SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER 2018

SAT 00:00 Eric Pringle - Dancing With Jaques (b06zjdjy)
London 1959: A young girl's first night "working the streets" ends in a ghostly encounter with a man with a wind-up gramophone who calls himself Jaques.Written by Eric PringleJackie - Alice ArnoldJaques - John EvittsAlice - Thersa StreatfeildNewsvendor - John ChurchDirector: Adrian BeanFirst broadcast in Thirty Minute Theatre on BBC Radio 4 in May 1993.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (m0001khy)
Absence
Journalist Emma Brockes joins Welsh poet Gwyneth Lewis and novelist Jay Basu to discuss gaps with Matthew Parris.Each week Matthew Parris introduces a group of writers of fact and fiction: new talent and established names. In the context of a discussion of one of the ideas and pre-occupations of our times, each presents a piece on this week's topic.The best new writing and the freshest conversation from 2002.
SAT 01:00 Julie Enfield Investigates (b007jl8w)
The Smithfield Murders
A Passion for Hunting Something
With big business is involved, Detective Superintendent Julie Enfield finds herself trapped with hired killers underneath Smithfield meat market...Atmospheric thriller written by Nick Fisher.Starring Imelda Staunton as DS Julie Enfield, Geoffrey Matthews as Dad, Ross Livingstone as DS Lawrence Evans, Jane Whittenshaw as Sally, Deborah Berlin as Alex Wild and Jilly Bond as Rachel Jones.Producer: Richard WortleyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
SAT 01:30 Digital Folk (b0383vxr)
England's vast wealth of folk music heritage has finally been put online. Named "The Full English", it includes rare archives found in the basement of London's famous Cecil Sharp House and a dozen other collections. Songs that haven't been heard for a hundred years are now being sung again and are already inspiring a new generation of musical writers and artists.English Folk Dance and Song Society (Efdss) librarian Malcolm Taylor has gathered together manuscripts of early 20th century songs that were once scattered across the country and placed them on one searchable internet portal. These are songs collected in the early 20th century by the likes of Cecil Sharp, Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger who set out, notebook in hand, to record the songs sung by ordinary folk up and down the country.Now a whole new wave of artists is clicking on to the digital archives. Singer Billy Bragg has previously used them for his own musical inspiration and folk musicians Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr and Martin Simpson are now doing it too, as they create new music from old sources.The programme also hears from playwrights Nell Leyshon and Lee Hall (of Billy Elliott fame) who have been drawn into an exploration of the ethics of how the songs were originally collected and published.Our guide to the remarkable 'The Full English' collection is John Kirkpatrick, one of the giants of the British folk scene and BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of 2010.Producer: Chris Eldon LeeA Culture Wise production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 02:00 Ian McEwan - Amsterdam (m0001khw)
5. Altercation
Walking in the Lake District in an attempt to find musical inspiration for his symphony, Clive, witnesses an argument between two other hikers.Michael Kitchen reads Ian McEwan's Booker Prize winning novel.Abridged in ten parts by Penny LeicesterProducer: Julia ButtFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
SAT 02:15 In a Prince's Footsteps (b01s8xvd)
Marsaba and The Sea of Galilee
In the fifth episode in this series, John remains in Israel and the West Bank, travelling up to the Sea of Galilee and also across the desert to the remote Marsaba monastery.In 1862 Albert, Prince of Wales, toured the Middle East. At the time it was still predominantly controlled by the Ottoman Empire. As he travelled, his photographer Francis Bedford kept a detailed photographic record of the trip. In this series John McCarthy revisits the scenes of Bedford's photographs - Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Greece. He considers how the immediate physical, political and social landscape has evolved during the intervening 150 years.Some of Bedford's photographs are of widely known locations - the Pyramids at Giza, the Mount of Olives, the temples at Baalbek, the Acropolis - others are of remote hilltops and apparently random buildings, scenes without any obvious significance. Both however hold fascinating and unexpected tales and insight.The series will reflect on the rise and fall of empires - the Ottoman, British and French all play their part in these stories. They are now all gone, but the world's powers still seek to influence the politics of the region.In each episode John McCarthy focusses on two of Bedford's original photographs, revisiting the sites and taking his own pictures of the same scenes today.Presenter: John McCarthyProducer: Kevin DawsonA Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 02:30 Moya O'Shea - The Chocolate Lovers' Club (b00w6f7p)
Episode 5
A huge cake box sits on the table, as the mysterious Mrs Drexl tells a tale which surprisingly concerns them all - as she explains how she came to be invited to join the club...At the Muchly Bottom village chocolate lovers' club five women take turns in creating a chocolate delight and tell a chocolate-related tale while eating it.Conclusion of Moya O'Shea’s delicious five-part drama.Mrs Drexl - Sylvia SimsClementine - Paula WilcoxRosie - Helena BreckSarah - Eleanor BronCharlotte - Carolyn PicklesHot Shot - Carl PrekoppLuke - Peter DarneyDirector: Tracey NealeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b03xchh5)
The Fun Stuff
5. Packing My Father-in-law's Library
Highlights from an entertaining and idiosyncratic series of essays from James Wood, the leading literary critic of his generation. It's a collection which ranges widely, from a loving analysis of Keith Moon's drum technique to the intentions, gifts and limitations of some of our most celebrated modern novelists, including Kazuo Ishiguro and Ian McEwan.5. PACKING MY FATHER-IN-LAW'S LIBRARYWood describes disposing of his late father in law's library, and considers whether our personal collections of books hide us more than reveal us to our descendants.Abridged by Eileen HorneReader: Peter FirthProduced by Clive BrillA Pacficus production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 03:00 DI Gwen Danbury - An Odd Body (b007js4n)
Series 1
The Hostages
When a hostage is taken by a gunman, Detective Inspector Gwen Danbury takes charge - but then her feisty mother Joan arrives.Sue Rodwell's detective mystery stars Annette Badland as DI Gwen Danbury, Gudrun Ure as Joan Danbury, John Duttine as DS Henry Jacobs, John Rye as Supt. Phillips, Paul Panting as Gary Wolsey, Elaine Claxton as Cathy Bedford and Crawford Logan as Keets.Director: Glyn DearmanFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
SAT 04:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
Episode 6
Animal, vegetable or mineral?Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.Regular Geoffrey Durham is joined by Neil Innes and Jan Ravens.Written by Michael Dines.Producer: Andy AliffeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
SAT 04:30 Life in London (b011q9fw)
High and Low Life
Pierce Egan is reduced to pawning himself.He talks his way out of this bind by relating the adventures of Tom, Bob and Jerry as they drink with the lower orders in the East End, dance with high society up West and attend a masquerade, where Jerry is smitten by a serial seductress...Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted in six-parts by Dan Tetsell.Pierce Egan .... Geoffrey McGivernCorinthian Tom .... Greg WisePickpocket .... Neil EdmondJerry Hawthorn .... Mark GatissWith James Bachman, Neil Edmond, Morwenna Banks, Giles Taylor and Alys Torrance.Original music by Ben WalkerProducer: Tilusha GhelaniFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.
SAT 05:00 Trapped (b0076mpz)
Sow Cottage
The new residents of the village of Little Latchmere are having a bit of trouble fitting in...Six black comedies by Mark Maier and Daniel Maier.Edward .... Andrew BurtRev Fraction .... Duncan WisbeyAdam .... Robert WebbPaul .... Daniel MaierProducer: Alex Walsh-TaylorFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.
SAT 05:30 Mrs Hudson's Radio Show (m0001h2j)
Episode 2: Wild Geese
Behind every great man there is an even greater woman - demanding rent.Comedy legend Barry Cryer brings his unique brand of silliness to the world of Sherlock Holmes’ landlady in a special Radio 4 double bill recorded in front of an audience in London. There’ll be plenty of festivities (as well as Music Hall singalongs accompanied by pianist Jeremy Limb) in this humorous and alternative take on Mrs Hudson’s life below stairs at 221Baker Street.Barry plays chestnut salesman Harry Fryer and is joined by Patricia Hodge as Mrs Hudson and Miriam Margolyes as her mischievous friend and neighbour, Mrs Brayley.The show has been written by Barry and his son, Bob Cryer and is based on their book, Mrs Hudson's Diaries.In this second episode, a dead goose and a battered hat are found by Inspector Lestrade (Bob Cryer) lying in the middle of Baker Street. It’s not long before Mrs Hudson is leading her friends out into the night on a very silly seasonal adventure.However, one thing you can be sure of, Sherlock Holmes (Orlando Wells) and Dr Watson (Stephen Critchlow) are never far away and usually ahead of the game. So come in from the cold, turn on the wireless and make a date with Mrs Hudson. But don’t forget to wipe your feet first.CAST:MRS HUDSON - Patricia HodgeMRS BRAYLEY - Miriam MargolyesHARRY FRYER - Barry CryerHOLMES - Orlando WellsARCHIE / WATSON - Stephen CritchlowMARTHA/BELLA - Ruth BrattGUSTAV / MD - Jeremy LimbLESTRADE - Bob CryerWritten by Bob and Barry CryerProduced and directed by Ned Chaillet and Ben WalkerThe Waters Company for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 William Fox - Constant Hot Water (m0001m4m)
1943: From King Farouk's Egypt, Charles Willoughby is posted to Italy - and after the peace - is painfully involved in the re-settlement of refugees.Chastened by his experiences, he returns to post-war England and a section of society that closes its eyes to any form of change.Events that may seem funny on the surface have a different effect upon the thinking man - and ex-actor Willoughby has learnt to think.The continuing fortunes and misfortunes of the young subaltern Charles Willoughby - sequel to ‘Willoughby’s Phoney War’ by William Fox.Jeremy Irons stars as Charles, with Anna Massey as Charity, Madeline Smith as Clarissa, William Fox as Colonel Busford, Manning Wilson as Benson, James Villiers as James Brady, Charles Gray as Uncle Willie, Rita Giovannini as Claudia, Margaret Ward as the Marquess, Philip Voss as Harold, June Tobin as Belle, Leonard Fenton as Reuben, Robert Trotter as the NCO, Alvar Lidell as the BBC Announcer, Peter Baldwin as the Police Sergeant, John Bull as the Junk Dealer, Gordon Dulieu as Bimbashi and Eva Stuart as the Female Guest.Director: John TydemanFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1975.
SAT 07:30 Britain in a Box (m0001m4p)
For Those Watching In Black And White
In 1969, a short innovative programme was broadcast to make the most of the recently launched colour BBC TV service.By the time its last final was screened, ‘Pot Black’ had not only re-energised snooker, it had also changed forever the relationship between TV and sport.Paul Jackson continues his exploration of the social and cultural context of cult TV programmes that have caught the mood of the nation.Featuring David Attenborough, Peter Fiddick, Ted Lowe and Stephen HendryDirector: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 08:00 Very Nearly An Armful: The Galton and Simpson Story (m0001m4r)
Stephen Merchant celebrates Ray Galton & Alan Simpson - the late, great writing duo behind Hancock and Steptoe & Son.After meeting in a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1949, the pair started writing for the hospital's radio station and within two years they were writing for the UK's top comic talent. In a move that changed comedy forever, the pair insisted that comedy should reflect life as it is. The show they created, Hancock's Half Hour, was so popular that pubs and shops complained that it was causing them to lose business.They followed up Hancock's Half Hour with Steptoe And Son, a show that was so popular that it reached 28 million viewers and Harold Wilson asked it to be rescheduled on the night of the 1964 general election. The series was not without controversy: third episode The Piano provoked complaints from Mary Whitehouse and even lead to questions being asked in the House of Commons.As well as their most high profile series, Hancock and Steptoe, the pair wrote for a who's who of comedy including Frankie Howerd, Peter Sellers, Arthur Lowe, Warren Mitchell and Les Dawson.Ray Galton died in October 2018, one year after Alan Simpson, but the 600+ scripts they wrote for radio, television and cinema remain immensely important. They brought social realism to British comedy and helped lay the foundations for modern day classics like The Office. As well as hearing from the duo, contributors to the documentary include David Mitchell, Ben Elton, Damaris Hayman and the late Denis Norden. Archive interviewees include Tony Hancock, Sid James and Harry H Corbett.First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 2009.
SAT 09:00 Mastertapes - Access All Areas (m0001m4t)
John Wilson goes behind the scenes of the iconic BBC studios at Maida Vale where over 40 episodes of Radio 4's Mastertapes were recorded.Starting with the very first series recorded in 2012, Wilson takes listeners on a three hour songwriting masterclass with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Emeli Sandé, Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright and Laura Marling. Producer: Sarah Shebbeare
SAT 12:00 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jq9s)
Episode 1
Landlord Jack gets an offer from his daughter Nicola to help run his pub when she comes home for Christmas, but his reaction is not what she's expecting...Joe Turner’s six-part sitcom stars Michael Williams as Jack, Lisa Coleman as Nicola, Cherry Morris as Mrs Drummond, Simon Greenall as Andy and Toby Longworth as Various.Producer: Liz Anstee First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
SAT 12:30 Just a Minute (b013ptfx)
Series 61
With guests Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Shappi Khorsandi and Russell Kane
The popular panel game from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, hosted by Nicholas Parsons. With Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Shappi Khorsandi and first timer Russell Kane. Subjects include My Tartan Underwear and Call Centres. Produced by Tilusha Ghelani.
SAT 13:00 Lucy Catherine - Gudrun (m0001m4w)
Series 5
Omnibus 2/2
On the run from the church, Gudrun finds love in her mountain hideoutLucy Catherine's Viking epic of love, revenge and faith inspired by the Icelandic sagas.Gudrun, a young woman in 11th century Iceland, must forge her path through a world of unearthly beauty yet uncompromising harshness.Iceland is now an occupied country, its people forced to convert to Christianity by rival Norse kingdoms. After many years away, with plans to overthrow the regime and rescue her daughter who is being brought up in the new faith, Gudrun once more sails into Icelandic waters.Gudrun . . . . . Kate PhillipsFreija . . . . . Samantha DakinDag . . . . . Cameron PercivalSylvia . . . . . Carolyn PicklesBolli . . . . . Lewis BrayAslak . . . . . Tony TurnerSigrid . . . . . Rosie BooreFrederick . . . . . Simon ScardifieldHeidr . . . . . Jeanette PercivalVolva . . . . . Carolyn PicklesGuard 2 . . . . . Michael BertenshawWarrior . . . . . Don GiletKjartan . . . . . Luke MacGregorDirected by Sasha YevtushenkoLast five of ten parts first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0001m4y)
Nana Mouskouri
Greek singer Nana Mouskouri chooses Suzanne by Leonard Cohen and Love is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b05qkhm4)
Bette Davis - Self-Portrait of a Star
Actor George Coulouris and BBC producer Peter Duval Smith interview Hollywood icon Bette Davis.In an occasionally heated conversation about her career, Oscar-winning Davis shares her opinions on what it means to be a star after 30 years in the business.Davis shoots down the "misconception" that she creates frictions on her movie sets. Her arguments were always with the front office. The actress also strongly counters Duvall Smith's claim that she uses the same mannerisms in every performance - blaming instead her imitators.Films discussed include 'Dark Victory' (1939), 'Juarez' (1939), 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943) and Davis's most recent hit at the time, 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' with Joan Crawford (1962).George Coulouris had previously starred alongside Bette Davis in the films 'All This, and Heaven Too' (1940), 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943) and 'Mr Skeffington' (1944). He's best known for playing Walter Parks Thatcher in the Orson Welles drama 'Citizen Kane' (1941).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 1963.
SAT 14:45 Robb Wilton - I Should Say So (b039bbjz)
Series 2
The Hospital
Robb Wilton (1881 - 1957) was one of the most popular music hall and radio comics of the 1930s and 1940s.Famed as an all-round pessimist - what would he have made of 1980s Britain: can he lend a medical hand?Michael Williams stars as Robb Wilton - making as little sense out of life as he did 40 years before...Written by Allen Saddler.Producer: Brian MillerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SAT 15:00 Very Nearly An Armful: The Galton and Simpson Story (m0001m4r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 William Fox - Constant Hot Water (m0001m4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Britain in a Box (m0001m4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Grimm's Fairy Tales (m0001m50)
The One Who Set Out to Study Fear
Sonny cannot feel fear and loves to investigate the paranormal. But is he truly incapable of shuddering?Drawn from Grimm's Fairy Tales and written by Peter Redgrove.Paul Lockwood stars as Sonny; Jennifer Piercey as Meg; Andrew Branch as Greg; Jonathan Tafler as Mark; Paul Gregory as Uncle; Deborah Makepeace as the student; Susie Brann as Princess; Sheila Grant as the cat; Alan Dudley as the old man; and Scott Peters as the Tsar.Music arranged and realised by Stephen RollingsDirector: Brian Miller.First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 1987.
SAT 18:45 Fairy Tales Retold by Sara Maitland (b01phdqk)
Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up
Sara Maitland puts her own spin on the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. After that kiss, would the lovers really live happily ever after?Read by Lia Williams.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
SAT 19:00 Mastertapes - Access All Areas (m0001m4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Old Harry's Game (b00whwzs)
Series 6
Psychiatry
Edith quizzes Satan about "The Fall", but Satan sees it more as "The Push" and feels God has anger-management issues.Andy Hamilton's comedy set in Hell.Starring Andy Hamilton as Satan, Annette Crosbie as Edith, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn and Jimmy Mulville as Thomas.Other characters played by Michael Fenton Stevens, Philip Pope and Felicity MontaguProducer Paul Mayhew-ArcherFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.
SAT 22:30 The Shuttleworths (b007n13d)
John Shuttleworth's Open Mind
Fairies
The Sheffield singer-songwriter investigates agent Ken's surprise discovery in his garden pond. With Kim Wilde. From April 2006.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0001m53)
Hannah George and Taylor Glenn 1/2
Arthur Smith chats to the (drunk) women behind the hit new podcast, Drunk Women Solving Crime: Hannah George and Taylor Glenn.
SAT 23:00 Rhod Gilbert's Bulging Barrel of Laughs (b00v4x0d)
Episode 6
Welsh comic Rhod Gilbert introduces regulars Lloyd Langford and Greg Davies, plus Sarah Millican who takes a look at the last stage of Woman.With live music from The Hoosiers.Guest comedian: Jon Richardson.Find out what aliens know about teeth; why young people are as annoying as a nude Elton John playing the vuvuzela; and what depths Rhod would sink to become a kung fu master.First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 2010.