne
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Joe Stilgoe
Guest performer ....Kevin Eldon
Producer .... Julia McKenzie.
SUN 08:00 We're in Business (b007jydd)
Dudley and Harry's Reunion
With Dudley behind bars, surely Harry's safe from his crooked scheming?
Stars Peter Jones as Dudley, Harry Worth as Harry and Irene Handl as Miss Boot. With Dick Emery and Frederick Treves.
Peter Jones is small-time businessman, Dudley Grosvenor who's always out to make a fast buck - usually at the expense of his side-kick, Harry Worth.
Written by Marty Feldman, Barry Took and Peter Jones.
A selection of surviving episodes from two series broadcast between 1959-1960.
Producer: Charles Maxwell.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1960.
SUN 08:30 Meet the Huggetts (b00nhq58)
Loser Pays
Joe and Fred's attempt to teach their wives a lesson backfires.
Stars Jack Warner as Joe, Kathleen Harrison as Ethel, George Howell as Bobby, Marion Collins as Jane, Charles Leno as Fred Stebbings, Molly Lumley as Clara and Kenneth Connor as the Insurance Salesman.
Popular working-class family, the Huggetts first hit the cinema screen with a series of Gainsborough films between 1947 and 1949. Their subsequent BBC radio series ran from 1953 to 1962.
Scripted by Eddie Maguire.
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1957.
SUN 09:00 Peter Moore - The Weather Experiment (b05vjj7r)
Peter Moore's account of the quest to understand the atmosphere, from storms to creating forecasts. Read by Tim McMullan. Omnibus.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06p4zp4)
Anita Dobson
The actress Anita Dobson chooses 'No One But You' by Billy Eckstine and 'Young at Heart' by Frank Sinatra.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b0076y6d)
Conductors, Daniel Barenboim
From Pierre Boulez to Franz Schubert, conductor Daniel Barenboim shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From May 2006.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b07lp9bq)
Series 3, Ionesco, Voodoo and Therapy
True stories told live in the USA: Catherine Burns introduces stories about bluffing your way, magic and therapy.
The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.
The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.
Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.
The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.
SUN 12:00 We're in Business (b007jydd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Meet the Huggetts (b00nhq58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms: Omnibus (b0131ylt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Out of Armenia (b04w0k5n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 James Kelman - Dirt Road (b07lpf3f)
Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. A story that follows a grieving boy and his dad on an American road trip. Read by Finn den Hertog.
SUN 15:45 Nan Woodhouse (b04hvrq5)
Rose
May, 1835. A young girl's chance encounter with a poet touches her life forever. Read by Eleanor Bron.
SUN 16:00 Marcy Kahan - A Bullet at Balmain's (b00t5jmj)
Noel Coward in Post-Liberation Paris, 1948: haute couture, existentialism, jazz . . . and death.
Coward is in Paris to play the lead in his own play 'Present Laughter' in French. But the murder of a promiscuous mannequin provides a stylish distraction.
Another adventure for the celebrated playwright, actor, composer and amateur detective by Marcy Kahan.
Starring Malcolm Sinclair as Noel Coward, Elenor Bron as Lorn Lorraine, Tam Williams as Cole Lesley and Linda Marlowe as Ginette Spanier.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b07lpf3h)
Tales from Ovid: Pyramus and Thisbe; Erysichthon
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with 'Tales of Ovid'.
Poet Ted Hughes continues reading from his award-winning reworking of Ovid's Metamorphoses - stories of the teeming underworld and overworld of Romanised Greek myth and legend.
Featuring 'Pyramus' and 'Thisbe; Erysichthon', this highly praised collection won the 1997 Whitbread prize for poetry and WH Smith Literary Award.
Ted Hughes: born: 1930 and died: 1998.
Producer: Susan Roberts
First broadcast in two-parts on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
SUN 17:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01dtmb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Simon Bovey - The Voice of God (b007jwlh)
Can You Hear That
The colonel plans to fire the sonic weapon and risk a global catastrophe. Stars Clare Corbett and Matthew Dyktynski.
SUN 18:30 David Calcutt - The Otherworld Child (b07lpf3k)
"It was only when she got back to her cottage and the candles were lit, that she saw what a strange creature it was she'd found ..."
David Calcutt's play is based on the traditional story of lonely Alice Proudfoot and her curious discovery in a moonlit wood.
Stars Mary Wimbush as Gran, Rebecca Wright as Alice and Alex Jones as Joe.
Director: Nigel Bryant
First broadcast in Thirty-Minute Theatre on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b07lp9bq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 20:00 Peter Moore - The Weather Experiment (b05vjj7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06p4zp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b0076y6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01dtmb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07lsdj0)
The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith chats again to Andrew Maxwell.
SUN 22:30 Fabulous (b00hy947)
Series 1, Episode 4
Faye has money troubles, so she hopes her mum will lend her £10,000. Stars Daisy Haggard and Anne Reid. From June 2007.
SUN 22:45 Peter Bradshaw - For One Horrible Moment (b00890lj)
Episode 4
Memoirs of a boy growing up in the 1970s, a time of electro-convulsive shock therapy. Written and read by Peter Bradshaw.
SUN 23:00 The Secret World (b01mw35d)
Series 3, Episode 3
From Miranda Hart to Sean Connery, Jon Culshaw and friends imagine the private lives of the famous. With Lewis MacLeod and Julian Dutton. From September 2012.
SUN 23:30 The Young Postmen (b00fkp61)
Tour de France
Surreal comedy in which a trio of 'posties' get embroiled in escapades. Written by and starring Ben Miller, with John Thomson and Felicity Montagu. From November 1992.

MONDAY 25 JULY 2016

MON 00:00 Simon Bovey - The Voice of God (b007jwlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 David Calcutt - The Otherworld Child (b07lpf3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms: Omnibus (b0131ylt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Out of Armenia (b04w0k5n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 James Kelman - Dirt Road (b07lpf3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 Nan Woodhouse (b04hvrq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Marcy Kahan - A Bullet at Balmain's (b00t5jmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b07lpf3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01dtmb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037j6vh)
Episode 11
In a watery predicament, special agent, Dick Barton and friends have to think fast. Can they outwit their foe and escape?
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
MON 06:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fk05)
Episode 1
Celebrated amateur detective Albert Campion wakes in hospital accused of attacking a police officer, and suffering from acute amnesia. All he can remember is that he was on a mission of vital importance to His Majesty's government before his accident...
Roger Allam begins reading the first of Margery Allingham's ten-part classic detective story from 1941.
Abridged and produced by Jane Greenwood.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Loftus Audio and first broadcast in 2011.
MON 06:30 The Chalet School (b014pzzs)
The crime writer Val McDermid on her love of the Chalet School boarding school novels. She credits them with inspiring her to go to Oxford and becoming a writer. So what did they have that the other boarding school books did not?
Nearly sixty Chalet School novels were published between 1925 and 1970, written by the South Shields novelist, Elinor Brent-Dyer. The school was initially located in Austria, but moved to Guernsey following the Anschluss. It relocated again after the Nazi invasion of The Channel Islands. The books centred on Madge Bettany, the founder of the school, and her young sister Joey, its first pupil. The books dealt with financial hardship, illness and politics, which Val argues, is absent from most other boarding school novels of the period.
The programme is produced in Manchester by Nicola Swords.
MON 07:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00v7v1j)
Series 2, Highwaymen
Eighteenth-century smuggler Tamsyn's head is turned by hunky new band of outlaws 'Boyz 2 Rob.' Stars Sheridan Smith. From April 2004.
MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b07knqy0)
Series 65, Episode 4
The antidote to panel games pays a return visit to the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow. Old-timers Barry Cryer and Tony Hawks are joined on the panel by locals Susan Calman and Fred Macaulay with Jack Dee in the chair. Colin Sell attempts piano accompaniment.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
It is a BBC Studios production.
MON 08:00 Parsley Sidings (b007jp7p)
Series 2, A Night Out
A stranded passenger sparks a chain of disasters at the sleepy railway station.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Kenneth Connor as Bradshaw/Clara, Liz Fraser as Gloria, Ian Lavender as Bert, John Graham as the Inspector/Minister and Hilary Pritchard as Doris.
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run 'Parsley Sidings' station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The 'Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1973.
MON 08:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
Platt vs Rooney and Day
The showbiz veteran relates a calamitous tale of a double act gone wrong. Written and read by Peter Jones. From September 1993.
MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
Series 14, Tennessee Williams
This week the "Author of the Week" is American playwright and twice Pulitzer Prize-winner, Tennessee Williams. The teams answer questions about his immensely colourful life and work, as well as solve the usual literary brain-teasers as posed to them by Write Stuff host, James Walton.
Joining Sebastian Faulks on his team this week is bestselling children's author and "Horrid Henry" creator, Francesca Simon. Opposite them, on John Walsh's team will be award-winning crime writer, Mark Billingham.
The show will end, as ever, on the hilarious pastiches that the panellists have written of Williams' work. This week their brief is to imagine what Williams' plays might be like if he had set them, not in the American Deep South, but in the British Home Counties.
MON 09:30 King Street Junior (b007jncn)
Series 7, Endings and Beginnings
Mixed emotions as the school year draws to a close with Mr Holliday's last day in teaching. Stars Karl Howman. From May 1992.
MON 10:00 Classic Serial (b01s7xsc)
JB Priestley - Angel Pavement, Episode 1
Angel Pavement by J. B. Priestley
Dramatised by Martin Jameson
Twigg and Dersingham, Purveyors of Fine Veneers, has been a successful family firm in the City for three generations. But now, in the depression of 1930, it can no longer cover its costs and the owner, young Mr Dersingham, is looking for cuts.
Then James Golspie arrives with a proposition. He has the sole agency for some excellent Baltic veneers at extraordinary prices and, despite the caution of the company accountant Mr Smeeth, an agreement is reached. But is Smeeth right? Is Golspie everything he seems?
Directed by Chris Wallis
An Autolycus production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 11:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b0076lzm)
The Horse
Angela does her homework, as her mother hosts a drinks party for some intellectual friends. Read by Emma Fielding.
MON 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076ycl)
Lesley Bruce - An Interlude of Men
An Interlude of Men by Lesley Bruce
Bren and Hilly have been lifelong friends so when Hilly breaks her wrist Bren comes to help her out. They both anticipate the pleasure of long days together comfortably trashing the years they were apart, that interlude of men, but their friendship is not that simple.
Bren Deborah Findlay
Hilly Barbara Flynn
Directed by Steven Canny
Producer Claire Grove.
MON 12:00 Parsley Sidings (b007jp7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037j6vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fk05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
MON 13:30 The Chalet School (b014pzzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kjs1q)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 6
Written by Michael Palin.
Melville rescues Mabbut from his captors and takes him to his camp. But Melville is no fool. He knows Keith isn't just a tourist who strayed off the beaten track.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 14:15 Sport and the British (b01b9h7c)
The Rise of Olympism
CLARE BALDING charts how Britain has shaped sport and sport has shaped the British.Apart from the English language itself, the invention of modern sport has been our major cultural legacy to the rest of the world.In this thirty part narrative history series with the help of the academic team from the International Centre for Sport History and Culture at De Montfort University, Clare looks at the unique and vital role sport has played, and continues to play, in our national life. As we gear up for the 2012 games, in this first programme she looks at the birth of the modern olympics movement. While it was inspired by the Greeks and revived by the French nobleman, Pierre de Coubertin, his motivation came from a provincial English public school. It was while visiting Rugby and contemplating the work of its visionary headmaster, Thomas Arnold, that de Coubertin came to the conclusion that inferior physical fitness in young Frenchmen had played a part in their defeat by the Germans in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. If they played more sport at school, he thought, the outcome might have been different. With Richard Holt and Tony Collins, Professors at the International Centre for Sport History and Culture at De Montfort University, Clare discusses what lessons can be drawn from the games since 1896, in order to achieve success when they return to us this year.
The reader is Stuart McLoughlin.
Producer: Lucy Lunt.
MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132144)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 6
Ernest Hemingway's beautiful novel of love and war, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 6/10 Anarchy rules on the Italian retreat, and it's every man for himself.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Bartolomeo ..... Jonathan Forbes
Piani ..... Daniel Rabin
Sergeant ..... James Lailey
Bonello ..... Carl Prekopp
Officer ..... Simon Bubb
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b007726w)
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature, Episode 1
Lindsay Duncan reads from a Linda Lear's biography of the 20th century's most beloved children's writer and creator of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter.
This opening episode reveal Potter's north country ancestry and the landscapes that nurtured her creative imagination.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
MON 15:00 Classic Serial (b01s7xsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 King Street Junior (b007jncn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00v7v1j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b07knqy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnxp)
Earthsearch II, The Return
Four million years ago, the crew of the starship Challenger abandoned their search for Earth and made their home on Paradise, the third planet of a solar system on the fringe of the galaxy. But now the crew's settled life is soon to be shattered.
James Follett's cult sci-fi drama is a gripping sequel to the original Earthsearch.
Starring Sean Arnold as Commander Telson, Amanda Murray as Sharna, Haydn Wood as Darv and Kathryn Hurlbutt as Astra.
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1982.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b00768x9)
Peter Nichols & Christopher Matthew
Rosie Boycott and her guests playwright Peter Nichols and author Christopher Matthew entertain an audience at the Ways With Words Festival at Dartington Hall, discussing three of their favourite paperbacks by Daphne du Maurier, Tessa Hadley and Tarquin Hall. From 2002
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Publisher: Arrow
Accidents in the Home by Tessa Hadley
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
To the Elephant Graveyard by Tarquin Hall
Publisher: John Murray.
MON 19:00 Parsley Sidings (b007jp7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037j6vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fk05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
MON 20:30 The Chalet School (b014pzzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b0076lzm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076ycl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b07knqy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mbm3j)
Series 4, Episode 2
A macabre celebrity makeover show and the origins of the internet. Stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Part of Radio 4 Extra's Comedy Club, originally broadcast in September 2009.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (b07ks4m2)
Series 16, Episode 6
Theresa May's first cabinet meeting, an investigation into the Winter Olympic doping scandal, and the new England manager makes his satirical debut.
Starring: Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Debra Stephenson and Lewis Macleod.
Written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, James Bugg, Laura Major, Sarah Campbell, Max Davies, Jack Bernhardt, Liam Beirne, Alex Harvey and Sara Gibbs.
Produced and created by Bill Dare.
BBC Studios Production.
MON 23:30 Elvenquest (b01r5lnp)
Series 4, The Bard
The Questers find themselves in possession of the magical Dagger of Razzak-Dar, which kills anyone it touches, and realise this might be a golden opportunity to use it on Lord Darkness. The problem is, Lord Darkness' castle is impenetrable.
Luckily, Lord Darkness is looking for a new bard to soothe his nerves, so decides to hold a talent contest so throws open the doors of his castle to welcome applicants.
If only one of the Questers had any musical or acting experience.
Enter Penthiselea, stage left...
Starring:
Darren Boyd as Vidar
Kevin Eldon as Dean/Kreech
Dave Lamb as Amis/The Vet/Grunter
Stephen Mangan as Sam
Alistair McGowan as Lord Darkness
and
Ingrid Oliver as Penthiselea
Written by James Cary
Producer: Sam Michell.

TUESDAY 26 JULY 2016

TUE 00:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b00768x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037j6vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fk05)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Chalet School (b014pzzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kjs1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Sport and the British (b01b9h7c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132144)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b007726w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Classic Serial (b01s7xsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Write Stuff (b00v72ft)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 King Street Junior (b007jncn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b00v7v1j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b07knqy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jf7d)
Episode 12
The trail of the smugglers leads Dick Barton and the chums to an old acquaintance. Is she hiding something?
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
TUE 06:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015frh2)
Episode 2
Struggling with amnesia, amateur sleuth Albert Campion's problems multiply with the discovery of a body. Read by Roger Allam.
TUE 06:30 Fela Kuti Comes Home (b011j8zj)
Fela Kuti is Africa's most famous musician. Before his death in 1997 he recorded nearly 50 albums and invented his own genre of music: Afrobeat. In the 70s and 80s his legendary club in Lagos was famed for housing the best live band on Earth. As witnessed by James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
But there was more to Fela Kuti than ground-breaking music. He was also a political revolutionary who spent his life strongly criticising successive military regimes in his native Nigeria. While his contemporaries would sing in more general terms of oppression, Fela singled out his targets, personally naming them in songs which became popular all over Africa. It wasn't long before he was a hero to many working class Nigerians.
But his taunts didn't go down so well with the authorities. Nor did his controversial lifestyle: he openly smoked marijuana, declared his home an independent state of Nigeria and married 27 women on the same day. The story goes he was the most arrested person in Nigerian history. He appeared in court hundreds of times, had spells in prison and permanently suffered from his injuries after regular beatings at the hands of the military and police. Fela believed they were also responsible for the death of his mother, who was thrown from an upstairs window when his home was stormed by 1000 soldiers.
In 2009 his incredible story was turned in to a successful Broadway musical and this April it performed in Lagos for the first time. Fela Kuti was coming home. But while the rest of the world is finally paying attention to this musical and political revolutionary why will you struggle to hear any of his music on Nigerian radio? Have they forgotten Fela? Or do the powers that be still find his music offensive? Radio 4 visited Lagos to find the answers.
TUE 07:00 Spangles 'n' Tights (b04pcw9j)
A Folk Song for Europe
Dublin's theatrical costumiers get involved in rivalry between two Lancashire clog troupes. With Frank Kelly. From October 1998.
TUE 07:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04n67xl)
The Newspaper
Between 1954 and 1959, BBC Radio recorded 102 episodes of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's comedy classic Hancock's Half Hour. The first modern sitcom, it made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Galton and Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show are missing from the BBC archives, and have not been heard since their original transmission nearly sixty years ago. Now, five of those episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre, featuring a stellar cast led by Kevin McNally as The Lad Himself.
Tonight's episode: The Newspaper. Tony inherits a newspaper, and sets about changing the world.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and with the classic score newly recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the show stars Kevin McNally, Kevin Eldon, Simon Greenall, Robin Sebastian and Susy Kane. The Newspaper was last broadcast in February 1956.
Produced by Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson.
TUE 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rvzks)
Series 1, The Economist
Fuming Harold decides their rag and bone business needs some bite.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Ian Burford.
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 the BBC Light Programme in July 1966.
TUE 08:30 The Men From the Ministry (b0175m69)
This VAT and the Other
The idle duo are helping to collect VAT - how taxing can that be? Stars Deryck Guyler and Richard Murdoch. From June 1975.
TUE 09:00 Dead Ringers (b07ks4m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 King of Bath (b048s4w0)
Blessed Are We
Can a fine upright moral guardian like Dr Collins ever be compromised? Beau Nash tries. Stars David Bamber. From March 1999.
TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b01sd1kl)
JB Priestley - Angel Pavement, Episode 2
The fortunes of Twigg and Dersingham, Purveyors of Fine Veneers, of Angel Pavement London EC1 were foundering , until the mysterious James Golspie walked through their door.
Bearing a swatch of high quality samples from the Baltic at rock bottom prices, he has given the firm his sole agency on a commission only basis.
Overnight the firm's fortunes are transformed. Orders pour in from every quarter, wages are raised and, in this heady atmosphere, love blossoms.
Let us hope Mr Golspie and his veneers are the genuine article, for it's 1930 and it's very cold out there.
Produced and directed by Chris Wallis
An Autolycus production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 11:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007rsyx)
Miss King
A penny is the source of much discord between Emma Bury and Milly Young. Read by Emma Fielding.
TUE 11:15 Heinrich Boll - Murke's Collected Silences (b0075xqh)
Murke is a radio producer obsessed with silences who constantly seeks the spiritual even in the clanking of the paternoster lift. One day he is asked to edit out the use of the word 'God' in a radio documentary.
Heinrich Boll won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972. He was born in 1917 and he published continuously from 1949 and his last work was published posthumously in 1985. In 1967 he won the Büchner Prize - Germany's highest literary honour. He was revered as an author and social commentator. In the early 1970s he was president of the International P.E.N. organization. Before his death in 1985, Boll's work had been translated already into more than 30 languages. He remains one of Germany's most widely known authors.
He fought as a private in the Second World War and much of his early work was about war and how people coped in its aftermath.
Dominic Letts stars as Murke. Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway. Directed by David Hunter.
TUE 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rvzks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Men From the Ministry (b0175m69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jf7d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015frh2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
TUE 13:30 Fela Kuti Comes Home (b011j8zj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kjtgr)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 7
Written by Michael Palin.
Mabbut feels he's getting to know Melville and understand the elusive anthropologist's principles. And Kumar takes him on a trip to see the destruction caused by the Astramex Corporation.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 14:15 Sport and the British (b01b9kd6)
A Level Playing Field
CLARE BALDING explores how the British shaped sport and sport shaped Britain. If the French had played cricket, would they have prevented the revolution? Clare visits Broadhalfpenny Down in Hampshire, the original home of Hambledon Cricket Club, that's widely regarded as the birthplace of modern cricket. The origins of the game go back to the sixteenth century, it was a farm game, played on landed estates. Highly competitive aristocratic landowners, with money and time to spend, would employ men on their estates who were the best cricketers, so they could use them on their team. Cricket brought together landowners and their agricultural workers, they played together on the same pitch, in the same team - on a level playing field. Professor Richard Holt of the International Centre for Sports history and culture at De Montfort University explains that while we shouldn't confuse social mixing with social harmony, this picture of cricket as a village game, played on summer afternoon, everyone knowing their place on the field, has become the image of Englishness.
Producer: Sara Conkey.
TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b01321hg)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 7
Ernest Hemingway's greatest love story, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 7/10 On the run from the chaos of the Italian retreat, Frederic seeks Catherine out.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Catherine ..... Morven Christie
Ferguson ..... Alex Tregear
Emilio ..... James Lailey
Simmons ..... Jonathan Forbes
Rinaldi ..... Carl Prekopp
Piani ..... Daniel Rabin
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b0077287)
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature, Episode 2
Linda Lear's biography of the author reveals how Peter Rabbit and Jeremy Fisher came to be born. Read by Lindsay Duncan.
TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b01sd1kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Jest a Minute (b016w0m2)
Series 2, Episode 1
Chris Corcoran, Lloyd Langford, Rob Deering and Tom Craine star in Rhod Gilbert's comedy quiz in Cardiff. From December 2008.
TUE 16:30 King of Bath (b048s4w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Spangles 'n' Tights (b04pcw9j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04n67xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007wvjs)
Earthsearch II, Flood
Telson and Darv make contact with the Earth ship, but the response is unexpected. James Follett's space epic stars Sean Arnold.
TUE 18:30 The Tingle Factor (b07lxjkj)
Michael Aspel
TV and radio presenter Michael Aspel talks to Jeremy Nicholas about the music that moves him.
Recalling his life and precarious career path - including the strain of host Miss World - Michael's selection is very film-based and includes the theme from Gone With The Wind.
Producer: Andrew Mussett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
TUE 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rvzks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Men From the Ministry (b0175m69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jf7d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015frh2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
TUE 20:30 Fela Kuti Comes Home (b011j8zj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007rsyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Heinrich Boll - Murke's Collected Silences (b0075xqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 The Missing Hancocks (b04n67xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00crds8)
Series 1, Episode 2
Deputy curator Rod steps up his campaign to save the museum and pursue Prunella. With Julian Rhind-Tutt. From June 2007.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07mh5zn)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tom Wrigglesworth chats to Sarah Kendall.
TUE 23:00 Mark Watson's Live Address to the Nation (b017chqv)
Passion
Mark Watson continues his quest to improve the world, nimbly assisted by Tim Key and Tom Basden and with the additional help of the listening audience as we broadcast live and invite them to join in.
Mark will be asking the big questions that are crucial to our understanding of ourselves and society - in a dynamic and thought provoking new format he opens the floor to the live audience and asks them to jump into the conversation via tweets and messages to work out how we can all make the world a better place.
This week Mark looks at "Passion" - Passion encompasses some of our most human qualities: emotion, energy desire. But is it a dangerous thing? In their hit Desire, U2 sang: 'Desire!/Desire!' But that isn't hugely helpful, that's just repeating the word over and over again. So we'll go into a bit more detail.
We are all passionate about something, whether it's sex, personal satisfaction, or sexy personal satisfaction. Without passion we're inert. But with passion, we can sometimes be all too ert. Where do we draw the line between normal passions, and being one of these guys like Othello who let themselves down and kill a girl over a hanky?
Next week Mark looks at "Tolerance" - Religious tolerance, moral tolerance, not striking the person next to you on the bus because their headphones are too loud. It's important to tolerate others' faults, but can it make us into doormats? Mark will once again invite you to join the debate at www.bbc.co.uk/radio 4 or tweet using #watsonlive.
Mark Watson is a multi award winning comedian, including the inaugural If.Comedy Panel Prize 2006. He is assisted by Tim Key, winner of Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2009 and Tom Basden who won the the If.Comedy Award for Best Newcomer 2007.
Produced by Lianne Coop.
TUE 23:30 Delve Special (b00sz32f)
Series 1, The Shifton Scandal
Stephen Fry plays spoof undercover investigative reporter David Lander, who begins a four-part expose into irregularities over plans to site a new London airport near Birmingham. With serious allegations aimed at a multi-national giant - what exactly has the government's role been in the plans to demolish the town? And exactly who is the shifty Mr Browncoat?
Co-starring Brenda Blethyn, Jack Klaff, Stephen Frost and Tony Robinson.
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
Written by Tony Sarchet. Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1984.

WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2016

WED 00:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007wvjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Tingle Factor (b07lxjkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jf7d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015frh2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Fela Kuti Comes Home (b011j8zj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kjtgr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Sport and the British (b01b9kd6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b01321hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b0077287)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b01sd1kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Jest a Minute (b016w0m2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 King of Bath (b048s4w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Spangles 'n' Tights (b04pcw9j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04n67xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jvbf)
Episode 13
Dick Barton might have scored some victories, but finds himself on the back foot when Snowy and Jock vanish.
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
WED 06:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015gxnk)
Episode 3
Still struggling to regain his memory, Campion enters the secret HQ of the mysterious Masters of Bridge. Roger Allam reads Margery Allingham's mystery.
WED 06:30 The Wheels of Power (b010y0sf)
Ben Wright speaks to the best-informed people in politics: ministerial car drivers. And he hears some extraordinary behind-the-wheel tales from these previously discreet public servants.
Ministerial car drivers have become almost legendary, appearing as wise Whitehall sages in everything from ministers' memoirs to Yes, Minister! They have never spoken for themselves: until now. In this programme, Ben speaks to former drivers and reveals what the official history of the Government Car Service - long hidden within Whitehall and only released after a Freedom of Information request - contains.
The drivers discuss the dramatic changes to the service over the years, and take us behind closed (car) doors at some of the most memorable moments in modern political history.
Producer: Giles Edwards.
WED 07:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
Series 1, A Cavalier Attitude
Away from their model village, the duo tackle a civil war recreation. Stars Simon Greenall and Kay Stonham. From January 2002.
WED 07:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04yk55d)
Series 6, Gyles Brandreth
Marcus Brigstocke persuades his reluctant guest to try new experiences: things they really ought to have done by now. Some experiences are loved, some are loathed, in this show all about embracing the new.
This week, Gyles Brandreth is persuaded to spend a day doing absolutely nothing, and writes his first ever pop song.
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b01nmgrk)
Making a Right Pig's Breakfast
Breaking off her engagement to Leslie, Heather looks elsewhere aboard HMS Troutbridge.
Stars Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Heather, Ronnie Barker as Commander Bell, Michael Bates as the Padre and Tenniel Evans as the LS Goldestein.
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 August 1965.
WED 08:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jz69)
A Trip to France
The lad's longing to sample life across the English Channel, but Sid's got other ideas.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1955.
WED 09:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
Series 1, Episode 4
Sue Perkins puts four guests through the moral and ethical wringer in this show show in which there are no "right" answers - but there are some deeply damning ones.
This edition features comedians Susan Calman, Greg Proops and Simon Evans, and the author and former lead singer of the band Sleeper, Louise Wener. This week the guests have been asked to bring along dilemmas from their own lives, including Louise being offered a record deal if she sacked half the band, and Greg making a choice between paying his rent or eating. They are also asked what they would do if reporting a crime would get them into trouble, and whether cheating on your partner is ever acceptable.
The show was devised by award-winning stand-up and writer Danielle Ward (The News Quiz, Newswipe, Mock The Week).
Producer: Ed Morrish.
WED 09:30 Hobby Bobbies (b036l2ld)
Series 1, Dangerous Minds
New sitcom where Britain's longest serving PCSO and its laziest make quite a pairing.
Written by Dave Lamb (voice of Come Dine With Me) and starring Richie Webb (Horrible Histories), Nick Walker and Noddy Holder (yes - that Noddy Holder).
Episode 1: Dangerous Minds
Geoff's decision to finally rebel against his domineering Dad doesn't go quite as he'd have liked.
Writer: Dave Lamb
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 10:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b075thh3)
4-8 April 1916
In the week in 1916 when a Zeppelin raid dropped bombs on the North East coast, old feuds are reignited in Ashburton.
Written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz
Directed by Allegra McIlroy
Editor: Jessica Dromgoole
Story-led by Richard Monks
Sound: Martha Littlehailes
Composer: Matthew Strachan
Consultant Historian: Maggie Andrews
SECRET SHAKESPEARE - Did you spot them?
A quote is hidden in each episode of 2016. If you discover one, tweet it using #BBCHomeFront.
WED 11:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007s9rk)
The River
A flood causes catastrophe for river-loving William and his young daughter Frankie. Emma Fielding reads Margaret Bonham's story.
WED 11:15 Paul B Davies - Spy Nozy and the Poets (b007jvty)
Suspicious behaviour by new residents in the small Somerset village of Nether Stowey leads to the arrival of a Home Office spy and a memorable encounter immortalised in literary history.
Starring Bill Nighy as Mr Walsh and Martin Clunes as Coleridge - the protagonists in a drama where espionage, intrigue and poetic inspiration blur the boundaries between truth and fiction. With Graeme Garden as Mr King.
Directed in Bristol by Sara Davies.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b01nmgrk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jz69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jvbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015gxnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
WED 13:30 The Wheels of Power (b010y0sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kkp5z)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 8
Written by Michael Palin.
Melville agrees to collaborate with Mabbut on his book. But despite the fact that Melville has disappeared again, Keith returns to London to begin writing.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:15 Sport and the British (b01bb7jp)
The Bare Fists of Boxing
Clare Balding explores the way the British have shaped sport and sport has shaped Britain.
An ability to box defined the 19th century alpha male. No gloves or weapons, pugilism was pure, painful and deeply patriotic.Even though prize fighting was technically illegal, it thrived under the support and protection of the aristocracy, notably Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, a son of George II. His nephew, the Prince of Wales - who later became George III was also passionate about pugilism and where royalty led, the rest followed. Dr Neil Carter of the International Centre for Sport History and culture at De Montfort University explains how the subculture of boxing was led by a group of wealthy influential backers known as 'The Fancy' a group of thrill seekers for whom gambling on a bout was part of the risk.Boxing was an underground, cultish fashion until the birth of sports journalism when Sunday newspapers, such as 'Bell's Life' and 'Weekly Dispatch' started to cover it.
Readers, Nyasha Hatendi, Brian Bowles and Stuart McLoughlin
Producer: Garth Brameld.
WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132k56)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 8
Ernest Hemingway's great love story, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 8/10 Frederic and Catherine escape together from Italy, and find that their troubles evaporate.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Catherine ..... Morven Christie
Waitress ..... Alex Tregear
Lieutenant ..... James Lailey
Soldier ..... Simon Bubb
Officials ..... Carl Prekopp & Jonathan Forbes
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b007729b)
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature, Episode 3
Beatrix Potter - a Life in Nature
Lindsay Duncan reads from a new biography of the much-loved 20th century children's writer. Abridged by Alison Joseph.
3/5. Potter's initial success as a writer was paralleled by an increasingly close relationship with her publisher Norman Warne.
WED 15:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b075thh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Hobby Bobbies (b036l2ld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04yk55d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnyt)
Earthsearch II, Surrender
The crew members believe they've outwitted the Angels and can wait out the flood. James Follett's space epic stars Sean Arnold and Haydn Wood.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b00cdtnr)
GroupThink
Dominic Arkwright is joined for a discussion on the concept of groupthink, a condition that afflicts many governments and corporations, by author of Suckers Rose Shapiro, Irish broadcaster Malachi O'Doherty and Tobias Jones.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b01nmgrk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jz69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jvbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015gxnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
WED 20:30 The Wheels of Power (b010y0sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007s9rk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Paul B Davies - Spy Nozy and the Poets (b007jvty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04yk55d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 The Castle (b01hxzx3)
Series 4, The Only Way Is Ethics
Hie ye to The Castle, a rollicking sitcom set way back then, starring James Fleet ("The Vicar Of Dibley"), Neil Dudgeon ("Life Of Riley"), Martha Howe-Douglas ("Horrible Histories") & Ingrid Oliver ("Watson & Oliver")
Someone - or something - is hacking into peoples' private conversations and Master Henry could end up in jail. Meanwhile, Lady Anne has taken to nuzzling De Warenne's trusty War Horse.
Written by Kim Fuller & Paul Alexander
Music by Guy Jackson
Produced and directed by David Tyler.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07mh657)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tom Wrigglesworth chats again to Sarah Kendall.
WED 23:00 Cowards (b00fbkz5)
Series 2, Episode 1
Sketch show with a comic slant on human frailties. With Tom Basden, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf. From November 2008.
WED 23:30 The Museum of Everything (b00h8q28)
Series 3, And the Winner Is...
It's Awards Night! Can the Crayon Museum beat off the challenger, the World of Pencils? Stars Marcus Brigstocke. From August 2006.

THURSDAY 28 JULY 2016

THU 00:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnyt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b00cdtnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037jvbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015gxnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Wheels of Power (b010y0sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kkp5z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Sport and the British (b01bb7jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132k56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b007729b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b075thh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Hobby Bobbies (b036l2ld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b04yk55d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k0mw)
Episode 14
Alone and friendless, Dick Barton is determined to help his friends and strike back against the smugglers.
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
THU 06:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015f7b8)
Episode 4
Deep inside the HQ of the secretive Masters of Bridge, Campion is about to make a startling discovery. Roger Allam reads Margery Allingham's mystery.
THU 06:30 The Grand Masquerade (b00ljymy)
Thirty years after the publication of Kit Williams' groundbreaking picture puzzle book Masquerade in 1979, John O'Farrell reflects on the mayhem that followed as millions of readers became caught up in the search for a jewel-encrusted hare, buried somewhere in the British countryside.
THU 07:00 All the Young Dudes (b01cjmb5)
Series 2, Summer Holiday
An unexpected reversal for Patrick, Helen, Billy and Moira brings equally unexpected joy. Stars Jim Sweeney. From October 2002.
THU 07:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b07ks074)
Episode 4
A new show from the internationally acclaimed master of the one-liner Tim Vine sees Tim interview members of his live audience as he embarks on a quest to hear the life stories of the Great British public while simultaneously showcasing his trademark gleeful wordplay and preposterous songs.
The last show in the current series features a mysterious job in a reservoir and a quiz about trifle.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production.
THU 08:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008j8m7)
Series 4, The Technology
Author Gerald and his wife Diana grapple with their domestic appliances..
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic author starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife, Diana.
With Edward Kelsey.
Written by Basil Boothroyd.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1981.
THU 08:30 Radio Active (b007k3ny)
Series 6, Bogie Awards
The stars are out for the Bogies! Who'll win the much coveted gold-plated award?
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins, Philip Pope and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Music by Philip Pope, Steve Brown and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Written by Angus Deayton and Geoffrey Perkins with Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1986.
THU 09:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b018wvmx)
Series 8, Episode 2
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. Mark Watson, Phill Jupitus, Ed Byrne and Henning Wehn are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as: The Olympics, Butter, Bees and Blood.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 09:30 Tanika Gupta - Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
The Honeymoon Is Over
Nishith, Sripurna's ex-husband has been having secret meetings with Malati - and Dida turns up unexpectedly in Manchester.
Tanika Gupta's four-part comedy stars Meera Syal as Malati, Vinny Dhillon as Rehana, Souad Faress as Sripurna, Charubala Chokshi as Dida, Vinny Dhillon as Rehana, Geoffrey Beevers as Geoffrey and Bhasker Patel as Nishith.
Director: Michelle Matherson Frederick
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994.
THU 10:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b076prgz)
11-15 April 1916
In the week, in 1916, when reports reached Britain of a million Armenians massacred, the community in Ashburton find their world rocked by surprises.
Cast
Dieter Lippke ..... Felix Auer
Brother Columban ..... Sean Baker
Alexander Gidley ..... Matthew Beard
Marcus Goodridge ..... Max Bennett
Donald Fox ..... Jayson Benovichi-Dicken
Usher ..... Ciaran Bermingham
Gabriel Graham ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Emily Colville ..... Scarlett Brookes
Tobias Holden ..... Toby Bryant
Moses Wickens ..... Ben Callon
John Rossiter ..... Mark Carey
Ambrose Nichols ..... Steve Clark
William Fulford ..... Ryan Coath
Dom Anscar Vonier ..... Kenneth Collard
Amos Rutter ..... Richard Cotton
Sylvia Graham ..... Joanna David
Woman ..... Sarah Hannah
Edwin Lloyd ..... Finn den Hertog
Adam Wilson ..... Billy Kennedy
Cyrus Colville ..... Anton Lesser
Primrose Rutter ..... Jade Matthew
Cora Gidley ..... Joanna Monro
Hector Gidley ..... Brian Protheroe
Gert Battley ..... Maggie Steed
Clarence Ogden ..... David Sterne
Bertram Colville ..... Nick Underwood
Elspeth Taverner ..... Kelly Williams
Written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole
Story-led by Richard Monks
Sound: Martha Littlehailes
Composer: Matthew Strachan
Consultant Historian: Maggie Andrews
SECRET SHAKESPEARE - Did you spot them?
A quote is hidden in each episode of 2016. If you discover one, tweet it using #BBCHomeFront.
THU 11:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007sygh)
The Two Mrs Reeds
Two women with the same name convalesce in a maternity ward. Emma Fielding reads Margaret Bonham's story.
THU 11:15 William Ingram - Letters to Miss Lucie (b00767d5)
4 Extra Debut. When Dai, a retired miner, writes to Miss Lucie to protest at her behaviour, he doesn't expect a reply. Stars Doreen Mantle.
THU 12:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008j8m7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Radio Active (b007k3ny)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k0mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015f7b8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
THU 13:30 The Grand Masquerade (b00ljymy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kkr57)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 9
Written by Michael Palin.
Mabbut submits the manuscript of his book on the elusive Hamish Melville but the publisher isn't happy. And daughter Jay asks Keith for money to help her boyfriend's family back home.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 14:15 Sport and the British (b01bb9ct)
The Unsporting Side of Sport
Clare Balding watches all sections of society gather on Epsom Downs to watch the Derby, the biggest day of the flat racing year. In her exploration of the way Britain has shaped sport and sport has shaped the British, Clare looks at the socially unifying power of the race course and the way sport and gambling have become inextricably linked. As Professor Richard Holt from the International Centre for Sport History and Culture at De Montfort University explains, the British have always loved a flutter. Gambling is in the DNA of sport. Having a bet not only gives an incentive to the thrill of sporting competitions but also pushed early sports to have clear and enforceable rules. The extravagant losses of the eighteenth century aristocracy caused a moral backlash in the Victorian era that led to a crackdown in betting legislation.
Producer: Sara Conkey.
THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132p7s)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 9
Ernest Hemingway's greatest novel of love and war, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 4/10 Frederic has to go back to the war, and Catherine gives him some parting news.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Catherine ..... Morven Christie
Major ..... James Lailey
Gage ..... Susie Riddell
Van Campen ..... Jane Whittenshaw
Ettore ..... Simon Bubb
Shopkeeper ..... Alex Tregear
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b00772bg)
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature, Episode 4
Lindsay Duncan reads from a new biography of the much-loved 20th century children's writer. Abridged by Alison Joseph.
4/5. When she reached middle age, Potter immersed herself in the Cumbrian landscape and the routines of farming life.
THU 15:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b076prgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b018wvmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Tanika Gupta - Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 All the Young Dudes (b01cjmb5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b07ks074)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzd)
Earthsearch II, Solaria
Bran wants the crew to destroy an artefact floating in space. Will they co-operate? James Follett's space epic stars Michael Maloney.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076vpy)
Series 8, Beatrix Potter
4 Extra Debut. Fiona Reynolds, former director of the National Trust, chooses writer Beatrix Potter. With Francine Stock. From November 2005.
THU 19:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b008j8m7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Radio Active (b007k3ny)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k0mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015f7b8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
THU 20:30 The Grand Masquerade (b00ljymy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007sygh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 William Ingram - Letters to Miss Lucie (b00767d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b07ks074)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007tm8f)
Series 2, Magic
The sci-fi star and his crew cast a spell to summon the Devil. With Tom Baker, Richard Herring and Stewart Lee. From July 1995.
THU 23:00 The Mark Steel Revolution (b00fy2lp)
The Industrial Revolution
The radical comedian reassesses a period of major change in Britain. With Carla Mendonca and Martin Hyder. From July 1998.
THU 23:30 Polyoaks (b01p7hd2)
Series 2, The Age Old Problem
In the NHS satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer, a general practice somewhere in Bristol is faced with challenges and opportunities in equal measure as they adjust to another 'biggest shake-up of the NHS in a lifetime'.
None of us are getting any younger. And none of us getting any younger for longer and longer. Polyoaks' eldest patient is a sprightly 102. Something must be done to reduce the cost of caring for the elderly, while emphasising NHS clinics like Polyoaks have best practice in mind.
Will a training day sponsored by Burgerland help the staff come up with an innovative approach to looking after the crumblies - sorry, older service users? Guest-starring Phyllida Law.
Dr Roy Thornton........................................Nigel Planer
Dr Hugh Thornton......................................Simon Greenall
TV's Dr Jeremy.........................................David Westhead
Nurse Vera Duplessis................................Polly Frame
Betty Crossfield........................................Jane Whittenshaw
Mr Devlin..................................................Phil Cornwell
Mary MacLean..........................................Phyllida Law
Barry from Burgerland................................Lewis McLeod
Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer
Directed by Frank Stirling
Producer: David Spicer
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

FRIDAY 29 JULY 2016

FRI 00:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076vpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k0mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015f7b8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The Grand Masquerade (b00ljymy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kkr57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Sport and the British (b01bb9ct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132p7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b00772bg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b076prgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b018wvmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Tanika Gupta - Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 All the Young Dudes (b01cjmb5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b07ks074)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k47d)
Episode 15
Special agent, Dick Barton's disguise succeeds in garnering clues, but when he's rumbled, someone pays a high price.
The stirring 'Devil's Galop' heralds the arrival of Douglas Kelly as 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' in another thrilling tale of criminal masterminds, espionage and daring adventure.
Originally starring Noel Johnson, Duncan Carse and Gordon Davies, Dick Barton ran on the BBC Light Programme between 1946 and 1951, but sadly, very few original recordings survive.
With the original lost, this is a very authentic sounding re-recording of 'The Cabatolin Diamonds' using the original scripts and music, which was made for international distribution. Happily the audio was rediscovered in 2009, lurking in the vaults of the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australia.
Script by Geoffrey Webb.
Producer: Morris West
First broadcast in Australia in April 1949.
FRI 06:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fqpm)
Episode 5
Stricken with amnesia, Albert Campion is confronted by the police who suspect him of being an imposter. Roger Allam reads Margery Allingham's mystery.
FRI 06:30 Bring On the Clowns (b00yrfw5)
Clowning is one of the oldest forms of entertainment. We have been laughing at their physical antics and outlandish make-up and costume for generations. If there is ever a crisis in a circus performance, the cry goes out-"Send in the clowns!" -and that function of clowning to heal awkward, embarrassing and sometimes painful situations is particularly resonant in contemporary society.
But what role does clowning have today? Traditionally associated with the circus ring, clowns are now often relegated to children's parties and as mascots in advertising promotions in car parks and burger bars. Do they still have the power to transform people (not just children) with laughter, wonder and fun?
A common definition of a clown is "an innocent abroad in a malevolent world" in which the clown takes a child-like approach to problems and events in an often-hostile social, political and natural environment. In the face of changing audiences, tastes and forms of entertainment, how has British Clowning adapted and what can it offer? It is often street performances and community arts projects that are the vanguard of urban regeneration and community renewal. And does clowning still retain its power to subvert through anarchic comedy and to transform our emotions through laughter?
The programme looks at the working lives of a number of contemporary clowns who inhabit the world of circus, rock festivals and church , street theatre and children's party, and whose work can take them into hospital wards and to the violent streets of Iraq. What role do they play in a world of economic downturn? Can their slapstick comedy beat depression in a recession?
Presenter: Tony Lidington
Producer: Mike Greenwood.
FRI 07:00 Winston in Europe (b007w2mw)
Coping With Urges
Rosie fancies a dishy French estate agent, but Nancy reckons she saw him first. Stars Maurice Denham. From April 1992.
FRI 07:30 Sketchorama (b037v4g6)
Absolutely Special
Following the audience response to classic sketch group Absolutely's guest appearance on the second series of Radio 4's Sketchorama, this special edition is devoted to the reunion performance and features further, previously unheard material from the recording held in April 2013 at the Oran Mor venue in Glasgow.
The much-loved sketch group - consisting of Pete Baikie, Morwenna Banks, Moray Hunter, Gordon Kennedy and John Sparkes - recorded almost 45 minutes of material so this full half-hour show offers the opportunity to hear even more from Stoneybridge and Calum Gilhooley, as well as new sketches from other Absolutely characters such as Frank Hovis and The Old Lady Artist.
Producer: Gus Beattie.
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 08:00 Something to Shout About (b07m7jq8)
Series 1, Episode 4
The ad agency team must stage a play to try and win an account for blankets.
Starring Michael Medwin as Michael, Fenella Fielding as Janet, Joan Sims as Mavis, Eleanor Summerfield as Maggie, Nicholas Phipps as Adrian and Warren Mitchell as Higgins.
"A light-hearted exposé of the advertising world!". Set in a London ad agency called 'Apsley, Addis, Cohen, Barbican, Blythe, Giddy & Partners', Something To Shout About ran to 54 episodes over three series
Written by Myles Rudge and Ronnie Wolfe.
Music by The Jingle Belles and The Bernie Fenton Quartet, under the direction of Cliff Adams.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1960.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b00cghns)
The Junk Affair
Neddie combs the world for junk, hoping to corner the market and make a packet. Stars Harry Secombe. From October 1957.
FRI 09:00 Whispers (b007k3jj)
Series 3, Episode 6
Gyles Brandreth hosts the scandals quiz with Lucy Moore, Anthony Holden, John O'Farrell and Dan Tetsell. From November 2005.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b01mzjhq)
Series 10, The Ring Cycle
Roger offers a helping hand to his potential son-in-law's career, but how keen is Emily? Stars Bill Nighy. From March 2004.
FRI 10:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b076bwv0)
18-22 April 1916
On the week, in 1916, when a British naval patrol intercepted Sir Roger Casement bringing munitions to Ireland, alliances are broken and made in Ashburton.
Written by Lucy Catherine
Directed by Allegra McIlroy
Editor: Jessica Dromgoole
Story-led by Richard Monks
Sound: Martha Littlehailes
Composer: Matthew Strachan
Consultant Historian: Maggie Andrews
SECRET SHAKESPEARE - Did you spot them?
A quote is hidden in each episode of 2016. If you discover one, tweet it using #BBCHomeFront.
FRI 11:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007tzqb)
The Professor's Daughter
Four-year-old Britta and her fearful imagination cause social embarrassment for Miss Jenner. Read by Emma Fielding.
FRI 11:15 Daphne Du Maurier - The Little Photographer (b0076d82)
4 Extra Debut. The young Madame la Marquise is away on holiday, alone and bored. But then she meets the local photographer. Stars Sian Thomas.
FRI 12:00 Something to Shout About (b07m7jq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b00cghns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k47d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fqpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
FRI 13:30 Bring On the Clowns (b00yrfw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01kktn3)
Michael Palin - The Truth, Episode 10
Written by Michael Palin.
Publisher Ron Latham tells Mabbut that he's missed the real story of Melville and directs him to a man called Trickett to hear the truth. And Jay's boyfriend Shiraj disappears with Mabbut's money.
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful.
His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry genuinely who he claims to be? Is he really a Gandhi-like leader of the people, a political mover and shaker, an enigma? These are the question Keith must ask himself. But as he soon discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Read by Alex Jennings
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:15 Sport and the British (b01bbcqn)
The Making of Men
The Duke of Wellington never said the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton but it could be argued that the might of the British Empire was moulded on the pitches of Rugby School.
As Clare Balding continues to chart the way the British have shaped sport and sport has shaped Britain, she visits Rugby to discover how the visionary headmaster, Thomas Arnold, ensured games lay at the heart of school life, producing men ready to rule. As the school archivist, Rusty MacLean, explains to her, on leaving, these pupils took the games they'd developed at Rugby to all parts of the globe, giving birth to numerous national sporting clubs in Africa and India, as well as developing new games like Aussie Rules and American football.
Readers, Brian Bowles, Stuart McLoughlin and Jack Firth
Producer: Lucy Lunt.
FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0132pjx)
Ernest Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms, Episode 10
Concluding episode of Hemingway's greatest love story, set in the First World War, dramatised by Stephen Keyworth. 10/10 Frederic wishes the rain would stop.
Cast
Frederic ..... Patrick Kennedy
Catherine ..... Morven Christie
Nurses ..... Susie Riddell & Alex Tregear
Doctor ..... Daniel Rabin
Waiter ..... Simon Bubb
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b00772cn)
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature, Episode 5
Lindsay Duncan reads from a new biography of the much-loved 20th century children's writer. Abridged by Alison Joseph.
5/5. At the end of a long life, Beatrix Potter had become a major landowner, a successful north country farmer and significant benefactor to the National Trust.
FRI 15:00 Home Front - Omnibus (b076bwv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Whispers (b007k3jj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 No Commitments (b01mzjhq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Winston in Europe (b007w2mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Sketchorama (b037v4g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 James Follett - Earthsearch (b007jnzy)
Earthsearch II, Sundeath
On an abandoned artificial sun, the Challenger crew probes the computer in charge. James Follett's space epic stars Sean Arnold.
FRI 18:30 Sounds Natural (b07m7kcq)
Bill Oddie
From the Bar-Tailed Godwit to the Black-Winged Stilt. Back in the days when BBC Springwatch wasn't even a twinkle in Auntie's transmitters, Bill Oddie from 'The Goodies' tells Derek Jones about his longstanding love of bird watching, and his travels to see them - aided by recordings from the BBC Sound Archive.
Producer: John Burton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1973.
FRI 19:00 Something to Shout About (b07m7jq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b00cghns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Dick Barton - Special Agent: The Cabatolin Diamonds (b037k47d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:15 Albert Campion - Traitor's Purse (b015fqpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
FRI 20:30 Bring On the Clowns (b00yrfw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Margaret Bonham - The Casino (b007tzqb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Daphne Du Maurier - The Little Photographer (b0076d82)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Sketchorama (b037v4g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Absolute Power (b018jp4b)
Series 4, Episode 1
The spin doctoring duo get a lucrative contract to work for the BBC. Stars Stephen Fry and John Bird. From February 2004.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07n8zv4)
From 10pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats to Colin Mochrie.
FRI 23:00 Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed (b0184s3k)
Series 1, Episode 1
by Nick Mohammed
"Gosh, there's been a Murder... Ouch!" Join Nick and co. as they attempt to fathom who killed the man with the missing head. No clues as to how he might have died.
Starring Nick Mohammed, Anna Crilly and Colin Hoult
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
Set at Tilford Road Police Station, Nick is joined by Sergeants Anna Crilly (Lead Balloon, Anna & Katy), Colin Hoult (Life's Too Short, Russell Howard's Good News) as they attempt to solve a different crime each week.
Never have serious crimes been made more entertaining, whilst remaining utterly, utterly tasteful!
About Nick Mohammed...
Nick has just completed filming a lead role in Sky One's new comedy series Gates, due to air later next year and currently features in Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant's latest comedy Life's Too Short, on BBC Two.
Last year Nick featured in BBC One's Reggie Perrin and as a lead in hit new BBC Three comedy series The King Is Dead alongside Simon Bird and Katy Wix. He also starred in BBC Two's Pete & Dud: The Lost Sketches, Miranda, as a guest lead in the season finale of BBC Three's How Not to Live your Life and in all three series of the triple-BAFTA-nominated sketch show Sorry, I've Got No Head for CBBC.
He is currently developing The Making of Mr. Swallow for BBC Television and has just completed his first original film Magic for Channel 4 as part of this year's Coming Up Scheme, and which was shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June.
FRI 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b01dbgvs)
Series 2, Milan
The comedian discovers graffiti, beggars and lycra-clad couriers in the Italian style capital of Europe. From June 2003.