SATURDAY 13 MAY 2017

SAT 00:00 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007s8gn)
Sanctuary No MoreDeb's found evidence that Bowers has been experimenting on himself and is now a Chimera - changing at a cellular level - but, the question is, into what?
The answers will have to wait, because now there's a killer on the loose...
Simon Bovey's 5-part sci-fi thriller set in 2015 stars Tim McMullan as Bowers, Tom Mannion as Commander Taft, Stuart McLoughlin as Max Bellingfield, Ndidi Del Fatti as Anaya and Helen Longworth as Deborah.
Director: Marc Beeby
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2005.
SAT 00:30 Soul Music (b0367sl2)
Series 16, Lili MarleneA new series of SOUL MUSIC begins with stories of love, loss and friendship through the WWII favourite Lili Marlene, made famous by Marlene Dietrich and sung by soldiers on both sides.
Producer: Maggie Ayre.
SAT 01:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jctjf)
Series 1, Headless in GlasgowTwo unlikely cops Detective Inspector Bob Boxer and Detective Constable Shona Doberman probe an academics killing spree in Glasgow.
Alastair Jessiman's gritty comedy police drama stars Finlay Welsh as DI Bob Boxer, Anita Vettesse as DC Shona Doberman and James Bryce as DCI Paton.
DC Shauna Doberman is regarded as the smart one in the crime-fighting duo, whilst DI Bob Boxer is the plodding old-school cop, who aims to reach the right conclusion.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by BBC Radio Scotland.
First broadcast in March 2009.
SAT 01:30 Video Killed the Musician (b00770qj)
From rock to rap, Harry Allen meets the founders, watchers and critics of MTV, the 24-hour music channel launched in 1981. From October 2006.
SAT 02:00 Jennifer Donnelly - A Gathering Light (b01683vq)
Episode 5Will she stay or will she go? Mattie reads Grace's last letter and receives some news from Miss Wilcox. And Royal awaits. Read by Vicki Simon.
SAT 02:15 Networking Nation (b04l3lxp)
Nation of NetworkersJulia Hobsbawm is a businesswoman who has made networking her personal passion and her professional living. Her impact on the practical study of networking made her the world's first visiting professor in Networking at a major British business school. In this series of five programmes for Radio 4, she takes us on a journey around different and surprising worlds of networks and networking and - in this final episode - asks if we are, in fact, a Networking Nation.
Producer: Karen Gregor.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b01mx2sk)
Feminine Forever, Episode 5by Caroline & David Stafford.
Set in the 1970s, against a background of increasingly politicised feminism, a comedy series about women, HRT and the joys of growing old disgracefully Last in the series
5 of 5
Directed by Marc Beeby.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b01jk4dd)
Strands, Episode 5A year of discoveries on the beach. Jean Sprackland meditates on objects revealed by the shape-shifting sands, or washed up on the wild beaches between Blackpool and Liverpool.
Recorded on location on Ainsdale Sands, 'Strands' is a book about what is lost and buried, then re-discovered; about all the things you find on a beach, dead or alive, natural or man-made; about mutability and transformation - about sea-change.
In today's episode, Jean experiences a very physical brush with the past, when she places her feet in the prehistoric footprints of humans from the Late Mesolithic to mid-Neolithic period, which are revealed briefly by the tide.
Read by Jean Sprackland
Abridged by Miranda Davies
Produced by Emma Harding
About the author: Jean Sprackland is the author of three books of poetry and a collection of short stories. Her most recent poetry collection, Tilt (Cape, 2007), won the Costa Poetry Award. Hard Water (Cape, 2003) was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation, and was shortlisted for both the T S Eliot Prize and the Whitbread Award for Poetry. She was chosen as one of the Next Generation Poets in 2004.
SAT 03:00 Classic Serial (b03q59ss)
The World According to Garp, Episode 3John Irving's best selling novel of lunacy and sorrow is dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths.
Jenny becomes a nurse again as she helps Garp to piece his life back together following the tragic car accident. Battling with loss and heartbreak, Garp finds salvation in his writing until violent and unexpected events strike.
This is the concluding episode of a three part dramatisation of a novel that is both acclaimed for its originality, and controversial for its dark representation of gender politics and sexual violence. Published in 1978 it went on to win the US National Book Award and was made into a film in 1982, it placed Irving firmly on the map as a leading novelist.
Dramatist Linda Marshall Griffiths adapted Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany for Radio 4 in 2009.
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
SAT 04:00 Who Goes There? (b00fy2r0)
Series 3, Episode 6Martin Young's famous people quiz. With Francis Wheen, Carol Sarler, Fred Housego and Rachel Holmes. From February 2000.
SAT 04:30 No Commitments (b00777b1)
Series 13, A Voice From the PastComedy series by Simon Brett following the fortunes of three fortysomething sisters.
4/6. A Voice from the Past
A sticky evening is in prospect as Roger and Victoria meet up with Nick's parents. Charlotte's complicated love life takes a new turn.
Anna ...... Rosemary Leach
Victoria ...... Angela Thorne
Charlotte ...... Celia Imrie
Roger ...... Jonathan Coy
Brian ...... James Vaughan
Kathryn ...... Bridget McConnel
Patrick ...... Michael Simkins.
SAT 05:00 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jvgy)
Episode 6Jack has flu, so daughter Nicola takes over just as the pub inspectors are due. Stars Michael Williams. From February 1999.
SAT 05:30 Hamilton's Ode-ssey (b08s3dqf)
Can poet Paul Hamilton end a mid-life crisis on holiday with his girlfriend? Stars Kevin Eldon and Liza Tarbuck. From May 2010.
SAT 06:00 Noel Coward - This Happy Breed (b0081qyf)
The inter-war life of the Gibbons family in their new suburban home.
Noel Coward's play covers a 20-year period from June 1919, when the Gibbons family move in to their new home near London's Clapham Common, to when they moved out in June 1939.
Stars John Moffatt as Frank Gibbons, Rosemary Leach as Ethel, Doris Hare as Mrs Flint, Alice Arnold as Queenie, Robert Lang as Bob, Anna Cropper as Sylvia, Michael Maloney as Billy and Julia Swift as Vi.
Written in 1939, This Happy Breed was not staged until 1942. It was adapted as a film in 1944 and directed by David Lean starring Robert Newton, Celia Johnson and John Mills.
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
SAT 07:30 Strictly Dance Hall (b0075vxz)
The Lucerna, PraguePhilip Sweeney visits one of Prague's most spectacular ballrooms, The Lucerna, which is underground. From August 1998.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b04v9r5f)
Peter and the WolfSergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf has been recorded more often than any other piece of classical music - over 400 times in more than a dozen languages.
The narration has been spoken by everyone from David Bowie to Eleanor Roosevelt, Boris Karloff to Christopher Lee, Bill Clinton to Sting. The orchestras have been conducted by Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stokowski, André Previn and countless others. It has helped introduce generations of children to the instruments of the orchestra and the concept of telling a story through music. But there have only been four recordings ever issued in the Russian language and none in any of the other Soviet languages.
In Russia, Peter has a completely different reputation.
Peter and the Wolf had its public premiere on 5th May 1936 at the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow, in front of an audience of 'Young Pioneers' dressed in their red ties. Performances were preceded by talks on topics such as civil defence, national unity and the responsibilities of children to the Soviet State. Peter and the Wolf has radically changed its meaning since 1936. It's a musical work which everyone has heard of and most people know, but which has never been closely examined with the seriousness it deserves.
Christopher Frayling assesses the enduring appeal of this tale. Has it been ghettoised as 'children's music'? Why are celebrities queuing up to narrate it? Why does it have such a low reputation in Russia-and why does it have such a high reputation everywhere else?
Produced by Barney Rowntree and Nick Jones
A Hidden Flack production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (b06r9b2t)
Isy Suttie returns to Derbyshire, the home of her teenage years as she ambles through the radio archives to celebrate family life and growing up. On her travels we hear contributions from her close friends along with some classic BBC comedy.
* "The Shoe Box of Memories"
A new programme where comedian and actress Isy Suttie searches through a shoe box of special items recalling her adventures in Matlock, Derbyshire as a child and teenager, evoking bitter sweet memories of her journey to adulthood. She is joined by her family of friends Holly and Caroline to reminisce.
* "Sarah Millican's Support Group"
Comedy by Sarah Millican, who plays Sarah, life counsellor and modern-day agony aunt. In this episode she helps solve various family issues.
* "After Henry"
Mr Right: A classic episode from the popular 1980's sitcom about three generations of women in one family, starring Prunella Scales.
* "Old Dog and Partridge"
Nineties comedy about a landlord who runs a pub with his, until recently, estranged daughter. In this episode old chum Ralph arrives with his trophy wife.
* "Not in Front of the Children"
Family sitcom starring Wendy Craig. In this episode titled Echo From the Past, Jen gets jealous when she sees Henry talking to a new girlfriend.
SAT 12:00 Girlies (b08pw3f2)
Series 2, Episode 1Vinny arrives home with a bundle of joy while Samina is furious with Saleem.
The second of Sudha Bhuchar and Shaheen Khan's four-part comedy series charting the ups and downs of five 30-something women living in London, SW19.
Stars Bharti Patel as Vinny, Zita Sattar as Tula, Roger Liddle as Dan, Alice Arnold as Marianne, Sophie Levy as Alia, Nyla Levy as Sara, Shaheen Khan as Jabeen, Sudha Bhuchar as Sonal, Sakuntala Ramanee as Samina, Charubala Chokshi as Masi, Burt Caesar as Ali, Shiv Grewal as Salim, Alice Arnold as Nurse, Cal McCrystal as Jo, Holly McGoldrick as Jade, Lannah McAdam as Amber and Christopher Trenfield as Karan.
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Kristine Landon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
SAT 12:30 An Actor's Life for Me (b00899ps)
Series 2, The Scottish PlayObserving the theatrical superstition, Robert Wilson multi-tasks in Macbeth. Stars John Gordon Sinclair. From February 1990.
SAT 13:00 Lou Ramsden - Tinsel Girl and the Support Worker: Omnibus (b08q8g1w)
The life, loves and misadventures of wheelchair user Maz. Uplifting comedy drama starring and inspired by Cherylee Houston.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08q8nll)
Ian HislopPrivate Eye editor Ian Hislop chooses 'A Swingin' Safari' played by Bert Kaempfert and Danny Kaye's 'Life Could Not Better Be'.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b05x90z5)
Gracie FieldsLancashire's actress, singer and comic Gracie Fields answers the questions from Harold Hobson, John Freeman and Patricia Brent.
Born Grace Stansfield in 1898, she became one of Britain's biggest box office stars of of both cinema and music hall. Gracie recalls her early years and share her thoughts on stardom. She's also questioned about life during the Second World War and the way British people treated her. The star also talks of her happy life living on the Italian island of Capri.
Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.
SAT 14:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
Series 2, Last RespectsUncle Mort and Carter Brandon tie off their sampling of Welsh hospitality with a funeral. Peter Tinniswood's adventures with Stephen Thorne and Sam Kelly.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b04v9r5f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Noel Coward - This Happy Breed (b0081qyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Strictly Dance Hall (b0075vxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 William Boyd - A Haunting (b00765nx)
A landscape architect finds himself taken over by an unseen presence in an aeroplane and is forced to make a strange drawing which he doesn't recognise.
He begins to act out of character, lusting after waitresses and butcher's assistants, growing a beard and behaving so strangely that he seems to have a breakdown...
William Boyd's ghost story stars John Sessions as Reif, Liam Brennan as John-Jo Harrigan/dider, Crawford Logan as Demarco / Giles Auchinleck, Eliza Langland as Leandra/Fiona, Emma Currie as Stella Reif / Encarnacion and Joanna Tope as Stewardess / Old Woman / Petra Fairbrother.
Director Dave Batchelor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
SAT 18:45 Patrick McGrath - The Smell (b007jm2c)
A father exerts demonic control over his family but at what cost? Written and read by Patrick McGrath.
SAT 19:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (b06r9b2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Saturday Night Fry (b008yv5q)
Episode 2Stephen Fry's surreal, erudite sketch show with humorous banter and sketches.
With Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent and Robert Bathurst.
Written by Stephen Fry with additional material by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.
Producer: Dan Patterson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SAT 22:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
Series 2, With guest Doc BrownNew series of the comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music. Guests across this series include Phill Jupitus, Charlie Baker, Nick Mohammed, Doc Brown, Matt Lucas and Danny Baker.
This fifth episode explores the theme of children including songs on George Formby, the alphabet and Rastafarians. Guest starring Doc Brown who raps with the band and talks to whales.
Host .... Alex Horne
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Guest performer .... Doc Brown
Producer .... Julia McKenzie.
SAT 23:00 Lee and Herring's Fist of Fun (b00804lf)
Episode 2The cult BBC Radio 1 series hits Plymouth University in Exmouth. Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring.
SAT 23:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d0sjl)
Series 2, PatienceThe comedian examines the virtue of holding your horses. With poetry and songs by Tim Key and Tom Basden. From August 2008.

SUNDAY 14 MAY 2017

SUN 00:00 William Boyd - A Haunting (b00765nx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:45 Patrick McGrath - The Smell (b007jm2c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Lou Ramsden - Tinsel Girl and the Support Worker: Omnibus (b08q8g1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08q8nll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Frankly Speaking (b05x90z5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b04v9r5f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Noel Coward - This Happy Breed (b0081qyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Strictly Dance Hall (b0075vxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Feminine Forever Omnibus (b01n111l)
The 1970s - feminism, HRT and the joys of growing old disgracefully. By Caroline and David Stafford. Stars Lesley Manville.
SUN 07:15 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
Inspector Morse - The BurglarNeighbourly concern about a suspicious stranger sets a new puzzle for the Oxford-based detective. Read by John Turner.
SUN 07:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05ssqpn)
Series 1, Episode 4Comedian Deborah Frances-White was adopted as a baby in Australia and has only recently discovered her true life mother. Now, in the last of the series, Deborah attempts to find her real father.
Unfortunately, her birth mother's recall is none too good and, despite much probing, she seems unable to remember which of her partners could be the true dad.
So, with the voices of Thom Tuck, Alex Lowe and Celia Pacqola, Deborah sets out on one last Google-driven attempt to complete the circle.
Producer: Alan Nixon
A So Television production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 Meet the Huggetts (b04mc868)
All at SeaWith the factory outing looming, Joe and Ethel Huggett find themselves in a mess over money.
Stars Jack Warner as Joe, Kathleen Harrison as Ethel, Vera Day as Jane, Anthony Green as Bobby, Charles Leno as Fred Stebbings, Beatrice Varley as Mrs Stebbings and Kenneth Connor as Mr Campbell.
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: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1954.
SUN 08:30 Life With the Lyons (b012qrpv)
Time Marches BackBen needs jokes for his big speech at the Festival of Britain - can the family help?
Starring real-life American family: Ben Lyon and his wife Bebe Daniels and their children, Richard and Barbara.
With Doris Rogers as Florrie, Molly Weir as Aggie, Horace Percival as Mr Wimple, Ian Sadler and David Enders.
Life With The Lyons was one the BBC's most popular radio sitcoms between1950 and 1961. It was also adapted for BBC Television.
Written by Bebe Daniels, Bob Block and Bill Harding.
BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Robert Busby
Incidental music by Arthur Wilkinson
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1951.
SUN 09:00 Richard Ford - Between Them: Omnibus (b08qfw7s)
Father was 'smiling' and mother 'buoyant'. American author Richard Ford remembers his parents in separate poignant accounts.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08q8m4w)
Jodi PicoultNovelist Jodi Picoult chooses 'You've Got a Friend' by James Taylor and 'Sammy's Song' by Jodi herself and Ellen Wilber.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08qfwgx)
Family, Bebe DanielsFrom Bing Crosby to the Coronation Scot. American actress Bebe Daniels shares her castaway choices with Roy Plomley. From April 1956.
SUN 10:45 Snapshots in the Dark (b0075qj2)
Lennart Nilsson - The Inner ChildColin Ford investigates the impact of Nilsson's photograph of a foetus taken inside its mother's womb. From December 1999.
SUN 11:00 TED Radio Hour (b08qfymz)
Series 4, NetworksGuy Raz explores how networks surround and sustain us, in nature, in our bodies, in relationships and in the digital world.
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
SUN 11:55 The Listening Project (b01p0vxr)
Gwen and Yumi - Chapter and VerseFi Glover presents a conversation between grandmother and granddaughter, Gwen and Yumi. Despite a 63 year age gap they love to talk... mainly about books.
The Listening Project is a Radio 4 initiative that offers a snapshot of contemporary Britain in which people across the UK volunteer to have a conversation with someone close to them about a subject they've never discussed intimately before. The conversations are being gathered across the UK by teams of producers from local and national radio stations who facilitate each encounter. Every conversation - they're not BBC interviews, and that's an important difference - lasts up to an hour, and is then edited to extract the key moment of connection between the participants. Many of the long conversations are being archived by the British Library and used to build up a collection of voices capturing a unique portrait of the UK in the second decade of the millennium. You can upload your own conversations or just learn more about The Listening Project by visiting bbc.co.uk/listeningproject
Producer: Marya Burgess.
SUN 12:00 Meet the Huggetts (b04mc868)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Life With the Lyons (b012qrpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Feminine Forever Omnibus (b01n111l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 Paula Hawkins - Into the Water: Omnibus (b08qg0qp)
Episode 2Can DI Townsend and DS Morgan discover what led Katie Whittaker to 'The Drowning Pool'? Stars Sian Brooke.
SUN 15:45 The Cazalets - Omnibus (b01pp21q)
The Light Years, Episode 1As the family gather for their annual summer holiday in the beautiful Sussex countryside of 1938, the onset of war is about to change everything.
Elizabeth Jane Howard's family saga of 'The Cazalets' vividly catalogues the lives and loves of three generations.
Starring Penelope Wilton as the narrator, Raymond Coulthard as Rupert, Zoe Tapper as Zoe, Georgia Groome as Clary, Naomi Frederick as Rachel, Shirley Dixon as The Duchy and Helen Schlesinger as Sid.
Siblings Hugh, Edward, Rupert and Rachel - and their respective families - are reunited. Rupert is trying not to think about whether he married beautiful but petulant Zoe too soon after his first wife's death; Hugh and his wife Sybil each try to put the other first, not necessarily to their mutual advantage; Edward is mulling on how he might be able to get away from his wife, Villy, to spend time with his mistress and Rachel is trying to find a private place to read her letter in secret. But the wider world is about to intrude on their lives forever and each is increasingly to wonder what their future may hold...
The first of five dramatisations by Sarah Daniels.
Elizabeth Jane Howard's The Light Years and her following novels: Marking Time, Confusion and Casting Off were published between 1990-1995 and the fifth, All Change, in 2013.
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SUN 16:55 Inheritance Tracks (b08q8m4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b08qg1n4)
A Poet's SongBBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with 'A Poet's Song' as Paul Farley and Jo Shapcott swap writing poems for song lyrics.
Are lyrics harder to write than poems? Every few years the subject of poetry and song lyrics rears its head. Has our need for the poetic been fulfilled by the musical? Paul and Jo try their hand at writing lyrics for two very different musicians - British rapper Doc Brown, and the singer/songwriter and pianist Jamie Cullum.
The programme follows the progress of these collaborations - recounting the highs and lows along the way - and reveals what musicians can learn from poets, and what poets can learn from their musical counterparts.
Producer: Ella-Mai Robey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SUN 17:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05ssqpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre (b007jpy0)
Series 1, The JarCharlie's worried the neighbours don't call. But after buying a strange jar, his house is centre of attention.
Ray Bradbury introduces his own spooky tale dramatised by Brian Sibley.
Starring Roger May as Charlie. With Andrew Branch, Shelley Thompson, Paul Jenkins and Bob Sherman,
Director: Martin Jenkins.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
SUN 18:30 Mark Gatiss - The Devil in Amber (b00v7b52)
Episode 3Falsely accused of murder, Lucifer Box has fled the USA aboard a leaky tub bound for England. He's spent the journey trying to discover what links a silken fragment of an ancient heathen prayer to the Convent of St Bede. A comely cabin girl provides welcome distraction.
Mark Gatiss reads his novel abridged by David Jackson Young.
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2010.
SUN 19:00 TED Radio Hour (b08qfymz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:55 The Listening Project (b01p0vxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:55 today]
SUN 20:00 TS Eliot - The Family Reunion (b08qgdv2)
"I keep Wishwood alive, to keep the family alive."
Wishwood is home to the Dowager Lady Monchensey, located in the North of England.
One evening in late March, her family are gathering for her birthday. As she battles against death, the Dowager's tormented eldest son Harry returns after eight years...
TS Eliot's poetic and compelling tale of sin and redemption examines a family tortured by its past.
Stars Fabia Drake as the Dowager Lady Monchensey, Barbara Couper as Agatha, Dilys Hamlett as Mary and Gabriel Woolf as Harry, Lord Monchensey.
Producer: Raymond Raikes
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1965.
SUN 21:30 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08qfwgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05ssqpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Radio 9 (b0401g9p)
Series 1, Episode 1Dark comedy from the radio station that offers alternative lifestyles and unusual help. Written by and starring Johnny Daukes and Hils Barker. From October 2003.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08q33pn)
The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith chats to Croft and Pearce.
SUN 23:00 Cabin Pressure (b00lt16c)
Series 2, IpswichWhen the crew have to go on a refresher course for Safety & Emergency Procedures, it spells trouble for Douglas's inner dog and Martin's inner ear...
John Finnemore's hit sitcom about a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult...
Starring Stephanie Cole as Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, Roger Allam as 1st Officer Douglas Richardson, Benedict Cumberbatch as Captain Martin Crieff, John Finnmore as Arthur Shappey, Phil Davis as Mr Sargent and Alex Macqueen as Dr Peter Duncan.
Producer: David Tyler
Made for BBC Radio 4 by Pozzitive productions.
First broadcast in July 2009.
SUN 23:30 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b044w4v4)
Episode 4Buy a compendium of fairy tales from Boney M. Stars Jane Bussmann and David Quantick. With Peter Serafinowicz. From May 1998.

MONDAY 15 MAY 2017

MON 00:00 Ray Bradbury - Tales of the Bizarre (b007jpy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Mark Gatiss - The Devil in Amber (b00v7b52)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Feminine Forever Omnibus (b01n111l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Colin Dexter Short Stories (b007k4xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Paula Hawkins - Into the Water: Omnibus (b08qg0qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 The Cazalets - Omnibus (b01pp21q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b08qg1n4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05ssqpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd6wp)
Series 1, The Killings in KirkibraeDI Bob Boxer and DC Shona Doberman probe a link between some nasty serial killings in Glasgow and some gruesome murders in an idyllic village in the remote Scottish Highlands.
Alastair Jessiman's gritty comedy police drama stars Finlay Welsh as DI Bob Boxer, Anita Vettesse as DC Shona Doberman and James Bryce as DCI Paton.
DC Shauna Doberman is regarded as the smart one in the crime-fighting duo, whilst DI Bob Boxer is the grizzled old-school cop, who aims to reach the right conclusion.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by BBC Radio Scotland.
First broadcast in March 2009.
MON 06:30 Laurie Lee - Long Sleep (b047ct5p)
The 'Cider With Rosie' author's views on mortality, with extracts from his 1997 Thanksgiving Service. Features John Mortimer.
MON 07:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
Episode 6Edgar meets a one-man band, makes a movie, gets to the bottom of the mystery, and finds a home. Starring Richard Griffiths.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08pdy0h)
Series 18, Episode 6David 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.
Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Elis James and Frankie Boyle are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as Delia Smith, robots, rain and Facebook.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 Not in Front of the Children (b0524hhh)
Series 1, House in a TreeJennifer berates her headstrong husband Henry who's due in court over his somewhat shaky treehouse.
Starring Wendy Craig as Jennifer Corner, Francis Matthews as Henry Corner and Fanny Rowe as Mother.
The comedy mishaps of the Corner family: Jennifer and Henry and their three children Trudi, Amanda and Robin. Family sitcom, Not in Front of the Children originally ran for four series from 1967 to 1970 on BBC TV. Richard Waring adapted his own scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes.
Wendy Craig won a Best Actress BAFTA award for the TV version of Not in Front of the Children in 1969. This was the first of several housewife roles that Wendy Craig was to play on television. Later series included And Mother Makes Three and Butterflies.
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1969.
MON 08:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
Series 2, Sergeant, Save My Boy!Barbed wire traps Pike on a seaside minefield - and the tide is turning!
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1975.
MON 09:00 Quote... Unquote (b068tn6y)
Quote ... Unquote, the popular quotations quiz, returns for its 51st series.
In almost forty years, Nigel Rees has been joined by writers, actors, musicians, scientists and various comedy types. Kenneth Williams, Judi Dench, PD James, Larry Adler, Ian KcKellen, Peter Cook, Kingsley Amis, Peter Ustinov... have all graced the Quote Unquote stage.
Join Nigel as he quizzes a host of celebrity guests on the origins of sayings and well-known quotes, and gets the famous panel to share their favourite anecdotes.
Episode 1
Comedy writer and director Graham Linehan.
Sports presenter Sally Jones.
Actress and writer Morwenna Banks
Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band member and Monty Python collaborator Neil Innes
Presenter ... Nigel Rees
Producer ... Carl Cooper.
MON 09:30 Artists (b01b36ry)
Series 2, Special Happy PlacesDe-cluttering his house, Gerard's friends all get gifts, leaving Tamsin less than thrilled. Stars Dave Lamb. From May 2004.
MON 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpd3)
The Horse FairA drunken night sparks a disastrous chain of events for the respectable, Michael Henchard, that's set to haunt him for years to come...
Stars David Calder as Michael Henchard, Jason Flemyng as Donald Farfrae, Janet Dale as Susan, Andrea Wray as Elizabeth-Jane and Mary Wimbush as the Furmity-seller.
19th century Dorset is brought vividly to life in Thomas Hardy 's magnificent story of a man whose impetuous, vital character is the seed of his own downfall.
Music arranged and played by Dave Townsend and the Mellstock Band.
Dramatised in 4-parts by Sally Hedges
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio in 1994.
MON 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvbsw)
GoatA penny whistle and a tramp called Goat unleash a potent transformation within a disillusioned clergyman. Read by Paul Hilton.
MON 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b01kjs10)
Caterpillarsby Laura Bridgeman and Charles Lambert.
Comedy heist drama set in Edinburgh. Disinherited by her stepmother, Amber Buchanan determines to honour the memory of her father by entering into the family trade. Crime.
Amber ..... Claire Knight
Sasha ..... Laurie Brown
Karen ..... Rosalind Sydney
Rhona ..... Gemma McElhinney
Piers Logan ..... Jimmy Chisholm
Sean ..... Simon Donaldson
Mary ..... Monica Gibb
Child ..... Sean Graham
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
MON 12:00 Not in Front of the Children (b0524hhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd6wp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Laurie Lee - Long Sleep (b047ct5p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b01shw0m)
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, PearlBy Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Episode One - Pearl
Abandoned by her salesman husband an angry Pearl Tull is left to bring up her three children alone.
Director: David Hunter
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant tells the story of two brothers and a sister deserted by their father, raised by their angry mother, moving through the calamities and exultations of their difficult youth into separate strategies for survival, and finally into a shared humanity.
The place is Anne Tyler's Baltimore. The story is Pearl's, her short-lived romance and late marriage to "flamboyant" travelling salesman Beck Tull and her attempt to keep the family together after he leaves. We see her three children pummelled into adulthood through her excesses of maternal energy and spurts of terrifying rage.
Cody, wild and incorrigible is driven to cruel domination over his brother Ezra, boyhood practical jokes and taunts culminating in an unforgivable (and yet seemingly forgiven) act, and is ultimately possessed by the lure of power and money. High-spirited, hard-working Jenny becomes a paediatrician, nurturing strangers as she becomes more and more inaccessible to those close to her. Ezra, his mother's favourite (and Anne Tyler's most enduring character) has a dream of a homesick restaurant "where people come just like to a family dinner" - except that whenever his own family gathers at his restaurant the meal is always left unfinished, appetites dissipated in squabbles and tempests.
There are elements of this family tragedy that we all recognise, details that ring sharply true and characters that are both truthful and entertaining.
HER NAKED SKIN by Rebecca Lenkiewicz was the first play to be performed on the Olivier stage by a living female playwright. THE NIGHT SEASON won the Critics Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. SARAH AND KEN (Drama on 3) was awarded a special commendation at the 2012 BBC Audio Drama Awards. Other radio work includes CARAVAN OF DESIRE and BLUE MOON OVER POPLAR.
There is a synergy between Rebecca and Anne Tyler - a common precision of language, an understanding of character, a shared angle on the poetry of language and image and a similar sense of fascination with the quirky and the offbeat.
MON 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhd7q)
In the DarkDavid Thomson, author of the Biographical Dictionary of Film, takes a highly personal journey through how cinema has changed both him and us. Programme One: In the Dark.
Film has changed us. It is all too easy to forget what a shock the coming of the moving image was to our world. First we could see ourselves and then we could imagine ourselves and then we could hear ourselves. How we kissed, fought, dreamed and died have all been projected around the world.
David Thomson writes:
"Do you want a map for the dark? By now you either know the history of the movies or you have it wrong and all mixed up. It doesn't matter, the mixture is in your unconscious and your nervous system, and one of the consequences of the movies is that we trust nothing and imagine everything. That's why the dark is so important."
Producer: Mark Burman.
MON 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b01213dz)
Ladies of Letters Go Green, Episode 1More electronic correspondence from the tempestuous twosome - Irene and Vera.
This time their thoughts turn to all things environmental.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
MON 14:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075sjn)
Episode 1Cookery writer, Elizabeth David brought the light and tastes of the Mediterranean to post-war Britain.
Her private life was as passionate as her writing - but she first aspired to become an actor...
Helena Bonham Carter reads the first extract from Artemis Cooper's acclaimed biography of Elizabeth David (1913-1992).
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
Producer: Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
MON 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpd3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 Quote... Unquote (b068tn6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Artists (b01b36ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08pdy0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007jv49)
The AntarcticanThe struggle at the South Pole continues.
Having witnessed the destruction of the Ellsworth Research Centre and the death of several of their colleagues, the survivors prepare to flee...
Conclusion of Simon Bovey's 5-part sci-fi thriller set in 2015 stars Tim McMullan as Bowers, Tom Mannion as Commander Taft, Stuart McLoughlin as Max Bellingfield, Ndidi Del Fatti as Anaya and Helen Longworth as Deborah.
Director: Marc Beeby
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2005.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0076jvq)
Diana Athill & John CalderSue MacGregor and her guests - acclaimed editor, Diana Athill and publisher, John Calder - discuss books by Helen Dunmore, Henry Green and Aldous Huxley. From 2004.
The Siege by Helen Dunmore
Publisher: Penguin
Loving by Henry Green
Publisher: Vintage
Antic Hay by Aldous Huxley
Publisher: Flamingo.
MON 19:00 Not in Front of the Children (b0524hhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Dad's Army (b007tbwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd6wp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Laurie Lee - Long Sleep (b047ct5p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvbsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b01kjs10)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b08pdy0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation (b01ptg3x)
Series 2, How to Be a Father, pt 1Why do men want to procreate? The host's comic lecture plus sketches. With Debbie Issit and Gordon Kennedy. From October 1994.
MON 23:00 News Quiz Extra (b08qgx61)
Series 20, Episode 4Susan Calman , Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford and Peter Curran are all corralled into a newsy formation by Miles Jupp
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production.
MON 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b03jpvjt)
Series 3, Episode 4The Luton laureate visits the Cheltenham Literary Festival, and finds that some poems just don't want to be read. From February 2000.

TUESDAY 16 MAY 2017

TUE 00:00 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007jv49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0076jvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd6wp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Laurie Lee - Long Sleep (b047ct5p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 15 Minute Drama (b01shw0m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhd7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Ladies of Letters (b01213dz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075sjn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpd3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Quote... Unquote (b068tn6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Artists (b01b36ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08pdy0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd9h8)
Series 1, The Big CheeseDetective Inspector Bob Boxer falls into the clutches of an old sadistic adversary. At first he resists the pressure to go over to the "other side" and swell the ranks of Villains Incorporated. But when his enemies exploit one of his deepest childhood fears, even Bob's cast-iron will begins to crack like a caramel log. Might a good cop go to the bad?
Alastair Jessiman's gritty comedy police drama stars Finlay Welsh as DI Bob Boxer, Anita Vettesse as DC Shona Doberman and James Bryce as DCI Paton.
DC Shauna Doberman is regarded as the smart one in the crime-fighting duo, whilst DI Bob Boxer is the grizzled old-school cop, who aims to reach the right conclusion.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by BBC Radio Scotland.
First broadcast in March 2009.
TUE 06:30 The Art of Travel (b047lhwg)
'I haven't suffered shock from the obvious'. Laurie Lee reveals his first taste of life beyond Slad to Annette Kobak. From January 1997.
TUE 07:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
Series 2, Episode 2Jabeen has a stormy appearance on cable TV prompting, a girlie night. Does Samina have good news?
The second of Sudha Bhuchar and Shaheen Khan's four-part comedy series charting the ups and downs of five 30-something women living in London, SW19.
Stars Bharti Patel as Vinny, Zita Sattar as Tula, Roger Liddle as Dan, Alice Arnold as Marianne, Sophie Levy as Alia, Nyla Levy as Sara, Shaheen Khan as Jabeen, Sudha Bhuchar as Sonal, Sakuntala Ramanee as Samina, Charubala Chokshi as Masi, Burt Caesar as Ali, Shiv Grewal as Salim, Alice Arnold as Nurse, Cal McCrystal as Jo, Holly McGoldrick as Jade, Lannah McAdam as Amber and Christopher Trenfield as Karan.
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Kristine Landon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
TUE 07:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08pf09g)
Series 1, Skull and BonceOne of Britain's finest comedians, Rob Newman, is our guide on a unique audio odyssey of the brain, taking in everything from love and guilt to robot co-workers and the unlikely importance of prehistoric trousers.
It's a witty, fact-packed series mixing stand-up and sketches, challenging notions of neuroscience with a new theory that's equal parts enlightening and hilarious.
Rob offers an alternative to some of the more bizarre claims in modern popular science, as well as rejigging theories of our brains in light of what we know about nature, artificial intelligence and Belinda Carlisle.
Created by the award-winning team behind Robert Newman's Entirely Accurate Encyclopaedia of Evolution.
Written by and starring Rob Newman
Co-starring Claire Price and Richard McCabe
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producer: Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn4t)
Series 5, A Star Is BornHarold falls for the leading lady from his drama society - and Albert makes an entrance.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert, Harry H Corbett as Harold and Trevor Bannister as Rupert. With Jo Manning Wilson, Michael McClain and Nicolette MacKenzie.
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.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1974.
TUE 08:30 The Men From the Ministry (b007jm59)
A Slight Case of DemolitionThe bumbling civil servants tackle traffic trouble and town planning.
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler.
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Edward Taylor, Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor,
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1967.
TUE 09:00 News Quiz Extra (b08qgx61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Hearing With Hegley (b03jpvjt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdj)
RivalsApart for 19 years, the ashamed Michael Henchard is finally reunited with his wife, Susan - but his pain isn't over yet...
Stars David Calder as Michael Henchard, Janet Dale as Susan, Andrea Wray as Elizabeth-Jane, Jason Flemyng as Donald Farfrae, Sandra Berkin as Lucetta and Gerry Hinks as Solomon Longways.
19th century Dorset is brought vividly to life in Thomas Hardy 's magnificent story of a man whose impetuous, vital character is the seed of his own downfall.
Music arranged and played by Dave Townsend and the Mellstock Band.
Dramatised in 4-parts by Sally Hedges
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio in 1994.
TUE 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvws2)
The House by the Weir and the Way, part 1A rambling house on the route to Compostela is home to lovers Odile and Sabela. Old age confronts them. Read by Sara Kestelman.
TUE 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b00j751w)
Mike Bartlett - Miss St AndrewsBy Mike Bartlett. Old grudges resurface as Miss St Andrews 1961 meets her old rival for the university Charities Queen title nearly 50 years later.
Young Robert ...... Joe McFadden
Jenny ...... Ellie Haddington
Young Jenny ...... Tracy Wiles
Robert ...... Tom Mannion
Judy ...... Sandy Walsh
Holly ...... Caroline Guthrie
Directed by Claire Grove.
TUE 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Men From the Ministry (b007jm59)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd9h8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Art of Travel (b047lhwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sj1sw)
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Teaching the Cat to YawnBy Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Episode Two - Teaching the Cat to Yawn
Young Cody's jealousy of his placid younger brother Ezra accelerates.
Director: David Hunter
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant tells the story of two brothers and a sister deserted by their father, raised by their angry mother, moving through the calamities and exultations of their difficult youth into separate strategies for survival, and finally into a shared humanity.
The place is Anne Tyler's Baltimore. The story is Pearl's, her short-lived romance and late marriage to "flamboyant" travelling salesman Beck Tull and her attempt to keep the family together after he leaves. We see her three children pummelled into adulthood through her excesses of maternal energy and spurts of terrifying rage.
Cody, wild and incorrigible is driven to cruel domination over his brother Ezra and is ultimately possessed by the lure of power and money. High-spirited, hard-working Jenny becomes a paediatrician, nurturing strangers as she becomes more and more inaccessible to those close to her. Ezra, his mother's favourite (and Anne Tyler's most enduring character) has a dream of a homesick restaurant "where people come just like to a family dinner" - except that whenever his own family gathers at his restaurant the meal is always left unfinished, appetites dissipated in squabbles and tempests.
There are elements of this family tragedy that we all recognise, details that ring sharply true and characters that are both truthful and entertaining.
HER NAKED SKIN by Rebecca Lenkiewicz was the first play to be performed on the Olivier stage by a living female playwright. THE NIGHT SEASON won the Critics Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. SARAH AND KEN (Drama on 3) was awarded a special commendation at the 2012 BBC Audio Drama Awards. Other radio work includes CARAVAN OF DESIRE and BLUE MOON OVER POPLAR.
There is a synergy between Rebecca and Anne Tyler - a common precision of language, an understanding of character, a shared angle on the poetry of language and image and a similar sense of fascination with the quirky and the offbeat.
TUE 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhff4)
Fear and DesireDavid Thomson, author of the Biographical Dictionary of Film, takes a highly personal journey through the lasting impact and power of cinema. Film is many things, but its ability to carry us into the darkest dreams and fiercest desires of its characters via the magic of the score and the sound binds us all in the dark.
Producer: Mark Burman.
TUE 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b0121lhc)
Ladies of Letters Go Green, Episode 2Vera offers to help Irene sort out her Auntie's artefacts - and writes to Al Gore. With Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
TUE 14:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075skd)
Episode 21938: Elizabeth and Charles set sail on their yacht. Helena Bonham Carter reads Artemis Cooper's biography of Elizabeth David.
TUE 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008s32f)
Episode 5Clive Anderson marshals more improvisations with Stephen Fry, John Sessions, John Bird and Jimmy Mulville. From January 1988.
TUE 16:30 Ballylenon (b00fnbtb)
Series 1, Episode 4The battle commences to bring the opera festival to Killycromper Hall.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1953, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home. Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Starring TP McKenna as Phonsie Doherty, Margaret D'Arcy as Muriel McConkey, Stella McCusker as Vera McConkey, Aine McCartney as Vivienne Boal, John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher and Gerard McSorley as Stumpy Bonnar.
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
TUE 17:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08pf09g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007jtyf)
Episode 1After suffering a horrific accident, coma patient, Leon undergoes a brand new medical procedure - with some startling side-effects...
Award-winning US writer, Ted Chiang's sci-fi thriller is read by Rhashan Stone.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2004.
TUE 18:30 Fry's English Delight (b01m67yw)
Series 5, ConversationStephen Fry explores the many facets of human conversation, from banter and gossip to drama and debate.
He hears how the art of conversation has been interpreted over the decades and how rare it is today to find time for lingering conversation. We visit a nursery to hear budding pre-school conversationalists and the School of Life where people can take classes in how to improve conversational skills. One student says, "So many of our daily conversations are superficial. I want to learn how to make conversation an adventure."
Broadcaster Fi Glover joins Stephen in the studio to discuss her experience of conversation on air. She explains how a broadcast interview can also be a conversation and warns that the word "because" can be a conversation-stopper.
Philosopher Theodore Zeldin has spent a lifetime discussing conversation. He's also the thinker behind an idea known as the Menu of Conversation where strangers are encouraged to share intimate and thought provoking talk over a menu of discussion points. He says, "People are mysterious creatures. In my mind a good conversation doesn't get going for at least an hour."
We also hear from Paul Abbott, screen writer and creator of the TV series Shameless, about conversation from the dramatist's view point. "Conversation is at the centre of my life. I've become a genius at tracking multiple conversations. I'm constantly listening out for the patterns behind the way people talk to each other."
And food writer Claudia Roden describes the marriage that is food and conversation, from the intimacy of the kitchen to the open forum of the dinner table.
Producer: Sarah Cuddon
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Men From the Ministry (b007jm59)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd9h8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 The Art of Travel (b047lhwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvws2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b00j751w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08pf09g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Shappi Talk (b00wr9q6)
Series 2, Divorce and the Single MotherShappi Khorsandi uses her own personal experience by taking an acerbic look at what it's like to go through divorce and to become an unexpected single mother. She reveals the challenges and comic consequences of becoming divorced and what it's like raising a young child.
Armed with this experience, Shappi also has a light-hearted chat with model and fellow single mother Jerry Hall, where they find time to compare fascinating notes!
Australian comedian Celia Pacquola provides some additional laughs giving her perspective on the subject and there'll be a themed song from Duncan Oakley.
Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:00 Strap In - It's Clever Peter (b01jhdht)
PedroStrap in for 15 minutes of rip-roaring comedy as Clever Peter bring you a death plunge, a leap across a ravine and a sexy clown.
Clever Peter - the wild and brilliantly funny award-winning sketch team - get their own Radio 4 show.
From the team that brought you Cabin Pressure and Another Case of Milton Jones comes the massively bonkers and funny Clever Peter, hot off the Edinburgh Fringe and wearers of tri-coloured jerseys.
"If they don't go very far very soon there is no such thing as British justice" - Daily Telegraph
"A masterclass in original sketch comedy" - Metro
"Pretty much top of the class"- The Scotsman
So -
Why "Clever"?
Dunno
Why "Peter"?
Not a clue mate
Should I listen to the show?
Yes, of course! Derrr.
Starring Richard Bond, Edward Eales-White, William Hartley
and special guest Catriona Knox
Written by Richard Bond, Edward Eales-White, William Hartley and Dominic Stone
Produced and directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive Television Ltd production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:15 Before They Were Famous (b01m179h)
Series 1, Episode 2Ian Leslie presents the comedy show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of some of the world's best known writers.
A project of literary archaeology, Leslie has found evidence in the most unlikely of places - within the archives of newspapers, periodicals, corporations and universities - showcasing the early examples of work by writers such as Jilly Cooper during her brief and unfortunately unsuccessful foray into the world of war reporting, and Hunter S Thompson in his sadly short-lived phase working in the customer relations department for a major American Airline.
These are the newspaper articles, advertising copy, company correspondence and gardening manuals that allow us a fascinating glimpse into the embryonic development of our best loved literary voices - people we know today for their novels or poems but who, at the time, were just people with a dream...and a rent bill looming at the end of the month.
Produced by Anna Silver and Claire Broughton
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:30 Twenty Players (b06dyddk)
Series 1, Gentleman Jack PerkinsDes Lynam tells the story a turn-of-the-century boxing toff who never quite made it. From May 1995.
TUE 23:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jmz1)
Series 1, Normal LoveWhen his wife leaves him for a kettle, the cartoonist looks for love elsewhere. Stars Paul McCrink. From August 2001.

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2017

WED 00:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007jtyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Fry's English Delight (b01m67yw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jd9h8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Art of Travel (b047lhwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sj1sw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhff4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Ladies of Letters (b0121lhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075skd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008s32f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Ballylenon (b00fnbtb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08pf09g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jdp91)
Series 1, The Seat of EvilWhen a much-loved Scottish comic is killed in the street by a falling safe, it looks like an unlucky one-off accident. But then there are more celebrity killings and a pattern starts to emerge.
Is it a brand new case for Boxer and Doberman - or a continuation of the one they're on already? The plot thickens like fog on the Clyde.....
Alastair Jessiman's gritty comedy police drama stars Finlay Welsh as DI Bob Boxer, Anita Vettesse as DC Shona Doberman and James Bryce as DCI Paton.
DC Shauna Doberman is regarded as the smart one in the crime-fighting duo, whilst DI Bob Boxer is the grizzled old-school cop, who aims to reach the right conclusion.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by BBC Radio Scotland.
First broadcast in March 2009.
WED 06:30 Literary Walks - Laurie Lee (b047lrjd)
A premature wake? Laurie Lee takes Christopher Somerville on a tour of the village of Slad, where he grew up. From September 1985.
WED 07:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b0089m77)
Series 2, Fathers and SonsDesperate to work, devious Robert digs his way out of a holiday with Sue. Stars John Gordon Sinclair. From February 1990.
WED 07:30 Rum Bunch (b08pfq3j)
Series 1, Great HillstonJustin Edwards, Mel Giedroyc and Dave Mounfield have been invited by the parishioners of the sleepy rural idyll of Great Hillston-Near-Water - birthplace of the Jacobean playwright Lydia Le Provost - to perform her most famous play, The Murderous Priest.
Justin has invited the showbiz legend and serious actress, Jane Asher, to take the leading role. It has been her lifetime ambition to perform the play's famous death scene.
The Rum Bunch is Justin Edwards (The Consultants, The Odd Half Hour, Newsjack, Sorry I've Got No Head, The Thick of It), Mel Giedroyc (Mel and Sue, Bake Off, Let It Shine) and Dave Mounfield (Count Arthur Strong, This Is Jinsy).
The house band is Jason Hazeley and David Reed - The Penny Dreadfuls.
Produced by Jim North
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 08:00 After Henry (b007s8gm)
Series 4, Family Album"Look at this old dear - roses round her cottage door, a cosy smell of making cake wafting from her kitchen. I can imagine a lot of people buying that, putting it in a frame and claiming it as their own grandmother. Probably easier to cope with than the real thing".
Eleanor's family snaps spark arguments with daughter Sarah over the past...
Stars Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare and Jean Anderson as Auntie Lilian.
Written by Simon Brett
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1989.
WED 08:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
Series 5, Hancock's SchoolInspired by Bill and supplied by Sid, the lad turns his home into a centre of learning.
Stars Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1958.
WED 09:00 Genius (b008h5bx)
Series 2, Carol VordermanDave Gorman and Carol Vorderman discuss ridiculous, brilliant but unworkable ideas, and choose the best. From September 2006.
WED 09:30 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
Just The Way You AreWally Thornton reckons it's time to ditch his old mates for more cultural pursuits.
Starring Tony Brandon as Wally.
With Chris Ellison, John Jardine, Nick Maloney and Rosalind Knight.
Tony Brandon's BBC career was mainly as a disc-jockey for Radio 1 and 2 from 1967-1982, but as an actor, he also recorded the comedy series 'The Family Brandon' and 'Wally Who?'.
Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.
Theme and incidental music by Debbie Katz.
Produced in Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in November 1982.
WED 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdx)
The Conjuror and the ChoirBattling regrets from his drunken actions two decades before, Michael Henchard reaches breaking point.
Stars David Calder as Michael Henchard, Sandra Berkin as Lucetta, Andrea Wray as Elizabeth-Jane and Jason Flemyng as Donald Farfrae.
19th century Dorset is brought vividly to life in Thomas Hardy 's magnificent story of a man whose impetuous, vital character is the seed of his own downfall.
Music arranged and played by Dave Townsend and the Mellstock Band.
Dramatised in 4-parts by Sally Hedges
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio in 1994.
WED 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pw3hf)
The House by the Weir and the Way, part 2In Odile and Sabela's story of love and defiance, a traveller on the pilgrim route changes everything. Read by Sara Kestelman.
WED 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b00qx43c)
Robin Glendinning - Edith's StoryThe true story of 16-year-old Edith Scholem, forced to flee Berlin in 1934 as her family was arrested. Stars Emerald O'Hanrahan.
WED 12:00 After Henry (b007s8gm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jdp91)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Literary Walks - Laurie Lee (b047lrjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sj1ws)
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Destroyed by LoveBy Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Episode Three - Destroyed by Love
With Cody at College and Ezra drafted, Jenny is left to deal with the unpredictable Pearl and Ezra's friend Josiah... but an unlikely romance is in the air.
Director: David Hunter.
WED 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffg)
Wired for SoundDavid Thomson, author of the Biographical Dictionary of Film, takes a highly personal journey through the meaning of film and its impact on us.
Programme 3: Wired For Sound. The dream of a universal language of film, even one that took place in silence with titles, died as Al Jolson sang for his 'mammy' in The Jazz Singer (1927). A new age of dreaming and illusion was upon us and it had many voices.
Producer: Mark Burman.
WED 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b0122k7j)
Ladies of Letters Go Green, Episode 3Irene's son has a surprise for his mother and the police pay Vera a visit. With Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge.
WED 14:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075sl1)
Episode 3Living on the Greek island of Syros, Elizabeth David learns about ancient Mediterranean food. Read by Helena Bonham Carter.
WED 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Genius (b008h5bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b0089m77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Rum Bunch (b08pfq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007s7x3)
Episode 2With his heightened intelligence, Leon develops ingenious ways to outwit the CIA. Ted Chiang's thriller read by Rhashan Stone.
WED 18:30 A Normal Family (b07m4wyh)
After twenty years away from poetry, during which he co-wrote The Royle Family and produced Gavin & Stacey, amongst others, Henry Normal returns to Radio 4 for a comic and poetic look at his family life.
A Normal Family is centred around Henry's son, Johnny, who was diagnosed with "mildly severe" autism. Through stand-up and poetry, Henry explores what this means for Johnny, for himself, and for his wife, Angela.
Recorded in front of a live audience in Henry's hometown of Brighton, the show paints just one portrait of life with autism; there are many versions of it, and this is Johnny's.
Henry Normal is a multi-award winning writer, producer and poet. He starred in Channel 4's Packet of Three with Jenny Éclair and Frank Skinner, co-wrote The Royle Family and The Mrs Merton Show, and founded Baby Cow productions with Steve Coogan, which produced Gavin & Stacy, The Trip and Camping. He has published several volumes of poetry, including The Dream Ticket, Nude Modelling for the Afterlife and Staring Directly at the Eclipse. His last Radio 4 series was 1997's Encyclopaedia Poetica.
Written and performed by ... Henry Normal
Produced by ... Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios Production.
WED 19:00 After Henry (b007s8gm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jdp91)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Literary Walks - Laurie Lee (b047lrjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pw3hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b00qx43c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Rum Bunch (b08pfq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 The Mark Steel Solution (b007jms1)
Series 1, No-One Should Live in the Same Family for More Than One YearRadical proposals to improve our lives, with the comedian's relations revolution. From October 1992.
WED 23:00 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007qx6z)
Series 1, The UniverseThe spoof TV sci-fi star explains life's big mysteries. Stars Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Tom Baker. From October 1992.
WED 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00rgpbw)
Series 1, Gold CardJohn Weak is an aggressive marketing director with no morals and little brain. Stars Alexander Armstrong. From September 2005.

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2017

THU 00:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007s7x3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 A Normal Family (b07m4wyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Boxer and Doberman (b00jdp91)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Literary Walks - Laurie Lee (b047lrjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sj1ws)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Ladies of Letters (b0122k7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075sl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Genius (b008h5bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b0089m77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Rum Bunch (b08pfq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms34p)
Callan's ReturnEx-killer David Callan, now a dead-end book-keeper, is hired for one last hit on businessman Schneider. Read by Ben Miles.
Originally published in 1969 under the title 'A Magnum for Schneider', James Mitchell's novel tells the story of his infamous TV character, David Callan (originally played by Edward Woodward) and features the other regulars, Hunter, Meres and Lonely.
Callan is washed up. The most efficient killer in Europe is now working in a dead-end job as a book-keeper for an ungrateful and miserable boss. But circumstances force British intelligence chief 'Charlie' Hunter to re-employ him for one last operation. His target - German businessman Rudolf Schneider who works in an office opposite Callan. Is the fact that the two men work in such close proximity a mere coincidence? Or is it all an elaborate plan by Hunter? Callan has his suspicions...
Hunter has given Schneider a red file and Callan is all too aware of the significance of this. Cheerful, friendly, affluent Schneider with his innocent passion for model soldiers must die. Once again Callan's means to an end is petty criminal Lonely, the most frightened little man in the underworld. It is Lonely who gets him the gun, a Noguchi Magnum 38 calibre. A magnum for Schneider.
The operation is fraught with complications, but Callan's own inhibitions are the most dangerous.
Abridged by Adrian Bean
Producer: Joanna Green
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions.
THU 06:30 The Perfumed Mountaineer (b01hf12x)
Hayden Lorimer explores the double life of Walter Poucher: mountain photographer and perfumer. Poucher invented the perfume 'Bond Street' and also wrote upland guidebooks. He was a pioneer of mountain photography from the 1930s onwards and devised guidebooks that used photos to help hillwalkers and climbers. But he had a second life as well - in 1923 he had published a three volume handbook on perfumes and cosmetics that remains in print and, working for the perfumers Yardley, he invented one of their signature smells, the perfume Bond Street. These unlikely twin lives came together when he field tested his fragrances and make-up across the hills and fells of Britain. Sweaty mountaineers were not quite sure what to make of Walter but he resolutely and happily continued to mix his two lives and interests. In a celebrated moment of TV history in 1980 the pop singer Grace Jones attacked the chat show host Russell Harty live on air, the other guest on camera at the time was a befuddled looking Walter Poucher. Yet when it came to staging and managing your life Walter perhaps was ahead of the game and knew things that would have surprised both Grace Jones and Russell Harty. Here was a metrosexual man decades before he was supposed to have evolved. Hayden Lorimer, geographer at Glasgow University and committed hill-runner, explores the life and times of the Perfumed Mountaineer. Producer: Tim Dee.
THU 07:00 Street and Lane (b00v8lr4)
Series 1, Blues on the StairsYorkshire builders Johnny and Arthur grapple with a teacher's perilously perched piano. Stars Nick Lane. From August 2005.
THU 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05vcsdq)
Series 10, One Man, Two CharliesEd Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and the curmudgeonly attitude to life that he's mastered over years of failure.
Ed finally finds himself homeless. However, all is not lost as an unexpected bonus of the recent financial apocalypse is that there are many premises in need of temporary caretakers. So it is that Ed finds himself residing in a furniture warehouse in Berkhamsted, complete with 'dream kitchen' fake fruit and a massage chair. He also somehow finds himself an author with a two book cookbook deal and a three figure advance.
Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.
Produced by Dawn Ellis.
Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production.
THU 08:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b007jr5m)
Series 1, The Agony and the EcstasyItalian exchange student Gian Paolo meets the Conroy family. Eddie's trying not to lose his patience - or his fare to Gay Pride.
Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan's comedy-drama series following the lives of the Conroys, a family living in Stockport.
Starring Dominic Monaghan as Jason, Stefan Escreet as Gian-Paulo, John McArdle as Rav, Chris Paylo as Eddie, Beverley Callard as Maureen, Jason Done as Michael and Ann Rye as Gran and Jo-Anne Knowles as Debbie.
Music: Big George
Producer: Neil Mossey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
THU 08:30 Benny Hill (b08qmt8w)
Benny Hill TimeBenny Hill with homemade movie mayhem and the Italian-made historical epic, 'Henry XVIII'
With Peter Vernon, Jan Waters and Patricia Hayes.
Music from the Mike Sammes Singers and the Johnnie Spence Orchestra.
Scripted by Benny Hill.
Producer: John Browel
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1964.
THU 09:00 Guess What? (b06759y1)
Episode 9Animal, vegetable or mineral? Barry Took's revised 20 questions. With Geoffrey Durham, Frances Edmonds and Nigel Dempster. From June 1998.
THU 09:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01p0rq5)
Series 1, Red Whales in the FunhouseWordsmith Woodhouse tries an oratorio and some candid writing about a pregnancy. Stars Tim Pigott-Smith. From September 1989.
THU 10:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpfd)
The Skimmity RideForever haunted by his reckless past, the ex-Mayor of Casterbridge, Michael Henchard, is becoming desperate...
Stars David Calder as Michael Henchard, Andrea Wray as Elizabeth-Jane, Sandra Berkin as Lucetta, Jason Flemyng as Donald Farfrae and John Nettles as Newson.
The dramatic denouement of Thomas Hardy 's magnificent story of a man whose impetuous, vital character is the seed of his own downfall.
Music arranged and played by Dave Townsend and the Mellstock Band.
Dramatised in 4-parts by Sally Hedges
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio in 1994.
THU 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwcyg)
Mr CarltonA forced stop on a car journey brings Mr Carlton the gift of beauty in the most unlikely of places. Read by Robert Blythe.
THU 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b01ks538)
Jane Thornton - The Giftby Jane Thornton.
Stephen Tompkinson stars in an extraordinary story inspired by real events, about how far a father is prepared to go to make his child happy.
When Dan and Lori adopted Amber as a baby, Dan knew he'd never stop loving her. Now he's pulling out all the stops for her 18th birthday. But then he discovers a box of reel-to-reel recordings made by Lori's Dad Charlie which might make him change his mind.
Charlie was a blues man, always on tour either playing or roady-ing. Lori adored her Dad, even though he was away so much when she was a child. Dan thought she'd want to listen to the tapes he made as a record of his life on the road, but she says it would be too painful now that Charlie's dead: Dan should just throw them away. But Dan wants to find some material for his speech for Amber's party so he starts listening to the tapes when Lori's not around. At first it's funny to hear Charlie describing his rock n' roll life - so different from Dan's - then it's addictive. And then he finds out some things he'd rather not know.
Dan...Stephen Tompkinson
Lori...Jacqueline Roberts
Charlie...Dicken Ashworth
Amber...Martha Godber
Young Lori...Sydney Wade
Guitar...Eddie Tatton
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
THU 12:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b007jr5m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Benny Hill (b08qmt8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms34p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Perfumed Mountaineer (b01hf12x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sjjxs)
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Heart RumoursBy Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Episode Four - Heart Rumours
Ezra has plans to modernise Scarlatti's Restaurant.
Director: David Hunter.
THU 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffs)
The Big Kill-OffDavid Thomson, author of The Biographical Dictionary of Film, continues his journey through the power of cinema. Episode 4: The Big Kill Off.
Cinema has made us see death and final moments in any number of fiendish and inventive ways, but is it a little too in love with this shadowy realm? Thomson remembers those who lost their celluloid lives and entered our collective dreams.
Producer: Mark Burman.
THU 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b0121xgw)
Ladies of Letters Go Green, Episode 4Wedding bells are in the air, but will Vera be invited? Comedy of correspondence with Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
THU 14:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075slt)
Episode 4Rationing, and ignorance over cooking and ingredients, spur cookery writer Elizabeth David onwards. Read by Helena Bonham Carter.
THU 15:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Guess What? (b06759y1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01p0rq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 Street and Lane (b00v8lr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05vcsdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007s8gp)
Episode 3Leon plans for the exciting new way of life that his enhanced mind has revealed. Ted Chiang's thriller read by Rhashan Stone.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b00h6zs7)
Series 17, Robert Kennedy4 Extra Debut. Former London mayor Ken Livingstone chooses US politician Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. With Matthew Parris. From February 2009.
THU 19:00 Stockport, So Good They Named It Once (b007jr5m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Benny Hill (b08qmt8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms34p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 The Perfumed Mountaineer (b01hf12x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwcyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b01ks538)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Ed Reardon's Week (b05vcsdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 The Small World of Dominic Holland (b007wpz1)
Episode 6The comedian ponders the journey of life to adulthood. Stand-up and sketches with Dave Lamb. From September 2000.
THU 23:00 Rubbish (b0088np3)
Series 2, RantLocal government worker Martin attempts a sponsored walk and upsets some Bronte fans. Stars Reece Dinsdale. From November 2007.
THU 23:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007tdvz)
Series 1, Episode 3The musical comedian presents his selection of some of the finest comic songs. With guest Hils Baker. From August 2005.

FRIDAY 19 MAY 2017

FRI 00:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007s8gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b00h6zs7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms34p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The Perfumed Mountaineer (b01hf12x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sjjxs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Ladies of Letters (b0121xgw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075slt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge (b007jpfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b06759y1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01p0rq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Street and Lane (b00v8lr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b05vcsdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms576)
PreparationHunter has tasked Callan to kill German businessman Rudolf Schneider. Now all he needs is a gun from Lonely. Read by Ben Miles.
FRI 06:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
From Sindy to Scalextric, Emma Freud explores the yo-yoing fortunes of children's toys in the playroom and market place. From December 1998.
FRI 07:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv65)
I'll See You on Tower Pier at 11Mark Wallington and hellish hound Boogie quest to find the source of the Thames. Stars Timothy Spall. From December 1992.
FRI 07:30 Wordaholics (b04fzc7p)
Series 3, Episode 1The return of the work-obsessed panel game.
Comedians Lloyd Langford, Holly Walsh, Paul Sinha and Natalie Haynes join Gyles Brandreth for the panel game about words that will make you laugh your socks off.
On this week's show Lloyd Langford delicately tells us whey avocados are called avocados; Natalie Haynes explains what the modern term astroturfing is; Paul Sinha unlocks the meaning pf the German word handschuhsanbalwerfer and Holly Walsh shares her favourite example of prison slang.
The panel also suggest words that don't yet exist, but should. What could they mean by 'a Clarkson', 'messcalation', 'trage' and 'appointmentia'?
Writers: Jon Hunter and James Kettle.
Producer: Claire Jones.
FRI 08:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
Series 1, A Cavalier AttitudeModel village-makers, Robin and Wendy are shown "Black Bess" as their randy friends Sue and Glen persuade them to attend a battle re-enactment.
Scripted by and starring Simon Greenall as Robin and Kay Stonham as Wendy.
With Phil Cornwell as Derek, Debra Stephenson as Maureen, Jan Ravens as Sue, Michael Simkins as Glenn, Ewan Bailey as Darnley, Jo Enright as Carol and Sean McKenna as Pikeman.
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2002.
FRI 08:30 Doctor at Large (b009364g)
The SS LotusSimon Sparrow soon realises that life as a ship's doctor is far from plain sailing.
The misadventures of newly qualified doctor, Simon Sparrow - adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's 'Doctor at Large' published in 1955.
Starring Richard Briers as Simon Sparrow, Geoffrey Sumner as Sir Lancelot Spratt, Ray Cooney as Jock Hornby, Edward Cast as Taffy Evans and Peter Jones as Easter.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1969.
FRI 09:00 The 3rd Degree (b079nfk8)
Series 6, The University of YorkA funny and dynamic quiz show hosted by Steve Punt - this week from the University of York, with specialist subjects including History of Art, Theatre, TV and Film Studies and Physics, and questions ranging from Bartok to La Belle Et La Bête via David Bowie and the Chinese Renmimbi.
The programme is recorded on location at a different University each week, and it pits three Undergraduates against three of their Professors in an original and fresh take on an academic quiz.
The rounds vary between Specialist Subjects and General Knowledge, quickfire bell-and-buzzer rounds and the Highbrow and Lowbrow round cunningly devised to test not only the students' knowledge of current affairs, history, languages and science, but also their Professors' awareness of television, sport, and quite possibly Justin Bieber. In addition, the Head-to-Head rounds see students take on their Professors in their own subjects, offering plenty of scope for mild embarrassment on both sides.
Other Universities featured in this series include Gloucestershire, Chester, Birmingham City, Bath and Glasgow.
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b007cnzv)
Series 13, Blue RabbitsComedy series by Simon Brett following the fortunes of three fortysomething sisters.
5/6. Blue Rabbits
A generational conflict erupts over how a baby's nursery should be decorated. Meanwhile, has Charlotte finally found true love?
Anna ...... Rosemary Leach
Victoria ...... Angela Thorne
Charlotte ...... Felicity Montagu
Emily ...... Lisa Coleman
Eddie ...... James Green
Nick ...... Kieran Hill
Patrick ...... Michael Simkins.
FRI 10:00 The Carlingford Chronicles - Miss Marjoribanks (b00l60zl)
Lucilla's RevolutionThe heroine resolves to comfort her father and revolutionise society. Margaret Oliphant dramatisation with Teresa Gallagher.
FRI 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwg2m)
Tea at the MidlandAn artist and his art threaten to come between a couple on a romantic outing. Thought-provoking story read by Sian Thomas.
FRI 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b00vcpbh)
Bethan Roberts - My Own Private GondolierIn Bethan Roberts' first play for radio, Peggy Guggenheim's troubled daughter, Pegeen, leaves her three children behind when she travels to Venice to spend the summer with her mother. Pegeen is in retreat from a marriage that has failed. She is determined to be an artist, and she shuts herself up in the dank basement, trying to paint.
Meanwhile, her mother, Peggy, is much more concerned with the English sculptor who has come to visit; she wants a piece of his work to add to her collection and will use everything at her disposal to achieve her aim. She'll even try to inveigle her daughter into the plan if she thinks it will get her what she wants. Peggy is well known as a collector of men, as well as art. As the summer progresses, and the strains between mother and daughter grow, it's only Gianni, Peggy's personal Gondolier, who can provide a welcome diversion.
The music is Vedro con mio diletto from Vivaldi's Giustino, sung by Philippe Jaroussky.
Producer: Kate McAll, BBC Cymru Wales.
FRI 12:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Doctor at Large (b009364g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms576)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b01sjn57)
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Country CookBy Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Episode Five - The Country Cook
Cody's obsession with his brother Ezra's fiancee, country girl Ruth, becomes a determined campaign.
Director: David Hunter.
FRI 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhfg3)
You Must Remember ThisDavid Thomson, author of The Biographical Dictionary of Film, continues his idiosyncratic journey through the collective dream of cinema. Episode 5: You Must Remember This. "Every movie is about time passing away and memory trying to say it was a story."
Producer: Mark Burman.
FRI 14:30 Ladies of Letters (b012211j)
Ladies of Letters Go Green, Episode 5The floating Malaysian wedding ends in chaos. Can the Ladies ever be reconciled? With Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
FRI 14:45 Writing at the Kitchen Table (b0075smk)
Episode 5Writer Elizabeth Clark suffers a collapse and opens a cookware shop. Helena Bonham Carter concludes Artemis Cooper's biography.
FRI 15:00 The Carlingford Chronicles - Miss Marjoribanks (b00l60zl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 3rd Degree (b079nfk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 No Commitments (b007cnzv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Wordaholics (b04fzc7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Ted Chiang - Understand (b007scyn)
Episode 4Reynolds and Leon prepare for a battle of minds. Who will survive? The climax of Ted Chiang's thriller read by Rhashan Stone.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b036k8v8)
Series 16, Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for GuitarWritten by Joaquin Rodrigo in 1939, the Concierto de Aranjuez is a guitar classic. It was written amid the chaos of the Spanish Civil War, and in circumstances of poverty and personal tragedy. This programme explores how the piece touches and changes people's lives.
The composer's daughter Cecilia Rodrigo explains how the blind composer was inspired by the fountains and gardens of the palace of Aranjuez. Nelício Faria de Sales recounts an unforgettable performance deep inside one of Brazil's largest caves, while David B Katague remembers how the piece got him through a difficult period of separation from his family in the Philippines.
Guitarist Craig Ogden explains the magic of the piece for a performer, and actor Simon Callow recalls how hearing the piece was a formative experience for him during his schooldays, when it turned rural Berkshire into a piece of Spain.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby.
FRI 19:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007js1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Doctor at Large (b009364g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 James Mitchell - Red File for Callan (b01ms576)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwg2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b00vcpbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Wordaholics (b04fzc7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b03k21ns)
Series 1, My Mum Is Shirley BasseyStephen K Amos traces his ability to spin a yarn back to an incident with his mum and the school fete.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos
Produced by Colin Anderson.
FRI 23:00 Bleak Expectations (b00ddx9f)
Series 1, A Young Love Mercilessly DismemberedPip falls in love but great drama awaits. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson. From September 2007.
FRI 23:30 Little Britain (b008vt68)
Series 2, Episode 4Back where it started out. Matt Lucas and David Walliams' oddball TV smash hit, without the cameras. From March 2002.