SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2019

SAT 00:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jp0g)
Episode 5
When Norman introduces the Oblivions to the pleasures of the flesh, one thing leads to another...Sci-fi comedy by Colin Swash about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet. Norman ...... Tony RobinsonMax ...... David HaigStella ...... Louise LombardMacari ...... Michael TroughtonTerayz ...... Carla MendoncaClive ...... Guy WitcherBuzz ...... Peter SerafinowczProducer: Richard WilsonFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b0076mzw)
Competitiveness
Matthew Parris struggles to cross the finish line ahead of Amanda Brookfield, Hugh Rycroft and Hannah McDonald. From August 2004.
SAT 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (m00094zr)
Sherlock Holmes with Carleton Hobbs - Series 5
The Sussex Vampire
A Peruvian woman is accused of sucking her children's blood.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective investigates.Stars Carleton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr Watson.Ferguson ...... Stephen JackDolores ...... Gladys SpencerMrs Ferguson ...... Josefina RayMrs Mason ...... Margaret WelfitJack ...... Peter BartlettAdapted for radio by Michael Hardwick.Producer Graham GauldFirst broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1964.
SAT 01:30 Am I Tone Deaf? (b014641m)
If you are 'tone-deaf' can your brain be 're-tuned' by singing lessons? Author and journalist Sathnam Sanghera has spent his life miming to songs. Like one in 15 of us, he believes he is tone deaf. But is he?In this programme, he braves both scientific testing and singing lessons in the hope of finding his voice. Vocal coach Heather Mair Thomas believes that whatever the diagnosis, she has ways of making him sing. But will doctors who argue that congenital tone deafness cannot be cured by training alone eclipse her optimism?As Sathnam navigates his way between science and song, he will meet key experts who are dedicated to exploring the scientific highs and lows of tone deafness.For the past decade, neurologists have developed a number of techniques aimed at identifying the root cause of 'amusia' known more commonly as tone deafness.If they can understand more about this relatively common condition it will help them to understand more complex neurological disorders that can affect speech or sound perception.Sathnam will also take on board the 'sound advice' that fellow sufferers have to offer. Retired Reverend Jim Cross was occupationally obliged to lead his church in song, however, his congregation gave him special dispensation to simply say the lines aloud following his diagnosis of 'amusia'.Producer: Nicola Humphries.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b08fj3f9)
The Underground Railroad
Episode 5
Cora flees, but where will the railroad take her on this occasion?Colson Whitehead's inventive novel follows Cora and Caesar as they escape from a Georgia slave plantation and run north in pursuit of freedom, aided by the stationmasters and conductors of the Underground Railroad.This brilliant and at times brutal novel about the history of slavery and racism in America, which won the US National Book Award for Fiction in 2016.Read by Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme)Abridged by Sara Davies.Producer: Mair BosworthFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2017.
SAT 02:15 Five Hundred Years of Friendship (b0400mh3)
The Lonely Cyborg
Dr Thomas Dixon brings his major series on the changing face of friendship to a close with a look at how the old and the young are navigating their friendships today through technologies old and new, and at how friendship might look in the future.A group of Birmingham schoolgirls prove themselves thoughtful and self-aware about how to conduct their friendships online and about the differences between online and face-to-face friendships. Professor Deborah Chambers, an authority on social media and personal relationships from the University of Newcastle, confirms that fears about children's online friendships with strangers have been exaggerated.At the other end of the life-span, Thomas Dixon speaks with the writer Penelope Lively about friendship in her ninth decade, and about why she likes to consider herself part of "the landline generation".Closing the series, Thomas Dixon emphasizes the importance of physical touch and presence for friendship, and presents a final montage of the voices which have featured throughout the series, sharing stories of their own friendships.Producer: Beaty RubensFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b06j5ycg)
Early One Morning
Episode 10
Rome 1973. With Simone's encouragment, Chiara determines to tell Maria the truth aboout Daniele and confront her own past. Greta Scacchi, Juliet Aubrey and Sophie Melville star in Virginia Baily's powerful novel of love, loss and learning to be a mother.Narrator.....Greta ScacchiChiara.....Juliet AubreyMaria.....Sophie MelvilleCecilia.....Alex TregearDaniele.....Adam Thomas WrightGennaro/ Adult Daniele.....Cesare TaurasiSimone/ Nonna.....Jessica TurnerAntonio.....David HounslowGabriele.....David ActonTommaso/ Nazi officer/ Brian.....Felix AuerEdna.....Amelia LowdellBarry/ Goffredo.....Chris PavloGianni.....Sam DaleDramatised by Miranda Emmerson.Director: Emma HardingFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2015.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b04yjtjj)
Epilogue: A Memoir
Ambrosia
A thoughtful gesture breaks down barriers between Will and his new-found family.Jamie Parker concludes Will Boast's moving account of loss and coming to terms with the past.Abridged by Miranda Emmerson.Producer: Gemma JenkinsFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
SAT 03:00 Wilkie Collins - No Name (b007jrs9)
July 1847
In her attempt to regain her inheritance from her cousin Noel, Magdalen has disguised herself as Susan Bygrave and gone to stay near Noel in Aldeburgh.But Mrs Lecount suspects her true identity...Wilkie Collins’ novel dramatised by Ray Jenkins.Magdalen Vanstone ...... Sophie ThompsonCaptain Wragge ...... Jack MayMiss Garth ...... Kathleen Helme Noel Vanstone ...... Nigel AnthonyMrs Wragge ...... Vivian PicklesLittle Boy ...... Susan SheridanMrs Lecount ...... Eleanor BronChemist ...... Christopher GoodPostmaster ...... Simon BullockServant ...... Jo KendallNarrator ...... Philip SullyMusic by Peter Brewis and played by Maurice Cambridge. Director: Janet WhitakerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1989.
SAT 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b0375sfk)
Series 2
Episode 3
Justin Moorhouse, Bridget Christie and Ainsley Harriott each nominate someone they know well to answer a series of questions and they than have to second guess how they answered.Host Miles Jupp tests Bridget on how well she knows her best friend Rebecca Sewell, Ainsley his best friend, pitch doctor Paul Boross, and Justin his former radio producer Sean Gibson.What is the one thing that DJ Justin does not like talking about? What is Bridget's worst fear? And who is Ainsley's worst habit?All answers and more will be revealed.Producer: Sam MichellFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.
SAT 04:30 Mark Tavener - In the Red (b007js7t)
Episode 7
Plotting at the BBC reaches a climax, while reporter George edges closer to nailing the serial killer.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 crime correspondent, George Cragge.A blackly humorous murder mystery set in the world of City finance, the BBC and political parties. Dramatised in seven-parts 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 PrevostAndrew James ...... Peter SerafinowczLaetitia ...... Victoria CarlingController BBC 1 ...... Ian McNieceCarstairs ...... Jeffrey HollandCaroline ...... Susie BrannJemma ...... Alice ArnoldWith Geoffrey Whitehead, Paul Shearer and Tim Hope.Music by Paul MottramProducer: Paul SchlesingerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
SAT 05:00 Babblewick Hall (b01nh8zv)
Series 1
Episode 5
A future as a distinguished Parliamentarian beckons Fenton to London.However, putting the finishing touches to his maiden speech, Fenton Babblewick is unaware of the tortuous journey which lies ahead - and his travelling companions who’ll be the source of much irritation.Is this the moment Augustus has been waiting for? An escape to London, free at last from the horrors of Yorkshire.Starring Nicholas Le Prevost as Fenton Babblewick and Forbes Masson as Augustus Snipe.Scott Cherry’s six-part sitcom set in the 18th-century.Fenton Babblewick ...... Nick Le PrevostAugustus Snipe ...... Forbes MassonBarney ...... David AntrobusJack ...... Sam KellyMrs Maddison ...... Sara Coward Maddison ...... John Baddeley Highwayman ...... Stephen CritchlowMusic by Paul Mottram.Producer: Paul SchlesingerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1996.
SAT 05:30 Stand-Up Specials (m00092xg)
Ashley Blaker's Goyish Guide to Judaism - 2
Ashley Blaker, Britain's only ultra-Orthodox stand up comedian, returns with an insider's view of his religion. Following the success of his first guide, this is another a whistle-stop tour of Jewish life and, in particular, a very rare glimpse into the normally inaccessible world of strict Orthodox Judaism.Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken a number of critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and very recently in New York. The Jewish press has described him as "the haredi Michael McIntyre".As well as being a popular and experienced live performer, Ashley is also a comedy writer and producer for radio and TV. He was responsible for unleashing Little Britain on an unsuspecting nation on Radio 4. But, being a strict orthodox Jew, he is surely the only person who works in TV without actually owning one.The Jerusalem Post recently described Ashley as "a walking contradiction".The Times of Israel pointed out the astonishment his appearance can provoke: "The astonishment, of course, is that with Blaker, what you see is what you get: a skinny bearded man wearing a black suit and kippah, and sporting peyot and tzitzit of the strictly Orthodox community to which he now belongs. But this is not a uniform which he dons only for his interfaces with Jewish audiences. No, he wears this in his day job too."Written and Presented by Ashley BlakerSpecial appearance: Jon Culshaw as Jeremy CorbynProducer: Steve DohertyA Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Coleman and Astor (m0009byp)
Michael McStay - Death Against the Odds
Two murders in one night cause Inspector Coleman and Sergeant Astor to lose some sleep and long for the days when sheep-rustling was the worst crime on their patch...Stephen Thorne stars as Inspector Coleman and Joe Dunlop as Sergeant Astor in Michael McStay's detective thriller.Inspector Coleman …. Stephen ThorneSergeant Astor …. Joe DunlopPC Young …. Peter GunnSir Harry Kelso …. James WarwickLady Penelope Kelso…. Phyllis LoganMargaret Coleman …. Diana BishopDr Calderside …. Pauline YatesSuperintendent McCauley …. John FlemingNancy Farrell …. Elaine CollinsAnnette Grainger…. Morag HoodMr Cropper …. John WebbDirector: Jane Morgan.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1993.
SAT 07:30 Reasons to be Cheerful (b00t3265)
Series 2
Gordon Kennedy
Gordon Kennedy takes on a grumpy John O'Farrell.As the country faces a tightening of its financial belt, the Scottish actor and comedian takes a timely look at some of things he thinks we should cheer about. Gordon is fascinated by nanotechnology and he discovers how science fiction is becoming science fact at the London Centre for Nanotechnology with Professor Richard Jackman.Gordon is also a sport fanatic. He chats with bestselling sport author Frances Edmonds about how Britain is rediscovering its love of team sports. As a keen cyclist, Gordon recently realised that cycling through London is not the death wish it used to be. He talks to Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport adviser, on what has changed.In an antidote to the Grumpy Old Men culture, Gordon chats with leading psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman to discover the root causes of grumpiness and asks how it can defeated. He uses his new found knowledge to try and convince best selling author John O'Farrell - a self-confessed grump - to change his pessimistic ways.Producers: Joanne Coombs and Martin McNamaraA Loftus production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2010.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b00nmzp7)
This Is the Army, Mr Jones
Actor and entertainer John Barrowman tells the story of Irving Berlin's groundbreaking army show, This Is The Army, that came to bomb-ravaged London in 1943 before setting out on a world tour that raised military morale from Glasgow to Guam.The show's choreographer, Robert Sydney, and Irving Berlin's daughter, Mary Ellin Barrett, recall how the show was put together and the effect it had in places as far afield as Washington DC and Tehran, via Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, London and the fiercest area of fighting in the south of Italy shortly after the British and American landings there.Also remembering the show are members of the audience in Birmingham, Glasgow and London, where a young airman by the name of Denis Norden was spellbound by the show at The Palladium.The programme also features archive recordings made especially for the BBC in the winter of 1943, including a performance from Irving Berlin himself.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.
SAT 09:00 From Gorsemere to Gloomsbury: The Literary Lunacy of Sue Limb (m0009bys)
Shaun Ley takes you on a three-hour guided tour through a world of literacy lunacy that flows from the pen of dramatist Sue Limb.The voyage of parody takes the listener from the Lake District retreat of Romantic poets – a rural idyll rocked by the arrival of the philandering Lord Biro – to gardens of Sizzlinghurst Castle and the “very modern” politics and personal lives of the Gloomsbury set.The English Civil War gets cavalier treatment in The Sit Crom, where a scullery maid attempts to save a king, while in present-day Norwich two sisters attempt to save their Bed and Breakfast in Alison & Maud.Shaun discusses the ideas and inspiration behind Sue’s writing with the author herself and talks about turning scripts into performance with regular cast members, Nigel Planer and Miriam Margolyes.This showcase features episodes of The Wordsmiths of Gorsemere, Gloomsbury, The Sit Crom and Alison & Maud. There are performances by, among others, Joss Ackland, Denise Coffey, Geoffrey Whitehead, Simon Callow and Tim Curry.Lord Byron's Don Juan is performed by Will Kirk. Dorothy Wordsworth's diary is read by Scarlett Courtney.Producer: Adam BowenMade for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 12:00 Whispers (b007k356)
Series 1
Episode 4
The great and the good are torn from their pedestals in glee in this edition in the panel show that proves there's no smoke without fire.Two teams, led by biographer Anthony Holden and actress Stella Duffy, are joined by writer Jenny Colgan and broadcaster Rosie Millard, attempting to dish the dirt on the bad boys and girls in history.Gyles Brandreth is your host.Producer: Elizabeth FreestoneFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
SAT 12:30 The Break (b07ctt0z)
Series 1
The Key
Welcome to Flamford, the setting for this sitcom starring Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer and Alison Steadman.Andy Chambers - edgy, sharp-tongued City burn-out - has fled London for his Uncle Jeff's seaside home. When we meet him, all Andy wants to do is sleep, but Jeff is having none of it.Jeff gets Andy out of bed and gives him breakfast with the promise of an interesting surprise which is safely stowed in the shed. He suddenly realises his keys are missing - his friend Fat Sid borrowed the keys three years ago and hasn't given them back. Jeff leads Andy on a quest around Flamford for Fat Sid and the missing keys.On their Odyssey they encounter Fish Shop Frank and his outré selection of fish, Pest Control Officer Corinne with whom Jeff has an "understanding", and finally Fat Sid himself in an unexpected new role.Andy Chambers ...... Tom PalmerJeff ...... Philip JacksonFish Shop Frank ...... Mark BentonPest Control Officer Corinne ...... Alison SteadmanWriters: Ian Brown and James HendrieDirector: Gordon KennedyAn Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2016.
SAT 13:00 AJ Cronin - The Citadel (Omnibus) (m0009byv)
Series 6
Dr Andrew Manson and his wife Christine are expecting a big event.Return of the medical drama set in the 1920s before the NHS.MANSON....... George BlagdenDENNY...... Julian Lewis JonesCHRISTINE.... Catrin StewartANGHARAD... Jeanette PercivalOmnibus written by Christopher Reason.Based on the novel by A J Cronin.Director: Gary BrownProducers: Pauline Harris and Gary BrownFirst broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0722z2d)
Petula Clark
Singer Petula Clark chooses 'Only Forever' by Bing Crosby and 'Hotel California' by The Eagles.
SAT 14:15 With Great Pleasure (b008z746)
Michael Morpurgo
Children's writer Michael Morpurgo takes a literary journey through his life, with pieces of prose and poetry. Favourite writers chosen include: Rudyard Kipling, Kenneth Grahame, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Dickens, Ted Hughes, Sean Rafferty and Edward Thomas.Readers: Alison Reid and Christian RodskaProducer: Christine HallFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
SAT 14:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jl5d)
Series 1
Fallen Comrades
Carter and his uncle Mort sup a poignant pint at the Old Comrades Club.Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.Uncle Mort …. Stephen ThorneCarter Brandon …. Peter SkellernMarcus …. John SamsonThe Doorman …. Steve HodsonThe Barman …. Alan DudleyNarrator …. Christian RodskaProducer: Pete Atkin.First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00nmzp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Coleman and Astor (m0009byp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Reasons to be Cheerful (b00t3265)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Doctor Who (b08xhbbt)
The Lost Stories: The Song of Megaptera
Episode 1
The Sixth Doctor and his companion Peri are taken for eco-warriors by hunters of space whales.An adventure originally written for the BBC's Doctor Who TV series but never made.Colin Baker stars as the Sixth Doctor.Peri ...... Nicola BryantCaptain Greeg ...... John Benfield Stennar ...... Neville WatchurstCaller ...... John BanksChief Engineer ...... Susan BrownStafel ...... Toby LongworthAxel ...... Alex LoweWritten by Pat Mills.Director: John AinsworthProducer: David RichardsonMade by Big Finish and reversioned for broadcast by BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 18:50 Doctor Who: The Making of The Song of Megaptera (b08xhbkq)
Producer David Richardson, director John Ainsworth, writer Pat Mills, and actors Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant describe some of the story behind the metamorphosis of a 30 year-old BBC TV script, 'The Song of the Space Whale', into an audio production entitled 'The Song of the Megaptera'.Made by Big Finish
SAT 19:00 From Gorsemere to Gloomsbury: The Literary Lunacy of Sue Limb (m0009bys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Political Animals (b01mdgwx)
Series 1
Larry
Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011, gives a cat's eye view of life in Downing Street under a coalition government.Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats, who relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.Larry..... Clive SwiftAide ..... Tracy WilesWritten by Tony Bagley.Director: Marc BeebyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.
SAT 22:15 Gus Murdoch's Sacred Cows (b00fn9hk)
Roads
Fearless reporter Gus Murdoch probes Britain's highways and byways.Written by and starring Stephen Carlin.With Neil Edmond, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, John Rowe, Renton Skinner and Marc Willcox.Producer: Tilusha GhelaniMade for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2008.
SAT 22:30 Big Problems with Helen Keen (b05xh31b)
Series 1
Death
The biggest problem of them all - death.From praying for life everlasting to uploading our minds into a giant cloud of data - is there anything at all we can do to avoid it?Comedy series that explores the triumphs and disasters of human ingenuity.Helen Keen together with co-stars Peter Serafinowicz and Susy Kane look at the biggest problems that have faced our species since the dawn of time, and describe humanity's incredible and sometimes absurd solutions.Written by Helen Keen and Miriam UnderhillProducer: Gareth EdwardsA BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2015.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0009kkj)
President Obonjo 1/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats to Benjamin Bankole Bello about his creation, President Obonjo.
SAT 23:00 Meet David Sedaris (b063d34q)
Series 5
The Understudy; Big Boy
Two stories from one of the world's best storytellers, David Sedaris, doing what he does best: The Understudy sees some questionable childcare from the child's point of view.Big Boy is about a problem many of us have faced when one flush just isn't enough.Plus some extracts from David's unique diary.Producer: Steve DohertyA Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2015.
SAT 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvv4)
Series 1
Singapore
Spotting a monkey and shopping malls galore - the globetrotting comedian is having a bad hair day in the city's incredible humidity.Producer: Danny WallaceFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.