SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2019

SAT 00:00 Planet B (b00j2j7k)
Series 1
Death's Door
John and Lioba aim to meet in the real world, but can they really escape their virtual reality?Ten-part series about a mystery virtual world.Written by Matthew Broughton.John ...... Gunnar CautheryMedley ...... Lizzy WattsCerberus ...... Chris PavloLioba ...... Donnla HughesAll other parts played by Janice Acquah, Jill Cardo, Stephen Critchlow,Paul Rider, Manjeet Mann, Matthew Broughton and Adjoa Andoh.Director: Jessica DromgooleMade for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2009.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b0076kh3)
The Great British Public
Matthew Parris welcomes Giles Coren, Terence Blacker and Julia Darling to discuss how they feel about the public.In each programme, 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 2004.
SAT 01:00 Book at Beachtime (b012216d)
Joanna Trollope - Daughters-in-Law
Episode 5
The truth about the suspected affair emerges and Rachel makes plans for the future.Simmering tensions threaten the harmony of a close-knit family.Joanna Trollope's bestseller concluded by Jane WhittenshawAbridged by Viv BeebyProducer: Gemma JenkinsMade for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in June 2011.
SAT 01:30 The Green Children of Woolpit (b00slvqh)
Sometime in the 12th-century two children appeared from a pit on the edge of a field in the Suffolk village of Woolpit.They were coloured green and spoke a unknown language. They sickened until they were allowed to eat green beans. The boy died but the girl revived and grew up learning English, marrying a man from Kings Lynn, and speaking of the place she and her brother had come from. Susannah Clapp and Richard Mabey investigate the story and its remarkable enduring appeal to villagers, visitors and a succession of folklorists and writers.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b05xqg4t)
Owen Sheers - I Saw a Man
Episode 10
Josh doubts Michael's version of events and tries to find evidence against him. But can he reveal the truth without exposing his own shame?Owen Sheers' compelling story of the search for truth, the burden of secrets and the desire for redemption. It explores how our lives are interconnected, even in today's increasingly depersonalised, globalised world.After the sudden loss of his wife, writer Michael Turner moves to London and develops a close friendship with the Nelsons, who live next door - Josh, Samantha and their two young daughters Lucy and Rachel. The family seem to represent everything Michael fears he may now never have: intimacy, children, stability and a family home. The new friendship at first seems to offer the prospect of healing, but then a catastrophic event changes everything.Written by Owen SheersAbridged by Lauris Morgan-GriffithsConcluded by Mark BazeleyProducer: Mair BosworthFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 02:15 A Brief History of Mathematics (b00ss0lf)
Carl Friedrich Gauss
Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: German mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gaus.This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science.It was the German scientist and mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gauss, who said mathematics was the Queen of Science. One of his many mathematical breakthroughs, the Gaussian or normal distribution, is the lifeblood of statistics. It underpins modern medicine and is a valuable tool in the fight against prejudice. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.
SAT 02:30 Betsy and Napoleon (m0007l5v)
Episode 5
How will Betsy fair when Napoleon has to leave the Balcombe’s Pavilion? Betsy Balcombe was 13 when Napoleon Bonaparte came to live in her garden on St Helena. The two forged an extraordinary relationship.Drawn from contemporary accounts, this drama by Julia Blackburn recreates the meeting of innocence and a great burden of experience.Napoleon ... Alex JenningsBetsy ... Michelle TateBalcombe ... Ian McNeiceLas Cases ... Rupert WickhamDirector: Mary Ward LoweryFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b04p2gvb)
Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime
5. Fiction Connection
Val reveals her personal interest in forensic science and how her research connects with her fiction.Bestselling crime author Val McDermid is fascinated by forensic science - the secrets it can reveal and the way it has altered the processes of justice. She delves into medical archives including interviews with scientists, exploring as far back as the murder of Julius Ceasar and early recorded forensic science in 13th century China as well as famous modern cases.Read by Val McDermidAbridged by Sian PreeceProducer: Allegra McIlroyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
SAT 03:00 Saturday Drama (b007t4zn)
John Fletcher - The Shocking Tale of Margaret Seddon
Frederick and Margaret Seddon take wealthy Mrs Barrow into their Islington home as a lodger. During the scorching summer of 1911, Mrs Barrow dies, leaving all her money to Fred, but suspicions are aroused.Was her death caused by the heatwave, or the 'English Cholera' - or could arsenic-laced fly papers have something to do with it?John Fletcher's Edwardian murder story is based on real events.Margaret Seddon ...... Lynne SeymourFred Seddon ...... Bertie CarvelMiss Barrow ...... Annette BadlandHook/Attorney General Isaacs ...... Dick BradnumBenny/Vicar ...... Brendan CharlesonDr Sworn/Hangman ...... Dorien ThomasMaggie ...... Anwen CarlisleAda ...... Isabel LewisDirector: Kate McAllFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SAT 04:00 Who Goes There? (b00766w1)
Series 6
Episode 1
Martin Young's famous people quiz. With Francis Wheen, Fred Housego, Lynne Truss and Anthony Holden. From October 2002.
SAT 04:30 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k087)
Episode 5
Back in London, Robert gets into trouble and the solicitor's clerk receives an unlikely visitor.Starring Richard Griffiths as shy solicitor's clerk, Edgar Finchley.Robert Gillespie ...... James CohenMrs Crantell ...... Anna CropperMarie Peters ...... Serena EvansMr Barker ...... John BirdNarrated by James Villiers.Written by Victor Canning and adapted for radio by Andy and Eric Merriman.Producer: Gareth EdwardsFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1994.
SAT 05:00 Secrets and Lattes (b062jsn9)
Series 2
Strictly Christmas
It may be nearing Christmas, but it's not all tidings of joy in Edinburgh's Cafe Culture.Sibling cafe owners Trisha and Clare are being haunted by their ex-partners. Richard gets in touch with Trisha with some surprising news and Clare's almost ex-husband Struan is disconcertingly hovering around the city sticking his beak in.Meanwhile, multi-talented new chef Callum continues to turn everybody's head with some unexpectedly fancy footwork.An invitation to a ball sees the sisters and would-be chef Lizzie resembling characters from a well known fairy story but will anyone actually end up kissing their very own prince?Series two of Hilary Lyon's caffeine-fuelled sitcom.Trisha ...... Hilary MacleanClare ...... Hilary LyonLizzie ...... Pearl ApplebyCalum ...... Derek RiddellRichard ...... Roger MayStruan ...... Stuart McQuarrieDirector: Marilyn ImrieProducers: Gordon Kennedy and Moray HunterAn Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2015.
SAT 05:30 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b083mrvf)
Series 1
Beef Olives
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's new comedy, set in a 1960s' bedsitter, inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic. In this episode, Trisha embarks on bedsit life, determined to make it as a get-ahead girl-about-town. Trisha.....Beattie EdmondsonDeepak.....Nikesh PatelJune.....Alison BelbinLen.....John BowlerTony.....John DougallKatharine Whitehorn.....Karen BartkeDirected by Emma Harding
SAT 06:00 Pacific Dreams (b01pknt0)
A young man's quest for a new life takes him from the granite streets of Glasgow, through the open skies of America to the azure oceans of faraway Hawaii.Ancient island goddesses, native Hawaiian culture and the soft rain of the tropics bring the heartbeat of the Islands to life.Godfrey Hamilton's road movie of epic proportions.Hugh ...... Mark BonnarKatie ...... Katy MurphyDoug ...... Anthony OfoegbuMyra ...... Kate HarperThe Miracle Worker ...... Devon ScottDharma ...... Kathryn HowdenBilly ...... Chris PavloJoe ...... Mark PinkoshCabbie ...... Ioan MeredithCabin Attendant ...... Janet MawAdonis ...... Alex LoweDirector: Cathryn HornFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1997.
SAT 07:30 Roy Hudd - Stick a Geranium in Your Hat! (b017097w)
Goodbye-ee
Finding inspiration in the comic celebration of the words and music of renowned songwriters RP Weston and Bert Lee.Starring Roy Hudd as Bert Weston and Billy Dainty as Bert Lee.Devised and written by Roy Hudd.Musical arrangements by Ian Smith.Producer: Jonathan James-MooreFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1982.
SAT 08:00 World Book Club (m0007r1w)
Romesh Gunesekera - Reef
Leading Sri Lankan writer, Romesh Gunesekera talks to Harriet Gilbert and some of his readers about his acclaimed first novel Reef, first published in 1994.The 1994 Booker shortlisted novel is about a Sri Lankan cook Triton, who works for a marine biologist who is unaware of the impending violence in their country.Presenter Harriett GilbertFirst broadcast on BBC World Service in March 2013.
SAT 08:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m74rt)
Series 1
Coelacanth
The Coelacanth is a primitive bony fish thought to be an important ancestor to all back-boned animals that ventured onto land. David Attenborough brought to television the first film of a living fish in Life on Earth. But is it the living fossil it was claimed to be?Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.Producer: Julian HectorFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
SAT 09:00 Nasty Women (b09ptz3w)
Ever since Donald Trump dubbed Hillary Clinton a 'nasty woman' during a presidential debate, women the world over have embraced the term as a battle cry and responded not only with a viral campaign on social media but with Nasty Woman T-shirts, perfumes and cocktails. This spirited response chimes with a long tradition of feisty female comedians on the radio.In this three-hour showcase recorded with an audience in the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Jan Ravens charts the story of female comedy.In a sometimes frank discussion Jan and her guests - Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Lauren Pattison and the BBC’s radio commissioning editor Sioned William- introduce five classic episodes to illustrate the journey from character comedy to satire, including Sarah Millican’s Support Group, Goodness Gracious Me, Bridget Christie Minds The Gap and Mae Martin’s Guide to 21st Century Addiction.Producer: Mohini PatelMade for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2018.
SAT 12:00 The World As We Know It (b00fd7zl)
The End
Donna, Johnny, Patrick and Abigail woke up on Saturday morning to find they were the last four people left on earth.Two days later and the implications of what has happened are beginning to sink in, as they start the first week of the rest of their lives...Sitcom by Luke Sorba.Johnny ...... Toby LongworthDonna ...... Meera SyalPatrick ...... Luke SorbaAbigail ...... Carla MendoncaThe Stranger ...... Simon GreenallProducer: Elizabeth AnsteeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
SAT 12:30 The Senses (b06zhjpj)
Hearing
An affair conducted via tape cassette-recorded messages conjures up a few problems with the sense of hearing.Opening episode starring Celia Imrie and John McGlynn. Heather ...... Celia ImrieTony ...... John McGlynnAudrey ...... Francesca BrillEdith ...... Eva StuartMr Polglaze ...... Daniel MoynihanPostman ...... Norman BirdSenses is a six-part comedy drama boasting a stellar list of star names, including Joan Sims, Charles Gray, Alex Jennings, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Geoffrey Palmer, Lynda Bellingham, Brian Murphy, Rodney Bewes, Liz Fraser, Rory McGrath and Maurice Denham.As writer Bob Sinfield explains: "The six half-hour plays dealt respectively with the five obvious senses plus the er...other one".Producer: Neil CargillFirst broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
SAT 13:00 The Latvian Locum (m0007r1y)
Series 2 (Omnibus)
Omnibus of the second series of the drama following the working life of a Latvian locum doctor in Britain. When her surgery in Blackpool is closed, Dr Dace Zake finds herself relocating to a practice in deprived rural Cornwall, and facing a whole new set of medical and personal challenges.Dace's first working day in Cornwall is a complete contrast to her earlier life in Blackpool. When a patient doesn't turn up she and District Nurse Pippa take to the roads to track him down.Dace Zake ..... Dolya GavanskiPippa ..... Alex TregearNoah ..... Gerard HoranJodie ..... Helen ClappMuriel ..... Pippa HaywoodDylan ..... Ed BrowningRomanian woman ..... Olivia PopicaRuth ..... Elaine ClaxtonJenny ..... Victoria CansfieldWriter: Ben CottamDirector: Alison CrawfordFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0007r20)
Luke Goss
Actor Luke Goss, former drummer with Bros, chooses 'Where the Streets Have No Name' by U2 and 'One Love' by Bob Marley.
SAT 14:15 Pam Ayres' Open Road (b007kdf0)
Series 1
Gloucestershire
Back in her home county on the last leg of her journey, poet Pam Ayres learns about wig curlers, celebrity longhorn steers and 'legging it'.Series in which poet and raconteuse, Pam Ayres takes to the open road, visiting eight places in Britain to hear tales from the people who live there.Producer: Simon ElmesFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 2000.
SAT 14:45 Peter Tinniswood - Tales from the Backbench (b00764zv)
Series 2
Dalliances
The useless and forgetful MP, Sir Plympton Makepeace, warms to the memory of his many happy carnal and amorous associations in Westminster.Starring Leslie Phillips.Written by Peter Tinniswood.Producer: Enyd WilliamsFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
SAT 15:00 World Book Club (m0007r1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 15:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m74rt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SAT 16:00 Pacific Dreams (b01pknt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Roy Hudd - Stick a Geranium in Your Hat! (b017097w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Aldous Huxley - Brave New World (m0007r23)
Episode 2
John the "Savage" has been brought back to a "civilised" world where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science and the drug Soma freely available.Can he retain the ideal of freedom his childhood taught him?The conclusion of Aldous Huxley's Classic dystopian tale dramatised by Jonathan Holloway.Bernard ..... Justin SalingerHelmholtz ..... Jonathan CoyLenina ..... Pippa Bennett-WarnerThe Director ..... Anton LesserJohn ..... Milton LopesLinda ..... Karina FernandezFanny ..... Nicola FergusonHenry ..... Sam RixMiss Keats ..... Scarlett BrookesMustapha Mond ..... Sean BakerDr. Shaw ..... Nick UnderwoodDirector: David HunterFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
SAT 19:00 Nasty Women (b09ptz3w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 It's Jocelyn (b06snvwk)
Series 1
Episode 1
It's Jocelyn is the series from comedian Jocelyn Jee Esien (3 Non Blondes and Little Miss Jocelyn).Back with a raft of brand fresh characters including the Overly Dramatic Family, a pair of terrible African Drummers and a bad-tempered couple who run a takeaway business, Jocelyn vents her frustrations at the world around her through sketches and stand-up. From pedantic dinner dates to coping with annoying friends, Jocelyn's life provides a rich seam of humour.Jocelyn is delighted to be joined in the cast by Curtis Walker, Ninia Benjamin and Kevin J.Producer: John PocockA BBC Radio Comedy production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 22:30 Funny From the Fringe (m0007r25)
2019
Episode 2
Award-winning comedian Catherine Bohart takes us on a journey to the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.Across the series, Catherine gets amongst it, taking us from the big glitzy theatres to the sweaty underground venues where the best shows you've never heard are performed.This is the full Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience, but in your ears.A BBC Studios Production.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0007xkz)
The Delightful Sausage
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Jake Yapp and Laura Lexx chat to Chris and Amy from The Delightful Sausage.
SAT 23:00 Richard Herring's Objective (b0174gl1)
Series 2
The Wheelchair
'The Wheelchair' is the representative symbol of disability on access signs.In his series on objects, Richard asks whether there is equal access? He wonders if it is still the case that we see the disability rather than the person.With Emma Kennedy and special guest, comedian Francesca Martinez.Producer: Tilusha GhelaniFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SAT 23:30 Mark Watson Talks a Bit About Life (b04lq2lx)
Series 1
Health and Beauty
Multi-award winning comic Mark Watson attempts to answer the big questions and make sense of life.Written and performed by Mark Watson, Tim Key and Tom Basden as they tackle academic and abstract topics.This time Mark looks at "Health & Beauty". Our world is full of people telling us how to be healthier and more attractive. But how can we tell if we are well, both mentally and physically? Does living more healthily lead to better mental health, or not so much because you have to eat stuff like cabbage and you wish you were dead? At the same time many people claim to be beautiful, but does beauty really matter or is it, as the popular saying goes, in the eye of the beholder?Why is it so hard to get to the bottom of what will make us look and feel good, and will this eternal quest ever end?Producer: Lianne CoopAn Impatient production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in October 2014.