SATURDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2019

SAT 00:00 Fear on 4 (b0080hnc)
The Blood of Eva Bergen
Claire is a talented young pianist who falls under the spell of Mr Iliev, a musician haunted by a woman called Eva Bergen - and the power she once had over him...Tales of horror and suspense.Written by Paul Sirett.Claire ...... Tilly GauntMr Iliev ...... John CastleTom ...... Giles FaganPianist: Mary NashProducer: Marilyn ImrieFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1999.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b0076ksg)
Obsessive Compulsives
Matthew Parris repeatedly quizzes Franca Davenport, Stephen Foster and Dominic Holland about ceaseless compulsion. From March 2004.
SAT 01:00 BBC National Short Story Award (b0bk1rz9)
BBC National Short Story Award 2018
Winner: Ingrid Persaud - The Sweet Sop
Ingrid Persaud's winning story of emotional blackmail and sweet release.Read by Leemore Marrett Junior.The kindness of strangers and the meaning of home were key themes in the five shortlisted entries for the 2018 BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University.The 2018 shortlist was unified by the individual power of each writer to convey both the private and the universal experience. Linking the personal and the political, the stories, often inspired by world events from Brexit, immigration to urban gentrification, draw out ideas of community and human connection. Each story is a powerful meditation on a world where displacement and loss seem to be overwhelming but where renewal and hope are infinite.Producer: Simon Richardson
SAT 01:30 Ghost Music (b010dp0s)
In 1939 the BBC recorded the sound of two trumpets discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb.It was a nail-biting session; one of them had previously shattered, but the British soldier, James Tappern, who played them allowed the haunting music that had been silent for 3000 years to be heard once more.For three months this year the recording had added poignancy, as one of the trumpets was among the many artefacts stolen from the Cairo Museum during the recent revolution, though it's now been recovered. Archaeologist Christine Finn, who travelled to Egypt upon news of the uprising and chronicled the looting of archaeological sites, tells the story of the trumpet with the help of Egyptologist, Margaret Maitland.Christine hears an account of the 1939 recording from Peter Tappern, son of the original bandsman, himself a professional trumpeter. And from archive of Rex Keating, who recorded the event for the BBC in Cairo.Christine also considers how archaeology has revealed other 'ghost music'. Richard Dumbrill talks about his reconstruction of the Silver Lyre of Ur, discovered by Leonard Woolley in modern-day Iraq around the same time that Howard Carter was excavating Tutenkhamun's tomb. She hears from Domenico Vicinanza of the Lost Sounds Orchestra, an international group which re-creates the sound of ancient instruments using technology and synthesis. One of its first projects was the ancient Greek harp often seen on classical vases, the epigonion; this time the instrument is not a faithful re-creation, but a new model reflecting its 21st century incarnation.And Christine reflects on the role of these musical, archaeological discoveries in modern composition.Producer: Marya BurgessFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
SAT 02:00 Jean Rhys - Wide Sargasso Sea (b00m2dbv)
A New Peril
Antoinette and Rochester's honeymoon develops into an intense love affair on a beautiful estate in Dominica. Jean Rhys's most famous novel tracing the early life of the first Mrs Rochester from Jane Eyre.Read by Adam Godley.Abridged by Margaret BusbyProducer: Claire GroveFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
SAT 02:15 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b06810q1)
The New Corinthians
Francine Stock's final attempt to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.10.The New CorinthiansFrancine Stock examines the paradox at the heart of charisma today: that we recognise its intangibility and often debunk it, but continue to crave it and even believe we can buy it.Her starting point is the banking crisis of 2008. She talks with Elesa Zhendorfer about her new book on the role of charismatic leadership in the volatile world of banking; and hears from business journalist and broadcaster Peter Day, who passionately denounces the narcissistic role of so-called charismatic leaders in business and finance today.Francine then returns to the beginnings of her search, hearing about today's version of charismatic Christianity in today's largely secular society, and its attempts to use charisma for the common good, in accordance with St Paul's original definition.Francine Stock concludes by wondering whether we can turn this gift of grace to shared advantage: "After all," she states, "We get the charismatics we deserve."Producer : Beaty Rubens.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b04vjh7t)
The Skool Days of Nigel Molesworth
Fun with Scrumms
As the school term comes to an end, Molesworth must find a way to survive the perils of the playing field and the wrath of skool bully Grabber if he’s to have any hope of tucking into some Christmas turkey.Imelda Staunton stars as Nigel Molesworth, the Curse of St Custards, in this fresh adaptation of the notorious Goriller of 3B's guide to skool life for tiny pupils and their parents.Aided by best friend Peason and thwarted by everyone from Grabber the skool bully to Wandsworth the skool dog, Nigel Molesworth teaches us the ins and outs of skool life - including how to avoid lessens and how to build your own H-bomb.Molesworth ...... Imelda StauntonPeason ...... Sophie ThompsonGrabber ...... Jack FarthingPrudence ...... Jessica Brown Findlay Headmaster ...... Patrick Barlow Chief Prune ...... Lewis Macleod Adapted by Patrick Barlow and George Poles from the books by Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle, with additional material by Abigail Wilson.Director: Patrick BarlowProducer: Liz AnsteeA CPL production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2014.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b04t6yln)
Discontent and Its Civilizations
Episode 5
These timely 'dispatches from Lahore, New York and London' encompassing memoir, art and politics, collect the best essays of the award-winning author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Mohsin Hamid.Hamid makes a compelling case for recognising our common humanity while relishing our diversity, for resisting the artificial mono-identities of religion or nationality or race, and for always judging a country or nation by how it treats its minorities as 'Each individual human being is, after all, a minority of one'.In two essays, author and journalist Mohsin Hamid considers his country's – and its Asian neighbours' – history and progress, on the occasions of Pakistan's 60th and 65th birthdays.Read by Sanjeev BaskharAbridged by Eileen HorneProduced by Clive BrillA Brill production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 03:00 Drama (b066fxt1)
Iris Murdoch: Dream Girl
Helen McCrory stars as Iris Murdoch in a hallucinogenic trip through the novelist's life, by Robin Brooks. When Iris, lying asleep beside husband John, wakes in the middle of a midsummer night, she discovers that she is to be visited by three spirits, and is to be conducted on a journey through both her past and her writing.But who are these spirits accompanying her? What do they have to show her about her past misdemeanours, and how art may be made from them? And what dread monster coils in the shadows, ready to strike?Iris Murdoch's spectacularly bad behaviour and her extraordinary rise as a famous and popular novelist through the 1950s, 60s and 70s, are the themes behind this inventive new comedy drama. Iris was a woman with an insatiable appetite for life, love and literature - her experiences and numerous love affairs with both sexes shaped her writing and fed into her novels.Iris Murdoch - Helen McCroryThe Spirit - Jonathan CullenFrank - Richard GouldingPhilippa - Amanda RootFranz - Anton LesserCanetti - Jasper BrittonJohn - Robin BrooksFemale Don - Emily JoyceVeza / Student - Hannah Genesius Sound Designer: Alisdair McGregorDirector: Fiona McAlpineAn Allegra production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2015.
SAT 04:00 Who Goes There? (b064cy21)
Series 6
Episode 4
Martin Young presents the biographical quiz show.Team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego are joined by novelist Lynne Truss and biographer Anthony Holden.Producer: Elizabeth FreestoneFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.
SAT 04:30 Mark Tavener - In the Red (b007jzr4)
Episode 2
Can anarchic BBC reporter George Cragge keep his job and get nearer to the murderer?London is plagued by a series of bizarre murders of bank managers. Hot on the trail of the killer are an old-style Chief Police Inspector and BBC Radio's anarchic crime correspondent, George Cragge.A blackly humorous murder mystery set in the world of City finance, the BBC and political parties starring Michael Williams.Dramatised by Mark Tavener and Peter Baynham from Mark Tavener's novel.George Cragge ...... Michael WilliamsFrank Jefferson ...... Barry FosterGeoffrey Crichton-Potter ...... Stephen MooreHenry ...... Julian Rhind-TuttMax ...... Peter WoodthorpeController Radio 2 ...... Stephen FryController Radio 4 ...... John BirdDominic De'ath ...... Benjamin WhitrowHercules Fortescue ...... Nicholas Le PrevostCaroline ...... Susie BrannAndrew James ...... Peter SerafinowczWith Alice Arnold, Annabel Mullion, Jonathan Keeble and Gavin Muir.Music by Tony McAnaney.Producer: Paul SchlesingerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
SAT 05:00 Secrets and Lattes (b064yd14)
Series 2
The Plan's The Thing
It's May in Edinburgh and life at Cafe Culture is certainly bursting with life.Trisha is about to marry her long-term, long-distance lover Richard and, despite being mid-divorce, big sister Clare can't resist meddling in the wedding arrangements.Relations are strained too between supposedly recovering kleptomaniac trainee Lizzie and laid-back Glaswegian chef Callum over her friendship with his autistic teenage son Max.There is much uncertainty over living (and sleeping) arrangements all round as everyone works out where home is exactly - and who else is in it.Will Trisha and Richard actually make it up the (outdoor) aisle and who might still be speaking to who?Conclusion of series two of Hilary Lyon's caffeine-fuelled sitcom.Trisha ...... Hilary MacleanClare ...... Hilary LyonLizzie ...... Pearl ApplebyCallum ...... Derek RiddellRichard ...... Roger MayMax ...... Scott HoatsonDirector: Marilyn ImrieProducers: Gordon Kennedy and Moray HunterAn Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2015.
SAT 05:30 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08575wj)
Series 1
Potato Salad
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 introduces Deepak to the delights of the British seaside. Trisha.....Beattie EdmondsonDeepak.....Nikesh PatelJune.....Alison BelbinLen.....John BowlerSal.....Catriona McFarlaneNev.....Gavi Singh CheraKatharine Whitehorn.....Karen BartkeDirected by Emma Harding
SAT 06:00 Michael McStay - Death Beach (m00088h0)
As Hollywood director Curt Zorack shoots a film on the shoreline of a Scottish island, one of the cast is found dead...Thriller written by Michael McStay.Curt Zorack ...... Peter VaughanInspector Coleman ...... Stephen ThorneSergeant Astor ...... Joe DunlopFrances Parker ...... Mary MillerMatt Matuelson ...... David KingRobert Mathias ...... Nigel CarringtonJack Tarrot ...... Vincent BrimbleJames Church ...... Jonathan OliverSam Farrow ...... James GreeneHenry Field ...... Michael McStayMaggie James ...... Jane WhittenshawPat Bain ...... Sue BroomfieldPeter Dobbs ...... Ben OnwukweJimmy James ...... Stephen GarlickPilot ...... Nicholas GilbrookDirector: Jane Morgan.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1990.
SAT 07:30 Britain in a Box (b01s7t3r)
Series 6
Nationwide
What was the impact and legacy of the BBC’s popular current affairs programme that launched Sue Lawley’s TV career, and spawned the birth of TV consumer journalism? Series in which Paul Jackson celebrates innovative TV programmes, whilst using them as a window on a particular period in our cultural and social history.Paul talks to Nationwide’s first presenter, Michael Barratt and the first director, Keith Clement, who recall the early technical mishaps which threatened to take it off air. The BBC circuit system wasn’t quite up to speed with the technical ambition of the programme. When linking to Glasgow, viewers would see wavy lines and hear technical clunks. But within six months, and ever increasing audience numbers, the programme found its feet.Popular across the nation because of its inclusion of the regions, Sue Lawley explains its success. She also recalls THAT interview with Mrs Thatcher when housewife, Mrs Diana Gould persisted in questioning the prime minister on the decision to sink Argentinian war ship, Belgrano when it 'was sailing away' during the Falklands War.Producer: Sarah Taylor.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.
SAT 08:00 World Book Club (m00088h4)
Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express
Harriett Gilbert is in Brussels for a classic World Book Club celebrating the billion-selling author Agatha Christie.The programme visits the Bibliotheca Wittockiana to discuss one of the bestselling crime novels of all time: Murder on the Orient Express, in which that shrewdest of detectives Hercule Poirot hunts for a killer aboard one of the world's most luxurious passenger trains.On hand to discuss Christie’s enduring popularity, are acclaimed crime novelist Sophie Hannah, who has brought the renowned sleuth back to life again with her sequels, and James Prichard, the novelist’s great-grandson.Producer: Karen Holden.First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2018.
SAT 08:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
Series 1
Bird's Nest Soup
Filming the birds that make the nests of saliva so prized by Chinese gourmet chefs in the total darkness of a Borneo cave proved difficult, until a conical mound of bat guano provided a natural platform.Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SAT 09:00 Miriam Margolyes' Adventures in Radio (b07qcf7j)
Much-loved actress Miriam Margolyes looks back over her radio lives, choosing some of her favourite performances from the BBC Radio Archive.Despite winning awards (BAFTA), Miriam’s on the record as saying she has many regrets in her stage career, but when it comes to her radio back catalogue, she’s immensely proud. Since she joined the BBC Radio Drama Repertory Company in 1965 – radio has been a true love.Miriam's choices include:* Sentimental Journey (Radio 4 1999) where she made an emotional trip to Belarus, with Arthur Smith to find out more about her family history;* After Albert (Radio 4 1996) where she plays a feisty Queen Victoria, with surprising desires, after the death of Prince Albert;* The Queen and I (Radio 4, 1992) in a Sony Radio Academy Best Actress winning performance, Miriam brings to life Sue Townsend’s (Adrian Mole) comic tale about the House of Windsor, whose members are rather down on their luck;* The Child (1979, Radio 4) where she stars in Olwen Wymark’s sensitive story about a mother caring for her daughter who has profound mental health issues;* Dickens’ Women (Radio 4, 1991) Miriam chooses a favourite character, Miss Havisham, from her celebrated one-woman show stage show, recorded for Radio 4;* The Picnic (Radio 3, 1985) Miriam stars with Timothy West in Anthony Horowitz’s powerful story based on a real event in the Soviet Union in 1981; * Singular Women, (Radio 4, 1997) Miriam becomes Stella, the manageress of a chocolate shop, demonstrating the power of the radio monologue to create a magical link of imaginations between an actor, a character and the listener. Producer: Peter McHughMade for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in August 2016.
SAT 12:00 Dad's Army (b00q9gk2)
Series 2
Uninvited Guests
Calamity strikes when the Home Guard and ARP wardens share the church hall.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, Arnold Ridley as Godfrey and Bill Pertwee as Hodges.Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.Producer: John DyasFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1975.
SAT 12:30 Listen to Les (b00c02dg)
From 22/6/1975
Les Dawson presents a duck appeal, Cissie and Ada talk mothers - plus his legendary piano sing-along.With Daphne Oxenford and Colin Edwynn.Music by Brian Fitzgerald.Scripted and produced by James Casey.First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1975.
SAT 13:00 15 Minute Drama (m00088hb)
How Does That Make You Feel
07/09/2019
Therapist Martha’s clients have made few changes to their circumstances.Richard Fallon MP has had a chance encounter with the Duchess of Sussex causing him to faint. Meanwhile Toby has been trying on his shoes and, alarmingly, urging him to make an early-day will in his favour.Frances Tomelty ..... MarthaRoger Allam ..... RichardOmnibus of the 11th series written by Shelagh Stephenson.Director: Eoin O'CallaghanFirst broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m00088hg)
Al Murray
Comedian and keen drummer Al Murray chooses Come Together by The Beatles and Follow You Follow Me by Genesis.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b079rbns)
Hermione Gingold
The sharp-tongued, eccentric star of stage and film, Hermione Gingold discusses her career with renowned journalist John Freeman and theatre critic Philip Hope-Wallace. Aged 63 when interviewed, the English-born actress was by then based in the USA and had been living in New York for five years.Hermione Gingold was born in 1897 and died in 1987.Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.
SAT 14:45 15 Minute Drama (b09jd32j)
Holmes and Watford
Find the Lady
For PC Sue Holmes policing is about keeping the peace, but PC Tina Watford yearns for excitement and she'll stop at nothing to ensure some action.Today, an old lady is reported missing, could David Attenborough be involved in her disappearance?Jon Canter's comedy about two policewoman crewing in a small village.Sue Holmes ...... Jessica RansomTina Watford ...... Susan WokomaRosemary ...... Rosie CavalieroMother ...... Julie TealDirector: Sally AvensFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
SAT 15:00 World Book Club (m00088h4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 15:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SAT 16:00 Michael McStay - Death Beach (m00088h0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Britain in a Box (b01s7t3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Doctor Who (b08rzsgv)
The Lost Stories: Leviathan
Episode 2
The Time Lord learns the true horror of the sinister mediaeval village and that more enemies lurk beyond...An adventure originally written for the BBC's Doctor Who TV series but never made.Colin Baker stars as the Sixth Doctor.Peri ...... Nicola BryantGurth ...... Howard GossingtonHerne the Hunter ...... John BanksAlthya ...... Beth ChalmersWulfric ...... Jamie ParkerSiward ...... Derek CarlyleWritten by Brian and Paul FinchDirector: Ben Bentley.Made by Big Finish and reversioned for broadcast by BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 19:00 Miriam Margolyes' Adventures in Radio (b07qcf7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 It's Jocelyn (b06wg7rw)
Series 1
Episode 4
Sketch comedy from Jocelyn Jee Esien, including a monosyllabic shop assistant, a pair of terrible African Drummers and a 2 terrible bedroom DJ's called 'Uncooth Youth FM'.Jocelyn vents her frustration at the world around her through sketches and stand-up.With Curtis Walker, Ninia Benjamin and Kevin J.Producer: John PocockA BBC Radio Comedy production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2016.
SAT 22:30 Revolting People (b008h6np)
Series 3
Over the Rainbow
Mary discovers that there's no place like home.Sitcom set just before the American War of Independence.Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.McGurk ...... Andy HamiltonSamuel ...... Jay TarsesCaptain Brimshaw ...... James FleetMary ...... Jan RavensJoshua ...... Tony MaudsleyEzekiel ...... Hugh DennisCora ...... Penelope NiceOther parts played by Philip Pope and Michael Fenton Stevens.Producer: Paul Mayhew-ArcherFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
SAT 23:00 Alice's Wunderland (b01kkr59)
Series 1
Episode 1
A trip round Wunderland, the Poundland of magical realms. It's a kingdom much like our own, and also nothing like it in the slightest. Stay a while and meet waifs and strays, wigshops and witches, murderous pensioners and squirrels of this delightful land as they go about their bizarre business.A sketch show written and performed by Alice Lowe.Also starring Richard Glover, Simon Greenall, Rachel Stubbings, Clare Thompson and Marcia Warren.Producer: Sam BryantFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.
SAT 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvrg)
Series 1
Budapest and Warsaw
Kicking off his comedy travelogues in the capital of Hungary, the stand-up comic then takes the train to Poland.As well as entertaining the locals with his unique brand of stand-up, Ross Noble chats to the Mayor of Warsaw about furry hats, uncovers the truth about suicidal Hungarian monks and even shares a curry with Poland's only comedian...Producer: Danny WallaceFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.