SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2018

SAT 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b05wz0kf)
Chronicles of Ait - Magpie
Episode 5
Events in Ait have persuaded Lollo that her predictions of disaster are about to be fulfilled and that Linus' reunion with Alice is about to come to a tragic theatrical conclusion.Cast:Linus Scott..........Greg WiseAlice Pyper..........Amanda DrewLollo...................Gina AbolinsJason..................Joe ClaflinMarlene..............Heather CraneyTrench/Stanley...Christopher JamesAfiz/Lee..............Stewart ScudamoreMac.....................Mihai ArseneWriter: Michael ButtProduced and directed by John TaylorA Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 00:15 Kate Mosse - The Mistletoe Bride and Other Haunting Tales (b03xh0ft)
The Revenant
An old man's guilt will haunt him and not release him until the truth is told. Read by Charlotte Emmerson."The Mistletoe Bride and other Haunting Tales" is a collection of haunting short stories written, abridged and introduced by Kate Mosse. They are all inspired by legends and folktales from the French and Sussex Countryside and each story explores the relationship between landscape and emotion. Grief and Guilt. Loss and happiness. They are timeless in their telling, ranging from the mythical past to the present day. Kate Mosse has chosen 5 out of the collection that exemplify the redemption experienced by the various grief stricken men and women as they come to terms with their destiny.Producer: Celia de WolffMade for 4 Extra by Pier Productions.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b04bzxbc)
Paranoia
Authors Mil Millington, Louise Welsh and Belfast journalist Malachi O'Doherty discuss paranoia with Matthew Parris.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 EW Hornung - Raffles (b007jq3m)
Series 2
A Trap to Catch a Cracksman
When an American pugilist boasts of inventing a trap to catch the cleverest cracksman alive, it’s a challenge Raffles is quite unable to resist - with disastrous consequences.Starring Jeremy Clyde as AJ Raffles, Michael Cochrane as Bunny, Henry Stamper as Inspector Mackenzie, Alan Tilvern as Maguire, Peter Banks as Hambone, Michael Deacon as Cruncher, Frances Jeater as Ruby and Alan Dudley as the Cabby.EW Hornung's Raffles stories about the 'gentleman thief' dramatised by David Buck.Signature tune composed by Jim Parker.Director: Gordon House A BBC Radio 4/ BBC World Service production first broadcast in 1988.
SAT 01:30 Merry Christmas Morris Minor! (b00wqgmg)
Martin Wainwright sets off through the snow to give seasonal best wishes to the owners of Britain's favourite mass produced car - and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the special edition Morris Minor Million - the rarest minor of all.Highlight of the programme is a special rendition of 'Jingle Bells' from a Morris Minor 'choir.'Martin has a soft spot for the little car - often described as a large jelly mold with a speedometer sitting like a clock on the dashboard, and orange fingers for indicators. For it's time though, according to Stirling Moss, it was a nippy little car. Martin meets a mechanic who 'soups' the car up, owners like Dave Brown from 'The Mighty Boosh' and the drivers who 'danced ' their Morris Minors at the end of the Manchester Commonwealth Games . Finally, using the horn, various clunks and clicks from the car door and boot, and a squeak from the chassis, he conducts a unique version of ' Jingle Bells' by the Morris Minor 'choir.'Producers: Janet Graves and Geoff BirdA Pennine production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 02:00 Ian McEwan - Amsterdam (m0001p3v)
10. Retribution
In the dark finale, Clive and Vernon meet up in Amsterdam and exact their mutual revenge.Michael Kitchen concludes 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 (b01sdw22)
Greece
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.In the final programme in this series John travels to Athens and the Greek island of Kefalonia.Presenter: John McCarthyProducer: Kevin DawsonA Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b03mthnm)
The Tales of Beatrix Potter
5. The Tale of Ginger and Pickles
Beatrix Potter's famous tales are celebrated this Christmas.Her love of the British landscape and its inhabitants - coupled with her world famous ability for storytelling - means she has been one of the most celebrated children's authors of the last hundred years.This suite of five of her tumultuous tales, including some of the lesser-known stories, brings comedic surprise, comfort and joy to the Christmas audience.Their timeless wonders pit the delight and childlike innocence of the very human characters against the dark and dramatic ruthlessness of the food-chain-led underbelly of Cumbria's fields and hedgerows.Stars Reece Shearsmith stars as Ginger with John Henshaw as Pickles.Adapted and Directed by Sean GrundyProduced by Sally HarrisonA Woolyback production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b03xgslh)
A Sense of Direction
Episode 5
The author Gideon Lewis-Kraus describes leaving America for life in Berlin, to ease the sadness after his father abandoned the family home. But Berlin isn't enough and only embarking on a series of world-wide pilgrimages will help him. The journeys turn out both amusing and moving, and are abridged in five episodes by Katrin Williams..5. It's to Uman in Ukraine to celebrate Rosh Hashanah withbrother Micah - and their elusive father!Reader Patrick KennedyProducer Duncan Minshull
SAT 03:00 HG Wells (m0001p3q)
Kipps
The Kippses
Artie Kipps, our heroic draper-turned-gentleman, is building a dream home for Ann. But is his fortune lost?Conclusion of 1905 novel by HG Wells adapted by Michelene Wandor. Mark Straker stars as Kipps; Paul Daneman as HG Wells; Moir Leslie as Ann; Kathryn Hurlbutt as Miss Walsingham; John Hollis as Uncle; Michael Jenner as Sid Pornick; Nickolas Grace as Chitterlow; Nigel Anthony as Masterman; Teresa Streatfield as Fanny; Judy Bennett as Baby Walt; and Brett Usher as the architect.Music by Ilona Sekacz.Director: Martin Jenkins.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
SAT 04:00 Guess What? (b065jht1)
Episode 7
Animal, vegetable or mineral?Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.Regular Geoffrey Durham is joined by Nigel Dempster and Frances Edmonds.Written by Michael Dines.Producer: Andy AliffeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998
SAT 04:30 Life in London (b011vjfn)
The Show Folks
Desperate for money, Pierce Egan tries to get Tom, Bob and Jerry's adventures onto the stage.Jerry rescues a damsel at Bartholomew fair who leads him once more to the rapacious lady wanton...Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted in six-parts by Dan Tetsell.Geoffrey McGivern stars as Pierce Egan.With Greg Wise, Mark Gatiss, James Bachman, Chris Douglas, Dave Lamb, Morwenna Banks, Neil Edmond and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.Original music by Ben WalkerProducer: Tilusha GhelaniFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.
SAT 05:00 Trapped (b0076h2t)
The Art Class
Art tutor Mark is having commitment issues until he meets a model who should be committed...Black comedy set in the art class at a local Adult Education centre - by Mark Maier and Daniel Maier.Mark .... Alex LoweMoira .... Wendy WasonJanice/Elspeth .... Tracy-Ann ObermanDonald .... Sam KellyAlan .... Roger SlomanBob .... Roger SlomanPeter .... Mark MaierProducer: Alex Walsh-TaylorFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.
SAT 05:30 Drama (m0001mv2)
Looking for Oil Drum Lane
A dramatisation of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's comedy writing partnership - from Tony Hancock's departure to striking gold with Steptoe and Son. Starring Marc Wootton, Phil Cornwell, Barry Castagnola, James Hurn and Toby Longworth. Weaving comedy archive and newly written scenes, the show follows the tortuous search for Oil Drum Lane, the fictional address of Steptoe and Son. Ray Galton and Alan Simpson met in a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1948. They became friends through a shared passion for radio comedy. To amuse themselves, they broadcast their own sketches over the hospital radio. After sending their material to famous comedy writers of the day Denis Norden and Frank Muir, Alan and Ray were encouraged to post some scripts to the BBC. An unexpectedly positive response left the fledgling writers ecstatic. Soon they became regular sketch writers for the BBC. They met Tony Hancock and rose to the top of their profession. But when Hancock decided to go it alone Galton and Simpson were devasted and left high and dry. The team was then commissioned by the colourful head of light entertainment at the BBC, Tom Sloane, to write ten comedy plays - but the loss of Hancock generated an impenetrable writer's block - until they hammered out a pilot sit-com that became Steptoe and Son. Ray Galton........................................Marc Wootton Alan Simpson...................................Barry Castagnola Tony Hancock/Wilfred Brambell......James Hurn Harry H Corbett...............................Phil Cornwell Tom Sloan........................................Ian Pearce Duncan Wood..................................Toby Longworth Other parts were played by the cast Written by Ian Pearce Script Editor - Nick Romero Directed and Produced by Andrew McGibbon A Curtains For Radio production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4b7)
Rebecca
Arriving at Manderley, the young Mrs de Winter finds the beautiful house and its occupants haunted by memories of Rebecca - her new husband's first wife.Daphne Du Maurier’s classic 1938 novel dramatised by Brian Miller.Starring Christopher Cazenove as Maxim de Winter, Janet Maw as Mrs de Winter, Rosalie Crutchley as Mrs Danvers, Nicholas Grace as Jack Favell, Frederick Treves as Colonel Julyan, Irene Sutcliffe as Mrs Van Hopper, John Gabriel as Frith, Margaret Courtenay as Beatrice, Danny Schiller as Ben, Elizabeth Mansfield as Clarice, Brian Miller as Horridge, John Bull as Tabb and Geoffrey Whitehead as Dr Baker.Director: Cherry CooksonFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
SAT 07:30 Britain in a Box (m0001pl3)
Yoghurt Pots and Sticky-Backed Plastic
It became a national TV institution, but the BBC’s flagship children’s show Blue Peter looked very different when it first began in 1958.Paul Jackson continues his exploration of cult TV with Biddy Baxter, who was the show's editor for 27 years, and former presenters Anthea Turner and Diane Louise Jordan.They consider Blue Peter's Reithian values, and three key ingredients: the appeals, the pets, and the makes (including Tracy Island). Not to forget a scene-stealing elephant called Lulu.Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b085hbz9)
The Many Faces of Ebenezer Scrooge
Christopher Frayling explores how Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol has endured in popular culture for over 170 years.Victorian families sat around the fire to read Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, over the festive season. It became an annual ritual.Now we might sit around the TV and watch It's A Wonderful Life - an Americanised version of the story.In between, there have been countless takes on the book - adapted for public readings, radio, television, film and stage. Cultural historian and writer Christopher Frayling considers how this short novel has shaped Christmas as we know it today, and discusses the circumstances in which it was written.Hearing from Dickens performers Simon Callow and Miriam Margolyes, as well as historians and fans, Christopher examines how the book’s potent mixture of nostalgia, social concern and celebration has become part of the cultural bloodstream.He assesses versions starring everyone from Alastair Sim to the Muppets, via Blackadder and the Goons, getting to the very heart of Ebenezer Scrooge.Dickens wrote of his novel, “may it haunt your house pleasantly”. It has done so - in ways he could not have imagined - for over 170 years.Producer: Jane LongA Hidden Flack production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 09:00 Rik Mayall on Radio (m0001pl7)
Broadcaster and Producer John Lloyd explores the fascinating radio contributions of the actor and comedian Rik Mayall to reveal a remarkable and eclectic mix of programmes and archives.Rik Mayall, was one of the first and foremost alternative comedians in the UK, best known for his work on TV's The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesmen which all had tremendous impact on British situation comedy. However whilst enjoying tremendous success on television Mayall made many captivating contributions to radio which are often overlooked.In this special tribute, in the year Mayall would have celebrated his sixtieth birthday, John Lloyd introduces highlights from Mayall’s radio years along with illuminating new interviews from some of the people closest to him.Programmes featured include;** Higher Education (2000). Mayall stars in the Lloyd Peters drama.** The Reunion (2018) An edited version of the programme as Sue MacGregor reunites five people who made their names in the ground-breaking TV comedy The Young Ones.**Bedside Tales: May 22nd. (2009) A classic episode of Rik's series co-written with John NicholsonCharting Mayall's career through radio we also hear illuminating and rare footage of interviews along with extracts from his readings and plays.Producer: Stephen GarnerMade for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2018.
SAT 12:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b085t2l0)
Series 8
Randolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
After causing confusion with his Christmas nuts selection, Arthur attempts to round up reindeer and build Mount Fuji for his own Japanese themed Christmas wonderland.All false starts and nervous fumbling badly covered up by a delicate sheen of bravado and self-assurance, an expert in everything from the world of entertainment to the origin of the species, everyday life with Arthur is an enlightening, sometimes frustrating, never dull experience.Count Arthur Strong is supported in the Christmas special by his Radio Repertory Company (like the RSC, only better) - Alastair Kerr, Dave Mounfield, Mel Giedroyc and Alfie Delaney as Billy.Steve Delaney has been performing as Count Arthur Strong since the late 1990s. The character evolved from Edinburgh cult to a mainstay of BBC comedy via numerous series on BBC Radio 4 and three on BBC TV.A Komedia Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 12:30 The Goon Show (m0001p37)
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens's Christmas tale takes a bashing from Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. From December 1959.
SAT 13:00 The Haunting of MR James (Omnibus) (m0001plc)
Omnibus of five stories by the master of the ghost story, MR James – starring Mark Gatiss as MR James:** The Mezzotint:The new engraving Dr Williams orders for the university collection reveals a disturbing story. With Patrick Brennan and Tony Turner.** Casting the Runes:Edward Dunning, medieval expert, pursues the instigator of a curse passed on by a curiously inscribed slip of paper. With John Bowler and Ewan Bailey. ** The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral:A tale of likely murder, mysterious cats and ecclesiastical carvings. With Sean Baker and Carolyn Pickles. ** Warning to the Curious:The unearthing of an Anglo Saxon crown in the dunes unleashes supernatural forces for unfortunate medievalist Paxton. With Paul Heath and Michael Bertenshaw.** Rats:A remote inn, a locked room and young Thomson, the only guest, is curious. With George Watkins and Michael Bertenshaw.Dramatised by Neil Brand.Director: David HunterFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0001plg)
Curtis Stigers
Curtis Stigers chooses Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan and Something to Love by Jason Isbell.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b05s8j39)
Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein, 29-year-old manager of the Beatles talks about his life to Bill Grundy.He was a quiet, well-spoken public schoolboy, RADA student, from a very comfortably-off Liverpool family. But knowing nothing of the world of pop - how did Epstein find himself in the world of agents and impresarios?As well as the Beatles, he represented other artistes including Cilla Black. Three years after this interview, Brian Epstein tragically died at the age of 32, after reportedly taking his own life.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 1964.
SAT 14:45 Robb Wilton - I Should Say So (b039gk6j)
Series 2
The Pantomime
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 Clara be prevented from playing Peter Pan? 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 Archive on 4 (b085hbz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4b7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Britain in a Box (m0001pl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 The Devil's Violin (b04mhd5g)
A magical, murderous, musical fairy tale by Lucy Rivers.Life for 16-year-old Hannah is pretty miserable. Her mother's a drunk and her baby brother Gethin is an evil little gremlin child. But then one night she meets an alluring violinist who plays the most seductive melodies. He offers Hannah the chance to fulfil her darkest desires. How far will Hannah go to get what she wants?A wickedly playful dark modern fable with an original score composed and performed by Lucy Rivers.Guitarist ..... Dan MessoreViolinist ..... Lucy RiversComposer ..... Lucy RiversDirector ..... Helen PerryA BBC Cymru Wales ProductionLucy Rivers is a multi-talented writer, musician and performer. She's achieved great success with her company Gaggle Babble on acclaimed shows such as The Bloody Ballad - uniquely fusing music and theatre, humour and the macabre. The Devil's Violin is her first radio drama.
SAT 18:45 Fairy Tales Retold by Sara Maitland (b01pnlwg)
The Gingerbread Business
Acclaimed short story writer Sara Maitland gives a magical spin to the story of Hansel and Gretel, in The Gingerbread Business - a sumptuous tale of confectionery and cunning told by Lia Williams.Producer Beth O'Dea.
SAT 19:00 Rik Mayall on Radio (m0001pl7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Old Harry's Game (b00wnp6m)
Series 6
Investigation
Still keen to know who killed her, Edith discovers why Satan resented Jesus - he didn't like his "holier than thou" attitude.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, Felicity Montagu and Nick Revell. Producer Paul Mayhew-ArcherFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.
SAT 22:30 The Shuttleworths (b007p1np)
John Shuttleworth's Open Mind
The Bermuda Triangle
Sheffield's premier singer-songwriter tries to solve the Atlantic Ocean mystery. With guest Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0001xnk)
Ciaran Dowd 1/2
From 10pm - midnight, 7 days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats to Ciaran Dowd.
SAT 23:00 The Simon Day Show (b01j6t0s)
Series 2
Tommy Cockles
Simon Day and his characters once again welcome listeners to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK. Each week one of Simon's comic characters come to perform at The Mallard while the staff struggle with rivalries, self-doubt and the new owner's vision for the theatre's future.This week popular, blazered entertainer Tommy Cockles arrives at the theatre to find it transformed. There's a new Nigerian owner, soundman Goose has been replaced by an authoritarian ex-copper and receptionist Catherine has disappeared off to India to find herself.Cast list:Tommy Cockles ..... Simon DayCatherine ..... Catherine ShepherdEmanuel Akinyemi ..... Felix DexterPat Bennet ..... Morwenna BanksRon Bone ..... Simon GreenallWritten by Simon DayProduced by Colin Anderson.
SAT 23:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00cxr1s)
Series 2
Courage
The comedian promotes the virtue of courage, with Tim Key and Tom Basden providing feats of cowardice. From August 2008.