SATURDAY 18 MAY 2019

SAT 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqlg)
The Red Planet
Episode 15
Cold-handed Maclean attacks Lemmy, but the plucky radio operator fights back... Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.Andrew Faulds ..... Jet MorganDavid Kossoff ..... LemmyGuy Kingsley Poynter ..... DocBruce Beeby ..... MitchDavid Jacobs ..... Announcer/VariousMusic composed and conducted by Van Phillips.Producer: Charles ChiltonFirst broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1954.
SAT 00:30 London Nights (b00sxgyc)
The Other Side of the River
Writer Andrea Levy presents anthologies of short pieces for radio capturing a certain off-beat spirit of London.In tonight's programme: The Other Side of the River - South Londoner Arthur Smith conducts musician Suggs round his manor in a vain attempt to convince the north Londoner that his is the better end of town. On Monday, Suggs returns the compliment. Also: writer Peter Blegvad rings a doorbell in Hammersmith and is ushered into the fantasy world of the Central London Hatcheries and Conditioning Centre - or is he?Plus, the regular feature Pairs in Squares, in which Jonathan Glancey randomly selects a section from the grid of London's famous streetmap and explores it in company with a well-known London companion.Andrea Levy was born in London and holds the city close to her heart; her experience growing up here as a black Londoner pervades her novels and is the thread woven through this mix of the day-to-day and the nocturnal... of pieces taking a sidelong glance as well as a more direct approach. A blend of poetry and prose, of the factual and the fictional that together make up this diverse and diverting nightly series.Andrea Levy sadly died of cancer aged 62 in February 2019.Executive Producer: Simon ElmesFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SAT 01:00 EW Hornung - Raffles (b007jncv)
Series 3
No Sinecure
AJ Raffles is dead - and Bunny must face the world alone. Then comes an invitation to answer a newspaper advertisement...The stories of EW Hornung in the continuing adventures of cricketer and gentleman thief, Arthur J Raffles, and his chronicler, Harry "Bunny" Manders.Starring Jeremy Clyde as AJ Raffles, Michael Cochrane as Bunny, Gordon Reid as Dr Theobald and John Hartley as Maturin.Dramatised by Olwen Wymark.Signature tune composed by Jim Parker.Director: Gordon HouseA BBC Radio 4/ BBC World Service production first broadcast in 1992.
SAT 01:30 Stuart: A Face Backwards (b01k2df5)
Stuart Freeborn's face launched a thousand space ships, his hands fashioned the Dawn of Man.Freeborn was the self-made genius of British make-up. A career that began in the Denham dream factory of Alexander Korda in the late 1930's culminated in the creation of Yoda for the original Star Wars Trilogy.Freeborn, desperate to escape the humdrum fate of City clerking, longed to emulate his hero Jack Pierce, the man who transformed Karloff into Frankenstein's monster. Despite the almost total lack of information available he devised increasingly elaborate make-up's in his bedroom. Testing them by leaping out to terrify unsuspecting neighbours. Dreaming and drifting from a succession of jobs just to pay for his materials, Freeborn's parents despaired. It took a moment of fate to finally enter professional film-making at Alexander Korda's new dream factory of Denham Studios.From the very beginning Freeborn was an innovator, experimenting with new plastics and later engineering and early radio control. He created the controversial Fagin makeup for Alec Guinness in Lean's Oliver Twist, the many faces of Peter Sellers in Kubrick's Dr Strangelove and the near impossible design of the ape families for the Dawn of Man sequence in 2001: A Space Odyssey.A career littered with achievements culminated in the creation of Yoda for George Lucas in 1979. The wizened Jedi master drew on all Freeborn's skill and experience and took make-up into a new age. Back in 1997, producer Mark Burman spent a week in Freeborn's company amidst a shed of delights since sold off to collectors around the world. What he got was the story of a make-up genius, the history of a face backwards.Presenter/Producer: Mark BurmanFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SAT 02:00 William Trevor - The Story of Lucy Gault (m000527w)
Episode 5
Taking his boss's car for a spin, a young man named Ralph spots a grand house into Lahardane he's never seen before - nor its beautiful occupant...William Trevor's haunting masterpiece abridged by Sally Marmion.Read by Dermot Crowley.Producer: Di SpiersFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
SAT 02:15 Foreign Bodies (b01mnzb2)
Series 1
Russia and Ukraine - Erast Fandorin
Boris Akunin sets his Erast Fandorin novels in nineteenth century Russia whilst Andrey Kurkov describes twenty first century Ukraine.Mark Lawson looks at the influence of Bulgakov and Dostoevsky on Russian crime fiction and compares the inside view with those created by outsiders including Martin Cruz Smith and Tom Rob Smith.Producer Robyn Read.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b05nxzpg)
Mike Bartlett - A Steal
Episode 5
Hanna is really in trouble now, but at least she'll be able to make her case; tell the world why she has done what she's done. Hopefully.Written by Mike Bartlett.Hanna ..... Laura Dos SantosMark ..... Shaun MasonSusise ..... Samantha RobinsonReporter ..... Jude AkuwudikeDirector ..... Mary PeateFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b0460zm8)
Curious: True Stories and Loose Connections
Lauren Bacall Stole My Husband's Chip
A tantalising glimpse into the strange world of celebrity, where normal rules no longer apply.Rebecca Front reads from collection of anecdotes and yarns exploring all that's remarkable about everyday life.Abridged by Sara DaviesProducer: Gemma JenkinsFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
SAT 03:00 Drama (b05sscmc)
Evelyn Waugh - Decline and Fall
Episode 2
Captain Grimes finding himself in 'the soup' again has disappeared and Margot has invited Paul to tutor her son Peter during the school holidays. There he meets the eccentric Otto.Conclusion of Evelyn's Waugh's fast paced roller-coaster set in the early jazz age dramatised by Jeremy Front.Paul ..... Kieran HodgsonMargot ..... Emilia FoxOtto ..... Tom HollanderPeter ..... Alex LawtherGrimes ..... John SessionsPrendergast ..... James FleetDr Fagan ..... Geoffrey WhiteheadPhilbrick ..... Ben CroweAlastair ..... Sam ValentineSir Humphrey/Governor 2/Scout ..... Sam DaleInspector Bruce/Warder 1 ..... Stephen CritchlowLunatic/Warder 2 ..... Ian ConninghamLucas-Dockerty/Chaplain ..... David ActonJane Grimes ..... Jessica TurnerBessy ..... Rhiannon NeadsDirected by Tracey NealeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 04:00 Hidden Treasures (b05p6jmr)
Syon House
The antiques quiz visits Syon House in London. With Lars Tharp, John Bly and Christine Lalumia. From May 1998.
SAT 04:30 Home Again (m000527p)
Old Habits
Fulton Jones resumes his old ways in the family home after a 20-year unexplained absence.As suddenly as he disappeared, Fulton Jones returns to his family – wife Margaret and children Rosie and Martin. He went to the newsagent to buy matches 20 years before and, bold as brass, waltzes back assuming his role as father figure once more. Margaret is perplexed, whilst Rosie and Martin are furious with him.Robin Bailey … FultonDoreen Mantle … MargaretLiz Goulding … RosieDavid Troughton … MartinChristopher Benjamin … Ernest BlackrockWritten by Peter Tinniswood.Producer: Griff Rhys Jones First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
SAT 05:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b06d2lz5)
Series 1
The Best A Man Can Get
Things are getting desperate for the staff of Hardacre's, London's worst advertising agency. The work isn't coming in and accounts chief Amanda Brook finds herself reduced to pleading for the business of old friend/nemesis, India.Back at the office, hopeless creative team Joe and Teddy devise a campaign for an anti-aging cream for men. Worse, they must grapple with the most difficult and least glamorous form of advertising of all - radio work.They find themselves unexpectedly assisted by creative director Rupert Hardacre who descends from on high at Amanda's instruction to give the little people the benefit of his creative wisdom. The only trouble is, he seems to have forgotten most of it. Fortunately, he wrote it all down in a book entitled Hardacre on Advertising and he sets out to find a copy for Joe and Teddy.Rupert Hardacre ..... Nigel HaversAmanda Brook ..... Josie LawrenceJoe ..... Matthew BayntonTeddy ..... Rasmus HardikerDirector: Alan NixonProducer: Gordon KennedyAn Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015
SAT 05:30 Stand-Up Specials (m00051k8)
Suzi Ruffell: Postcards to Portsmouth
Stand-up special from Suzi Ruffell about growing up in Portsmouth and sending postcards to back home. Through sharp storytelling and real-life examples, Suzi introduces the audience to her large and entertaining Portsmouth family. Postcards to Portsmouth was written and performed by Suzi Ruffell, with additions from Ann Ruffell. It was produced by Suzy Grant and is a BBC Studios production.
SAT 06:00 Edwin Pearce - The Night They Stole the FA Cup (m000596h)
In 1895, Aston Villa won the FA Cup beating local rivals West Bromwich Albion. That same season, Villa lost the FA Cup, when it was stolen from the Birmingham shop where it was on display.In Edwin Pearce's drama, Villa fan Wilf Rickard keeps getting himself into trouble, fighting with Albion supporters. After he's unsuccessful in trials for his beloved team, his uncle Joe has to battle to keep him on the straight and narrow...Wilf ... Neil CokerRamsay/Hipkiss ... Terry MolloyRinder ... Tim BrierleyDarnley/Shillcock ... Edwin RichfieldJoe ... Roger RowlandDoris ... Joyce GibbsHodgetts ... Dave MittySargeant/ Rowbotham ... Geoff SearleCummings/Constable .... John DixonCath .... Charlotte MartinNicker ... Mustlfa DinsonAlbert ... Richard AllensonDirector: Philip Martin.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1987.
SAT 07:30 Let Me Entertain You (b00dpw98)
Episode 4
High-diving elks, the sporting munificence of Charles Dickens and the explosion in music hall entertainment all help bring to a close the merry little stroll John Sessions has been taking through the history of popular entertainment in the UK.Having joined the restoration celebrations of 1660 and witnessed the rise of a new popular entertainment phenomenon, the sporting hero, John now ventures into the industrial heartlands of Victorian Britain to see how the masses were kept amused before the dawn of cinema and the emergence of a global entertainment industry worth billions of pounds.Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b00767cc)
Don't Write, Make a Record
Just 7" of thin vinyl connects generations, continents, lovers and the lost.From 1935 until the coming of the cassette, anyone, anywhere in the world, from Australia to Argentina, could walk into an auto-recording booth, from the Empire State to Brighton Pier, a Cunard Liner to the NAAFI and make their own short gramophone record.From the anonymous to the likes of Tennessee Williams, the Beats and Gracie Fields, join Alain Dein on a journey through the grooves of time and memory.Producer: Mark BurmanFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
SAT 09:00 The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit, with Leslie Phillips (b00sdrj2)
Cast member Leslie Phillips roams the high seas of comedy, with a three-hour celebration of the long-running BBC radio favourite. Featuring: Operation Fag End (January 1959); The Hank of Heather (April 1959); The Lighthouse Lark (January 1960); A Deliberate Bashing (April 1963); Mr. Phillips at Dartmouth (October 1967); The Jubilee Navy Lark (July 1977).The Navy Lark is almost as much of a national institution as the Navy itself. With a worldwide following, it remains one of BBC radio's most fondly remembered comedies, and continues to entertain new generations of listeners. Sub-Lieutenant Leslie Phillips welcomes you aboard the infamous HMS Troutbridge for a voyage through six classic episodes in the life and times of a legendary comic flagship.Find out how The Navy Lark got started; discover who might have been in starring roles; learn how the cast of the radio series were invited to take large bits of a real-life ship! What other popular "Larks" appeared on radio? How did the Troutbridge crew come to be running their own TV company? How exactly did Sub-Lieutenant Phillips get through Dartmouth? All is revealed.Produced by Martin DempseyMade for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2006.
SAT 12:00 Wordaholics (b04fzc7p)
Series 3
Episode 1
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.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 JonesFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014
SAT 12:30 The Architects (b050zpxh)
Series 2
Airport
Architects Sarah and Matt journey north in pursuit of an airport contract that will put Sir Lucien and Partners back on the map. Meanwhile Tim tries to buddy up with a TV chef who's fond of the sauce.Comedy by Jim Poyser with Neil Griffiths.Arch-Brutalist Sir Lucien founded his architectural practice on a commitment to concrete in all its forms. Fashion has been a cruel mistress and four decades later things are not going well for Sir Lucien and his team of loyal-ish employees.Sir Lucien ..... Geoffrey WhiteheadSarah ..... Anna CrillyMatt ..... Dominic ColemanTim ..... Alex CarterMurray ..... Peter ForbesNoel ..... David HounslowElla ..... Rhiannon NeadsDirector: Toby SwiftFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015
SAT 13:00 Cuckoo (Omnibus) (m000596m)
After the death of his mother, Jennifer, in November 2017, the writer Jeremy Raison found letters, diaries, divorce transcripts and an unpublished manuscript.This sparked an unexpected journey unravelling some of the mystery of his late mother's troubled childhood. The youngest of four children, Jennifer was kept away from school until she was a teenager, and educated by a nurse who would gradually take the place of her mother.Set between the late 1920s and early 1940s, Cuckoo explores the story of Jennifer and her mother Theo. Married at nineteen to a wealthy politician, Harold Eastleigh, Theo was said to be suffering from anxiety after the birth of her fourth child. After a period in hospital, Theo returned to the family home accompanied by one of the nurses, Miss Land. In the years to follow Miss Land would become a permanent feature in the family home, eventually leading to Theo and her husband divorcing. Miss Land become the second Mrs Eastleigh and young Jennifer's stepmother.Did Theo suffer from post-natal depression before it was widely acknowledged as a condition? Was Harold simply unable to cope with an illness he knew little about, or was he under pressure to keep his family trouble out of the public eye? Brought up in this unsettling environment what effect would it have on young Jennifer?Although some names and details have been changed this drama is based on a true story.Jeremy ...................................................................EWAN BAILEYJennifer .........................................................SUSAN JAMESONUncle Godfrey/Uncle James ....MICHAEL BERTENSHAWTheo .................................................................MELODY GROVEHarold ...............................................CHRISTOPHER HARPEROmnibus director: David Ian NevilleFirst broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m000596r)
Alistair McGowan
Impressionist and actor Alistair McGowan chooses ‘Poem’ by Zdenko Fibich and ‘Narcissus’ by Joyce Grenfell and Norman Wisdom.
SAT 14:15 With Great Pleasure (b008wr7x)
John Major
Former prime minister John Major chooses some of his favourite pieces of writing. Including works by Anthony Trollope and Oscar WildeReaders: Nigel Anthony and Lucy Briers.Producer: Christine HallFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
SAT 14:45 The (Almost) Accidental Adventures of Bell and Todd (m000596w)
Episode 6
Diana really wants to get off on her holiday, but Bell and Todd are still in trouble.Mischievous narrator Diana has thrown Bell and Todd into a mad and a mysterious world of her own devising.June Whitfield stars in the conclusion of John Eggleston's six-part comedy adventure series.With Matthew Bell as Bell and Toby Longworth as ToddProducer: Liz AnsteeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
SAT 15:00 Edwin Pearce - The Night They Stole the FA Cup (m000596h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 16:30 Archive on 4 (b00767cc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Let Me Entertain You (b00dpw98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Spine Chillers (b0886z49)
Colin Haydn Evans – Figures
As soon as Ann saw the house she knew it had to be hers. Its past turns out to be part of her future.So all she has to do is sit in the upstairs room - kept locked for so long - and wait...Stars Anna Massey as Ann, Blain Fairman as Ralph Symons, Jill Lidstone as Rebecca Symons and Jon Strickland as Peter Fuller.Written by Colin Haydn Evans.Director: Ian CotterellFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
SAT 18:40 Fay Weldon - Spirit of the House (b08f16hz)
Christine fears for baby Emmy who’s looked after by the cool Jenny.No-one is interested in her suspicions - even when they confirm Jenny's fictitious past.Anna Massey reads Fay Weldon’s weird tale.Producer: Duncan MinshullFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988.
SAT 19:00 The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit, with Leslie Phillips (b00sdrj2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b05xggjr)
Series 6
Barnard Castle
"Barnard Castle - The Hidden Gem"Mark Steel visits the County Durham town of Barnard Castle. A picturesque place - home to a castle, friendly locals and one of the most impressive and surprising museums on earth (really, it's ridiculous). In spite of all this, hardly anyone knows the town exists. Attempting to reach 'Barney' by public transport is not an easy task, taking so long that Mark begins to wonder if in fact it is a real place at all.Mark speaks to local policeman PC Steven Purchase about the alarmingly low levels of crime in the area; marvels at the majesty of a silver, clockwork swan and tries to get to the bottom of why the people of Barnard Castle seem to keep the place such a secret.Mark Steel returns for a sixth series of the award winning show that travels around the country, researching the history, heritage and culture of six towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness, and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.Written and performed by ... Mark SteelAdditional material by ... Pete SinclairProduction co-ordinator ... Hayley SterlingProducer ... Carl CooperA BBC Radio Comedy Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015,.
SAT 22:30 Revolting People (b00ftcck)
Series 2
A Bunch More Trying Times
Ezekiel gets a shock, and Mary is wooed by a newly arrived Captain. Little does she know he's recently been named "Cad of the Year" by the Bounder's Gazette.Comedy set just before the American Revolution.Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.Stars Jay Tarses as Samuel Oliphant, Andy Hamilton as Sergeant McGurk, James Fleet as Captain Brimshaw, Jan Ravens as Mary, Hugh Dennis as Ezekiel Spriggs, Penelope Nice as Cora Oliphant, Tony Maudsley as Joshua Oliphant and Michael Fenton Stevens as Dashmount.Producer: Paul Mayhew-ArcherFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0005h4y)
Rob Auton 2/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats again to Rob Auton.
SAT 23:00 Ivor Cutler - Cutler the Lax (b03zx9pg)
Episode 2
Legendary Scottish surrealist Ivor Cutler discovers ancient Egyptian music and what the Dutch think of British pubs.With Fiona MacDonald.Producer: Mark SavageFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
SAT 23:15 Creme de la Crime (b0081mpp)
Series 2
Six Feet Down Under
Michael Feydeau -TV's much loved Inspector Niblett - and crime expert, David Pershore probe a strange death by cutlery back in 1824.Tales from the vaults of villainy written by and starring Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.Director: Adam BromleyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
SAT 23:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04jm36p)
Series 3
About Bad Boys
In a mix of stand-up and re-enacted family life - Nathan Caton tries to be a good role model for his younger brother Tyree.Written by Nathan Caton and James KettleCan't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing is a series about young, up-and-coming comedian Nathan Caton, who after becoming the first in his family to graduate from University, opted not to use his architecture degree but instead to try his hand at being a full-time stand-up comedian, much to his family's horror and disgust. They desperately want him to get a 'proper job.'Each episode illustrates the criticism, interference and rollercoaster ride that Nathan endures from his disapproving family as he tries to prove himself.The series is a mix of Nathan's stand-up intercut with scenes from his family life.Janet a.k.a. Mum is probably the kindest and most lenient of the disappointed family members. At the end of the day she just wants the best for her son. However, she'd also love to brag and show her son off to her friends, but with Nathan only telling jokes for a living that's kind of hard to do.Martin a.k.a. Dad works in the construction industry and was looking forward to his son getting a degree so the two of them could work together in the same field. But now Nathan has blown that dream out of the window. Martin is clumsy and hard-headed and leaves running the house to his wife (she wouldn't allow it to be any other way).Shirley a.k.a. Grandma cannot believe Nathan turned down architecture for comedy. She can't believe she left the paradise in the West Indies and came to the freezing United Kingdom for a better life so that years later her grandson could 'tell jokes!' How can her grandson go on stage and use foul language and filthy material... it's not the good Christian way!So with all this going on in the household what will Nathan do? Will he persevere and follow his dreams? Or will he give in to his family's interference? Or will he finally leave home?!Producer: Katie Tyrrell